Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
6 <br /> FALLS LAKE WORKING GROUP <br /> June 22, 1993 <br /> NC Supercomputing Center <br /> AGENDA <br /> 1 . Welcome and Introductions <br /> Mary Cates, Raleigh City Councillor and Vice Chairman of TJCOG, opened the meeting <br /> and welcomed the guests. Harry Rodenhizer asked that all governmental agencies with land in the <br /> Falls Lake Watershed be invited to these meetings. He asked to look at more than the Falls Lake <br /> watershed. Ellen Reckhow said Durham officials are concerned about Jordan Lake also. Avery <br /> Upchurch noted that it is important to look both at the basin above Falls Lake and the flow of the <br /> Neuse River below Raleigh. John Hodges-Copple noted that if this approach to Falls Lake proved <br /> worthwhile, a similar effort could be undertaken for Jordan Lake. <br /> 2 . Selection of Working Group Chairperson <br /> Mary Cates suggested that this item be done later in the meeting because elected officials <br /> were coming in late from other meetings. <br /> 3 . Display Map of Falls Lake Watershed <br /> Falls Lake Watershed extends into six counties. Anne Franklin asked about the watershed <br /> regulations passed in other counties. Granville County has defined the critical area as a little larger <br /> than 1/2 mile. Ed Holland asked the group to consider the protection the sub-basins above Falls <br /> Lake create in terms of trapping pollution and thus keeping it out of the Lake. Ellen Reckhow <br /> asked for additional information about Person and Granville County. Mr. Stonebraker said that <br /> sewage from an industrial park is pumped north and goes into a treatment plant in the Kerr Lake <br /> watershed. He said that stormwater run off is taken care of. Dr. Moreau noted that the scientific <br /> literature does not support fine distinctions between how, say, 1/2 acre versus 1 acre lots affect <br /> water quality. <br /> 4 . Discussion of Options for Watershed Management <br /> Dr. David Moreau recommends a watershed management program that goes beyond the <br /> State's minimum requirements. He suggests (1) tracking the development in the watershed; (2) <br /> begin monitoring the non point source pollution coming into the lake; (3) monitor the lake itself; <br /> and (4) add an inspection program for small wastewater dischargers. Dr. Moreau recommends <br /> programs to increase the data collection that would increase information for local government. Jon <br /> Howes said the Department of Environment, Health & Natural Resources has the statutory <br /> responsibility to assure clean drinking water across the state. He stated that the Department is <br /> prepared to work with local governments. <br /> Senator Lubeke has introduced legislation that if passed would have $150,000 for a <br /> watershed study of Falls Lake. Vernon Malone asked if this were enough and questioned where <br /> any additional funds would come from to fund such a study. Secretary Howes said that $150,000 <br /> would not be enough for a comprehensive watershed study, but could be used for a focused set of <br /> studines. Secretary Howes added that the Department would want to see evidence of local <br /> commitment, but can not require it. He noted that a monitoring program would still be important <br /> even if studies are conducted. Becky Heron said she hoped the $150,000 would be used to study <br /> the upper Falls basin to determine what kind of development can and should take place there. Ms. <br /> Heron listed numerous studies and EIS's related to the Falls Lake watershed and suggested that <br /> data from these studies should be analyzed and addressed by this group. She suggested that a good <br /> first step would be to scope out the particulars of a study, based on what is already known. Terry <br /> Rolan said the Triangle Area Monitoring program monitors the water in Falls Lake. Ed Holland <br />