Orange County NC Website
~.~c <br />and the lances draining directly ir_to the reservior constituter; the critical <br />area. <br />Con~rnissioner Lloyd requested the supporting data showing this is <br />where the water critical area should be. Collins indicated several sources <br />of documentation and research studies by the University of P7orth Carolina <br />and other universities. <br />Corvaissioner j~hitted indicated that Secretary Grimsley and now <br />Secretar; Summers has convened a task force:, to convince local government <br />officials to initiate a plan for the protection of water supply and <br />watersheds. In the absence of local governments coming up with an <br />acceptable plan, the state will be bound to take action because of the <br />investment they have made in the Jordan, Falls and Neuse Lakes and the <br />critical need for this water. He explained .that the identification o~ <br />vrater quality critical areas addresses not only the different particles in <br />the water but vrhat gets into the water, how it gets there and a way to <br />provide same reasonable protection to keep it out. All Counties are faced <br />with the protection of their watersheds. If it is not done locally, the <br />state will do it. <br />Commissioner Lloyd e::pressed disagreement with going into one <br />township and determining the water cruality critical area without doing it <br />county-wide to determine the full irnpact. He noted that with proper <br />precautions there is na reason for industry not to locate within these <br />watershed areas which would provide jobs and increase the tax base. <br />Commissioner 6~dhitted explained the reason for not extending water <br />'- or sewage is that it is not economically feasible unless you have <br />development and if you have development you won't hive water quality. <br />There is a need to have identified water quality critical areas with the <br />appropriate tools in place to protect the water supply. <br />Gordon Brown, a landowner and attorney representing landowners <br />within the water quality critical area, referred to the ordinance in which <br />all corunercial and industrial use will be prohibited and emphasized that <br />with modern technology there is no reason to assume that Commercial and <br />Industrial uses are always incompatible with good water quality care. <br />Brown referred to his suggestion that a special use procedure be adopted to <br />consiGer uses under certain conditions whereby each request can be <br />_ considered fairly on a case by case basis and whereby the County can be <br />'selective. There are a number of uses in the -zoning ordinance that would <br />not pose any threat to the water quality in Orange County. He questioned <br />the definition of "commercial" and "industry" in the ordinance. He <br />requested that words be clarified in the ordinance; that the.ardinarce is <br />__, insufficient in its legal expression for its purpose and is too rigid in <br />terms of the people issue and their constitutional rights. <br />-•- Commissioner t~Thitted indicated that industrial development is <br />only prohibited in the water quality critical areas and there is available <br />land for economic development. This plan provides for the protection of <br />the water supply and also provides land for economic development. <br />Collins noted the special uses as contained in Article ~ - (See <br />~ ~"~ in the permanent file) <br />Broom noted there is no provision for special use procedure under <br />this ordinance and would not permit a major transmission line. <br />Lindsey Efland, businessman and landowner, noted the process <br />involving the advisory township council as outlined was not followed. <br />A7sn. the water cuality critical area ciasianation should ne countywide. <br />