A.
The Township Board finds that, as an island community, Grosse Ile Township possesses sensitive natural features that are important to the community and the ecosystem of the Detroit River and that development can have significant impacts to many of these unique, and important natural resources.
B.
This chapter is intended to provide for the comprehensive and systematic protection of natural resources and the environment of Grosse Ile Township. It is also the intent of this chapter to provide for the preservation and management of significant natural features through:
(1)
Providing for Township review and approval of developments that may have a significant impact on natural features, adjacent land uses and the character of the community.
(2)
Assisting petitioners, reviewers, decisionmakers and the general public in understanding how natural features may be identified, evaluated, protected, managed and mitigated.
(3)
Providing a mechanism for identification and protection of natural resources that contain elements of natural beauty, animal habitat and geological, hydrological, ecological and historical characteristics significant to the citizens of the Township.
(4)
(5)
Coordinating and supporting the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and county ordinances and statutes, including, but not limited to:
(a)
Michigan Environmental Protection Act (Act 347, Public Acts of Michigan of 1972, as amended), which imposes a duty on government agencies and private individuals and organizations to prevent or minimize degradation of the environment which is likely to be caused by their activities;
(b)
Goemaere Anderson Wetland Protection Act (Act 203, Public Acts of Michigan of 1979, as amended);
(c)
The Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251);
(d)
Inland Lakes and Streams Act (Act 346, Public Acts of Michigan of 1972, as amended);
(e)
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act (Act 347, Public Acts of Michigan of 1972, as amended);
(f)
Flood Plain Control Act (Act 167 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1968);
(g)
Water Resource Commission Act (Act 245 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1929), as amended); and
(h)
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1994).
C.
This chapter includes requirements for an environmental assessment, which is intended to accompany a site plan to specifically address the anticipated impact of a proposed use on the natural features, economic climate, social environment, public infrastructure and public services in the Township. The assessment is intended to allow reasonable use of property while ensuring the long-term community benefits associated with preserving environmentally sensitive lands and aesthetic resources.
