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EXISTING CONDITIONS

Geography and Location The City of Rock Hill lies in the eastern portion of York County, South Carolina (See Map 5.1), which abuts the North Carolina border and two of its urban counties, Mecklenburg and Gaston. The eastern portion of York County, located in the Catawba River Basin, is the most urbanized. It also sits astride Interstate 77, one of the five major corridors serving the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The current Rock Hill Urban Services Area (USA) was adopted by City Council in 2005 as the area including and immediately surrounding the municipal limits of the City which may be served by utilities in the future (within approximately 10-15 years). Rock Hill’s existing adopted plans take this boundary into account. The Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area, as detailed in the Land Use Element, includes the adopted 2005 USA as well as the area immediately surrounding the proposed Dave Lyle Boulevard Extension corridor extending eastward toward the Catawba River and Lancaster County. This plan and future plans and studies will include this geographic boundary in their scope. According to the York County 2025 Comprehensive Plan, York County has a total area of 695.77 square miles (approx. 445,292 acres), including 682.55 square miles (approx. 436,832) of land and 13.22 square miles (approx. 8,460) of water. The Rock Hill USA is 94.7 square miles or about 14 percent of the County. The 2020 Planning Area is 103.4 square miles or about 15 percent of the County. As of April 2010, the City of Rock Hill accounts for 35.98 square miles (approx. 23,026 acres). Map 5.1: General Location Map

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Rock Hill is part of the region known as the Central Piedmont Physiographic Region and part of the Charlotte MSA. Physiographic Regions are major land resource areas that have soils, climate, water resources, and land uses in common (See Figure 5.1). The three geographic land areas that define South Carolina include the Atlantic Coastal Plain (lower, middle and upper); the Piedmont; and the Blue Ridge regions. South Carolinians simplify this somewhat by referring to the eastern Atlantic Coastal Plain as the Low Country and the Piedmont and the Blue Ridge region as the Up Country. Figure 5.1: South Carolina Physiographic Regions

Climate Rock Hill is located in the north-central climatological division of South Carolina. Climatic data about Rock Hill are collected and reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by two weather observation stations, located at Winthrop University and the Rock Hill-York County Airport. A summary of the City’s climatic conditions is provided in Figure 5.2. Rock Hill’s climate is characterized by warm, humid summers with temperatures typically in the 90s and mild winters with temperatures in the 40s. Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 21 degrees Fahrenheit. August was the warmest month in 2009, with an average maximum temperature of 89.9 degrees Fahrenheit. December was the coldest month in 2009, with an average minimum temperature of 33.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The mean annual temperature is approximately 62 degrees. The highest recorded temperature was 106°F on August 10, 2007 and the lowest recorded temperature was -4°F on January 21, 1985. Figure 5.2: Rock Hill Climatological Summary Average Annual Temperature: 63.3 degrees Annual Maximum Temperature: 75.3 degrees Annual Minimum Temperature: 51.1 degrees Average January Temperature: 46.2 degrees Average July Temperature: 77.9 degrees Total Precipitation 2006: 39.64 inches Total Precipitation 2007: 27.01 inches Total Precipitation 2008: 38.05 inches Total Precipitation 2009: 44.28 inches Average Precipitation (2006 – 2009): 37.25 inches Average Annual Snowfall: Trace – 2 inches

Data Source: Annual Climatological Summary, National Climatic Data Center, NOAA (2006, 2007, 2008)

The 30-year normal precipitation in Rock Hill is 48.32 inches; however, the average annual precipitation between 2006 and 2009 has been only 37.25 inches. As indicated in Figure 5.3, Rock Hill has experienced severe “less-than-normal” monthly precipitation over the four-year timeframe. Since August 2006, South Carolina counties have been in various levels of drought as a result of above normal temperatures, water consumption levels and lack of rainfall. Coastal communities have faired the best while fourteen counties in the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Piedmont and Central Regions reached the highest status level, extreme drought, in August 2008.

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Figure 5.3: Rock Hill Annual Precipitation Anomalies

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-5 Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 Data Source: National Climatic Data Center, NOAA In June 2007, a moderate drought status was declared across York County. Less than three months later it was upgraded to severe drought status. State and local Drought Response Committee members continue to monitor drought conditions and work with communities to ensure that effective drought planning and management practices are being implemented. The City participates on the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG), a committee that was formed to regularly review the drought status and to recommend and coordinate needed actions for the Groups’ members. The group also reviews the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) and recommends possible improvements to Duke Energy. While the State has encouraged voluntary conservation efforts and intensified educational outreach to its municipalities, Rock Hill adopted a comprehensive Drought Response Ordinance (Chapter 29. Article IV.) in June 2007 which outlines the actions to be taken for the conservation of water supplied by the City of Rock Hill based upon declared stages of drought. In October 2007, Rock Hill authorized mandatory, stage 3 (later, modified) water restrictions limiting Rock Hill utility customers’ water usage by day and activity. In February 2009, York County was downgraded to moderate drought status and by April 2009 it was reduced to incipient. The incipient classification was removed in December 2009 when the state declared that the drought was officially over for all South Carolina Counties. Although the drought severity level is not as critical as it has been in recent months due to above normal rain events, the state is still in a ten-year drought cycle. As the Rock Hill area continues to grow and braces for a long-term Water supply and rainfall deficit, the community must learn to be better stewards of its limited distribution are water resources by conserving and increasing awareness. discussed in the Community Facilities Element. Topography The Piedmont Region of upstate South Carolina is characterized by gently rolling to hilly slopes with narrow stream valleys dominated by forests, farms and orchards. Older metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rocks are prevalent in the Piedmont Region. These rocks occur in belts delineated on the basis of rock type, grade of metamorphism, and structure. The Charlotte Belt is the predominate belt in the Rock Hill USA. The origin of this belt is of metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rock with some intrusive rock. Mica gneiss, granite and mafic dike swarms are the types of rock most common to the Charlotte Belt (Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service). Elevations in York County range from 390 feet to about 1,200 feet above sea level. The highest point in the County, 1,200 feet, is Henry’s Knob in the northwest. The lowest elevation, 390 feet, is at the intersection of the county line and the Broad River in the extreme southwestern section of York County. In Rock Hill, the highest elevation points are located at the southwest corner of Rawlinson Road and Heckle Boulevard, approximately 722 feet above sea level. The area drains to the east into the Catawba River at the lowest points which are approximately 480 feet above sea level.

