Anderson County approves new buffer ordinance to reduce development impacts near waterways

Anderson County has been experiencing excessive sediment runoff into its streams and rivers, primarily due to recent subdivisions under construction in the area.

For years, residents have expressed concerns about the downstream runoff of water, which causes significant damage to their properties, and the excessive “red mud” filling the waterways.

These complaints spurred the Public Works Committee to seek effective solutions, according to Chris Sullivan, District One councilman.

On May 20, the Anderson County Council unanimously approved a riparian buffer ordinance aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of new developments adjacent to waterways.

“The committee decided that implementing the riparian buffer became a priority as it promised to mitigate sediment runoff and protect the community’s water resources,” Sullivan said. “The Riparian Buffer issue passed the Public Works Committee unanimously and was recognized as an immediate step we could take to address the sediment runoff problems effectively.”

What do riparian buffers protect?

Riparian buffers are essential to public health, as they protect private and public drinking water supplies from excessive non-point source contaminants, including sediments, chemicals, pollutants, and nutrients, according to Cindy Wilson, District Seven council member.

The ordinance supports natural resources by enhancing wildlife habitats and creating wildlife corridors. These buffers prevent and control flooding, storm damage, and erosion through even drainage flow dissipation, Wilson said.

With a population of 219,924 and a growth rate of 1.58%, Anderson County faces increasing challenges in balancing development with environmental conservation.

As Anderson County becomes more developed and experiences increased water runoff into concentrated streams, the risk of flooding and damage to buildings will rise significantly if precautions are not taken, Wilson said.

The most effective stream buffers for protecting water quality and mitigating flood risks are those that consist of undisturbed natural vegetation, she said.

This includes preserving the original tree line along the stream, Wilson said.

Wilson emphasized the importance of maintaining clean water in Anderson County, particularly given the recreational opportunities at Green Pond Landing.

“By preserving water quality, we can protect both current and future generations’ ability to enjoy these activities,” Wilson said.

Riparian buffer usage: What to know

The new riparian buffers ordinance will apply to all state waters, including wetlands, Wilson said.

This requirement pertains to all newly proposed developments that need approval for stormwater management, as outlined in the Anderson County stormwater design manual, she said.

The following activities are exempt from riparian buffer requirements.

• If they have received approval from a state or federal agency under sections 401 or 404 of the federal Clean Water Act.

• Developments or redevelopment that is part of a larger common plan of development, which already has prior approval for encroachments into riparian buffers, is also exempt.

• Lakes and ditches outside of natural hydrologic connectivity are exempt from riparian buffer requirements.

Riparian buffer watershed requirements

For watersheds less than 50 acres, the riparian buffer requirements specify a minimum 50-foot buffer, Wilson said.

• Watershed buffers will be measured from the top of the stream bank to the inland edge on each side of all state waterways.

• Watersheds of 50 acres or more require a minimum 100-foot riparian buffer.

• No disturbance is allowed within these riparian buffers.

Riparian buffer encroachments

The following structures and activities would be permitted within the riparian buffer.

• Agriculture and silviculture

• Scientific studies include water quality monitoring, stream gauging, stream restoration projects, removal of hazardous trees and invasive species, and installation and repair of docks and bulkheads.

This ordinance is one of the most significant projects that Jon Batson, Anderson County Stormwater director, has worked on since arriving in Anderson County, he said.

“I think it would be a great addition to help save our resources and also protect citizens from flooding impacts,” Batson said.

Anderson County unimpaired streams: what to know?

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), now known as the Department of Environmental Services (DES), has created numerous reports over the past two decades.

These reports consistently indicate that there are very few unimpaired streams left in the entire county, Wilson said.

SCDES assesses water quality at individual sampling sites along streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries, not entire streams or stream segments.

There are currently 31 “sampling sites” in Anderson County that have been identified as impaired for various water quality parameters, as documented in the latest 303(d) list of impaired waters (2020-2022).

Depending on the cause, impairments may affect the uses of a waterway, including whether it is safe for drinking, swimming, fishing, recreating, or supporting aquatic life.

For more information about the types of impairments identified in Anderson County, visit the 303(d) list of impaired waters (2020-2022).

Local organizations advocate for stronger environmental policies

Expanded riparian buffer protection has been a long-time goal of Upstate Forever and other conservation groups such as the Lake Hartwell Association and the Coalition to Develop Anderson County Responsibly.

These organizations have advocated for stronger environmental policies to safeguard the region’s natural resources.

The Lake Hartwell Association and its members attended multiple Council meetings and spoke out in support of the ordinance.

Many members of the Lake Hartwell Association said that sedimentation is causing Lake Hartwell coves to fill with soil and debris, which reduces the lake’s ability to store water effectively, impacts water quality and wildlife habitats, and affects recreational activities.

Riparian buffers are crucial to Lake Hartwell as they serve as a natural barrier of vegetation along the water’s edge, according to a press release from the Lake Hartwell Association.

These buffers protect water quality by capturing and filtering pollutants before they can enter the lake.

“The LHA appreciates the county’s proactive approach to safeguarding our lake by passing this Riparian Buffer ordinance,” said Terry Jackson, president of the Lake Hartwell Association.

Protecting water quality is a top priority when advocating for ordinances such as this one or collaborating with landowners to conserve their properties, according to Erika Hollis, Clean Water Director at Upstate Forever.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: What to know about new Anderson County riparian buffer ordinance