§ 86-131. General provisions.

(a)

Findings of fact. In order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the public and a healthy economic climate within the county and surrounding communities, it is essential that the quality of public drinking water be assured. The ability of natural systems to filter stormwater runoff can be threatened by unrestricted development. Land disturbing activities associated with development can increase erosion and sedimentation that threatens the storage capacity of reservoirs. In addition, stormwater runoff, particularly from impervious surface can introduce toxins, nutrients and sediment into drinking water supplies, making water treatment more complicated and expensive and rendering water resources unusable for recreation. Industrial land uses that involve the manufacture, use, transport, and storage of hazardous or toxic waste materials result in the potential risk of contamination of nearby public drinking water supplies.

(b)

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to establish measures to protect the quality and quantity of the present and future water supply of the county; to minimize the transport of pollutants and sediment to the water supply; and to maintain the yield of the water supply watershed. This article shall apply to all existing and proposed water supply watersheds within the county.

(c)

Authority. This article is enacted pursuant to the authority contained in Ga. Const. art. IX, § II, ¶ I, and art. IX, § II, ¶ III, and O.C.G.A. §§ 12-2-8(b), 50-8-2(a)(18)(B) and 50-8-7.1(b).

(d)

Jurisdiction. This article shall apply to the unincorporated areas of the county and to any incorporated area electing to adopt this article.

(e)

Interpretation. This article shall be interpreted in conjunction with federal and state rules, regulations and laws, and other county ordinances contained or referenced in this article.

(Ord. of 9-23-1999(10), § I)