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10 <br /> Activities in Wetlands and Wetlands <br /> Buffers <br /> Wetlands and associated buffers are vegetated ecosystems through which water passes. These areas <br /> usually have a high water table and are often subject to periodic flooding. Wetlands can be very effective <br /> in removing sediments,nutrients and other pollutants from stonnwater. <br /> Wetlands can be very effective in removing sediments, <br /> nutrients and other pollutants from stormwater: <br /> Maintaining wetlands and associated buffers helps to slow stormwater runoff, trap sediments and other <br /> pollutants and reduce the volume of runoff by allowing infiltration to occur. Reducing the velocity of <br /> runoff reduces soil erosion and increases contact time with soil and vegetation. Increasing contact of <br /> stormwater with soils and vegetation in a wetland or riparian area can be effective in removing sediments, <br /> nutrients and other pollutants from stormwater runoff. <br /> Buffer areas are important to both the wetland and the upland areas as habitat for aquatic wetland- <br /> dependant wildlife and as buffers during extreme weather events. Other functions of buffer areas that <br /> contribute to water quality include shading,flood attenuation and shoreline stabilization. <br /> Persons responsible for maintenance of wetland areas are encouraged to call Snohomish <br /> County Development Services prior to performing work in wetlands or their buffers. <br /> Required BMPs <br /> • Removal by hand of manmade litter and control of noxious weeds that are included on the <br /> state noxious weed list (Washington Administrative Code [WAC] 16-750) or invasive plant <br /> species as identified by Snohomish County. Control may be conducted by clipping, <br /> pulling, over-shading with native tree and shrub species, or non-mechanized digging. <br /> Alternative methods such as mechanical excavation, barrier installation, or herbicide use <br /> may be allowed if acceptable to the Department of Resource Stewardship and acquisition <br /> of any necessary permits,per Snohomish County Code. <br /> • Check with Snohomish County Development Services and Planning on guidelines <br /> for vegetation and hazardous tree removal in critical areas. <br /> Suggested BMPs <br /> • To prevent possible contamination limit fertilizer and herbicide use around wetlands <br /> and their buffers. <br /> • Limit access to wetlands and their buffers. To avoid compaction do not establish <br /> trails within the wetland areas <br /> 24 <br />