1991-10-10_BOCC_PUBLIC HR_00001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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mining and quarry operations. Currently Bingham Township, Tax Map 28,10t 9B is the only property so designated for this type of use. The amendment application requests that the extractive use category be extended to the remaining properties. Amendments to the JPA Land use Plan require the unanimous approval of the governing boards of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County as specified in the Joint Planning Agreement. CP -3 -91 requests the establishment of a Rural industrial Activity Node covering the subject properties. A Rural Industrial Activity Node is land focused on designated road intersections in the rural areas that is appropriate for small scale industrial uses which do not require urban -type services. Such an amendment requires only the approval of the Orange County Commissioners. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE PLANNING STAFF AND /OR THE ELECTED OFFICIALS Town of Chapel Hill Planning Director Roger Walden emphasized that this is an existing use in this watershed area. The key short -term issue in the opinion of he and his staff is water quality. Discussions with OWASA staff and review of reports relevant to the subject indicate a greater concern on OWASA's part toward the possibility of runoff and /or a spill from the existing asphalt plant rather than runoff from quarrying operations. These concerns would be largely addressed by the proposed relocation of the asphalt plant. Associated improvements with the plant relocation would include above- ground storage tanks with containment facilities, a modern plant which would operate at lower temperature, and an improved system of emissions control for air pollutants. The key long -term issue has to do with hydrology. Phil's Creek is shown on the 1983 FEMA floodplain map as having a 100 year floodway approximately 2100 feet in width, crossing the site as described under the "slope" section. This water course has been significantly altered by the existing quarry operations. It is not clear whether the quarry operation could function outside of the floodplain. Environmental review procedures would apply to an expanded quarry. Also, a full environmental impact statement would be required at the time a special use permit was considered. The applicant would address impacts on the floodplain at that point. With regard to the quarry operation, it is Chapel Hill staff's opinion that surface runoff will go into the pit. With regard to the relocation of the asphalt plant, there is currently an asphalt plant in operation and from review of the materials it appears that safety at the plant would be improved by the proposed changes. Chapel Hill planning staff recommends approval of this request. No comments were made by the Carrboro staff. In response to a question regarding why this area needs to be designated as a Rural - Industrial Activity Node and the implications of this designation, Mr. Collins indicated that Agricultural /Industrial would be spot zoning. This activity node is site - specific. The boundary of the activity node follows the boundary of the proposed quarry operation. There would be no other uses associated with it other than the extractive use. Commissioner Gordon requested that more data be gathered as to the effect of the quarry operation on Phils Creek. Also, she indicated that it would be helpful to have information on how an improperly operating asphalt plant could adversely effect the watershed.