Orange County NC Website
11 <br />Potential action strategies to accomplish the Environmental Responsibility (ER) <br />Goal objectives have been developed by advisory boards and departments and <br />reviewed by the Benchmarks and Assessment Subcommittee of the ESAC. A <br />report on the possible next steps has been prepared for future Board review. <br />The Best Workplaces for Commuters Subcommittee report on joining the <br />program and employee commuting options has also been completed for future <br />Board review. <br />Other components of the ER Goal objectives are being implemented through <br />County daily operations and procedures (such as alternative fuel vehicles, waste <br />reduction, energy efficiency, eco- friendly County events and utensils, sustainable <br />forestry, etc). Plans have also been prepared for employee workdays at parks <br />and nature preserve sites to promote institutional understanding of conservation <br />and parks. Water reuse at some new facilities and Orange WellNet (observation <br />well network) implementation is underway to meet water resources objectives. <br />The State of Environment 2009 report has also been prepared and disseminated. <br />Renewable energy projects are also being pursued for County and schools <br />facilities via federal stimulus funds (State Energy Office Renewable Energy <br />Grants). Other energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and education <br />efforts have also been identified. <br />Areas to address in the future include: <br />• Consider and prioritize action strategies to accomplish the 10 ER Goal <br />Objectives. <br />• Consider joining the Best Workplaces for Commuters program and related <br />employee commuting opportunities. <br />• Continue to lobby the NC Division for Air Quality for an ozone monitor in <br />Orange County as part of State network. <br />• Pursue other energy efficiency and renewable energy projects as stimulus <br />funds (via State Energy Office) become available. <br />• Pursue a new Integrated Pest Management and Green Seal chemical <br />policy for County functions. <br />• Consider subsequent land use planning action strategies via <br />Comprehensive Plan for growth management and service- directed <br />development patterns. <br />• Pursue an Information Technologies Policy that promotes energy and <br />paper conservation through technology. <br />Planning <br />The Engineering_ division of the Planning Department, is overseeing the <br />Compressed Natural Gas station upgrade using grant money obtained by <br />Environment and Resource Conservation Department. The project contract <br />should be presented to the BOCC in Spring or early Summer of 2010. <br />