1. Wetlands. Wetlands are fragile ecosystems which serve a number of important beneficial functions. Wetlands assist in the reduction of erosion, siltation, flooding, ground and surface water pollution, and provide wildlife, plant, and fisheries habitats. Destruction and impairment of wetlands may result in increased public and private costs or property losses. Wetland buffers serve to moderate runoff volume and flow rates; reduce sediment, chemical nutrient and toxic pollutants; provide shading to maintain desirable water temperatures; provide habitat for wildlife; protect wetland resources from harmful intrusion; and generally preserve the ecological integrity of the wetland area.

2. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas. Wildlife areas are ecosystems composed of unique interacting systems of soils, geology, topography, and plant and animal communities. They consist of land-based areas and aquatic areas. Wildlife habitat provides opportunities for food, cover, nesting, breeding, and movement for fish and wildlife within the city; maintains and promotes diversity of species and habitat within the city; helps to maintain air and water quality; controls erosion; serves as areas for recreation, education and scientific study, and aesthetic appreciation; and provides neighborhood separation and visual diversity within urban areas. Riparian corridors are essential for wild fish populations. Healthy riparian zones are dynamic ecosystems that perform various functions that help create healthy aquatic habitats. Some of the major functions include: producing and delivering large and small woody debris to shorelines and stream channels; shoreline protection and habitat formation; removing sediments and dissolved chemicals from water; moderating water temperature; providing favorable microclimate; providing habitat for terrestrial animals; and providing proper nutrient sources for aquatic life. Additionally, aquatic areas and their associated buffers store and convey storm water and floodwater; recharge ground water; and serve as areas for recreation, education and scientific study and aesthetic appreciation. The city’s overall goal shall be no net loss of riparian corridor functions and values.

3. Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas. Potable water is an essential life-sustaining element. Aquifer recharge areas provide a source of potable water and contribute to stream discharge during periods of low flow. Certain portions of the city’s planning area are susceptible to contamination of drinking water and watercourse supplies through rapid infiltration of pollutants through the soil to ground water aquifers. Wellhead Protection Zones 1, 2, and 3 are designated as critical aquifer recharge areas under the provisions of the Growth Management Act, Chapter 36.70A RCW, and are established based on proximity to and travel time of groundwater to the city’s public water source wells.

4. Geologically Hazardous Areas. Geologically hazardous areas include areas susceptible to erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geological events. They pose a threat to the health and safety of citizens when incompatible commercial, residential, or industrial development is sited in or near areas of significant hazard. Some geological hazards can be reduced or mitigated by engineering, design, or modified construction so that risks to health and safety are acceptable. When technology cannot reduce risks to acceptable levels, building in geologically hazardous areas should be avoided.