§ 34-61. Findings and objectives.

The Mountain Creek Reservoir (SCS Structure 11) is located in the county and owned by the county. The reservoir is a soil conservation service rural water supply structure, and water is supplied to the county based on storage between specified elevations. The Grove Creek Reservoir is located in the county and owned by the City of Commerce. The reservoir is a soil conservation service flood control structure, and water is supplied to the City of Commerce based on storage between specified elevations. The purpose of this watershed protection plan is to establish criteria pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 12-2-8 for the protection of drinking water watersheds. This protection is necessary for the enhancement of public health, safety and welfare as well as to assure that surface sources of drinking water are of high quality in order to be treated to meet all state and federal drinking water standards. The criteria set forth accomplish this by establishing buffer zones around streams and by specifying allowable impervious surface densities within the identified watersheds. Secondary objectives are to:

(1)

Manage the reservoir and its drainage area in a manner that will conserve the basic resources of air, soil, and water.

(2)

Provide for diverse and viable plant, animal, and fish communities.

(3)

Give special consideration for the protection of threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

(4)

Manage the reservoir to properly establish, enhance, and maintain acceptable fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetic quality, and sustain natural environmental conditions.

(5)

Manage use of the reservoir in a manner that provides the least environmental impact.

(6)

Provide for the protection of public land and water.

(Ord. No. 98-7, § I, 3-10-1998)