Wednesday, August 28, 2002
|
Wednesday, August 28, 2002 |
|
PTC to regulate stormwater to improve water quality results
By JOHN
MUNFORD
Illegal discharges into Peachtree City's stormwater drainage system will carry a hefty fine if the city council signs off on a water protection ordinance compiled by a volunteer committee. Violators could be fined up to $1,000 per day for illegal discharges into the stormwater drainage system, according to the ordinance, which was presented to the Peachtree City Planning Commission at its regular meeting Monday night. City Engineer Troy Besseche said this element of the ordinance will apply to all current developments in the city. The goal is to improve the water quality results from samples at 34 different sites in the city that were used in an initial water quality study, Besseche said. "We want to try and find out what the problems are and deal with those area that drain into the sampling sites," Besseche said. The ordinance prohibits the discharge of any materials other than stormwater which could cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards. The water protection ordinance, which is being required by the state, is similar to model ordinances being developed by the North Georgia Water Planning District, Besseche said. Most of the ordinance addresses requirements for new developments, unlike the section on illegal discharges which must be followed city-wide, Besseche said. The ordinance will also require the city to take over privately operated stormwater collection systems such as those owned by homeowners' associations, Besseche added. "We have had some trouble with the maintenance of (privately operated) stormwater ponds," Besseche said. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance to the City Council. Changes to the ordinance will likely occur after the city attorney and a clarification committee review the ordinance, Besseche noted.
|
||