Streams & Stream Buffer Protection

Streams:

There are streams (and springs) that run throughout the City of Brookhaven. These waterways are a part of the natural infrastructure of our City and State’s water supply and storm water management system. The City and the State have designated areas of buffers near these waterways to minimize bank erosion and stream/water quality degradation.

Determining State Waters/Stream Buffers:

The City of Brookhaven has staff who can determine whether a stream is a "State water" and if a stream buffer is required.  State waters are defined by the presence of wrested vegetation – a stream that has created dirt/rock creek bottom, and that typically have continuous flow.

Stream Buffer Zones:

Once a State water has been established, a minimum buffer width of 75 feet is required by the City of Brookhaven.  The buffer zone should be thought of in layers moving from the stream to the house – 25-foot State-regulated buffer is observed, followed by an additional 50-foot buffer required by the City of Brookhaven. There can be no disturbance within 75 feet of a State water, and there can be no concrete or construction within 75 feet of a State water. Any land use changes encroaching on these buffers such as decks, patios and/or walkways, requires a variance from the City’s Community Development Department.

Stream Buffer Landscaping:

A couple of things to consider to create and maintain a healthy stream buffer zone that will prevent stream bank erosion:

• Begin with a sketch to determine how many plants/trees/shrubs you want to plant.
• Consider the size at maturity of the plants.
• Generally, you should plant ground covers 1-3 feet apart, shrubs 3-5 feet apart, small trees (up to 25 feet tall at maturity) 15 feet apart and larger trees 25 feet apart.
• Group some plants together to provide dense vegetation for better habitat and greater storm water filtration.
• If you want to provide a path for access to the water, it should be as narrow as practical and covered with mulch or other porous material to minimize erosion.
• If you want to maintain a view of the water, you can create a “view corridor” of low growing vegetation in a selected area.