As part of this analysis, the Association has identified five key issues:

1. Land disturbance activities and related erosion and sedimentation are consistently identified as the primary threat to the integrity of the Soque River. Unnatural sediment loads not only harm water quality, they jeopardize aquatic habitat, alter the natural hydrology of waterways and increase costs for the treatment of drinking water.

2. Local citizens have become apathetic about reporting erosion and sedimentation concerns because such problems have become commonplace, and are rarely addressed adequately (if at all) by compliance officers. Even public officials have expressed hopelessness with dealing with such problems.

3. Many municipal governments are ill-equipped to resolve non-compliance with land disturbance policies. Very few municipal officials have received any training on vegetative and structural controls for controlling erosion, nor do they understand the damage that uncontrolled erosion causes to waterways and public services.

4. When municipal government is pressured to deal with such issues they often do not meet with a favorable audience in the courts. Courts have frequently demonstrated a neglect for environmental policy compliance.

5. General disarray in the consistent enforcement of these codes has created an assumption by some in the building community that stringent best management practices do not have to be taken seriously. There is little incentive for developers to “do the right thing,” especially when many others are getting away with doing the “wrong thing,” with no consequences.

Though these identified concerns paint a bleak picture, the opportunity for a dramatic change in the environmental policy landscape of the community is excellent. The Association’s relationships with local officials is extremely strong and growing, and our diverse network of supporters are kept well informed of these concerns through a weekly e-mail bulletin.

The Association has developed a strategic approach to confront the above challenges that will will greatly utilize and expand our community supporters:

Generate Reports – Citizen reports on environmental problems are absolutely critical! They create a permanent record of these problems that legitimize the problem to the local authority. They also increase the effectiveness of compliance actions. Where compliance fails again and again, reports help to document these insufficiencies.

Influence Public Opinion -Utilizing the reports described above coupled with photographic evidence of degradation, and a knowledge of the ecological harm caused by poor practices, the Association strives to gain the support of the general public for Reforms. Utilizing the local newspaper for newsworthy topics and letters to the editor is one communication device. The Association's e-mail bulletins are an effective means for citizens to post problems. The Association also writes its own column for the newspaper once a month.

Develop a Case for Action and a Code Compliance Plan – Utilizing input from our supporters the Association develops presentations and reports that build a case for the necessity of action to improve code compliance at the local level. In addition, the Association will help develop management alternatives that guide municipal government in achieving code compliance. These plans will include options such as: training municipal staff in erosion and sedimentation best management practices, contracting with professional inspectors to carry out code compliance, training local attorneys and judges in the importance of environmental policy, increasing penalties for non-compliance, developing strict monitoring plans, etc.

Lobby Public Officials – Many public officials are aware of these problems but do not know how to address them. A combination of a lack of public pressure and a lack of understanding allows these problems to persist. Other public officials are highly concerned and need public backing and advice in generating solutions. Beginning with municipal planning commissions, the Association plans to present a series of presentations that document case by case how local codes are being ignored, and the resultant devastating effects. Site tours to areas in non-compliance can be conducted in conjunction with the local press and technical experts in erosion and sediment control.  

Initiate Specific Improvements – The Association’s ultimate goal is to utilize public opinion to influence local municipal governments to take all necessary measures to improve code compliance. Such measures will include: appointing well-trained and accountable personnel to staff positions that insure code compliance; drafting consistent, easily understood ordinances that are clearly represented to all developers as well as the expectation of full compliance; more stringent enforcement by municipal officers and local court systems where non-compliance is encountered; and a more careful scrutiny by the public of adequate advanced planning before sites are developed.

After a year of planning, the Association believes that the above strategy will serve to lift the frustration felt by citizens, public officials, and the business community who have witnessed the slow degradation of the community’s aesthetic charms as well as its environmental health.

(The information above primarily addresses concerns with code compliance of erosion and sediment laws. Planning and policy is also important for land-use planning and the protection of conservation lands. These topics are better addressed under the conservation lands section of this website)

For more information about watershed protection visit the
Center for Watershed Protection