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Soils The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service) completed and published a Soil Survey of York County in 1965. The Survey provides a detailed description of soil types and their limitations for various development activities. The York County Comprehensive Plan identifies ten associations within the County. There are six soil associations within the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area (see Map 5.2). These series describe the existing conditions and limitations of soils in the area. The six soil associations occurring within the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area include:  Appling-Vance-Cecil  Cecil-Appling-Hiwassee  Cecil-Hiwasee-Parcolet  Herndon-Helena-Georgeville  Mecklenburg-Iredell-Enon  Pacolet-Cecil-Wilkes

Each association is comprised of a few major soils and several minor classifications. The general map does not show the specific soil type at any particular place, but several distinct patterns of soils. Detailed soil data are available in the Soil Survey, which exhibits data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, provided on an area basis with a description of each soil type and its limitations. Within each of the six associations in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area are specific soil series. Individual soil types are described below in terms of permeability, steepness, and vegetation supported as detailed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Appling Appling soils are on broad, nearly level to gently sloping ridges and on sloping to moderately steep sides of ridges between intermittent and permanent streams in the southern Piedmont. Depth to bedrock ranges from six to 10 feet or more. They are found on nearly level terrain to gradients up to 25 percent, but most commonly between two and 10 percent. In addition to being well drained and moderately permeable, Appling soils are characterized as having medium to rapid runoff. Most of the acreage is in cultivation or pasture and the remainder is in forests of mixed hardwoods and pine Cecil The Cecil series consists of very deep, well drained, moderately permeable soils on ridges and side slopes of the Piedmont uplands. Depth to bedrock ranges from six to 10 feet or more. In addition to being well drained and moderately permeable, Cecil soils are characterized as having medium to rapid runoff. They are found on nearly level terrain to gradients up to 25 percent, but most commonly between two and 15 percent. Wooded areas typically include mixed hardwoods and pine. Enon The Enon series consists of very deep, well drained, slowly permeable soils on ridgetops and side slopes in the Piedmont. Slopes range from two to 45 percent, but most commonly between four and 10 percent. The depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Enon soils are well drained with medium to rapid runoff with slow permeability. Forested areas have a variety of shortleaf, loblolly, and Virginia pine; as well as eastern red cedar, white oak, northern and southern red oak, hickory, yellow-poplar, sweet gum, black gum, dogwood, and holly. Georgeville The Georgeville series consists of very deep, well drained, moderately permeable soils with a depth to a lithic contact of more than 60 inches. Slopes generally range from two to 50 percent, but most commonly between six and 15 percent. Georgeville soils are well drained with medium run-off and moderate permeability. Forested areas typically consist of mixed hardwood and pines.

