Orange County NC Website
6 <br /> helps those in need pay their water and sewer bills. She said they are reassessing the program <br /> to ensure it meets the needs of customers. <br /> Ray DuBose said OWASA was making progress on energy management. He said they <br /> recently built a new solar array at the Cane Creek Reservoir. He said that it will offset '/4 of <br /> electricity used to pump water from the reservoir. He said that the Orange County Climate Action <br /> Grant Program helped fund the solar array. He said an energy management update will be <br /> available in the spring. <br /> Bruce Boehm discussed the western intake partnership. He said Jordan Lake has a single <br /> intake of water that is operated by the Town of Cary. He said the western intake will provide <br /> redundancy and a direct connection to OWASA and is a partnership with the City of Durham, <br /> Town of Pittsboro and Chatham County. He said there was an open house in Chatham County <br /> on January 10 to allow the public to learn more about the project and about 50 people attended. <br /> He said they expressed appreciation for the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. <br /> He said that the partnership is in early stages and OWASA will continue to provide updates to the <br /> community. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the temporary changes to drinking water and <br /> how OWASA notifies customers. <br /> Bruce Boehm said once a year OWASA makes changes to their treatment process. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how customers are notified. <br /> Todd Taylor, OWASA Executive Director, said they notify customers via email and in their <br /> bills. He said they try to coordinate with other water providers to make these changes at the same <br /> time. He said they are always ready to speak with customers on the issue. He said they've been <br /> following this process for a couple of decades. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked about new regulations for PFAS, lead and copper. <br /> Todd Taylor said there are new regulations coming out of the EPA. He said that lead and <br /> copper standards were revised and they are working with a consultant to get a plan together. He <br /> said when the regulations come out there will probably be a 3-5 year window to become compliant. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton asked about the impact of the changes on the OWASA budget <br /> and the cost to customers. <br /> Todd Taylor said they do not know this information yet, but there will be a lot of <br /> conversation when the new standards are released. <br /> Chair Bedford asked Nancy Coston, DSS Director, if there are any remaining funds to <br /> assist those that are behind on their water and sewer bills. <br /> Nancy Coston said there is about$100,000 left in the budget for the year. She said people <br /> can contact DSS for more information. <br /> Chair Bedford said Ray DuBose had been helping the Clerk to the Board's office with <br /> questions for the next application process. She said Ray DuBose would soon leave the OWASA <br /> board and thanked him for his service. <br /> Commissioner Richards thanked the OWASA board members and Todd Taylor for <br /> meeting with her to learn more about OWASA. <br /> 5. Public Hearings <br /> a. Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment — Neighborhood Information <br /> Meetings <br /> The Board held a public hearing, received the Planning Board and staff recommendations and <br /> public comment, closed the public hearing, and considered action on staff-initiated amendments <br /> to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding proposed revisions to the current <br /> requirements for Neighborhood Information Meetings. <br />