Agenda - 08-05-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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as deemed necessary. Secondly, local governments may also request the special designation of "critical watershed" for those watersheds where special protection measures are deemed warranted. Although not stated, it is assumed that local governments with watersheds studies to justify special measures may use such studies as evidence for such a designation. University Lake watershed in 1989 was given standards which, except for impervious surfaces and stream buffers, are considerably more stringent than the state's proposed minimums. In addition, the new Cane Creek watershed will have a watershed study completed in 1992 that may recommend protective measures beyond the minimums. Both of these water supplies provide water to County residents. The Town of Chapel Hill and OWASA have indicated that they may petition the EMC for "critical watershed " status on both of these watersheds at the August 15 hearing. Finally, the City of Durham has a completed watershed study for the Little and Flat River watersheds that also recommends more protective measures, including different definition of "critical areas ". As such, these watersheds may be eligible for similar actions. Possible 'v A. Join with Chapel Hill and OWASA in requesting "critical watershed" status for University Lake and Cane Creek. Consider possibility of defining criteria for such a request, and thus adding other qualifying watersheds. B. Propose watershed studies be commissioned to study Orange County water supplies for similar status. C. Consider disposition toward similar request for non - Orange County water supplies such as Little and Flat Rivers. Linkage to Equity Considerations (above) should be part of discussion. D. Oppose designation of "critical watershed" status unless specific evidence can be shown for such designation. E. Propose using local government's right to expand critical areas as an alternative approach. 65