Burton Township Land Use Plan - Natural Resources

CHAPTER VIII

NATURAL RESOURCES

Environmental Analysis

A significant aspect of this plan entails the collection and analysis of key environmental data. The maps in this Chapter provide a visual display of the existing environmental features in the township. It should be noted that the maps are not meant to replace an on-site investigation by a qualified professional soils scientist or engineer.

The following environmental variables were collected, mapped, and analyzed:

Detailed Soils
Depth To Bedrock
Slope
Shrink-Swell Potential
Potential Frost Action
Depth to Seasonal Watertable
Permeability
Watersheds
Hydrography
Flood Plains
Wetlands
Drainage
Groundwater Availability
Hydrogeologic Settings
Groundwater Pollution Potential

Detailed Soils

A detailed soils analysis provides basic insights into the limitations of the physical environment on development. Each soil type reflects distinct characteristics which can be rated according to the degree of limitation that they represent for a specified land use.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Lands and Soils, conducted a soil survey of Burton Township. Soil scientists examined the soil to a depth of three to five feet by means of an auger. The soil samples were laboratory tested to determine such properties as texture, permeability, and type of parent material. Wetlands, streams, and drainageways were also noted. Aerial base maps were utilized, following the field observations, to delineate the boundaries of the various soil types identified. A total of 35 different soil classifications were denoted in Burton Township.

Table 39
Soils Types
Burton Township

Map 29
Burton Township
Soils

Depth to Bedrock

Less than six percent of the township is underlain by bedrock at a depth of less than five feet. As shown on the following map, the areas of shallow bedrock are mostly on the east and west sides of Burton Village (near the center of the township). Other location are scattered throughout the community. The specific soil types which identify shallow bedrock include: Lordstown Rock Outcrop Complex, Brecksville Silt Loam, Darien Silt Loam, Ellsworth Silt Loam Shale Substratum, Mitiwanga Silt Loam, and Lordstown Loam.

An environmental concern involving development over shallow bedrock is the potential for pollution from faulty on-site septic systems. In addition, shallow depth to bedrock may present limitations for the installation of basements and underground utilities.

Map 30
Burton Township
Depth to Bedrock

Slope

Slope represents the inclination of the land surface from a horizontal plane. The percentage of slope is determined by taking the vertical distance divided by the horizontal distance, then multiplying it by 100. Consequently, a 10% slope is a vertical change of 10 feet in 100 feet of horizontal distance.

Over 79% of the terrain in Burton Township is classified as level to gently rolling (0 to 6%). Slope of 6 to 12 percent covers about 11% of the community's land area. The highest point in the township is at an elevation of approximately 1,328 feet, which occurs in the northeast section of the township. The lowest point is at an elevation of 1,092 feet, which is located along the Cuyahoga River in the southerly center of the township.

The degree of slope has an impact on the feasibility of placing improvements on a site. Steeply sloped areas may be unsuitable for development. Erosion and runoff of soil sediment during construction is a significant concern. On-site septic systems may not function properly on severe slopes.

  Map 31
Burton Township
Slope

Shrink-Swell Potential

Shrink-swell potential is a measurement of the relative change in volume of soil material, based on changes in its moisture content. The degree of swelling and shrinking of soil is also influenced by the amount of clay ingredient. Soils rated with a high shrink-swell potential may cause roads to deteriorate and foundations to crack and move. As noted below, most of the township is rated "low."

Map 32
Burton Township
Shrink-Swell Potential

Potential Frost Action

Potential frost action rates the possibility for damage resulting from heaving, excessive wetting, and loss of soil strength in areas where substantial ground freezing is common. Low soil strength coupled with frost heave may cause damage to roads and foundations. The majority of the township is rated "high" for potential frost action.

