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

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=51 consensus principles. The UNRBA does not recommend delaying rule revisions while these objectives continue to be developed and evaluated. Readoption of the Falls Lake Rules remains the first priority so ongoing implementation efforts in the watershed can proceed. Urban Development, State and Federal Lands, and Institutional Lands The UNRBA recommends an investment-based approach to continue improvements on existing lands. In addition to the eligible activities listed in the IAIA Program Document, stakeholders have identified the following additional activities for inclusion or consideration in the revised nutrient management strategy. It is noted that the specifics of how to accomplish these actions will need to be considered, evaluated,vetted, and accepted before they are incorporated into the rules or operating procedures. Different communities will have different needs and constraints and may elect to implement the concepts that best support their situation. The opportunities for retrofits will also vary by jurisdiction. It is anticipated the list of eligible projects and activities would be expanded in a similar manner allowed under the IAIA. Expand education activities to address SCM maintenance — Focus on Homeowner Association (HOA) Boards and other SCM owners • Coordinate to fund retrofits for existing and re-development — Provide incentives to owners to encourage participation — Pay for retrofits and take over inspection and maintenance, but practice ownership would not change (e.g., Hillsborough dry ponds) — Evaluate use of development bonds for SCMs as a funding source for maintenance and repairs; local government would not count funds expended from the bond as part of their investment, but staff resources to identify and research bonds and their applicability would count as in-kind investment • Improve existing stormwater infrastructure on publicly owned lands and privately owned lands under a voluntary agreement • Improve HOA management and maintenance — Inspection and maintenance — Outflow management to ensure proper discharge (e.g., cleaning trash debris racks, preventing/repairing erosion downstream of outfalls). Additional projects and activities will be added to this list as the revised nutrient management strategy is developed. Opportunities for Partnering on Agricultural Lands In the Falls Lake watershed,the acreage of land in agricultural production (crops and pasture) has declined by approximately 45 percent since 2006. Most of the operations in the watershed are relatively small and have already implemented best management practices and reduced fertilizer application rates. Many of the streams in the watershed are buffered. The revised strategy should consider the footprint of this land use and its potential for nutrient input to Falls Lake. In 2006, land identified as agricultural was approximately 89,000 acres. For the study period (2014 to 2018), agricultural land in the watershed was approximately 50,000 acres. The estimated percent contribution of total nitrogen from this land use is 18 percent and total phosphorus is 10 percent. Nonetheless, when incremental improvement is the goal, any reduction of nutrient input is helpful. 32