Agenda - 03-10-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 with the increasing use of septic systems. The problem, though, may be greater than is readily apparent. Failing systems are not usually reported to the Health Department until they create a serious enough nuisance to the homeowner or neighbor. The few problems with failing septic systems in the area that have been identified are primarily a result of installation in poor soils. Other failing systems can be attributed to improper maintenance and installation . A parallel does exist, though, between housing density and pollution problems caused by failing systems. As development increases it should be expected that the number of reported system failures will also increase. Groundwater quality does not seem to be a problem in the Rural Buffer, but the potential for degradation is strong. Because of the parallel between density and septic system failures, increasing development could increase the hazard of groundwater pollution. A more serious threat to groundwater quality, specific to the Old Field Creek sub-basin, is posed by the Orange Regional Landfill . Monitoring of wells In the Eubanks area near the landfill during 1984 and 1985 found some levels of acidity, turbidity, and coliform bacteria higher than those recommended safe in some unprotected wells. The levels found, however, did not pose an immediate or serious health hazard. s � Leachate contamination from the landfill is a potential problem for more than just the area i mmediately surrounding the landfill site. The flow of groundwater tends to follow slope and the landfill sits near the headwaters of Old Field Creek. Any leachate contamination could thus cause water quality problems along the creek corridor to its confluence with New Hope Creek. Degree of slope can affect soil depth, septic tank location, and building sites. Hydrology and soil erosion are directly affected by slope. Slope was one determinant for Resource Protection area in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan, and those over 15% are considered unsuitable for development. Topographically, the Rural Buffer is typical of the North Carolina Piedmont, with gently rolling upland made up of rounded hills and V-shaped valleys. Areas with slopes of greater than 15% are strewn throughout the area. They Include much of the Southern Triangle, creek corridors, and surrounding prominent high points such as Blackwood Mountain and Bald Mountain. Areas prone to flooding are few in the Rural Buffer, confined primarily to creek corridors. Even along New Hope Creek and other major streams in the Rural Buffer the 100 year floodplain ( 1 in 100 chance of occurring in a given year) rarely extends more than 300 feet from the stream center .