Lake Pocotopaug Lake and Watershed Restoration Evaluation ...

undeveloped forest land, an opportunity may exist to preserve some of this land. Thistechnique, if economically feasible, is an option for minimizing pollutant loading from the LakePocotopaug watershed.Land Use ConversionLand use conversion involves purchasing properties that contribute excessive amounts ofpollutants and converting these properties to less deleterious land uses. For example, the CTDEP or a town may decide to purchase an agricultural property and convert the land to openspace, thus reducing pollutant generation from this parcel of land. This is a very expensiveproposition and is not practical on a large scale in most cases, but may be practical for targetingspecific properties that could generate excessive amounts of pollutants that eventuallydischarge into Lake Pocotopaug. Since a large portion of the watershed is currentlyundeveloped forest land, an opportunity may exist to preserve some of this land. Thistechnique, if economically feasible, is an option for minimizing pollutant loading from the LakePocotopaug watershed.Zoning and Land Use PlanningThis is a very important component in controlling watershed inputs to aquatic resources. Astrong relationship exists between land use type and pollutant generation, with developed lands(including agriculture) typically generating greater pollutant loads than non-developed lands.Preserving undeveloped land in the Lake Pocotopaug watershed is highly recommended, withparticular emphasis on preserving areas of land that form buffer zones along the lake and itstributaries; undeveloped land near the lake is minimal, but land along tributaries is worthevaluating. The zoning laws of East Hampton in the watershed should be reviewed withmaintenance of buffer strips in mind. A summary of land use and zoning issues andrecommendations are provided in the “Stormwater Renovation and Management Plan for theLake Pocotopaug Watershed” prepared by WMC in 1995 (Appendix C).Much of the watershed is privately controlled with most of the undeveloped land suitable fordevelopment. There may be increasing development pressure over the next decade, andplanning now to minimize impacts of possible future development is strongly recommended.Development need not be prevented in this case, but should conform to all applicableregulations. Consideration at the town level of appropriate development features around LakePocotopaug and throughout its watershed is warranted.Waste Water ManagementA properly functioning on-site waste disposal system (e.g., septic system) can be an effectivemeans of reducing pollutant loading to an aquatic ecosystem. Of particular concern are thosesystems where septic effluent is breaking-out above ground and is transported to the lake or atributary during storm events. We have no evidence of failing septic systems in this watershed,and sanitary sewers service much of the watershed.Lake Pocotopaug Restoration Evaluation 96May 2002