Etowah Buffer 100ft

Under Georgia law and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Criteria for River Corridor Protection—which implement O.C.G.A. § 12-2-8—the Etowah River is designated a protected river corridor because its flow meets the state’s threshold for perennial rivers (≥ 400 cubic feet per second). This means that a natural vegetative buffer zone of at least 100 feet wide on each side of the river, measured horizontally from the river banks, must be maintained to preserve water quality, wildlife habitat, recreation, and ecological function; this buffer is intended to minimize erosion and sedimentation and absorb flood waters. Within that corridor, local plans generally restrict development and impervious surfaces, allow only limited uses (for example, one single-family dwelling per two-acre tract with septic drainfields located outside the buffer), and prohibit most land disturbances, septic drainfields, and new industrial/commercial impacts that would impair the river’s quality, while still accommodating necessary utilities and crossings if they meet erosion-control standards. For any accessibility comments, questions, or concerns please contact [e-mail] Georgia Environmental Protetion Division https://epd.georgia.gov/