Wadmalaw Island residents and environmentalists are concerned that zoning changes proposed by Charleston County might slash the public process used to alter wetland boundaries and the vegetated buffers meant to protect them.

For some time now, the county has had in place a 35-foot setback buffer on the so-called critical line that keeps impact away from marsh areas. To be able to encroach on that buffer for reasons such as adding a pool, deck or to excavate, owners would have to argue a hardship before the Board of Zoning Appeals, which determines if a zoning variance is warranted.

But a proposed ordinance passed by County Council on first reading July 12 would give the zoning and planning director permission to make that determination for the creation of a mitigation bank.