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13 <br /> V <br /> rM � <br /> COUNTY OF * WAKE <br /> ap <br /> RALEIGH , NORTH CAROLINA <br /> June1998 <br /> One of the many challenges we face in an area that is growing as rapidly as Wake County is in <br /> 4 <br /> finding a balance between economic development to support our residents and businesses and <br /> protecting our environment . <br /> To date , Wake County has dealt very admirably with environmental issues ranging from landfills <br /> to septic systems to countywide water and sewer needs . However, as the population continues to <br /> grow, these issues also grow increasingly complex . Meeting this challenge will require <br /> commitment and cooperation from the County , all of our municipalities and our citizens . <br /> For its part , Wake County has taken steps to more effectively focus on environmental issues . In <br /> February of this year , we created a new Department of Environmental Services that is <br /> responsible for urban and rural water quality , air quality , stormwater issues , inspections of <br /> restaurants and other public facilities , solid waste disposal and recycling , and environmental <br /> education and information . By combining the resources that previously were under different <br /> departments and by continuing to coordinate its efforts with municipalities , Wake County is <br /> demonstrating its continued commitment to focus on the protection of our environment and to a <br /> high quality of life . <br /> The report you are holding is yet another demonstration of this commitment . The Wake County <br /> Environmental Network, which is comprised of 18 agencies , is nationally recognized for its <br /> efforts to educate and inform the public about important environmental topics . This <br /> Environmental Quality Indicators Report , prepared by County staff along with the City of <br /> Raleigh ' s Environmental Quality Advisory Board , is a tremendous step toward raising public <br /> awareness and providing us with a way to measure our progress in coming years . By using the <br /> latest technical data available , the report is intended as a tool to assist elected officials and <br /> citizens in making informed decisions about environmental policies and actions . <br /> f, <br /> {t{l{ <br /> I ' <br /> We are very proud of the Network for its enthusiasm and dedication to the environmental "big <br /> picture " in Wake County . We hope that you will find this an enlightening and useful tool in your <br /> own work and studies , and that you will join us in ensuring that Wake County remains a great <br /> place to live , work , learn and play ! <br /> Cordially , <br /> Richard Y . Stevens <br /> County Manager <br /> i <br />