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53 <br />(RFQ) to select a firm to complete this required scientific study. <br />The RFQ will be released for peer review /comment by November <br />23, 2015_ As part of this process staff will be reaching out to the <br />Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA) who may be able <br />to provide assistance. <br />At this time staff is unsure how much this study will cost but <br />estimates range from approximately $40,000.00 to $80,000.00. It <br />should be noted funds for this study do not exist within the <br />Planning Department budget. <br />This study needs to be completed and submitted to the EMC by <br />August of 2016. <br />The EMC has 90 days to take action on the request and should <br />make a final decision by November of 2016. <br />It has also been suggested by State staff we submit formal <br />notification by February 1, 2016 of our intention to complete and <br />submit a scientific study for review. <br />This is the exception we are pursuing to maintain our current <br />standards as written. <br />2. Local governments shall not treat land within identified riparian buffers area as if <br />the land is: `the property of the State or any of its subdivisions unless the land or <br />an interest therein has been acquired by the State or its subdivisions by a <br />conveyance or by eminent domain'. <br />STAFF COMMENT. Staff believes we already comply with this <br />standard. <br />3. Riparian buffer areas are required to be denoted on subdivision plats. <br />STAFF COMMENT: Staff believes we already comply with this <br />standard. <br />It should be known, however, State law does not require this area <br />to be surveyed (i.e. established by actual field location /delineation <br />by a surveyor). All the surveyor has to do is denote the <br />approximate required buffer area. We may have to withdraw the <br />survey requirement. <br />4. When riparian buffers are located within designated common areas or open <br />space areas located within a minor /major subdivision each abutting parcel shall <br />be viewed as having an equal interest in that buffer area. The County is required <br />to allow adjacent lots to `count' this buffer area towards lot size, density, <br />perimeter buffer, and conservation purposes. <br />STAFF COMMENT. Staff believes we already comply with this <br />standard. <br />5. Staff interprets the Session Law as prohibiting the County from requiring property <br />owners from voluntarily agreeing to more restrictive riparian buffer standards in <br />