Agenda - 08-17-1993 - VIII-H - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 noted that this project (1) looks for long term trends in water quality; (2) looks for differences between watersheds; and (3) looks for trace amounts of toxic materials in the water, Dr. Moreau said this monitoring program does not monitor non-point pollution from particular areas nor does it examine wet-weather flows. Mary Cates asked if new federal stormwater management requirements would relate to this effort. Terry Rolan responded that some wet-weather monitoring would be required. He cautioned that sophisticated monitoring is expensive; the current program costs approximately $500,000 per year in combined federal, state, and local funds and in-kind contributions. Becky Heron noted the success of the watershed studies for Lake Michie and Little River, with the involvement of all the affected jurisdictions, and how its recommendations have become the "bible" for development in the watersheds. Mary Watson Nooe felt-that the question of whether a study was needed had not been answered. Anne Franklin said she was slow to warm to the idea of a study; we do not need a broad, general study that tells us what we already know, but we must first determine what questions jurisdictions want answered. Avery Upchurch presented a proposal to form an association with the six counties and the five municipalities in the Falls Lake Watershed to analyze all the data, identify problems and find solutions. Most of the local officials said their governments would approve this proposal. Vernon Malone cautioned against forming a body that would duplicate action being done by any other group in the region. Bill Bell said he needed to be pragmatic since counties must adopt watershed ordinances by the end of the year and asked if this association would help or hinder Durham County in formulating its watershed regulations. Harry Rodenhizer noted that the association would probably move more slowly and would not help or hinder local governments getting watershed ordinances passed. Avery Upchurch noted that Raleigh may, for example, need to buy easements along streams in Person County to protect the water in Falls Lake. Jon Howes said the association was a desirable group for the State to work with and Triangle J should staff the association. Vernon Malone said supporting both organizations will be difficult. Becky Heron said Triangle J should organize and staff this association. Ellen Reckhow said that any association would be menaingful only to the degree it sets goals and objectives. Mary Watson Nooe said we seem to want an answer, but she does not think there is a single answer. 5 o Decision of Which Options to Pursue Vernon Malone said that Wake County was more than wiling to participate but wanted to know what would be involved other than taking? Avery Upchurch said that the governing boards that are directly involved need to come together. Jon Howes said that the DEHNR needs some group it can turn to for guidance on the study if it is funded. He felt the less formal any group was, the better at this stage. Vernon Malone suggested that managers and planners could be on the association and report to the elected officials when policy matters are discussed. Anne Franklin said that policymakers need to be kept informed. Mary Watson Nooe moved that Triangle J send Mayor Upchurch's proposal to all of the governments in the Falls Lake Watershed and ask them to review it and notify Triangle J by September 1 of their position on the proposal. Harry Rodenhizer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Secretary Howes said he would be involved in the association. Hearing no further business, Mary Cates adjourned the meeting.