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Riparian Buffer
Technical Standards for Riparian Buffer
1. The site to be set aside as a preserved riparian buffer restored buffer shall be carefully analyzed for slope, soils, orientation, native vegetation types, extent of vegetation and other factors having a bearing on the buffers ability to protect water quality of the stream or lake.
2. Filter strips must be a minimum of fifty (50) feet in width (measured along the direction of flow) for filter strips up to five (5) percent slope.
3. Filter strips must be a minimum of fifty (50) feet plus four (4) feet in width for every 1% increase in slope up to a maximum of 15%.
4. Velocity of flow must be under two (2) feet per second for the maximum flow resulting from a 10 year storm.
5. Design must include a leveling and spreading area, a flow diffuser to allow concentrated runoff to enter the filter strip or riparian buffer as sheet flow to avoid gully or rill erosion.
6. Maximum drainage area flowing to individual filter strips, storm water buffers and riparian buffers shall be less than or equal to five ( 5) acres. (217,800 sf)
7. If the filter strip or buffer will be used during construction, the area must be stabilized with turf grass or erosion control fabric within 14days.
8. A grading and vegetation plan must be prepared by a licensed professional to restore a stream bank buffer.
9. The following pollutant removal percentages will be given for the use of filter strips or buffers that meet the previously described design criteria.
