Protect Wetlands and Seasonal Wetlands (Vernal Pools)

P1Protect Wetlands and Seasonal Wetlands (Vernal Pools)

3 points possible

Why this matters to the lake?

Wetlands and seasonal wetlands are ecosystems that improve water quality by processing nutrients and other pollutants before these damaging substances enter the Lake. Healthy wetlands act as a biological and physical filter and pollutant removal system, and also serve as important habitat, especially for juvenile animal and plant species.

Intent

  • Preserve the ecological value of wetland functions by locating development in appropriate locations with proper setbacks from wetlands
  • Preserve water quality by preventing the discharge of stormwater directly into wetland areas 
  • Preserve critical environmental areas and sites with sensitive natural features

Recommended Methods

Avoid any disturbance to and loss of natural wetlands and seasonal wetlands (vernal pools), i.e. draining land, filling, clearing, removing water, or developing in ways that impact wetland functions. Manage adjacent land uses to avoid pollutant discharges into these areas. This includes runoff that contains pollutants or is a higher or lower temperature than that of the wetland (such as runoff from paved surfaces and roofs) that can damage the microorganisms that live in wetlands. Maintain upstream groundwater recharge that supports wetlands.

Requirements

Three points are awarded to a site that:
  • Does not place structures in wetlands 
  • Implements practices to prevent impacts to the wetlands and seasonal wetlands, such as defined limits of disturbance, construction setbacks, and stormwater systems that avoid direct discharge into wetlands
  • Specifies a construction fence around the limit of disturbance to assure wetlands and seasonal wetlands will not be disturbed during or after construction
This requirement may also be fulfilled by selecting a site without wetlands or vernal pools.
 

Submittals

Include the following information with application:

  • The Proposed Site Plan should indicate the location and extent of wetlands or seasonal wetlands if present and the measures to be implemented during and after construction to protect these areas.
  • Submit Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Jurisdictional Letter and APA Wetlands Certification if applicable. 

Other Resources

  • "Vernal Pools." Water. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 23 Jan. 2014. Web.
  • "Wetlands." Water. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 23 Jan. 2014. Web.

Existing Regulatory Guidance/Requirements

Adirondack Park Agency Rule and Regulations Part 578

Adirondack Park Agency Act Section  802, 805, 810

Adirondack Park Agency Compensatory Wetland Guidelines 

Development in the Adirondack Park: Objectives and Guidelines for Planning and Development

Town of Queensbury Town Code Chapter 94, Freshwater Wetlands

United States Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR, Sections 22, 230-233

National Flood Insurance Program

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