Ordinance No. 19983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORDINANCE NO. ~ % ~l ~~ A SPECIAL ORDINANCE G G AN EXEMPTION TO THE APPLICATION OF EUGENE CODES 1971, SECTIGN 6.20; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The City Council of the City of Eugene finds as follows: A, Section b.2~o of the Eugene Cvde, 1971, proscribes the practice of open burning within the City of Eugene with specified exceptions to this ban. This ordinance is a component of local measures designed to assure compliance with federal ambient air qualilty standards. B, Maintenance and enhancement of air quality is critical to the health and welfare of metropolitan area residents, the area's ability to attract new businesses, and the avoidance of sanctions for noncompliance. C. The Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan adopted and acknowledged in 1982, identifies the West Eugene Industrial Area as a major growth area far the City. D. The West Eugene Wetlands Special Area Study was adopted by the City Council on May 2,1992 by Ordinance No.19853 as a refinement to the Metro Plan. The West Eugene Wetlands Study sets forth a policy for preserving significant wetlands in Nest Eugene, allowing development of lower quality wetlands, and establishing a system for mitigation of filled wetlands. The Study also includes policy for managing the preserved wetlands in public ownership. E. Management of these wetlands and preservation of plant species requires a "species protection" open burning of vegetation for scientific purposes and to faster growth of wetlands species in the area noted on the map attached as Exhibit A hereto and incorporated herein by reference. This burning of these plants will restore the area to its historical condition and replicate the indigenious environment for the plants. F. A limited and special exception to the open burning ban in Eugene Code, 1971, Section b.2oU is necessary for this purpose. This limited exception is based upon the high costs and limited practicability of alternative vegetation control methods, the limited nature of the expected burns, air pollution control strategies that will be employed to prevent significant degradation of air quality, the special recognition given to this area and habitat in the comprehensive planning documents, the City's direct responsibility under those plans far preservation of the natural resources in this area, and the general public benefit derived from the preservation of this habitat. This limited exception is unique and should Ordinance -1