Agenda - 08-26-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NORTH CAROLINA LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMENTS PUBLIC HEARINGS N.C. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION(EMC) PROPOSED RECLASSIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO RULES FOR SURFACE WATER SUPPLY WATERSHEDS PURSUART TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF HB 156 August 15,1991 at Raleigh, N.C. The League of Women Voters of N.C. strongly supports State Government role as set forth in HB 156 and worked for its passage in the 1989 Legislature. HB 156, Water Supply Watershed Protection Act, established a cooperative program between the state and local governments to protect and enhance the quality of state "ace Water Drinkin Water .S lies..6 �y 6ae commend t hard work of the Environment-at Ma Bement Commission that passed good regulations in December 1990 after the recommen- dations of the Water Supply Watershed Protection Advisory Council. We do not want to see them weakened. HB 156 was written without a stated goal but we suggest a goal of "Minimal degradation over the next 20 ears" which has been stated as a goal is several water quality reservoir studies in the state. The recommended four proposed Water Supply Classifications provide flexibility for local governments to provide the highest water protection possible depending on their local watershed character- istics. It is suggested that the state use the term "Most Protective Appropriate" classification. Water Supply Watersheds of local governments that have already reached the higher classifications should automatically continue in that protective class. It will be important to encourage local governments to write local ordi- nances that.will provide a protective land use plan for their present and future water supplies. Citizens need to take part in forming the watershed ordinance and to know that regulations in a protective local ordinance once adopted will continue to be in place. Lc=al governments that have responsibility_for a protection program for a portion of a watershed in their jurisdiction, but not their water supply, should work regionally with that water supply govern- ment through interlocal agreement which should include monitoring. The position of the League of Women Voters of North Carolina is for WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION THAT WILL PREVENT POLLUTION. 1. Ne support the one --mile Critical Area as well as the five -mile Protected .Area. . _. 2. We support the rules on wastewater discharges and limits on development densities. The most effective practice for highest water protection is low density development particularly in the Critical and Protected areas. Stormwater flowing across impervious surfaces such as roof tons, parsing lots and roads picks up pollut- ants that can result in serious impact on water quality. Buffer zones are also needed to prevent damage from episodic events such as spills and extra heavy storm run -off. 3. We support the 100 foot buffers on perennial streams. 801 Oberlin Road SUIte 325 Raleigh, N.C. 27605 919/839 -5532