Orange County NC Website
Orange County Commission for the Environment <br /> DRAFT Meeting Summary <br /> March 14, 2022; 7:30 pm <br /> virtual Zoom Meeting <br /> methodical, inclusive analysis of alternatives, the OWASA Board of Directors has <br /> determined that augmenting local water supplies (Cane Creek Reservoir, University <br /> Lake, and the Quarry Reservoir)with treated Jordan Lake water is the most viable <br /> alternative for providing resilient, high quality, and cost-effective drinking water for <br /> years to come. They considered other alternatives,but they did not perform as well <br /> against a multi-factor suite of guiding principles that considered drinking water quality, <br /> the ability to improve the resilience and reliability of the water supply, cost, <br /> environmental impacts, and social impacts. There is a Partnership of local water utilities <br /> that are moving forward to design and build a new intake and water treatment plant on <br /> the western side of Jordan Lake and OWASA currently faces a near-term decision on if <br /> and how they want to engage with them to access their allocation of water in Jordan <br /> Lake. Following an informative presentation, OWASA staff answered questions from <br /> CFE members. Concern over treatment of emerging contaminants recently found in <br /> Jordan Lake was present and OWASA staff reassured that the water treatment plant <br /> would be state of the art and specifically designed for these specific contaminants. <br /> VII. Committee Breakouts <br /> The CFE broke out into committee assignments to discuss goals/projects for the year. <br /> VIII. Updates and Information Items <br /> - Chris Hirni informed the CFE that due to Orange County lifting the emergency <br /> declaration in response to COVID, April would be the last meeting that the CFE <br /> could hold virtually. Concern present by a few members over whether or not they <br /> could attend the in-person meetings virtually and Chris Hirni stated that the new <br /> DEAPR facility should have zoom room capabilities by May. Kim Piracci stated that <br /> they could talk more about it at the next meeting. <br /> - Kim Piracci informed CFE members that the April CFE meeting would be dedicated <br /> to Earth Day discussion and planning, so be thinking about it. Kim Piracci asked how <br /> many tables would be available and Wesley Poole verified that the CFE could have <br /> more than one table but may need to bring the extra tables with them. Kim <br /> Livingston stated that the Eno River Association had plenty tables available for use. <br /> IX. Adjournment <br /> Veronica Penn Beattie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 pm; seconded by Kristie <br /> Mather; all in favor: none opposed; motion passed. <br /> Page 2 of 2 <br />