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flood control, sediment and pollution control, stormwater <br /> detention and conveyance, groundwater recharge, open space and <br /> recreation. Stream and wetland buffers provide flood control, <br /> pollution filtering, sediment and erosion control, a diverse <br /> habitat for wildlife, shading and protection of fish habitat, <br /> open space, and aesthetic benefits. <br /> While most of Everett's land areas are designated for urban <br /> growth, and while new development as well as redevelopment is <br /> encouraged by adopted land use policies, it is critical that the <br /> future growth and development occur in a manner which is <br /> sensitive to the water resources of the City. Many of the <br /> remaining undeveloped properties in Everett contain streams and <br /> wetlands. Many of the shoreline areas of the Snohomish River and <br /> Port Gardner Bay are expected to undergo redevelopment. Housing <br /> needs and population growth are increasing the demand for <br /> developable residential land and water oriented open space and <br /> recreational amenities. Competing interests must be balanced <br /> with protection of these water resources. <br /> Land development affects the natural hydrological cycle through <br /> clearing, grading, filling, covering of land, soil compaction, <br /> piping of natural drainage systems, and planting of ornamental <br /> landscaping. All of these activities reduce the land's natural <br /> capacity to absorb, store and convey storm water. When this <br /> capacity is diminished, surface water runoff and the potential <br /> for flooding and erosion is increased. Groundwater recharge is <br /> also reduced. Groundwater resources in Everett are valuable for <br /> storing rainfall occurring during the wet seasons and slowly <br /> releasing it to streams, lakes and wetlands during the dry summer <br /> season, which has a moderating and beneficial effect upon stream <br /> flows, fisheries and wildlife habitat. <br /> Land which is cleared of vegetation and exposed to rainfall is <br /> more susceptible to erosion. Eroded soils can reduce the water <br /> storage and conveyance capacity of natural drainage systems, <br /> thereby increasing potential flooding and hazards to people and <br /> properties. Eroded soils also cause sedimentation which impacts <br /> streams used for spawning. <br /> Urban land uses and developments can degrade water quality. <br /> Deterioration can occur when pollutants such as sediments, <br /> fertilizers, organic and toxic materials are discharged into <br /> surface runoff. Contaminants from various land use activities, <br /> streets and parking areas are carried into the storm drainage <br /> system by rainfall. Polluted waters cause health problems, <br /> reduce wildlife habitat value and detract from aesthetic <br /> qualities of water features. Certain limitations on land use and <br /> development activities, as well as controls on the point source <br /> pollutant generators can reduce the potential for pollution of <br /> water resources. Land use standards which regulate lot coverage, <br /> setbacks, preservation and enhancement of native vegetation, and <br /> encourage "natural engineering solutions" to control and treat <br /> stormwater runoff can protect Everett's water resources by <br /> reducing quantities and velocities of stormwater runoff and by <br /> removing the pollutants carried into the storm drainage system. <br /> Construction management methods which are preventive in nature <br /> and use the best technology available can be used to reduce <br /> -7 <br />