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Letter from Bill Marshall (Lower Saluda Scenic River Advisory Council)
To Lexington County Public Works
The following is a letter from Bill Marshall, Chair of the Lower Saluda Scenic River Advisory Council, to Lexington County Public Works expressing support for their proposed water quality buffer requirements which would help protect riparian zones and reduce runoff of silt and polution into creeks & streams flowing into the lower Saluda River.
November 28, 2007
Sheri Armstrong
Stormwater Manager
Lexington County Public Works
Dear Ms. Armstrong:
I am writing on behalf of the Lower Saluda Scenic River Advisory Council to voice our support for the proposed Water Quality Buffer Requirements of the land development manual for Lexington County.
The Lower Saluda Scenic River Advisory Council was established according to the S.C. Scenic Rivers Act to represent river landowners, river users, and community interests and to assist and advise the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in management of the Lower Saluda State Scenic River. The Legislature designated the lower Saluda as a State Scenic River and the DNR formed the Advisory Council in 1991. Both the DNR and Advisory Council advocate the goals and recommendations of the 1990 Lower Saluda River Corridor Plan and the 2000 Lower Saluda Scenic River Corridor Plan Update as guides for best management of the lower Saluda River.
One of the most important goals expressed in theses plans and in other program guidelines is the conservation of riparian habitat areas - these are the undeveloped, natural areas on the riverbanks, floodplains, and bluffs that border the river and its tributaries. Scientific research shows that the protection of riparian habitats (buffers) will help to preserve many sensitive species of plants and animals and improve water quality in our streams. Therefore we advocate protection and restoration of natural, vegetated buffer areas along the Saluda River and its tributary streams for the protection of water quality, wildlife habitat, and scenic character. And we certainly advocate buffer requirements as an essential tool for protecting and enhancing water quality for other streams and lakes throughout Lexington County.
Lexington County's proposed buffer requirements are consistent with the recommendations we have found published with the Institute of Ecology at University of Georgia, "A Review of the Scientific Literature on Riparian Buffer Width, Extent, and Vegetation," which recommends riparian buffers of 100 ft. to protect water quality. Likewise, the Center for Environmental Policy at the University of South Carolina published the "Final Report of the Statewide Task Force on Riparian Forested Buffers," which also recommends buffers of 100 ft. to enhance water quality protection in South Carolina.
We appreciate the attention that Lexington County is giving to the issues of land management that affect the quality of our public waters. Please contact me if you have questions or desire additional information from the Lower Saluda Scenic River Advisory Council.
Sincerely,
Bill Marshall
Chair, Lower Saluda Scenic River Advisory Council
Bill Marshall is with the Land, Water and Conservation Division at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
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