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~ .. public improvements within the setback include EC 9.2530 Natural Resource Zone Development Standards (2) through (10) and (13) through (19). Standard (19) requires that "High activity areas, including traffic lanes, loading docks, and group gathering areas shall be located as far away from wetlands, water features and other protected natural areas as is practicable." EmX construction adjacent to Amazon Creek would need to be set back far enough from the edge of the channel so as not to restrict adequate and appropriate access for routine and emergency channel maintenance practices and repairs. The minimum distance for maintenance would need to be 30 feet from top of bank, however distances closer to the 60 foot maximum would be much more functional and would allow maintenance access without compromising as much of the riparian area. Amazon Creek does not currently meet State water quality standards for dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and suspended solids. City staff has been working hard to improve water quality by planting riparian trees and shrubs, using maintenance practices that minimize erosion and preserve native vegetation, and through planning efforts such as the Metro Waterways study that will result in future enhancement projects along Amazon Creek. Locating the EmX along Amazon Creek has the potential to further degrade water quality by: o increasing run off due to the added impervious roadway surface. This not only results in higher flood risk downstream, but also washes unwanted pollutants such as oil and other vehicle wastes that have accumulated on the road directly into Amazon Creek. o increasing erosion by restricting riparian corridors and eliminating the ability to undertake longer term creek enhancement projects that will stabilize banks; o increasing water temperature and decreasing dissolved oxygen by restricting the ability to plant a wide enough riparian buffer to provide adequate shading of the creek. o increasing the potential for an accidental oil or gas spill into Amazon Creek as the result of an vehicle accident or mechanical failure. Amazon Creek, as with most waterways, can function as an important migration corridor for plants and wildlife, provided enough of the habitat is left intact. As our community continues to grow and the areas adjacent to our waterways are developed, these corridors will continue to be fragmented and will no longer provide the complete habitat connectivity needed for many of our native species. Locating a major transportation route along Amazon Creek not only reduces the amount of riparian habitat to an even more narrow corridor, but it also increases the number of incidences of wildlife being hit and killed along the roadway. The Amazon Creek corridor is a significant Parks and Open Space amenity that serves as a key alternative transportation route (e.g., for pedestrian and bicycle users), providing recreational connectivity through a major part of south Eugene. Many people love to walk or ride along the creek as it provides a small respite from the noise and busyness of public streets. City staff, numerous adoption groups, and Stream Team volunteers have been working for over a decade to enhance the natural resource, aesthetic, and recreational values of Amazon Creek. Locating EmX immediately adjacent to Amazon Creek has the potential to significantly (and negatively) alter the aesthetic and recreational features of this vitally important park asset. In summary, we would like to see the discussions around locating the West Eugene EmX along the Amazon Creek be done with careful consideration of its impacts on flooding, bank failure, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian plant communities, recreation, aesthetics, and connectivity. We feel it is especially important that any transportation planning take into account all of the prior planning, prioritization, and implementation of natural resource and recreational improvements along Amazon Creek.