N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 55-0115: Comprehensive management plan; contents

§ 55-0115. Comprehensive management plan; contents.

The designated planning entity shall prepare the plan for the special

groundwater protection area. The plan shall be designed to ensure the

non-degradation of the high quality of groundwater recharged within the

special groundwater protection area. Where local plans already exist

which effectuate the goals of this article, such local plans shall be

evaluated and incorporated as is appropriate into the work of the

planning entity. Such plan shall include but not be limited to:

1. A determination of the quality of the existing groundwater

recharged through said special groundwater protection area, the natural

recharge capabilities of the special groundwater protection area

watershed and the dependence of any natural ecosystems in the special

groundwater protection area on the water quality and natural recharge

capabilities of said area;

2. An identification of all known existing and potential point and

non-point sources of groundwater degradation;

3. Development of specific watershed rules and regulations pursuant to

section eleven hundred of the public health law, which are designed to

accomplish the purposes of this article;

4. A map showing the detailed boundary of the special groundwater

protection area or areas as well as a precise written description of

such boundaries;

5. A resource assessment which determines the amount and type of human

development and activity which the ecosystem can sustain while still

maintaining existing ground and surface water quality and protecting

unique ecological features;

6. The identification and proposal of limits on federal, state and

local government financially assisted activities and projects which,

directly or indirectly, may contribute, in any way whatsoever, to any

degradation of such groundwater or any loss of natural surface and

subsurface infiltration or purification capability of the special

groundwater protection area watershed;

7. Development of a comprehensive statement of land use management as

it pertains to the maintenance and enhancement of groundwater quality

and quantity;

8. Proposal of limits on land uses that might have an adverse impact

on water quality and/or recharge capabilities in the special groundwater

protection area;

9. Consideration and proposal of specific techniques, including, but

not limited to: clustering, large lot zoning, purchase, exchange or

donation of conservation easements or development rights, and other

innovative measures sufficient to achieve the objectives of this

section;

10. Designation of specific areas within special groundwater

protection areas suitable and appropriate for public acquisition; and

11. A program for local governmental implementation of the

comprehensive management plan described in this subdivision in a manner

that will insure the continued, uniform, consistent protection of this

area in accord with the purposes of this article.