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Helena The Helena series consists of very deep, moderately well drained, slowly permeable soils with a depth to bedrock greater than 60 inches. These soils are on broad ridges and toeslopes of the Piedmont uplands. Slopes are mostly between two and 10 percent but ranges from nearly level terrain to 15 percent. Helena soils experience medium to rapid run-off and slow permeability. There is a perched water table in late winter and early spring. Forest acreage generally consists of mixed hardwood and pine. Native species include loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, sweet gum, willow oak, red oak, white oak, yellow-poplar, and American elm. Understory species are sourwood, flowering dogwood, winged elm, eastern cedar, hophornbean, eastern redbud, and sassafras. Herndon The Herndon series consists of very deep, well drained, moderately permeable soils located on gently sloping to moderately steep Piedmont uplands. Slopes are mostly between two and 15 percent, but range to 25 percent. The depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Herndon soils experience medium run-off and moderate permeability. Forested areas are dominantly in loblolly or shortleaf pine with some mixed hardwood. Hiwassee The Hiwassee series consists of very deep, well drained soils on high stream terraces in the Southern Piedmont. Hiwassee soils found on gently sloping to high, steep terraces between gradients of two percent and 25 percent with a depth to bedrock more than 60 inches. Hiwassee soils experience medium to rapid run-off and moderate permeability. The most common trees in woodland areas are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, northern red oak, southern red oak, and hickory. Understory plants include dogwood, eastern redbud, and sassafras. Iredell The Iredell series consists of moderately well drained, very slowly permeable soils with a depth to bedrock more than 60 inches. These soils are found on uplands throughout the Piedmont with slopes ranging up to about 15 percent, but generally are less than six percent. Iredell soils are characterized as having medium run-off. Forested areas are mostly hardwoods, predominately white oaks. Mecklenburg The Mecklenburg series consists of very deep, well drained, slowly permeable soils on nearly level to moderately steep Piedmont uplands. The depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. They are found on nearly level terrain to gradients up to 25 percent, but most commonly between two and 10 percent. Forested areas have shortleaf, loblolly and Virginia pines; as well as yellow- poplar, sweet gum, southern red oak, northern red oak, white oak and hickory. Flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar, sourwood, winged elm, sassafras, greenbrier, and American holly are common in the understory. Pacolet The Pacolet series consists of very deep, well drained, moderately permeable soils located from gentle slopes to very steep Piedmont uplands. Slopes commonly are 15 to 25 percent but range from two to 60 percent. Depth to a lithic contact is more than 60 inches. Pacolet soils experience medium to rapid run-off. Most wooded areas within Pacolet soils consist of pine and mixed hardwoods. Vance The Vance series consists of well drained, slowly permeable soils with a depth to hard bedrock of six to 10 feet or more. These soils are on gently sloping, narrow and broad ridges and on moderately steep side slopes in the Piedmont. Slopes range from two to 25 percent. Vance soils experience medium to rapid run-off. A perched water table may occur above the Bt horizon, a level of predominately clay soil, for a few days following periods of high rainfall. Dominant tree species are white oak, southern red oak, mockernut hickory, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and Virginia pine. Understory plants are American holly, flowering dogwood, sassafras, sourwood, and hophornbeam. Wilkes The Wilkes series consists of shallow, well drained soils with moderately slow to slow permeability with depth to hard rock of 40 to more than 60 inches. Slopes range from four to 60 percent, but most commonly are between 10 and 25 percent. Wilkes soils experience rapid run-off. Dominant tree species include shortleaf, loblolly, and Virginia pines, eastern red cedar, blackjack oak, and post oak.

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Map 5.2: Soil Associations Map

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Soil conditions in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area vary greatly, ranging from very favorable to severe limitations for development. Information regarding the nature of soils in an area and their desirability for development is of paramount importance for planned growth. One of the most important factors impacting development is the suitability of the soil for the placement of sewer and septic systems. The suitability of soil for septic tanks and sewage disposal fields depends on the permeability of the soil, the depth of the water table, the hazard of flooding, and the depth to bedrock. Public water and sewer are available in the more urbanized portions of the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area, but is more limited in the east (past I-77), south of Oakdale Road and southwest (past Eastview and Falls Roads) primarily outside the City’s boundaries. In these areas, if City services cannot be extended, housing units must rely on individual well and septic systems. This poses no immediate problems providing that the areas are suitable for well and septic placement. Unfortunately, many septic systems are installed in areas where it is marginal for septic system placement. Population growth and suburban residential development have created a serious pressure on the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area. This trend of accelerating suburban development is a major symptom of sprawl. It is likely to continue unless both the City and County discourage low-density rural and suburban growth and encourage A range of information higher density urban growth in appropriate locations. It is vitally about population trends important that growth and development be located in areas where and forecasted growth is adequate infrastructure is provided, or in rural areas where soil available in the and physical conditions are favorable for development. This is Population, Economic necessary to limit the adverse impacts of development on the Conditions, and Land area’s natural resources and ensure that the environment will Use Elements. more than adequately assimilate any adverse effects.

Hydrology Within the state of South Carolina, there are four major drainage basins: the Pee Dee, Santee, Ashley-Combahee-Edisto, and Savannah River basins (see Map 5.3). York County contains 13.22 square miles (approx. 8,460 acres) of water area and is bounded by two major drainage basins and their tributaries; the Broad River Basin on the western border and the Catawba-Santee Basin on the eastern border. York County also contains a portion of Lake Wylie (North Carolina shares this water body), which is categorized as a major lake. The lake has a surface area of 12,450 acres with a maximum and mean depth of 93.15 feet and 22.63 feet, respectively. Approximately 116 square miles of the lake’s watershed is located in York County (Source: Bureau of Water, SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Control). The Rock Hill Urban Services Area is located in the Santee River Basin, which includes the Congaree River, Catawba River, Broad River, and Saluda River. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, these rivers drain approximately 34 percent of the state of South Carolina at the rate of 7.5 billion gallons per day. The Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area is blessed with an abundant supply of surface water resources, in the form of rivers, streams and lakes that make up the Catawba River Basin. This has proven to be a major factor in the economic vitality and growth of the area. In the past the water resources also have provided an excellent habitat for many species of wildlife. Because of the growth and urbanization of the area, it has become more challenging to ensure the continuing quality of the water systems throughout the Catawba River Basin.

The Needs Assessment of the Economic Conditions Element identifies the Catawba River as a unique environmental feature that can serve as a recreational amenity that attracts sustainable development.

