Orange County NC Website
151 <br /> RURAL MUER ,STUDY <br /> POLICY ANALYSIS - PHASE 2 <br /> Issues vs Policies <br /> HEALTU �, SAFETY <br /> The following health and safety issues were identified <br /> in the DATA & ANALYSIS phase of the study: <br /> (1) Together with slope, topographic relief is a direct <br /> influence on the water table and the location of streams <br /> and waterways, as well as soil erosion. Therefore any <br /> alterations in topographic relief or slope gradient may <br /> have far reaching effects on the entire area. <br /> (2) There are probably more moderate and severe soils than <br /> indicated by the soil maps due to the soil suitability <br /> matrix used. <br /> (3) Areas with soils unsuitable for conventional septic tank <br /> usage present an obstacle to development. Alternative <br /> sanitation systems tend to cost more, require more land <br /> for operation, or perform less effective. <br /> (4) The increasing use, and increasing density, of septic <br /> tanks contribute to the potential risk of groundwater <br /> contamination especially during low flow conditions. <br /> (5) Local residents have expressed concerns over the absence <br /> of an environmental impact study prior to the acquisi- <br /> tion of the potential landfill site. They fear a second <br /> landfill will be a potential source of groundwater <br /> contamination. <br /> (6) Continued development in the Rural Buffer will increase <br /> the need for volunteer fire protection and rescue <br /> service as well as for police protection from the Orange <br /> County Sheriff's Department. <br /> (7) In response to the acquisition of the potential landfill <br /> site, residents have expressed concern over its <br /> proximity to schools. <br /> Comparing/contrasting the issues with policies, goals, <br /> objectives, proposals, and standards identified in phase I of <br /> POLICY ANALYSIS yields: <br /> Practically all of the issues identified relate to the <br /> soil and its suitability/unsuitability for septic tanks and <br /> landfills. On the other hand, the policies, goals, objec- <br /> tives, proposals, and standards deal almost exclusively with <br /> University Lake Watershed and there is little common ground <br /> between the issues and policies. <br /> Issue 1, if given a very general interpretation, agrees <br /> fairly well with Policy 1. <br /> Issue 2 is not addressed. <br />