WilCo salamander issues persist

The local salamanders' reaction to water quality changes are still being studied, but under the ordinance, springs that are known salamander habitats would be protected by an 80-meter buffer zone up- and downstream of the spring.

Referred to as red zones, the buffer zones would be considered "no-disturbance areas," according to a news release. Maintenance of existing development would be permitted, but no new construction could take place within the zones.

In addition, a 300-meter "orange" buffer zone would further protect the habitat. The "minimal disturbance area" would allow some limited parks, wastewater and residential development upstream of the habitat.

Spring and stream buffers are also included in the ordinance. Spring buffers would allow limited construction within 50-meters of a spring. Stream buffers would limit development and construction to wastewater lines, parks, utility line crossings, flood-control measures and road crossings.