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Map 5.3: South Carolina Watersheds and State Scenic Rivers

Just as soil characteristics are important for potential development so are the topography and drainage patterns of the land. Topography can limit both the type of development and the availability of infrastructure. For instance, developing areas within the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area which are currently without public water and sewer should be planned carefully to ensure that needed services can be provided at reasonable cost. The topography in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area ranges from level and gently sloping to moderately steep slopes. Generally, no large portions of the Planning Area have severe limitations due to excessive slope. The actual slope ranges from 0 to 30 percent. However, a more detailed analysis should be conducted on a site by site basis to determine any building restrictions that may exist. The following is a general development guide for slope ranges: 0-8 percent Slope - Most land uses where there is no danger of periodic flooding. 9-16 percent Slope - Residential development and light commercial development. 17-24 percent Slope - Low-density development. Not suitable for commercial or industrial development. 25 percent and greater - Not suitable for any intense development. These ranges are general values and are not absolute limits to development. Residential projects can be constructed on a variety of slopes; however, commercial and industrial projects are not constructed in areas of steep slopes for cost reasons. One significant impact of constructing within areas of steep slopes is erosion. Higher slopes contribute to greater levels of erosion, destroying topsoil and discharging silt into storm drains and waterways. All new development must comply with the City’s Stormwater Management and Sediment Control standards and prepare a Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Plan, unless specifically exempted in accordance with the Zoning

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Ordinance. Additional information about Geographically Hazardous Areas is contained in the Environmentally Sensitive Areas section of this Element including Map 5.11 which depicts general locations not feasible for development due to steep slope areas (greater than 25 percent) or erosion hazard areas.

Watersheds – Catawba River Basin The Catawba River Basin covers the entire Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area. An important aspect of future development planning is to recognize the relationship between land use and water quality management programs within drainage basins. This recognition will allow for effective water quality problem identification with an emphasis on prevention. According to South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), the Catawba River Basin flows through the Piedmont, Sandhills, and Upper Coastal Plain regions of the State, and encompasses 2,322 square miles of land and 21 watersheds within the State of South Carolina (see Map 5.4). The Catawba River originates in the mountains of North Carolina and enters South Carolina as Lake Wylie after flowing through the Charlotte MSA. Lake Wylie was impounded in 1904 and enlarged in 1925 to supply hydroelectric power to the surrounding area. It has a storage capacity of 281,900 acre-feet of water, making it the ninth largest lake in the state. The average annual flow of the Catawba River in the Rock Hill area is 4,457 cubic feet per second [cfs]. Stream flow on the river is fairly stable due to the high degree of regulation by the dams. Tributary streams are largely unregulated and, because of the high relief and impermeable soils in the area, are characterized by highly variable flows depending on rainfall and runoff (Source: The Catawba River Corridor Plan). After leaving Lake Wylie, the Catawba is joined by Johnnytown Branch, Big Dutchman Creek (Little Dutchman Creek), Dye Branch (Jones Branch), Manchester Creek, and Burgis Creek which all originate in or near the City of Rock Hill. The Catawba River completes its 200-mile journey at the Fishing Creek Reservoir, just above Great Falls. Map 5.4: Catawba River Watershed Unit Index Map

Catawba River/Lake Wylie (03050101-180) Allison Creek (03050101-190) Catawba River (03050103-010) Twentyfive Mile Creek (03050104-060) Cane Creek (03050103-040) Sawneys Creek (03050104-050) Fishing Creek (03050103-050, -060) Tinkers Creek (3050103-070) Camp Creek (03050103-080) Big Wateree Creek (03050104-020) Big Pine Creek (03050104-070) Swift Creek (03050140-080) Twelvemile Creek/Waxhaw Creek (03050103- 030) Wateree River (03050104-030) Rocky Creek (03050103-090) Grannies Quarter Ck (03050104-040) Sugar Creek (03050103-020) Colonels Creek (3050140-100)

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The four watershed areas that either completely or partially affect Rock Hill include the Twelvemile Creek/Waxhaw Creek, Fishing Creek, Tinkers Creek and Catawba River Tributary/Lake Wylie (see Maps 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7).

Map 5.5: Catawba River and Twelvemile Creek/Waxhaw Creek Watersheds (03050103-010, -030)

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Map 5.6: Fishing Creek and Tinkers Creek Watersheds (03050103-050, -060, -070)

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Map 5.7: Catawba River/Lake Wylie and Allison Creek Watersheds (03050101-180, -190)

Rock Hill

Flood Hazard Traditionally, the presence of floodplains or flood hazard areas has posed a constraint to development. More recently federal flood plain legislation has added legal constraints and regulations to proposed development in flood hazard areas. Special regulations and restrictions apply to any development within Rock Hill identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) maps. The SFHA is the land area covered by the floodwaters of the base flood or having 1 percent annual chance of flood. These regulations are designed to reduce and possibly eliminate the hazards of flooding, as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. The City of Rock Hill has adopted such regulations as part of its development regulations. York County's floodplain maps became effective in September 2008. The areas of Rock Hill affected by flooding and, therefore, subject to additional regulations of the Zoning Ordinance, are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps on file in the City’s Planning & Development Department or can be viewed on York County’s website: www.yorkcountygov.com. In addition, the City monitors and regulates development and building construction within the floodplain. A composite map outlining these areas and indicating the location and extent of flood prone areas in the City is located in the City’s Planning & Development Department.

