Goose Creek Watershed Management Plan Version - Charlotte ...

Goose Creek Watershed Management Plan Version 1...………………...October 31, 2009
Figure 9: Distribution of Hydrologic Soil Groups in the Goose Creek Watershed.
2.3 Current Watershed Protection Efforts
2.3.1 S.W.I.M. Buffer Ordinance
A countywide stream buffer system was established in 1999 as part of the Surface Water
Improvement and Management (S.W.I.M.) strategy, otherwise known as S.W.I.M.
buffers. According to S.W.I.M., streams have the primary natural function of conveying
storm and ground water, storing floodwaters and supporting aquatic and other wildlife.
The buffer is the vegetated land adjacent to the stream channel, which functions to
protect water quality by filtering pollutants and to provide both storage for floodwaters
and suitable habitat for wildlife. The ordinance was in effect until Mint Hill’s Post
Construction ordinance took effect on June 30, 2007. However, property developed
under the S.W.I.M. buffer ordinance will remain subject to it.
Required stream buffer widths vary from 35 to 100 feet or the entire 100 year floodplain,
whichever is greater, based on the size of the upstream drainage basin. In Mint Hill,
S.W.I.M. buffer requirements begin at a point where the stream drains 50 acres. Table 8
presents the S.W.I.M. buffer requirements for Mint Hill. Figure 10 shows the extent of
the S.W.I.M. buffers in the Goose Creek Watershed.
15
Legend
goose-soils
HYDRIC
0 1,900 3,800 7,600 11,400 15,200
Feet
B
C