Carbon County’s planning commission recently said that it doesn’t believe that the proposed zoning amendment that would allow homes with on-site septic to be constructed within a half-mile from Mauch Chunk Lake fit in with the goals of Carbon County’s comprehensive plans.

During the commission’s recent meeting, members of the public spoke about the proposed amendment and how it would adversely affect the water quality, the residents and the county as a whole.

Linda Christman, president of Save Carbon County, urged the commission to not recommend the zoning amendment be approved.

Director of planning David Bodnar read a letter it sent to the borough outlining the office’s findings, as well as what it believed should be the recommendation.

He said that the commission has considered the potential impacts of additional residential structures near the lake and how it would affect the surrounding community, water supply and local recreation and tourism industry.

Bodnar said that based on the review, the commission “believes the proposal is not consistent with the goals and objectives of the Middle Carbon County Comprehensive Plan and the Carbon County Comprehensive and Greenway Plan “which aims to protect natural resources, supply and quality drinking water.

“The proposed amendment doesn’t take into consideration updated Zoning Attachment 7 Special District Area, yard and height regulations to the restrictions proposed to be adopted with this proposed amendment,” Bodnar said. “We believe this is a borough issue regarding land development requirements within the Mauch Chunk Creek watershed.”