Map 33
Burton Township
Potential Frost Action

Depth to Seasonal High Water Table

Depth to seasonal high water table indicates the shallowest depth at which the soil is saturated in a zone more than six inches thick for a continuous period of more than two weeks. A high seasonal water table may cause the improper operation of on-site sewage disposal systems, wet or flooded basements, and cracked or damaged foundations. Specially designed drainage systems and foundations may be required. About 73% of the township has a depth to seasonal water rating of 0 to 36 inches.

Map 34
Burton Township
Depth to Seasonal High Water Table

Permeability

Permeability is an estimate of the rate of downward water movement in a soil horizon when it is saturated but allowed to drain freely. It is typically expressed in inches per hour (iph). The rate of permeability is primarily determined by the soil texture, structure, porosity, and infiltration tests. It is an important variable in the successful operation of septic tank leach fields. About 60% of the township has a "slow" to "very slow" permeability rating.

Map 35
Burton Township
Permeability

Watersheds and Water Basins

Burton Township is part of the Cuyahoga River water basins and six watersheds. During periods of precipitation, all of the excess water that is not absorbed into the ground is called runoff. Eventually, the runoff travels through a watershed and into a stream, which in turn flows through downstream watersheds.

Runoff often produces soil erosion. Soil sediment can be regarded as a pollutant. It degrades water quality and can disrupt sensitive ecological conditions.

In recognition of the problems associated with soil erosion and water pollution, the Geauga County Board of Commissioners adopted soil sediment pollution control regulations in 1979. The regulations are enforced by the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District.

In December 1999, the U.S. EPA finalized the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Regulations or "Phase II." Under Phase II, communities in urbanized areas are required to submit a Storm Water Management Program to OHIO EPA by March 2003. This program must address the best management practices, measurable goals, and responsible parties the community will utilize to meet the six minimum control measures of Phase II outlined below:

	Public education and outreach programs on the impacts of storm water on surface water and steps to reduce storm water pollution.
	Public involvement and participation in developing and implementing the community's Storm Water Management Program.
	Illicit discharge detection and elimination including mapping of the community's storm sewer system and adopting a regulation prohibiting illicit discharges.
	Construction site storm water runoff controls on sites disturbing 1 acre or more.
	Post-construction storm water management in new development and redevelopment.
	Pollution prevention/good housekeeping for community operations to reduce storm water pollution.

Map 36
Burton Township
Watersheds  

Hydrography

The hydrography layer was traced from the 2000 orthophotography of Burton and interpolated from the two foot contours created for the township. The features included are ponds, creeks, intermittent creeks, ditches, hidden drains, and lakes. Definitions of the features are provided below.

	Ponds are freestanding, contained bodies of water less than 200' x 200' in size but at least 10' x 10'.
	Creeks are natural streams with an average width less than 50' of visible water.
	Intermittent creeks are natural drainage ways with a defined channel but no visible water.
	Ditches are man-made drainageways.
	Hidden drains include any drainage structures beneath the ground surface, such as culverts.
	Rivers are natural streams with an average width of 50' or more of visible water.
	Lakes are freestanding, contained bodies of water greater than 200' x 200' in area.

Map 37
Burton Township
Hydrography

Flood Plains

The Cuyahoga River watershed and its tributaries are designated as "100 year" flood hazard areas. The area in Map 38 falls within the flood plain regulations adopted by the county pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program. According to the regulations, proposed buildings within the flood plain must either be flood proofed or the first floor of such buildings, including the basement, must be raised a minimum of one foot above the 100 year base flood elevation. The 100-year flood plain represents 2,433.52 acres or 16.3% of the township.

Map 38
Burton Township
"100 Year" Floodplain

Generalized Wetlands

The U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, (FWS) conducted an inventory of the nation's wetlands. The generalized map on the following page is meant to represent the areas identified as wetlands by the FWS in Burton Township.

