This is a beautiful view of the area around Bishopville Prong. Unfortunately this area was upzoned to rural residential which will allow slightly denser growth, all on septic, outside of the Comp. Plan's recommended growth areas.
Let's hope the county enforces use of 'best technology' septic systems, strong stormwater management, and critical area protections so our waterways will not be severely impacted.
Critical Area buffers like these help to protect the quality of our water. When these buffers are illegally cleared we need county compliance staff to not only require mitigation but to assess fines, follow up and make certain the buffer is replanted.
This proposed development in Public Landing (below) illegally cleared several hundred yards of protective buffer along Paw Paw Creek. The developer was issued a warning, a 'gentleman's agreement' was reached in which he would replant the shoreline and no fines were issued. According to County officials, the developer was required to mitigate by planting a substantial new buffer of trees and shrubs, which has been done. According to this official, the new plants are thriving. I still continue to respectfully disagree with the County on this approach. Had the County issued a hefty fine AND a firm mandate for mitigation, other developers would not be so quick to strip a shoreline in order to open up water views and hasten the sale of their property. And our waterways would benefit by not losing mature trees and shrubs, only to be replaced with young plants that won't afford the same protections for many years.
Clean Water is what brings us all to Worcester County. Healthy water provides safe habitat for fish, crabs, wildlife. Healthy water provides recreational opportunities. Healthy water keeps our families healthy. Let's continue to work together to keep Worcester County a healthy place to live, work and recreate!
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