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Water Quality Water quality can be negatively impacted by human disturbance. Water quality pollutants can be deposited through two sources: point and non-point. Both of these types of pollution can degrade local and regional water quality. Point source pollution activities must be permitted and are required to meet the designated discharge limits thus making problems easy to detect. Examples of point source pollution include wastewater treatment plants, industrial plants, and stormwater management facilities. Non-point source pollutants are often the result of various land-based development and related conditions. Examples include construction run-off, chemicals, The Catawba River surface run-off, fertilizers (used on golf courses, residential lawns and in agricultural practices), hydrologic modification, landfills, mining, and other residual wastes. Most of these non-point pollutants are carried to lakes, rivers and streams by stormwater run-off which can adversely affect the entire watershed. The water quality objectives in each watershed area are to assess the safety of the water for drinking and recreational uses and ensure that it is suitable to support and maintain aquatic flora and fauna. The sources of both drinking water and tap water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. Through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water systems to meet national drinking water standards to ensure that the health of water consumers is carefully protected. The SDWA requires all public water systems to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report that explains how these drinking water standards are achieved. In 2007, Rock Hill performed more than 3,000 system tests at 146 local sites including schools, residences, commercial businesses, and industries within the City’s water service territory for the presence of bacteria, chlorine residual, pH, and temperature. Special monitoring for phosphate, lead and copper levels are conducted as well. The City of Rock Hill’s 2007 Consumer Confidence Report confirmed that all tested contaminants are within regulated limits. The SC DHEC serves as coordinating agency for the State’s Source Water Assessment Protection Program (SWAP) which provides added protection of our water by conducting assessments for all drinking water sources across South Carolina and implementing safeguard measures. In 2003, SC DHEC completed the City of Rock Hill’s Source Water Assessment and concluded that the City’s source water is susceptible to contaminants such as volatile organic contaminants, petroleum products, metals, nitrates, pesticides and herbicides. Rock Hill continually monitors for the presence of these contaminants, and through state-of-the-art disinfection techniques, delivers safe drinking water to its customers. In addition, according to the SC DHEC Water Quality Report for the Catawba River basin in June 2003, researchers at the University of South Carolina completed a state-funded study of nutrient loading in the lower Catawba River basin using the Watershed Analysis Risk Management Framework (WARMF) water quality model. The model estimated that the lower Catawba River (defined as the Catawba River downstream of the Lake Wylie dam and all its tributaries through Lake Wateree) received an average load of 2,100 kg/day of phosphorus for the 1996-1998 study period. The total maximum daily load of phosphorus is used to determine the percentage of point versus non-point source run-off into a body of water. Of this load, 46 percent was from point sources, 39 percent was from non-point sources, and 15 percent was from Lake Wylie. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has surveyed aquatic species in the Rock Hill area. Species numbers range from as low as seven in Johnnytown Branch to as many as 12 in the Big Dutchman’s and Manchester creeks. Species present were common warm water species considered to be tolerant of wide ranges in water quality. No intolerant species were identified, which indicates water quality degraded prior to the 1970s. Based on Water quality is directly species numbers and trophic status, stream survey data suggest related to the effectiveness that water quality and/or aquatic habitat has improved from the of the City’s stormwater 1970s to the 1990s. Continued improvement in water quality could system, which is discussed result in an increase of fish species. in greater detail in the Community Facilities Element.

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Effects of Urbanization Rapid urbanization and growth have been linked to the degradation of urban waterways and aquatic habitats. The major pollutants found in runoff from urban areas include sediment, nutrients, oxygen- demanding substances, heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, pathogenic bacteria, and viruses. Nutrient and bacterial sources of contamination include fertilizer usage, pet wastes, leaves, grass clippings, and faulty septic tanks. Soil erodibility, or K-factor, refers to the properties of the soil which causes it to erode more or less easily than others when all other factors are constant. K values closer to 1.0 represent higher soil erodibility and a greater need for best management practices. The range of K-factor values in the Rock Hill area is 0.25 to 0.30; therefore, suspended sediments constitute the largest mass of pollutants to waterbodies from the urban Rock Hill area. Construction sites are a major source of sediment erosion. Although the number of single-family lot subdivision approvals has declined since 2005, the City still continues to grow. This development pattern has the potential to make urban stormwater runoff the most significant source of water pollution in the future. Growth Potential and Planning Watershed boundaries extend along topographic ridges and drain surrounding surface waters. Roads are commonly built along ridge tops with the best drainage conditions. Cities often develop in proximity to ridges as a result of their plateau terrain. It is not uncommon, then, to find cities or road corridors located along watershed boundaries, and thus influencing or impacting several watersheds. Addressing land use regulations can define these impacts and guide management practices. Also, because much of the area’s growth is taking place just outside municipal The Land Use and boundaries where public infrastructure may be unavailable, development Priority Investment Elements target must depend on individual well and septic systems, which pose a specific areas for potential threat to groundwater resources as well as surface waters. This future growth. trend of rural development is likely to continue and illustrates a need to delineate appropriate places for growth potential. Stormwater Run-off The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program was created by Section 402 of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act to help control and regulate point sources or discharges of pollutants into those waters. Initially, NPDES set guidelines on all wastewater facilities and industries discharging wastewater into natural waters. However, by the late 1980s stormwater was also determined to be a source of pollution and local governments were mandated to take measures to regulate stormwater within their own jurisdictional area. In 1990, Phase I of the NPDES stormwater program was established requiring large municipalities with populations over 250,000 and medium Stormwater Runoff, Catawba River municipalities that had populations between 100,000 and 249,999, or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), to establish NPDES permit coverage and implement a stormwater program. Phase II of the NPDES Stormwater Program became effective on March 1, 2006, requiring smaller urbanized communities with populations under 100,000 to obtain the MS4 permit and develop a comprehensive stormwater management program focused around six minimum measures. The 6 minimum measures required of Phase II communities are:  Public Education/Outreach  Public Involvement/Participation  Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination  Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control  Post Construction Storm Water Management  Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping It is the City’s objective to reduce the discharge of storm water pollutants into local streams and waterways to the maximum extent practicable. Rock Hill is a federally designated NPDES Phase II community and has obtained its NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges; therefore the Vision 2020: The Comprehensive Plan for Rock Hill 11/22/2010 V-17

