Friday, April 9, 2004

City tightens protection of water supply

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

A half dozen new ordinances were brought before the Palmetto City Council at this month’s regular meeting along with a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the power sales contract with the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia.

The four contracts which date between 1975 and 1983 have been amended to insure services through May of 2054. The resolution also sets specific dates assuring that no generational debts incur for each contract past dates ranging from March 1, 2026 to November 16, 2033.

Among the ordinances that received their first reading Monday night, two concerned standards for protection of the Bear Creek public water supply water sheds and post-development storm water management in Palmetto. Two others deal with stream buffer protection and the control of soil erosion and sedimentation. There were also first readings of regulations for control of litter and an illicit discharge and illegal connection ordinance.

The Bear Creek ordinance establishes measures to protect the quality and quantity of the city's water supply. Provisions to minimize pollutants and sediments are spelled out as well. An overlay to the official zoning map of Palmetto showing the extent of the watershed district tie into the plans of the South Fulton Municipal Regional Water and Sewer Authority's future plans.

The ordinance covering water issue in conjunction with post-development define in detail the many uses and factors involved in managing water use. These ground rules which were recently also set up in Fairburn insure the city that growth in the area will adhere to higher standards.

The stream buffer ordinance is another standard piece of legislature in use to give the natural waterways in South Fulton room to breathe. Similar restrictions apply which limit construction by public or private individuals. A grandfather clause is included to define specific use definitions. In connection with the stream buffers, the soil erosion amends the codes for the city to establish regulations and provide penalties for violation. It is also there to promote public health, safety and welfare. With construction and development becoming a daily occurrence in South Fulton, the passing of these land use ordinances is a necessary step for the city council.

Illicit discharge into storm drains had it's own ordinance. Mayor Clark Boddie explained that one major reason for the law was to minimize the cost of clean water. The improper release of storm drain runoff can put undue stress on the city's basic operation costs.

Lastly, the fines for littering which could be anywhere between $200 and $1,200, depending on the seriousness of the offense, made it crystal clear that Palmetto means to keep the city looking beautiful and safe. Whether trash is thrown, deposited, dropped or dumped from any motor vehicle, boat, airplane or other conveyance, in the long run it isn't worth it.