Orange County NC Website
14'7 <br />about the golf course and the use of pesticides. Research studies are showing <br />that turf grasses are the very best pollution control methods they have right. <br />now. In Pennsylvania they did some studies by putting on fertilizer ar. <br />pesticides and then exposing the turf to three to six inches of rain per hour. <br />When they trapped the water that ran off they did not detect high levels of <br />these nutrients or pesticides. He cited other studies where they have not <br />identified problems with the use of pesticides. They have analyzed water from <br />ponds and wells and not found high revels of nutrients or pesticides <br />associated with golf courses. The scientific facts indicate that the <br />perception that golf courses provide large amounts of pollutants is not true. <br />It is only happening where they are not following the recommendations. Some <br />advantages with golf courses is that sludge and compost are being used as <br />fertilizer. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about the levels of pollutants that are <br />present. Mr. Lucas noted that the problem is determining the base level. <br />They must determine what amount is already present and establish a base level. <br />The golf courses have not contributed to the base level or caused an increase. <br />His recommendations include the type of turf grass best for a golf course, <br />silt fences and fertilizer control. Mr. Lucas will provide additional written <br />material for the county Commissioners. <br />Craig Morgan, Environmental Consulting Engineer specializing in <br />water and wastewater management and silt sanitary systems, gave his list of <br />credentials. He noted he takes his ethical responsibility to help protect the <br />health, safety and welfare very seriously. He noted he objectively evaluates <br />the relative dimensions of any controversial environmental issue and screens <br />out irrelevant dimensions. He feels the irrelevant dimension at this time__ <br />is a lot of the specifics of what University Station may or may not be. Wha <br />they do in the Stoney Creek drainage basin is very relevant. The question i.... <br />do they let this be one or two acre development with onsite septic system <br />disposal or encourage the growth and development which will bring sewer and <br />water to this area. Mr. Morgan stated that water and sewer can be on site but <br />it is not without its own environmental consequences. He questioned if it is <br />the responsibility of a developer of a select parcel to protect the entire <br />corridor. He feels that this authority is best left in the hands of the <br />county and the towns. In this drainage basin there is Strayhorn Hills, <br />Colonial Dills and. Joppa Oaks.. Joppa Oaks. and Colonial Hills are - in trouble. <br />Their septic systems are failing. He asked that people who don't wan; this <br />development to talk to people who are trying to sell their homes in these <br />subdivisions. In Strayhorn Hills they cannot expand their homes because they <br />have peeked out with no reserve capacity for their septic systems. These <br />three existing developments are contributing more pollution to the environment <br />and allowing University Station to develop with on site wastewater disposal <br />would not protect the water quality in the area. By putting the sewer in, <br />they will create a mechanism by which they can clean up a lot of the existing <br />development which is causing environmental problems in this section of <br />Hillsborough. With regard to golf course pollution, if they caused pollution <br />as claimed by the opponents, they would have to condemn Pinehurst. They <br />developed a golf course on the banks of the reservoir in Southern Pines. They <br />monitor the runoff and nothing has shown any pollution. <br />Robert Grill, traffic engineer, sated that Mr. Collins has <br />indicated that New Hope Church Road can handle the number of vehicle:- <br />generated by this development. <br />Mr. Cogswell indicated that their intent is not to hurt the <br />environment. They are aiming at middle income people with moderate housing