Agenda 05-28-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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C � 02 2 drinking water standards. However, the level of water-borne radon in some portions of the County was worthy of note. Wells tested in a southern-central portion of the County generally west-southwest of Carrboro revealed higher than normal readings. This area conforms generally to an underlying granitic pluton, the likely source of the high radon readings. In all, sixty-seven percent of the radon activities measured in the County exceeded the USEPA proposed maximum contaminant level. However, the evaluation of radon activity is complicated by the difficulty in measuring the aerated radon gas. While elevated and worthy of note, radon activity in Orange County was lower than that measured in Guilford County three years ago. Additional information on water-borne radon, how to test radon activity, and the potential issues were provided in a fact sheet developed by Environmental Health in April 2001. Among the other water quality findings was the incidence of some wells with an elevated level of the naturally-occurring trace metals iron and manganese, which commonly cause staining of plumbing fixtures and other nuisance problems. The Report of the Water Resources Committee from March 2001 pulls together the many findings of the last several years, and assesses the implications of the USGS report. On pages 18-19 of the report are a list of 10 findings by the Committee, followed by six recommendations offered for further consideration by the Commission for the Environment and the Board of Commissioners. These recommendations include: • The need for further research into the radon results in south-central Orange, perhaps in conjunction with Chatham County. • An ongoing ground water monitoring program to evaluate changes over time in areas seeing new development • Consideration for a comprehensive water budget approach to link surface and ground water planning • Review of sustainable ground water yields and land use policies in some watersheds of the County, based on the available information about ground water recharge rates • A requirement that new subdivisions locate not only septic sites but also well sites prior to subdivision approval • The importance of water conservation for ground water based systems Note: Color versions of maps in the Committee report may be found in the accompanying USGS published report. In keeping with the Board's adopted Water Resource Quantity and Quality goal, the Commission for the Environment has assumed the mantle of the ground water project, after a transition meeting with the Water Resources Committee. A new CfE Water Resources Committee has been formed and is reviewing the Committee's report. On April 23, the two groups met to jointly review the Committee's findings and generate ideas on how the County might proceed in this vein. Discussion notes from this meeting are attached. The discussion notes conclude with suggestions related to the (original) Committee recommendations. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving these reports. The Environmental Health Division has procured radon test kits for any citizens interested in testing radon in their homes (air test kits are $5 each and water test kits $10 each) RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the Water Resources Committee report, the USGS report and the discussion points and suggested actions included in the April 23 discussion notes.