Agenda 11-02-23; 4-a - Resolution Endorsing Consensus Principles II for Revised Falls Lake Rules

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=14 physical, biological, and chemical processes of the system will expand the opportunities for meaningful change. A triple-bottom line approach that considers environmental benefits, costs, and impacts to citizens must be an integral aspect of developing the revised strategy. The tools and models built by the UNRBA predict how management actions in the watershed affect nutrient loading to, and water quality in, Falls Lake. The UNRBA is also conducting economic analyses that consider capital, maintenance, and operational costs of nutrient management activities. By focusing on the whole watershed and local implementation, the proposed strategy aims to improve water quality across the watershed and not prioritize activities solely based on the reduction of nutrients to Falls Lake. Projects will result in reductions in nutrient loading through incremental and sustained progress across the watershed, but may also address other pollutants, long-term watershed sustainability, etc. This comprehensive approach is needed to provide lasting protection of the lake and its designated uses. Focusing on watershed health also addresses the sub-impoundments (e.g., Lake Michie, Little River Reservoir, Lake Orange, Lake Buter, etc.) used for water supply within the basin. Allowing investments throughout the watershed will positively impact water quality across the basin. Because of the holistic nature of the recommendations, the UNRBA also recommends that its implementation for non-point sources be considered by the State as addressing all waterbodies in the watershed that are currently listed, or may be in the future, on the State's 303(d) list of waters for pollutants related to nutrients. These other waters may be considered Category 5 waters in future Integrated Reports if additional point source controls are required. Create an adaptive program with scheduled assessments and reevaluation. The UNRBA recommends that the rules exclude the specifics of the program because it will be extremely difficult to adapt to new information and conditions. Rather,the UNRBA recommends development of an approved program document referenced by the rules with specific assessment, renewal, and reevaluation periods. The UNRBA recommends the revised strategy include a formal review period to evaluate how well the program is working in terms of water quality, necessary changes, and evolving technologies. The UNRBA proposes a full evaluation in 25 years following the date the revised rules are readopted with interim evaluations every five years. Interim evaluations and reporting years can address concerns or changes that occur during the 25-year period and assist with tracking trends and accomplishments over the longer 25-year period. As with The UNRBA recommends that the rules exclude the IAIA, annual reports are the specifics of the program because it will be recommended to track implementation extremely difficult to use adaptive management and compliance with annual investment provisions. Rather, the UNRBA recommends commitments. It is in the interest of the development of an approved program document state and the citizens of the watershed referenced by the rules. that these assessments be done in partnership with DWR. Cooperate and collaborate with stakeholders - The UNRBA has worked very closely with its members and external partners since the re-examination process began. Extraordinary access and participation by all stakeholders have been promoted by the UNRBA, and transparency has been an important theme in sharing the work and status of the re-examination effort. Internal and external stakeholders are invited to provide comments during monthly status meetings. The UNRBA has hosted several Technical Stakeholder Workshops, Regulatory Forums, or joint Symposia with the NC Collaboratory to hear and incorporate feedback in the process. The UNRBA has worked closely with researchers,third-party model reviewers, and DWR modeling staff to review and vet the watershed and lake models. The UNRBA also worked with DWR, representatives of agriculture, environmental groups, and land conservation organizations to expand the list of practices with state-approved v