These areas were delineated by the FWS through the use of stereoscopic analysis of high altitude aerial photographs. Under the FWS classification system, wetlands must have one or more of the following three attributes:

Wetlands merit protection due to the array of useful functions they perform. They improve water quality by serving as a natural filtration system. The vegetation traps sediment and other pollutants from the water. Wetlands retain large quantities of water, thereby providing downstream protection during periods of heavy rainfall and, conversely, supplementing streams during periods of dry weather and low flow. Finally, wetlands serve as havens for some rare plant species as well as breeding, nesting, and feeding grounds for a variety of wildlife. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved with regulation of wetlands under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act as well as the Ohio EPA. Burton has 2,863.68 acres in wetlands, which is 19.2% of the township area.

Map 39
Burton Township
Generalized Wetlands

Drainage

Drainage describes the rapidity and the extent of the removal of water from the soil. The definitions below relative to drainage are from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Lands and Soil:

Very Poorly Drained (VPD) - Water is removed so slowly that the soil is saturated for an extended length of time.

Poorly Drained (PD) - Water is removed from the soil so slowly that it remains wet for long periods of time. The water table is commonly at or near the surface during a considerable part of the year.

Somewhat Poorly Drained (SPD) - Water is removed from the soil so slowly that it remains wet for significant periods, but not all of the time. Somewhat poorly drained soils commonly have a slow permeable layer within the profile, a high water table, additions through seepage, or a combination of these conditions.

Moderately Well Drained (MWD) - Water is removed from the soil somewhat slowly so that the profile is wet for a small but significant part of the time. Moderately well drained soils commonly have a slow permeable layer within or immediately beneath the surface soil and subsoil layers, a relatively high water table, additions of water through seepage, or some combination of these conditions.

Well Drained (WD) - Water is removed from the soil readily, but not rapidly. Well-drained soils are commonly loamy textured, although soils of other texture may also be well drained.

Map 40
Burton Township
Drainage

Ground Water Availability

Burton Township is totally dependent upon groundwater as its source of potable water. As a result, the management of ground water resources is a paramount concern in order to maintain quality and quantity. According to the Division of Water, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, about 46% of the township has a ground water potential of greater than 25 gallons per minute. The ground water in this area is drawn from sandstones and shales, generally beneath thick deposits of glacial drift. The area running along the Cuyahoga River shows the greatest gpm range where the ground water is obtained from isolated, thin sand gravel deposits interbedded with thick clayey till filling buried valleys (see Map 41).

An initial countywide groundwater study was conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in 1978 which included water level measurements in 77 wells. The study found that most of the groundwater in the county is withdrawn from sandstones of the Pottsville and Cuyahoga Formations. No discernible effects from residential development were evident. The ground water was deemed to be generally of good quality. The groundwater levels measured in wells completed in the various geologic units indicated that the groundwater moves within local flow systems from topographically high recharge areas to topographically low discharge areas. Generally, groundwater flows radially away from the highlands towards adjacent streams and river valleys. A comparison of water levels measured in 1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, and 1986 by USGS indicates that no long-term regional water-level changes have occurred in the county. The most recent USGS study was completed in 1995 and examined groundwater flow and changes in groundwater levels since 1986 within the major aquifers of the county. Water levels in 219 wells were measured and about 80 percent of the wells showed changes in the range of plus or minus five feet. The study concluded that an increase in population and groundwater pumpage did not correlate with the decline in water levels. The predominant reason for the decline seemed to be a decrease in recharge from 1986 to 1994. The USGS has initiated a program to create a well network in the county. Recording devices have been placed on selected wells to obtain continuous output of data.

Map 41
Burton Township
Generalized Ground Water Availability

Ground Water Pollution Potential Map

The Division of Water, Ohio Department of Natural Resources has developed a ground water pollution potential mapping program using the DRASTIC mapping process. This process is comprised of two major elements: designated mapping units called hydrogeologic settings and a rating system for pollution potential.

