13.26A.005 Purpose and applicability.

A.    The purpose of this chapter is to protect the county’s surface and groundwater quality by providing minimum requirements for reducing and controlling the discharge of contaminants and stormwater flows. The board of county commissioners recognizes that water quality degradation can result either directly from one (1) discharge or through the collective impact of many small discharges.

B.    This chapter applies to the discharge of contaminants to surface water, stormwater and groundwater as set forth in Section 13.26A.025 and requires certain sites and activities to utilize best management practices as set forth in Section 13.26A.035 and stormwater facility maintenance practices set forth in Section 13.26A.040.

C.    The board of county commissioners also recognizes that the implementation of successful pollution control practices is most likely through a pollution prevention (water resources) education effort for business owners and the general public. In implementing this chapter, the county will primarily rely on education and technical assistance to show individuals how to implement pollution control practices. Enforcement actions will normally be implemented when education and technical assistance measures are unsuccessful at protecting the public interest or when persons willfully contaminate the water resources of Clark County. Further it is not the intent of this chapter to have the county pursue enforcement actions against persons whose actions or activities result in the discharge of de minimis amounts of contaminants into the water resources of Clark County.

D.    The board of county commissioners finds this chapter is necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Clark County and the integrity of the county’s resources for the benefit of all by: minimizing or eliminating water quality degradation; preserving and enhancing the suitability of waters for recreation, fishing, wildlife habitat, aquatic life and other beneficial uses; and preserving and enhancing the aesthetic quality and biotic integrity of the water. The board of county commissioners recognizes that implementation of this chapter is required under the federal Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. In meeting the intent of the Clean Water Act the board of county commissioners also recognizes the importance of maintaining economic viability while providing necessary environmental protection and believes this chapter helps achieve both goals. (Exh. A of Ord. 1998-11-17; amended by Sec. 3 (Exh. B) of Ord. 2000-07-34; amended by Sec. 3 (Exh. 2) of Ord. 2009-01-01)