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Revised Rules For Wetlands Deserve Nod

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 17, 2008

Hillsborough County commissioners stirred a hornet's nest last year by proposing to eliminate local protections for wetlands. Public outcry made them back off, though they ordered a review of developers' complaints that county rules were arbitrary and extreme.

The proposed revisions that will be presented to commissioners today should ease the concerns of conservationists who feared the review would lead to another attempt to gut county safeguards.

Sensible protections would be maintained, along with greater consistency and transparency on decision-making. Definitions and standards would be clarified. Developers would know what to expect.

A group of scientific experts helped develop the changes, which were reviewed by two panels - one made up of citizens, the other of builders, farmers and other affected parties - whose members were appointed by commissioners. Majorities of both committees approved the revisions.

Naturally, not everybody is happy. Some builders want the county's Environmental Protection Commission eliminated from the review of rezonings. But by giving early feedback, the EPC can help developers identify problem areas that would otherwise hold up their applications or lead to denials.

The revised rule improves the process without compromising resources. Commissioners should approve it as is.

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