Buffers
Buffer Law
- protect state water resources from erosion and runoff pollution;
- stabilize soils, shores, and banks; and
- protect or provide riparian corridors.
County Buffer Ordinance
Blue Earth County has accepted jurisdiction for enforcement of the Buffer Law. To administer enforcement of the Buffer Law, the County must enact an ordinance that establishes procedures for enforcement of the Buffer Law as provided in Minn. Stat. §103F.48 subd. 7, and Minn. Stat. §103B.101, subd. 12a.The Blue Earth County Buffer Ordinance was approved by the County Board of Commissioners on October 24, 2017. The Ordinance goes into effect on December 29, 2017.
Key dates for compliance with the Buffer Law
- November 1, 2017 - Buffers or alternative water quality practices must be in place on Public Waters by November 1, 2017. The State Buffer Law also allows landowners to apply for a compliance waiver. The deadline for this waiver is November 1, 2017. Compliance waivers can only be issued by the Soil and Water Conservation District. Landowners issued compliance waivers must be in compliance by July 1, 2018.
- November 1, 2018 - The 16.5 foot buffers or alternative water quality practices must be in place by November 1, 2018 on County drainage ditches.
Where buffers are required
- Public waters (lakes, rivers and streams) require a 50 foot buffer.
- County drainage ditches require a 16.5 foot buffer
Contact for compliance, waivers or potential funding options
The Blue Earth County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is responsible for determining buffer compliance and oversees requests for waivers. They also will assist landowners with cost-share programs and conservation easements. The SWCD can be contacted at (507) 345-4744./QuickLinks.aspx