§ 220-20. Big Haynes Creek-Alcovy Watershed Protection Overlay District.

This section of the UDO is adopted pursuant to Georgia Department of Natural Resources Rules for Environment Planning Criteria.

220-20.1   Findings. The Board of Commissioners finds that:

A.

The Big Haynes Creek and Alcovy River Small Water Supply Watersheds provide multiple benefits, which include providing drinking water for public water supply systems.

B.

The water quality of the Big Haynes Creek and Alcovy River Watersheds depends upon the water quality of the tributary streams flowing into Big Haynes Creek and the Alcovy River.

C.

Sediment and other polluting materials and conditions, including but not limited to pesticides, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, toxic materials, and elevations in water temperature, are harmful to the water quality of the creek and tributaries.

D.

Vegetative buffers and adequate impervious surface setbacks adjacent to perennial streams, as required by Chapter 500 of the UDO, help to preserve water quality by reducing the quantity and concentrations of non-point source pollutants into these streams.

220-20.2   Purpose. Based upon the findings in Section 220-20.1, the Board of Commissioners adopts these regulations to promote the health, safety and welfare of those depending upon the Big Haynes Creek and Alcovy River Watersheds for their supply of drinking water.

220-20.3   Development Standards. Within the Big Haynes Creek and Alcovy River Watersheds, landfills and hazardous waste facilities are subject to the following:

A.

New sanitary landfills shall utilize synthetic liners and leachate collection systems.

B.

Hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities are prohibited.

C.

Facilities which handle hazardous materials, of the types and amounts determined by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, shall perform all operations on impermeable surfaces having spill and leak protection systems as prescribed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

220-20.4   Limitation on Variances. Variances from the provisions of this Section 220-20 are prohibited.