"I believe that these are the toughest regulatory standards in the state," according to DEP commissioner Brad Campbell, speaking at a teleconference late yesterday. "The Highlands watershed preservation area is subject to the toughest standards that can be supported by science."
If the Highlands Council approves the new regulations, subject to public comment, they will become part of a regional master plan the body is currently drafting for a larger region encompassing all or part of seven counties. The council was appointed by the governor last year as required by the legislation.
Key points of the regulations include that construction is banned within 300 feet of streams, lakes and reservoirs, although exceptions are possible for roadways and utilities. Construction is also banned on slopes of more than 20% and in upland forests, and building coverage is capped at 3% of lot size. Finally, construction would be banned in so-called "scenic areas" or certain wildlife habitats. No date has been set for the council's review of DEP's regulations or for public comment.
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