Agenda - 01-27-2009 - 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 1/27/09 Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Rules (proposed) Staff Report- Implications for Orange County January 27, 2009 In the next month, the N.C. General Assembly will begin consideration of new rules that have been crafted by the NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) and approved by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to reduce nutrient loading in B. Everett Jordan Reservoir (Jordan Lake). The following document provides an overview of the implications of the rules for Orange County's jurisdiction and County government programs. It should be noted that a similar program of rules is already in place for the Neuse River Basin — although the proposed thresholds of activity for the Jordan Lake watershed are quite different. u;�'L� s ; , is ''" ^` Why? To address algal blooms in the lake that affect water quality. Algal growth is caused by heightened levels of nutrients. In Jordan Lake, reductions in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the primary nutrients being addressed. Who is Affected? The entire watershed upstream of Jordan Lake, as shown on Map 1 (which includes Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Orange County, Burlington and Greensboro among other locations) is subject to the new rules, although special nutrient reduction measures are targeted to three sub-areas (or"arms"); the Upper New Hope, Lower New Hope, and Haw. Local governments, all wastewater providers, agricultural operations, and new and existing development are affected. Please see Map 2 for the areas affected in Orange County. When Do the Rules Take Effect? The EMC and NCDWQ have proposed an effective date of summer 2009, but the actual effective date will be set by the General Assembly when and if the rules are enacted. When Must the Rules be Fully Implemented? Generally, within 10 years. Local governments must have one-half of the necessary stormwater reductions implemented within 10 years, or have an alternate plan for reduction.