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City requires a Stormwater Management Control Plan to be submitted and a permit issued for any land disturbance within the City. In addition to the municipal stormwater permit requirements, developers are required to obtain a NPDES permit through SC DHEC prior to performing land disturbing activities for any disturbance greater than one acre and any disturbance considered part of a larger common plan (LCP). An individual lot in an existing subdivision where a “larger common plan and NPDES permit” exist, even if the individual lot is under an acre, requires NPDES coverage. Most stormwater discharges are considered point sources and require coverage by an NPDES permit. The primary method of controlling stormwater discharges is through the use of best management practices (BMP) including, but not limited to, silt fence, construction drive, sediment basins and/or traps, diversion ditches, detention basins, grassed swales, sand filters, grassed filter stripes, prefabricated water quality units, infiltration/groundwater recharge and permanent water quality ponds which are detailed in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Increases in population and development will stress infrastructure; therefore, it is important to find new and comprehensive ways to safeguard water quality and strive to improve those waters still impaired by pollution.

Air Quality As charged by the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established strict requirements concerning National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for certain pollutants, including ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone, the primary component of smog, is formed when sunlight and high temperatures react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It can cause serious health problems and damage forests and other vegetation. The most prevalent sources of VOCs in this region are natural, however the primary source of NOx is combustion (including internal combustion engines) and point sources such as power plants and industrial boilers that burn fuels (gasoline, coal, or oil). Every five years the EPA must review the standards to determine whether, on the basis of current public health research, the standards are sufficient to protect public health. Using this approach, the EPA in 1997 adopted a standard of 80 ppb (parts per billion) for ozone, and in 2008 updated the standard to 75 ppb. (NOTE: the 1997 standard allowed for rounding, so 84 ppb is considered the highest monitor reading that still attains the standard.) Regions that fail to meet the standard are said to be “areas of non-attainment”, and working with their respective state air agencies, must develop and implement plans (State Implementation Plans, or SIPs) which will bring them into attainment within a specific time frame. Such regions typically also must apply controls to mobile and point sources for ozone precursors, and must do transportation conformity testing, meaning that federally- funded transportation projects must demonstrate that they do not worsen air quality (usually measured against “emission budget” benchmarks established in the SIP). It is also important to recognize that the designation of non-attainment includes a classification piece, based on the severity of the gap between the region’s ozone readings and the standard. A higher (more serious) classification entails additional Federal requirements. The States have responsibility for the SIP, and traditionally, control measures used to demonstrate attainment in North and South Carolina have been federal or state-level actions to improve air quality. Rock Hill is located within the Charlotte Non-attainment Area, which includes Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, As discussed in the Transportation Element, the Union, and part of Iredell counties in North Carolina, and the CMAQ Program provides eastern half of York County in South Carolina. The region has funding for surface worked with the States of North and South Carolina (NC Division transportation and other of Air Quality and SC Department of Health and Environmental related projects that serve Control, or NCDAQ/SC DHEC) to develop SIPs for the respective to improve air quality and states to demonstrate attainment. Both SIPs were submitted as reduce congestion. required, at which time EPA’s review process began. The SIPs include point source controls as well as on-road and off-road measures, and these measures were modeled out to the attainment date using best available population, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), meteorological, and other data. The modeling results demonstrated that the Metrolina area air quality

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V. Natural Resources Element is improving and would be very close to attainment by the 2010 deadline, but would still have one monitor that exceeded the standard by 1 ppb. The States used “weight of evidence” information (additional modeling results, as well as voluntary, non-quantifiable “directionally-appropriate” actions) to make the case that the Charlotte area would attain. In November 2008, following their review of the SIP and the actual ozone monitor readings from the summer of 2008, the EPA notified both North and South Carolina agencies of its intent to disapprove the SIPs, finding that based on air quality measurements from the summers of 2007 and 2008 the area would not be in attainment by the 2010 deadline. The EPA offered the States the option of a voluntary “bump-up” in classification (from moderate to serious), as an option to avoid disapproval. Both states, in consultation, elected to withdraw their SIPs, and on January 9, 2009, EPA issued a “finding of failure to submit a SIP” letter to both states (for the Charlotte area). This finding, once published in the Federal Register, initiates a clock that eventually results in quite serious consequences including increased costs for businesses and industries, more stringent requirements and control regarding transportation funding, and the need for drastic land use changes. However, it also provides the states with additional consequence-free time to develop an approach, and to formalize it in a SIP, that will demonstrate attainment. Consideration was given to potential boundary changes to 75ppb non-attainment areas beginning in 2009, with EPA planning to announce a decision affecting final non-attainment area boundaries based on 2007-2009 data in 2010. Although unlikely, it is possible that all or portions of the Rock Hill- Fort Mill Area Transportation Study (RFATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which includes the eastern portion of York County, may be excluded from the Charlotte area of non- attainment. Until all data and public comments are assessed and a final determination made by EPA, Rock Hill has been identified as being within a presumptive non-attainment area. As such, CONNECT, a 17-county bi-state visioning effort lead by the Catawba Regional Council of Governments in SC, Centralina Council of Government in NC and the Charlotte Regional Partnership, has established a regional air quality working group to develop a Regional Air Quality Plan that outlines voluntary measures. These measures will assist the region with more rapid compliance of federal air standards. The specific implementation strategies will produce action plans and measurable results by improving our region’s air quality. As part of this process, working groups have been established to monitor and guide short and long-term actions toward this goal. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into law in February 2009 and included funding for a number of initiatives related to energy efficiency and conservation; cleaner fuels, and cleaner fleets, at a time when our Greater Charlotte Bi-State Region is facing significant air quality challenges.

