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138 <br /> that it serves, as is currently required. It is <br /> further recommended that acreage limits which apply <br /> within Rural Activity Nodes be reviewed and modified <br /> as needed to account for acreage needs associated <br /> with project infrastructure. <br /> The next issue reviewed by Willis was the use of <br /> regional BMPs as opposed to individual on-site BMPs. <br /> On-site detention ponds may pose significant <br /> problems in developing lots for non-residential use, <br /> particularly lots that are relatively small, such as <br /> individual businesses on one or two-acre lots . A <br /> pond for a small development would probably cover <br /> 1/2 acre or more, with the specific location <br /> dictated by topography. <br /> At this time, the State mandate makes no provision <br /> for the development of regional facilities. Several <br /> jurisdictions, including Orange County have <br /> discussed the issue with DEM staff. Use of regional <br /> BMPs to satisfy the State mandate may be possible, <br /> but will require close work with DEM to develop <br /> acceptable design and other standards. <br /> In addition to design standards for the facilities <br /> themselves, there is the issue of funding. If a <br /> regional facility is to satisfy detention pond <br /> requirements for individual developments, then that <br /> facility must be constructed before a Certificate of <br /> Occupancy can be issued for the development. There <br /> is little reliable information on cost estimates for <br /> regional detention ponds in North Carolina. <br /> According to DEM, the data that is available <br /> pertains to other areas in the country where cost <br /> factors differ from those likely to be encountered <br /> in this area. The only locale in North Carolina <br /> which has any experience with regional BMPs is High <br /> Point and that experience is somewhat limited. <br /> Regional BMPs facilities would most likely be <br /> constructed by the County. The costs could be <br /> recouped through establishing a special assessment <br /> district or collecting impact fees. Until such time <br /> as a regional facility was in place and functioning, <br /> new development would be required to provide an on- <br /> site BMP sufficient to serve the development until <br /> the regional BMP was completed. <br /> Regional BMPs may, in the long term, be a desirable <br /> approach to stormwater management. However, it is <br /> an issue that will require significant study to <br /> estimate cost, and to develop funding alternatives. <br />