River Hills

Environmental Policy

Framework Recommendations

The River Hills Committee on the Environment (COE), recognizing that both the Village Administration and property owners have displayed an increasing sensitivity to environmental concerns, respectfully recommends that the Board adopt by resolution this policy framework to guide village resource management.

I. WATER QUALITY

a. The Village will continue to work cooperatively with the MMSD to, within budgetary constraints, fix aging sewer facilities, correct code violations, and implement routine maintenance programs.

b. The Village will seek to reduce storm water run-off and remove contaminants by:

i. Maximizing use of environmentally friendly materials for ice and snow removal,

ii. Enforcing existing silt barrier regulations on construction sites,

iii. Limiting drain tile runs to within 100’ of lot line for new applications,

iv. Encouraging property owners, (via COE educational mailings, displays and programs) to install and maintain:

1. Natural borders along the Milwaukee River and other waterways

2. On-site infiltration of storm water run-off systems

II. LANDSCAPE CHEMICALS

a. The Village will limit use of pesticides, herbicides and insecticides only to situations where the administration believes use is necessary after consideration of alternatives.

b. The Village will only fertilize with mixtures and at intervals appropriate for conditions after soil testing.

c. The Village will encourage property owners, via COE educational mailings, displays and programs, to test and understand soil conditions, the importance of minimizing pesticide, herbicide and insecticide use, and the need to fertilize only with care.

Ill. URBAN FORESTRY

a. On public property, including right-of-ways, the Village will, within budgetary constraints, destroy or reasonably limit major infestations of DNR-identified invasive species, including buckthom, honeysuckle and garlic mustard. COE will be tasked with identifying DNR concerns.

b. The Village will encourage property owners, via COE educational mailings displays and programs, the removal of invasive plants.

IV.FUNDING

a. The COE will submit a budget to the Village, on an annual basis, for educational mailing, displays and programs and will seek additional funding from grants and other sources.

b. The Village will provide a dumpster annually, during which property owners can dispose of garlic mustard.

V. SIGNS

The Village will post signs at major Village entrances indicating that River Hills is an “an environmentally friendly community”