Agenda - Council - 01/26/1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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rI i I I I I I' ! I I 4. Environmental Protection (Jim Baker) In a survey of local government officials, the County found that its assistance to communities was desired in several planning areas. Those pertinent to environmental management are: "Drainage planning and controls," and "Wetlands preservation." On these and other matters, however, the implied position of the County is to provide assistance only when an issue includes one or more communities. The Plan notes that most conTnunities of the- County have addressed wetlands in their comprehensive plans; and all but two communities in which wetlands are important, have decided to regulate wetland protection. Long-term protection of valuable agricultural lands in the County is not seen as a widespread desire in most communities, as large scale comercial agricultural operations are uncommon. 0nly a few comunities are making special efforts in this area. Nine of the County's communities already have or will be preparing stormwater drainage plans. The County will review local land use plans and ordinances relating to protection of natural resources. But, with the exception~ noted above, will leave principal implementation responsibilities to communities. Against this background, Plan policies encourage continued agriculture usage in both general rural use areas, and general urban use areas where urban development is not planned. Farmland preservation mechanisms will be encouraged where appropriate. Policies for general urban use areas encourage sensitivity of development to: wetlands, steep slopes, unstable soils, mature trees, floodplains, shoreland and designated critical areas and wild and scenic rivers. I I ! I General rural use area policies encourage regulations to protect those same environmental features; and in addition encourage regulations to protect gravel deposits for future use. Policies also state that environmental effects will be primary considerations in siting waste disposal landfills. Shoreland and floodplain management regulations and County drainage authority will be the principal controls used for Plan implementation. These controls are now in place. Surface~ater management is also addressed. I I I 5. Solid Waste (Paul Smith) Anoka County's solid waste element in their Comprehensive Plan is the same as the County's Solid Waste Master Plan required under the Waste Management Act (WMA) which was approved by the Council on September 24, 1981 as an interim plan. The sol'id waste element begins by describing waste generation in the County and disposal facilities that are currently being used.