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

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�n=56 globally, regionally, and locally have contributed to this reduction. Estimates of reduction since baseline vary annually because the amount of rainfall influences the amount of wet deposition. Changing weather patterns are important to consider as well. Large storms not only result in greater rates of deposition as direct inputs, but they also erode soil, disturb root systems, and increase runoff volumes and shallow ground water inputs to streams. Drought conditions at critical times can concentrate nutrients near the land surface and when rainfall occurs, wash larger loads of nutrients into waters when algal activity can be stimulated. Warmer temperatures for longer periods can cause biological, chemical, and ecological changes. Together,these factors can result in greater nutrient loading, increased algal growth and species shifts, and impact to downstream waterbodies. Therefore, the revised rules should promote projects and activities that are resilient, effective, and sustainable to provide long-term protection of the lake and the watershed. The UNRBA recommends that the revised nutrient management strategy employ a systems-based approach that will require looking beyond the actions of individual landowners and facility operators. Tier 1 members could fund the following projects and activities to support this holistic effort. The first three bullets are currently included in the IAIA Program;the remaining bullets represent an expansion of the Program: • Green infrastructure/infiltration devices Floodplain restoration and reconnection • Projects and activities that focus on flooding that have an associated water quality benefit • Farmer and forest landowner voluntary conservation work which can significantly contribute to climate solutions and offer many other ancillary benefits including soil health, water quality, and pollinator and wildlife habitat within the watershed. • Climate sustainability and resiliency projects for water/wastewater/stormwater infrastructure (e.g., elevating key operational equipment like pumps at wastewater treatment plants to mitigate the risk of failure due to flooding) • Tree planting adjacent to busy streets and highways, e.g., the Center for Watershed Protection Forest- Friendly Codes and Ordinance Worksheet and the Wake County Land Cover Analysis and Tree Canopy Assessment that provides tree-planting priorities by municipality • Air pollution reduction technologies for point source and vehicle emissions • Public transportation and green energy sources • Flood preparedness communications (e.g., operations at watershed impoundments) Distributed Wastewater Sources In terms of the total nutrient load delivered to Falls Lake, distributed wastewater sources contribute a minor fraction of the load. Distributed wastewater sources include septic systems, discharging sand filter systems, and sanitary sewage releases. However,the smaller tributaries and headwaters may benefit from projects and activities that reduce nutrient loading. From a public health perspective,these projects and activities can be very beneficial. The UNRBA does not recommend regulatory requirements in the revised rules for private landowners; however, local Health Departments may require private owner action due to violations of local and state health law and rule. The UNRBA recommends that Tier 1 members work toward their investment requirements by continuing to provide funding and technical assistance to support improvements. The activities listed below are currently included in the IAIA Program and should continue to be eligible under the revised rules: • Address sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) and sewer exfiltration 37