Hydrogeologic settings form the basis of the system. Inherent within each hydrogeologic setting are the physical characteristics that affect ground water pollution potential. The following factors have been identified during the development of the DRASTIC system: depth to water (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media (A), soil media (S), topography (T), impact of the vadose zone media (I), and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer (C). These variables form the acronym DRASTIC and are included in a ranking scheme that uses a combination of weights and ratings to establish a numerical value called the ground water pollution potential index (GWPP). This information is contained in the document titled Ground Water Pollution Potential of Geauga County Report No. 12 prepared by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water, Ground Water Resources Section (1994). These factors incorporate concepts and mechanisms such as attenuation, retardation and time or distance of travel of a contaminant with respect to the physical characteristics of the hydrogeologic setting. Broad consideration of these factors and mechanisms coupled with existing conditions in a setting provide a basis for determination of the area's relative vulnerability to contamination.

Map 42 identifies the hydrogeologic region and setting within the township. Burton Township (as well as all of Geauga County) lies within the glaciated central hydrogeologic region of the DRASTIC system. The first number (7) refers to the hydrogeologic region and the next combination of letters and numbers identifies the hydrogeologic setting and the corresponding parameters that are unique to that specific setting. The following information provides a description of each hydrogeologic setting and associated ratings for Burton Township.

Hydrogeologic Settings and Ratings

7Aa Glacial Till Over Bedded Sedimentary Rock

7Ad Glacial Till Over Sandstone

7Ba Outwash

7D Buried Valleys

7Eb River Alluvium Without Overbank Deposits

Map 42
Burton Township
Hydrogeologic Settings

Pollution Potential

Map 43 represents the pollution potential as calculated from the hydrogeologic settings. Generally, a higher index number means a greater potential for ground water contamination may exist. The color codes are part of a national color scheme, with warm colors (red, orange, and yellow) reflecting areas of higher vulnerability and cool colors (greens, blues, and violet) representing areas of lower vulnerability to contamination. The computed ground water pollution index for Burton Township ranged from 108 to 207 (see GWPP Index). The highest percentage (36%) of the township area is in the range of 120 - 139 (see Table 51).

In the development of the DRASTIC system, a set of assumptions must be recognized. The pollution potential evaluation of an area assumes a contaminant with the mobility of water, introduced at the surface, and flushed into the ground water by precipitation. DRASTIC cannot be applied to areas smaller than one hundred acres in size, and is not intended or designed to replace site-specific investigations.

Map 43
Burton Township
Groundwater Pollution Potential

Land Capability Analysis

The physical data previously identified and mapped can be rated in relationship to various land uses. This process is known as a land capability analysis. The analysis was based on the definitions and data contained in the Soil Survey of Geauga County, Ohio (1982).

The following types of land uses were selected for a capability analysis because they represent historical and current development trends in the township. It must be stressed that the capability maps are not site specific and, therefore, are not meant to replace an on-site investigation.

Single Family Dwellings Without Basements: The foundation is assumed to be spread footings of reinforced concrete built on undisturbed soil to a maximum frost penetration depth. The ratings include the soil characteristics affecting strength, settlement, excavation, and construction. Soil settlement and strength are influenced by drainage, seasonal water table, flooding, shrink-swell, and potential frost action. Soil properties relative to the ease of excavation and construction are depth to bedrock, flooding, slope, and seasonal water table.

Single Family Dwellings With Basements: The ratings considered the soil characteristics affecting strength, settlement, excavation, and construction. Soil strength and settlement are influenced by drainage, seasonal water table, flooding, shrink-swell, and potential frost action. Soil properties relative to the ease of excavation and construction are depth to bedrock, flooding, slope, and seasonal water table.

Commercial and/or Light Industrial Buildings: Represents buildings of less than three stories without basements. The foundation is assumed to be spread footings of reinforced concrete built in undisturbed soil to the maximum frost penetration depth. The ratings include soil attributes affecting soil strength, settlement, excavation, and construction. The variables affecting the amount and ease of excavation are slope, depth to bedrock, and seasonal water table.

