Agenda - 06-04-1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2.2 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FRAMEWORK The natural environment is an integral component of the planning process. Planning directed at the form and intensity of land use must recognize that the natural environment provides the physical context within which land use activities occur. Relationships between the various elements of the environment constitute the natural systems which, under certain circumstances, create constraints on the development potential of the land. Often these constraints do not absolutely prohibit development; rather, they necessitate the consideration of certain factors which will impact upon the form, design or pattern of the proposed development. The basic environmental goal incorporated into this plan is the min- : imizatiaa or elimination of the negative impacts certain development activities would have on a particular natural, system. Ignoring such potential impacts will inevitably lead to negative consequences. Due to the interrelatedness of our natural systems, such consequences would not stop at an individual's property boundary, but will affect the general public. This fundamental factor requires an awareness that the natural environment is a precious resource and that respon- sibility for its protection and appropriate use is everyone's respon- sibility and the result of the combined impacts of a multitude of individual actions. The primary elements of the natural environment which are incorporated in the formulation of the land use plan include: GEOLOGY o mineral resources (sand, gravel, crushed stone; other metallic and non-metallic minerals). o unique geologic features (manadnock; stream valleys;) o ground water yield TOPOGRAPHY o physiographic features o slope HYDROLOGY o drainage patterns o water resources (surface and subsurface) o flood plains o water supply watersheds 7