Agenda - 10-14-2014 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

I Consensus Principles Consensus Principle #9 includes the following with regard to the development of the Falls Lake Rules: "...relied on a limited database which will be substantially enhanced by a more rigorous program of sampling, monitoring and analysis." Furthermore: "The EMC [Environmental Management Commission] should therefore begin a re- examination of its nutrient management strategy for Falls Lake by January 1, 2018. The re- examination should consider, among other things, (i) the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the Lake with a focus on nutrient loading impacts and the potential for achieving the Stage 1 goal by 2021 as well as the feasibility of both achieving the Stage 2 reduction goals and meeting the water quality standard for chlorophyll -a in the Upper Lake, (ii) the cost of achieving, or attempting to achieve, the Stage 2 reduction goals and meeting the water quality standard for chlorophyll -a in the Upper Lake, (iii) the existing uses in the Upper Lake and whether alternative water quality standards would be sufficient to protect those existing uses... ". Consensus Principle #10 states: "The limited resources available to DWQ [Division of Water Quality, now Division of Water Resources - DWR] and DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] for the implementation of the nutrient management strategy and the need for a robust and active sampling and monitoring program, as well as additional modeling, make it desirable for the affected local governments to share resources and undertake these important activities, and other activities associated with the re- examination of the Nutrient Management Strategy, collectively. The affected local governments should share resources and assist with funding for the examination of the Nutrient Management Strategy." UNRBA Projects Given the challenges with meeting Stage II of the Falls Lake Rules, as well as the guidelines outlined in the Consensus Principles document, the UNRBA is already either working on, or is planning to begin, the following projects: • Estimation of nutrient sources and jurisdictional loading of nutrients to Falls Lake • Modeling the response of Falls Lake to nutrient input and internal lake processes • Monitoring of changes in the lake as a result of compliance activities in the watershed • The linkage of water quality conditions to the designated uses of Falls Lake • Estimation of BMP credits for measures without DWR - established credits • Support of various options under the existing regulatory framework in North Carolina The UNRBA has retained a consultant to help examine options for meeting the requirements of Stage II the Falls Lake Rules while incorporating the goals of the Consensus Principles. According to the Framework for a Re- examination of Stage 11 of the Falls Nutrient Strategy prepared by the consultant, CardnoEntrix: "The re- examination should consider existing data, models, nutrient management strategies, the Consensus Principles, water quality standards (including designated uses and water quality criteria), implementation costs, and regulatory flexibility."