Orange County NC Website
Orange County SE & SC Ordinance October 23 2007 <br />A. Stormwater runoff carries pollutants into water supply reservoirs, <br />degrading water quality. These pollutants include, but are not limited to, <br />organic and inorganic chemicals. <br />B. The increase in nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen will accelerate <br />eutrophication of water supply reservoirs, adversely affecting flora and <br />fauna. <br />C. The improper channelization of watercourses and drainage areas in the <br />University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds will increase the <br />velocity of runoff, thereby increasing erosion and sedimentation. <br />D. The alteration of the natural topography and removal of vegetation will <br />increase erosion by increasing velocity of runoff. <br />E. The siltation of water bodies resulting from increased erosion will decrease <br />the capacity of the water bodies to hold and transport water, and harm flora <br />and fauna. <br />F. Sedimentation further reduces water quality because it transports pollutants <br />into the water, then releases them in the water as it settles. <br />G. Impervious surfaces will increase the volume and rate of stormwater <br />runoff. This allows less water to percolate into the soil, thereby decreasing <br />groundwater recharge. Increased velocity of runoff also reduces the <br />filtering effect of the soil. <br />H. Improperly managed stormwater runoff will increase the incidence of <br />flooding and the level of floods which occur. <br />Section 2.2 Objectives of Regulations Applicable to University Lake, Cane Creek, <br />and Upper Eno Watersheds <br />The regulations set forth in this Ordinance applicable to the University Lake, Cane <br />Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds are designed: <br />1. To protect and maintain the chemical, physical and biological quality and <br />integrity of water supply reservoirs within these watersheds and other <br />critical watershed areas. <br />2. To prevent harm to the residents of the community by prohibiting activities <br />which adversely affect water supply reservoirs as a public water supply. <br />3. To encourage the protection of natural systems and the utilization of these <br />systems in a manner which does not impair their beneficial functioning. <br />2 <br />