Ordinance No. 20200 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The proposed Utility Corridor designations within protected wetlands would not place additional restrictions upon the use of private property, since these areas are otherwise protected. On the contrary, it would facilitate maintenance and repair of utility facilities which private developments depend upon, which is of benefit to the owners of those developments, therefore the proposed Utility Corridor designations are consistent with Goal 3.2. Goal 3.3 "Minimize adverse impacts to protected wetlands from adjacent development. " The proposed Utility Corridor designations within protected wetlands do not directly address development outside of protected wetlands. Therefore, this goal is not applicable. Goal 3.5 "Protect and expand current populations and habitats of rare, endangered and threatened plants and animals that currently exist in west Eugene." The proposed Utility Corridor designations within protected wetlands would apply provisions to address rare plants and animals as part of utility maintenance, repair and construction. The provisions call for avoiding rare species impacts for new construction, ~d minimizing impacts associated with maintenance and repair through transplanting and restoration of habitat. These provisions will help to protect and expand rare species populations, given necessary maintenance and repair to existing underground utilities; therefore, the proposal is consistent with Goal 3.5. Goal 3.6 "Achieve state and federal requirement of 'no net loss' of wetlands in both quantity (area) and quality (functions and values)." The requirement to restore wetland conditions after construction or repairs makes the proposed Utility Corridor designations consistent with Goal 3.6. Goal 3.7 "Protect an interconnected system of wetlands within a sustainable, ecologically sound system, with a high likelihood of long-term survival." The proposed Utility Corridor designations within protected wetlands includes several elements that minimize impacts to wetlands and help protect wetland functions and values. The new designation would only allow impacts for utility work, and requires that wetland impacts are minimized through planning, timing, design and restoration. These elements, along with the recommended action calling for development of guidelines for utility companies working in and around wetlands will help protect wetland systems, and make the proposed Utility Corridor designations consistent with Goal 3.7. Goal 4.3 "Achieve compliance with federal and state wetland law, policies and guidelines. " Multiple Site Ordinance, Exhibit C (Refinement Plan Amendment Findings) Page 37