P-0405 - Orange County Water and Sewer Policy 09-03-1991-G2

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1 ORANGE HATER AND SERER AIITHORITY POLICY FOR EgTENDING HATER AND SEEDER LINES INTO IIPIIVERSZTY LAKE HATERSHED • • Purpose This policy sets forth principles and guidelines for the Authority's water and sewer facilities and services into th watershed. Background 5 extension of the e University Lake In 1987 Orange Water and Sewer Authority commissioned the Camp Dresser S McKee University Lake Watershed Study to provide the Board of Directors and local governing bodies with a reliable basis for implementing land management controls to help assure short and long term protection of the University~Lake water supply. While the study was being conducted and its recommendations were being considered by the local governing bodies, the Authority maintained a moratorium on water and sewer extensions into the watershed. The study, which was completed in March 1989, evaluated a range of development scenarios and utility service options, and determined that low density residential development served by individual wells and septic systems would present the least overall risk to University Lake water quality. Many of the CDM findings and recommendations were incorporated into local land management plans, development ordinances, and regulations amended by the Orange Coun~y Board of Commissioners and Carrboro Board of Aldermen in April and May, 1990. Among the standards for new development were 5- and 2-acre minimum lot requirements, impervious surface limits, and revised stream buffer setbacks. Additionally, Carrboro* and Orange County prohibited community alternative wastewater treatment and disposal systems, as well as public watez.and sewer service, except to correct officially declared health hazards. The County adopted additional language allowing reconsideration of its utility restrictions after special studies that the County expected to be completed by April 30, 1991 . Although Chapel Hill has no planning and zoning jurisdiction in University Lake watershed, the Town Council has nairtaiaed a consistent policy against the extension of public water and sewer service into the watershed. Orange Water and Sewer Authority's Mission and Goals Statement (December, 1988) includes a commitment "to be guided by the land management plans approved by the government units in the area the Authority serves." Polic9 Consistent with findings of the Camp Dresser ~ McKee University Lake [latershed Study, and in accordance with recent positions adopted by Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Certain Carrboro regulations had not been enacted as of the April 25, 1990 effective date of this OEdASA policy, but were proposed for public hearing on May IS, 1990.