Agenda - 05-19-1998 - 9h - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 2. Improving Information Base for Decision-Making/Building Strong Working Relationships. The Association completed a detailed evaluation of the Environmental Management Commission's draft rules for implementing the Neuse River Basin Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy and submitted extensive written comments to the State during the rulemaking process. Several major concerns were expressed regarding the draft rules: (a) they do not adequately take into account a party's relative contribution to the nitrogen loading problem; (b) they are inequitable; (c) they will not result in cost-effective solutions to the nitrogen loading problem in the Neuse River Estuary; (d) they represent another major unfunded mandate, and will require that local governments incur substantial costs to comply with the rules; and (e) it is very unclear how the State will implement and enforce the proposed rules. 3. Increasing Cost-Effectiveness/Developing Integrated Solutions. In partnership with Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG), the Association requested grant funding from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund for development of a comprehensive strategy for protecting and restoring riparian buffer areas and streambanks in the Upper Neuse River Basin. The grant was approved by the Trust Fund, and the project is now underway through TJCOG. The study is expected to (a) assist local governments, land trusts and others in developing grant proposals for riparian buffer protection efforts, and (b) help funding agencies target the use of funds that may be available for riparian buffer protection efforts. 4. Improving Information Base for Decision-Making/Developing a True Local-State Partnership. The Association has undertaken an evaluation of local and state sediment and erosion control programs, and is now studying recent proposals for strengthening the State's sedimentation pollution control program. The Association's Technical Advisory Committee is currently preparing a draft position statement on these proposals. 5. Increasing Cost-Effectiveness. The Association, in cooperation with Triangle J Council of Governments, has provided local governments with information and assistance concerning the development of grant proposals to the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. One Association member, the Town of Hillsborough, has received tentative approval for a $254,000 grant from the Trust Fund for acquisition of riparian lands along the Eno River. THE ASSOCIA.TION'S PLANNED FUTURE ACTIVITIES The Association's Board of Directors has concluded that the Association should develop a comprehensive, integrated watershed management plan for the Upper Neuse River Basin. The proposed plan would be developed in partnership with the State, and would support and build upon existing local and state government water resource management efforts. In accord with the provisions of Senate Bill 114, the plan would include: (a) an assessment of water quality and related water quantity management in the Upper Neuse River Basin; (b) a description of the goals and objectives for protection and improvement of water quality and related water quantity management in the basin; (c) a workplan that describes proposed water quality protection strategies, including point and nonpoint source programs, for achieving the specified goals and objectives; and implementation strategy including the specified tasks, timetables for action, and implementation responsibilities of State and local agencies; and sources of funding, where applicable; and LTNR.BA Executive Summary (2/98)