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A hazardous waste spill, or other human contamination, can have a serious impact on an aquifer, possibly rendering it unusable for years. The primary water sources for the City of Cle Blum [as well as South Cte Blum and Suncadia] are the Yakima and Cle Elum Rivers. Intakes are located below Lake Cle Elum near the Bullfrog Road Bridge on the Cle Blum River, and on the Yakima River near the intersection of South Cle Blum Way and the river. Shallow groWldwater in Cle Blum area renders the Yakima River intake susceptible to contamination due to the relatively high permeability of the Alluvium soH layer and a generally shallow depth to groundwater. The Cle Blum River intake is susceptible to contamination resulting from the increased development pressure for "lak.efront" lots in the rural county. The predominant majority of the homes permitted by Kittitas County are on individual septic systems in close proximity to the ordinary high water mark of the lake. The City has requested that Kittitas County establish land use intensity and proximity limitations to protect critical municipal water intake supplies. Best managemellt practices along with hazardous material plans, apprQpriate land use zoning and density, and the analysis of future impacts should be considered by the county to protect aquifers and municipal water sources. The protection of aquifer recharge areas and municipal intakes is regulated within the City ifCle Blum under Ordinance No. 1039, Section 18.01.120- 140, the 2004 Eastern Washington S-tonnwater Management Manual, Best Management Practices, and SEPA. Wedands and Floodplains Wetlands are transitional areas between upland and aquatic environments where water is present long enough to form distinct soils where specialized plant communities can grow. Wetlands include marshy areas along shorelines, and inland swamps. Wetlands are typified by three physical characteristics; Hydric soils, hydrology, and hydrophilic plants. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map ,prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated that Cle Elum has a number of wetlands. Wetlands will be defined using RCW 36.70A.030(20) and delineated using the Washington State Department of Ecology Wetland Delineation Manual pursuant to RCW 36.70A.175. Cle Blum has several known areas designated by FEMA as Floodplain or Floodway. Floodplains and floodways are areas recognized to have the greatest risk of damage to property and to the loss of human life. State law prohibits pennanent s1ructures from being constructed in the Floodway or to have zero rise (no displacement of floodwaters). Only seasonal uses or water dependent structures (such as bridges) should be allowed to be constructed in these areas. The protection of wetlands and floodplains occurs through the City's Development Regulations for critical areas [Ordinance No. 1039, Section 18.01.290-300; and 18.01.430-500; respectively], and SEPA. Historical and Cultural Preservation City of Cle Elum -Land Use Plan 23