Description: This law was created in order to protect the water resources and buffer zones adjacent to them. The law discusses: the activities that are permitted, activities that are banned, activities which are regulated, and the procedure for obtaining a permit to build on or around these sensitive areas. The amendments to this chapter on June 3, 2009 increased the fines for violations of the law. Previously the pertinent part read “ . . . first offense, be punishable by a fine of not less than $100 but not more than $500. For each subsequent offense, such person shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $500 but not more than $5,000. Each consecutive day of violation may be considered a separate offense. Payment of such penalty shall not preclude corrective action and/or the removal of conditions found to be in violation of this chapter.” Now the law reads, “. . . first offense, be punishable by a fine of not less than $500 but not more than $1,000. For each subsequent offense, such person shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 but not more than $10,000. Each consecutive day of violation may be considered a separate offense. Payment of such penalty shall not preclude corrective action and/or the removal of conditions found to be in violation of this chapter.”