3/29/2011 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes

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A Buffer Strip (1) Goal: The-goal of the Commission is to maintain a strip of dense, vegetative cover between the development activity and the resource area to be protected, consisting of indigenous plant materials suitable for the maintenance of wildlife, both flora and fauna. (2) Function:A buffer strip serves to provide wildlife habitat, improve water recharge, reduce pollution and erosion and to maintain the natural appearance of our fresh and saltwater shorelines. (3) Size of buffer strip: (a)Such a strip shall be a minimum of twenty-five (25)feet in width running along the resource area boundary, unless such width is unreasonable in view of the lot size,placement of an existing structure or such other factors as the Commission may consider. (4) The elements of the buffer strip should reflect the indigenous vegetation suitable to the site. (d) Where new plantings are permitted in the order of conditions, slow release fertilizer may be required.' F. Lawns: (1)Preamble. Lawn fertilization can be a major source of excess nutrients that leach into groundwater or are washed off into roads that lead to water bodies causing eutrophication, unwanted algal blooms, oxygen depletion,fish kills and foul odors. The extent of such eutrophication will depend upon the amount of nutrients added and the flushing capacity of the receiving waters. Insecticides and herbicides used to maintain lawns also contaminate our waters. (2) Requirements. Grasses with their fibrous root system tend to be excellent stabilizing plants especially on steep slopes. The same factors that affect trees and shrubs also influence the health ofgrasses. (a)For any lawns that are to be planted within 100 feet of a',resource area, a minimum of 4-6 inches of loam is required prior to planting. This will improve conditions for the lawn and also reduce chances of nutrient leaching through the soil. (b) Only hardy species ofgrass that require little or no fertilizer and those that can tolerate drier conditions are allowed such as a mixture offescues, rye grasses, etc. (3)Fertilization. (a)Fertilization may be allowed only when grasses are actively growing using slow release or controlled release nitrogen source of 25%or more as a component of the total nitrogen analysis. It is further suggested that no more than _one_(1)paund.of total nitrogen per_1,.000 square-feet.(sq._ft.)he_applied at.any one time to reduce potential leaching from the site of application. (b)A split application, (spring and fall) is also preferable as opposed to one application of the entire amount. Pleasant Bay Fertilizer Management Plan 17 Horsley Witten Group,Inca Final Report December 2010