§ 166-163. Purpose and intent.

(a)

In order to properly protect existing and future potable water supply sources within the zone of protection area, the board of county commissioners declares that the storage, handling, use, disposal, or production of hazardous or toxic substances in close proximity to public potable water supply wells is potentially harmful to the drinking water of the county, and that certain land uses and activities involving regulated or generic substances are hereby prohibited or regulated within the defined zone of protection area.

Therefore, the intent of this article is to protect and safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and visitors of the county by providing criteria for regulating and prohibiting the use, handling, production, disposal, and storage of certain regulated substances which may impair present and future public potable water supply wells and wellfields.

It is the intent of the board of county commissioners to augment the policies within the adopted comprehensive plan that protect the wells and wellfields through land use controls and environmental regulations. It is essential to protect the environmentally sensitive area adjacent to wells and wellfields from disruption and encroachment in order to preserve vital natural functions relating to water quality, water quantity and other elements of aquatic ecosystems.

(b)

It is the intent of the county to enter into interlocal agreements with Pasco County and Hillsborough County to exercise jointly any power, privilege or authority to protect from degradation all potable water wells within the zone of protection. The agreements shall be construed as accomplishing a joint use of powers subject to the terms and conditions stated in this article, in addition to any ordinance and regulations of Pasco County and/or Hillsborough County if the development proposal lies within their jurisdiction.

The agreement shall at a minimum include provisions for administration and enforcement of label development regulations within any area of the zone of protection and shall be undertaken by the jurisdiction within whose boundaries that area is located. With respect to the issuance of any development order or development permit within the zone of protection, the nonjurisdictional counties shall receive notice prior to any decision or determination on an application for development with adequate time for the nonjurisdictional counties to review and comment on the development permit application.

(c)

The generic substance list attached to Ordinance No. 90-2 and incorporated in this article as appendix A is provided for informational and regulatory purposes and may be amended from time to time by the board of county commissioners. Persons using, handling, producing or storing a substance on the generic list may be using, handling, producing or storing a regulated substance as defined by this article. Persons unsure as to whether they are subject to this article may wish to consult with the county water system.

(Ord. No. 18-36 , § 3(Att. E), 10-23-18)