Agenda - 10-05-2004-10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Directors THROUGH: Ed Kerwin FROM: Ed Holland DATE: September 17, 2004 SUBJECT: Update on .Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategy [rMuch of tl:e background infornzation provided in this nzenzo is takerz fz-onz a Deceznber 3, 200.3 update z°eport that appeared in the Board's agenda package of Decenzber 11, 20037 Baclttround The "Jordan Lake Stakeholder Project" is a joint effort of the NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ), Triangle .I Council of Govenunents (TJCOG), and Piedmont Triad Council of Govenunents (PTCOG) to provide a framework for a variety of stakeholders to address concerns about water quality degradation caused by increasing levels of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) in .Jordan Lake. Recormnendations from this process are intended to help the NC Environmental Management Conunission (EMC) develop a nuhient management strategy for the 1,700-square mile Jordan Lake watershed and address specific water quality problems in the lake's Upper New Hope Arm, which is immediately downstream of Chapel Hill and Durhazn azid much of the Reseazch Triangle Park. A key tool for evaluating a range of management options has been the Jordan Lahe Nutrient Response Model, which was developed at a cost of $400,000 by nine local governments, including OWASA. Water Quality Concerns Excessive nutrients (TN and TP) from point and nonpoint sources degrade water quality by supporting excessive levels of algae, which can impair the recreational, aquatic habitat, and water supply value of a waterbody. .Jordan Lake's Upper New Hope Arm is subject to these conditions, and consequently is under a "TMDL" (Total Maximum Daily Load) regulatory process, tluough which the EMC will deternrine (a) the maximum nutrient loads that can be accommodated while achieving applicable water quality