Small Area Plan 1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Impact Analysis The second phase of the Stoney Creek Basin study focused on a qualitative assessment of the impacts created by each of the three development scenarios. This section contains a summary narrative and matrix of the impacts created by each scenario. It is followed by appendices that provide a detailed description of each of the impacts, how they were measured, relevant data, and proposed mitigation strategies. Each design is rated by the magnitude of the impact brought to bear on various resources. The ratings used are high, medium, and low. Additionally, the designs are ranked relative to each other. The resources considered by the study include natural and historic resources, including encroachment on Stoney Creek, wetlands, large forested areas, and wildlife habitats; the impact on water quality caused by impervious surface and density of development; the degree of alteration to the natural aesthetics of the site; and the impact on historic structures. Infrastructure concerns, such as extension of water and sewer supply and the demand placed on existing and future supply (including groundwater as a source of drinking water), were also considered as impacts. Also, the impacts brought by transportation improvements and effects on air quality are considered relative to each design scenario. Only Scenario II of the conventional design was analyzed because of the likelihood that new conventional development in the basin would resemble the conditions outlined in this scenario. The baseline data in Table 5 were used to compare the .three design scenarios. Impact Summary Narrative Conventional Design Impacts Conventional development has either a low impact or no impact with regard to water quality, water and sewer service extension, transportation improvements and resulting air quality, and the demand for new parks. It has a medium impact on wildlife habitat and natural character, provision of new school facilities, and the necessity to expand public safety services. Conventional development greatly impacts the historic structures of the area by failing to preserve either the structures or their surrounding contexts. (See the Impact Matrix Table 6.) Contributing to the advantages of conventional development, the large lot sizes reduce amounts of impervious surface, mitigating some of the detrimental effects of stormwater runoff and non -point source pollution. Water and sewer service extensions from Hillsborough are not currently planned for most of the Stoney Creek basin area, thus making site specific septic disposal and water supply (wells) necessary. However, on -site systems may be impractical Stoney Creek Basin Area Plan, 38