Agenda - 05-06-2003 - 6b - Laserfiche WebLink

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a 2 The 2002 report uses a set of 22 environmental indicators, along with accompanying tables, charts and maps, to produce a snapshot of the County's environmental status in the year 2002. The report is limited to the CfE focus areas of Air Resources, Biological Resources, and Water Resources. The CfE has a committee dedicated to each of these areas, along with a fourth committee on Environmental Education. After sifting through all of the information and data gathered, the report identified five critical issues for the County and offered 10 recommendations. The critical issues identified included: • A 31 % increase in the amount of developed land per capita • The Triangle's ground -level ozone issues and impending air quality non - attainment for the region ❑ Conversion, destruction and degradation of habitat for native flora and fauna ❑ The adequacy of water resources — and a 15% increase in per capita water usage ❑ The need for increased attention to groundwater The recommendations in the report include proposals such as: • Working proactively to address the impending ground -level ozone non - attainment designation (April 2004), by inventorying emissions, working with regional partners and creating a short-term committee and staff to address air quality issues • Empowering the Lands Legacy Program, in conjunction with other conservation partners, to ensure that 10% of the County's land area is permanently protected by 2010 ( "Ten By '10 "), and that focus be given to natural areas, prime forests and habitat connectivity ❑ Facilitate the planning for wastewater reclamation programs to decrease the future demand on water resources, and follow -up on ground water contamination incidents and other ground water issues An abbreviated version of the report presentation will be made by staff and CfE members. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None associated with presentation of the report. However, the report recommendations generally call for additional financial and human resources in future years for land, water and air conservation. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation and provide feedback as desired.