Agenda - 03-13-2001-1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• FY 2001-2002 FY 1999 2000 f ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DRAFT APPROVED GOAL Adopted: !066121199 Rc e'ised: 0511 1 00 Revised: 11/20/00 WATER RESOURCE QUANTITY AND QUALITY V GOAL STATEMENT: Develop a long-range study and planning process to identify and address the impacts of various land uses and waste treatment options on the quantity and quality of the ground and surface water resources of Orange County, so that these impacts can be factored into long-term planning Goal Initiated/Proposed By: Board of County Commissioners Most Recent Version Adopted by BOCC: June, 1999 STATUS REPORT V This initiative represents an objective first included among the Commissioners'goals for FY 1993-94.A Water Resources Committee was formed in 1993 to oversee work in this area. Currently,the project is in the final year of a three-year Ground Water Resource Investigation in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey. Phase I of this investigation,a report on ground water recharge rates in the county,was completed in October, 1996.Data collection is a continuing part of the project,with all new wells and septic tanks in the county accurately located with GPS(Global Positioning System)receivers.This data resource allows for GIS mapping and coverages which can be overlain for presentation and analysis,a version of which was presented to the Board in December 1998.Public education initiatives are also an important part of the project. A new service for County citizens,the Ground Water Center,began operation in July, 1996.Housed in the Soil and Water District office,the Ground Water Center answers or forward citizen inquiries and questions about ground water issues.As per the adopted goal,the responsibilities for the final stages of the Water Resources project will transition into the Commission for the Environment in the spring of 2001. .The Water Resources Committee will issue a report summarizing its findings and the implications of the USGS report in February,2001.The Water Committee of the Commission for the Environment will then oversee the integration of ground water and surface water plans into the Water Resources Element of the Comprehensive Plan,as currently proposed. FINANCIAL IMPACT/RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS All activities in this project are funded through a special project budget,and all of the funds to complete the project have been allocated.Future costs of ongoing work related to the project are incorporated into the Environment and Resource Conservation Department budget.Completion of this goal will involve the following continuing commitment of existing staff resources from multiple departments: from ERCD,the ERC Director,Resource Conservation Technician,and ERC Administrative Assistant.Additional assistance is provided from the County Engineer,Soil and Water Conservationist, Environmental Health Supervisor,and Cooperative Extension(Neuse River agent)as part of this project.