In addition, the following items were chosen to be a part of the capability analysis because they are closely related to the above uses.

Septic Tank Absorption Fields: Represents areas in which effluent from a septic tank is distributed into the soil through an approved subsurface system. The soil is evaluated between the depths of 24 to 72 inches. Soil adequacy for on-site sewage disposal is based upon permeability, flooding, seasonal water table, and depth to bedrock, all of which influence the absorption of the effluent. Other variables such as slope and depth to bedrock affect the installation of an on-site septic system as well.

Local Roads: Represents the use of soils for the construction of improved local roads that have all-weather surfacing (commonly asphalt or concrete) and are expected to carry vehicular traffic year round. Such roads are assumed to have a subgrade of appropriate soil material, an aggregate base, and a flexible or rigid surface. The variables rated which affect grading and excavation include slope, depth to bedrock, flooding, and a high seasonal water table. Other soil attributes that affect the construction of local roads include: drainage, shrink-swell, frost action, and seasonal water table.

Underground Utilities: Represents the installation of below-grade utilities such as sewer and water pipelines, telephone lines, and electrical lines. The ratings measure the soil attributes affecting corrosion, compactness, and ease of excavation. Compactness and the rate of corrosion are influenced by drainage, shrink-swell, seasonal water table, and corrosion of both steel and concrete. The ease of excavation is influenced by slope, depth to bedrock, and seasonal water table.

Each subsequent land capability map was produced based upon the ratings which accompany it (see Table 65). The ratings list the variables used, the parameters, and how each of the characteristics were categorized with regard to the specified land use. The following is a description of each rating category.

Figure 18
Capability For Dwellings Without Basements
Soil Rating Percentages
Burton Township
Source: The Geauga County Planning Commission

Map 44
Burton Township
Capability For Dwellings Without Basements

Figure 19
Capability For Dwellings With Basements
Soil Rating Percentages
Burton Township
Source:  The Geauga County Planning Commission

Map 45
Burton Township
Capability For Dwelling With Basements

Figure 20
Capability For Commercial And/Or Light Industrial Structures
Soil Rating Percentages
Burton Township
Source: The Geauga County Planning Commission

Map 46
Burton Township
Capability For Commercial and/or Light Industrial Structures

Figure 21
Capability For Septic Tank Absorption Fields
Soil Rating Percentages
Burton Township
Source: The Geauga County Planning Commission

Map 47
Burton Township
Capability For Septic Tank Absorption Fields

Figure 22
Capability For Local Roads
Soil Rating Percentages
Burton Township
Source: The Geauga County Planning Commission

Map 48
Burton Township
Capability For Local Roads

Figure 23
Capability For Underground Utilities
Soil Rating Percentages
Burton Township
Source: The Geauga County Planning Commission

Map 49
Burton Township
Capability For Underground Utilities

Composite Capability

The following composite capability map provides a total overview of the township. The map reflects all of the physical features that were discussed earlier in this portion of the plan.

A rating system (see Table 64) has also been devised. Generally, the areas rated "slight" have the best potential to support development and cover a very small percentage of the township (see composite capability map). The next category is "moderate." Areas rated "moderate" have a fair potential to support development and are centered in the township. The dominant rating found in the township is "severe." Although there are more limitations relative to this category, it does not preclude development, provided appropriate engineering, design, and maintenance mechanisms are employed. The final rating "very severe" is reserved for those areas which should be left undisturbed due to extreme environmentally sensitive conditions. The "not rated" category applies to disturbed areas such as gravel pits or locations where cut and fill activities have occurred as well as ponds and lakes.

Figure 24
Composite Capability
Percent of Township Area
Burton Township
Source: The Geauga County Planning Commission

Map 50
Burton Township
Composite Capability

Table 65
Summary of Soil Capability Ratings
Burton Township

Top