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Buffers <br /> 3 . Because the buffers adjoining wetlands and streams perform <br /> many valuable functions, including soil stabilization and <br /> erosion control, filtering of sediments and toxic chemicals, <br /> moderating storm runoff impacts, moderating water <br /> temperatures, protecting and providing wildlife habitat and <br /> food sources, and providing a barrier to encroachment and <br /> destruction, the City should require sufficient buffer <br /> widths and protection mechanisms to sustain the buffer <br /> functions. <br /> Compensation/Mitigation <br /> 4 . Because streams and wetlands in Everett provide numerous <br /> beneficial functions and it is difficult to recreate these <br /> functions and values, the City should encourage the <br /> retention of streams and wetlands and their buffers in a <br /> natural state. When streams or wetlands are permitted to be <br /> relocated or altered, the impacts caused by relocation or <br /> alteration should be compensated for by replacing the <br /> valuable natural functions each provides. <br /> Restoration and Enhancement <br /> 5. Because urban development has degraded the natural condition <br /> of many of the wetlands and stream systems in Everett and <br /> because new land developments or redevelopment may provide <br /> an opportunity for restoration and enhancement of certain <br /> wetlands and stream segments, the City should allow wetland <br /> or stream alteration when alteration results in restoration <br /> or enhancement functions and values of altered or degraded <br /> wetlands and streams. <br /> Public Facilities <br /> 6. Because it is not always possible to avoid water resources <br /> with certain vital public service facilities, encroachment <br /> into water resource areas for public facilities such as <br /> public streets, utilities, and public safety services should <br /> be avoided except when no feasible alternative exists, and <br /> such encroachment should be accomplished in a manner which <br /> assures the maximum possible protection of the natural <br /> system, and assures the safety of persons and properties. <br /> SECTION III. Implementation. <br /> A. Inventory <br /> Develop and maintain an inventory of all environmentally <br /> sensitive areas within the City and its designated Urban Service <br /> Area. <br /> B. Environmentally Sensitive Area Regulations <br /> Adopt as part of the zoning code, regulations protecting <br /> environmentally sensitive areas, to include the following: <br /> 1. geologically hazardous areas <br /> 2. streams and their buffers <br /> 3 . wetlands and their buffers <br /> 4. fish and wildlife habitat areas <br /> 5. lakes, ponds and their buffers <br /> 6. springs and groundwater discharge areas <br />