Prime Agricultural and Forest Lands Prime Farmland is defined as land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber and oilseed crops, and is available for these uses. Nearly Prime Farmland is defined as land of statewide importance that will economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Most lands designated as Prime and Nearly Prime Farmland are in York County and outside the City limits of Rock Hill. However, many such important agricultural acres are located within the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area and are preserved for agricultural uses by zoning and land use designation. According to the South Carolina Forestry, the forests of South Carolina have increased over the last 75 years. When forest inventories were done in 1936, the state had less than 11 million acres of forest land and today there are more than 12.9 million acres of forestland, 67 percent of the state’s total land area equally distributed among hardwoods and pines. Trees are also the basis of one of the state’s largest industries. A recent study by Miley, Gallo and Associates confirmed that the economic impact of the forest industry is over $17.9 billion annually to South Carolina. It impacts every county in the state. Timber is the state’s top agricultural commodity, providing about $870 million to the landowners in the state.

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With the tremendous growth of York County and the proliferation of new subdivisions within the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area, agricultural lands and forests are disappearing at a rapid rate. Thus, Rock Hill must work closely with York County and other communities in the region to assure that these areas not fall to development of single-family homes but remain preserved and enhanced. In addition, landowners must become educated about responsible stewardship, appropriate forest management practices and voluntary guidelines to protect the environment to ensure sustainability.

Plant and Animal Habitat According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Catawba River and the floodplain support over 40 species of fish, 150 species of birds and 100 species of trees, flowering plants and shrubs along with numerous species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Two species that stand out for their beauty and rarity include the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily and the Bald Eagle. Natural habitats are being threatened by rapid growth and development. According to a recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Open Space Protection Collaborative, Mecklenburg County is on pace to consume almost all of its undeveloped rural land by 2030. Similarly, in Rock Hill and the area around Lake Wylie, rapid urbanization is causing the accelerated loss of natural areas that contain important plants and animal habitats. Four basic land classifications can be found in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area:  Grasslands [or prairies]  Rocklands  Wetlands  Woodlands Plants typically found in the Rock Hill area include Broom Sedge, Bradley’s Spleenwort, Wild Hyacinth, Red Maple, Sycamore, Shoals Spider Lily, American Beech and Post Oak. Birds typically found in the Rock Hill area include: Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Kingbird, Northern Bobwhite, Green-backed Heron, Barred Owl, Great Blue Heron, Wood Thrush, and Red-bellied Woodpecker. A number of species of butterflies can be found as well. The disappearance of open space in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area could mean the eventual loss of local plants and animal species. Table 5.1 highlights the plant and animal species within York County that have been identified by the state and federal governments as rare, threatened, and endangered species as denoted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in the South Carolina Rare, Threatened, & Endangered Species Inventory. This list was last updated on January 17, 2006.

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Table 5.1: Rare, Threatened, & Endangered Species in York County, SC

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME LEGAL STATUS ACRIS CREPITANS CREPITANS NORTHERN CRICKET FROG SC AGALINIS AURICULATA EARLEAF FOXGLOVE SC AGRIMONIA PUBESCENS SOFT GROOVEBUR SC AMPHIANTHUS PUSILLUS POOL SPRITE FT/ST ASTER GEORGIANUS GEORGIA ASTER SC ASTER LAEVIS SMOOTH BLUE ASTER SC CAMASSIA SCILLOIDES WILD HYACINTH RC CYPERUS GRANITOPHILUS GRANITE-LOVING FLATSEDGE SC DASISTOMA MACROPHYLLA MULLEIN FOXGLOVE SC ELEOCHARIS PALUSTRIS SPIKE-RUSH SC ELIMIA CATENARIA GRAVEL ELIMIA SC ELYMUS RIPARIUS WILD-RYE SC ETHEOSTOMA COLLIS CAROLINA DARTER SC EUPATORIUM SESSILIFOLIUM VAR VASEYI THOROUGHWORT SC HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS BALD EAGLE FT/SE HELIANTHUS LAEVIGATUS SMOOTH SUNFLOWER SC HELIANTHUS SCHWEINITZII SCHWEINITZ'S SUNFLOWER FE/SE HYMENOCALLIS CORONARIA SHOALS SPIDER-LILY NC ISOETES PIEDMONTANA PIEDMONT QUILLWORT SC JUGLANS CINEREA BUTTERNUT SC JUNCUS GEORGIANUS GEORGIA RUSH SC LILIUM CANADENSE CANADA LILY SC FE - Federal Endangered LIPOCARPHA MICRANTHA DWARF BULRUSH SC FT - Federal MELANTHIUM VIRGINICUM VIRGINIA BUNCHFLOWER SC Threatened MENISPERMUM CANADENSE CANADA MOONSEED SC PE - Proposed for MINUARTIA UNIFLORA ONE-FLOWER STITCHWORT SC Federal listing as Endangered MYCTERIA AMERICANA COLONIAL WATERBIRD SC NAJAS FLEXILIS SLENDER NAIAD SC PT - Proposed for Federal listing as PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUS AMERICAN GINSENG RC Threatened

POA ALSODES BLUE-GRASS SC NC - Of Concern, QUERCUS BICOLOR SWAMP WHITE OAK SC National (unofficial - plants only) QUERCUS OGLETHORPENSIS OGLETHORPE'S OAK SC RC - Of Concern, RANA PALUSTRIS PICKEREL FROG SC Regional RANUNCULUS FASCICULARIS EARLY BUTTERCUP SC (unofficial - plants only) RATIBIDA PINNATA GRAY-HEAD PRAIRIE CONEFLOWER SC SE - State RHODODENDRON EASTMANII MAY WHITE SC Endangered RUDBECKIA HELIOPSIDIS SUN-FACING CONEFLOWER NC (official state list - animals only) SCUTELLARIA PARVULA SMALL SKULLCAP SC SILPHIUM TEREBINTHINACEUM PRAIRIE ROSINWEED SC ST - State Threatened SOLIDAGO PTARMICOIDES PRAIRIE GOLDENROD SC (official state list - SOLIDAGO RIGIDA PRAIRIE GOLDENROD SC animals only) THERMOPSIS MOLLIS SOFT-HAIRED THERMOPSIS SC SC - Of Concern, State TIARELLA CORDIFOLIA VAR CORDIFOLIA HEART-LEAVED FOAM FLOWER SC Source: South Carolina TORREYOCHLOA PALLIDA PALE MANNA GRASS SC Rare, Threatened, & Endangered Species TRILLIUM RUGELII SOUTHERN NODDING TRILLIUM SC Inventory Species Found VERBENA SIMPLEX NARROW-LEAVED VERVAIN SC In York County Data Last Updated January 17th, VERONICASTRUM VIRGINICUM CULVER'S-ROOT SC 2006 South Carolina DNR.

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It has been estimated by biologists that a minimum of 2.5 percent of the area’s land cover would be needed to maintain the plant and animal population and species mix that currently exists (Source: S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources). To that end, York County and the City of Rock Hill are both involved in a number of efforts to protect open space and plant and wildlife habitats. In the County large areas of land are currently preserved through the Kings Mountain State Park, the Draper Wildlife Management Area, the Ross Wildlife Management Area, the McConnells Wildlife Management Area and the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Another large holding of land is Nanny’s Mountain, purchased by York County with the help of the Nation Ford Land Trust. In the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area, the Department of Natural Resources and the City of Rock Hill worked together to set aside the Blackjack Prairie Heritage Preserve south of the City, which is the home of the endangered Schweinitz sunflower. The City also established River Park, 70 acres of environmentally sensitive wetlands and woodlands along the river and bordering the Waterford community. These areas are home to a number of important flora and fauna and are protected against future development. It is important to note that York County has established two important land conservation efforts. York County Forever was formed in the summer of 1998 by the York County Council with the goal of preserving one acre of undeveloped land for every one acre of property developed. This organization has an eventual goal of preserving 10,000 acres by 2010. The Nation Ford Land Trust is an independent organization also committed to preserving undeveloped property. Both organizations use donations and purchase of development rights with the accompanying benefit of tax breaks to preserve undeveloped land. These organizations should be utilized to contribute to the preservation of natural habitats within the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area. A number of regulatory methods by both the City and County have been adopted to encourage preservation of plant and wildlife habitats. York County has adopted a Traditional Neighborhood District floating zone, which allows for the conservation of 50 percent of the property of large mixed- use developments. York County has also adopted the Catawba River Buffer, which maintains land within 100 feet of a designated segment of the Catawba River in its natural state. The City of Rock Hill amended its Zoning Ordinance in May 2008 to require riparian buffers limiting certain development activity; pruning and clearing of vegetation along Lake Wylie, the Catawba River, perennial and intermittent streams, and wetlands; as well as amendments to its Conservation Subdivision Ordinance to promote open space preservation as component of the Natural Resources Implementation Program. The City also established tree protection standards and requires an open space set-aside ranging from 10 percent to 35 percent depending on the type of use and whether or not the property has been designated as an “Open Space Focus Area” (See Appendix V.A, Open Space Plan). While great strides have been made to ensure that natural areas are preserved, there is a continuing need for regional communication and cooperation to protect valuable habitats for future generations. Land conservation efforts as well as monitoring and updating of existing regulatory techniques will be needed to protect these areas from future growth and development.

Trails and Greenways As the population of the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area increases, the demand for accessible parks and passive recreational areas The Community Facilities Element outlines the will escalate as well. The projected increase in outdoor recreational facilities and enthusiasts, including cyclists, provides both challenges and programs operated by the opportunities for trail and greenway development. An emphasis of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation current and future plans for the Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & & Tourism Department. Tourism Department is on development of a system of connecting greenways throughout the City to provide alternate modes of transportation and serve as passive linear parks. This concept of “connectivity” is essential in promoting environmental protection, recreation values, enhancement of property, and quality of life issues for the entire Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area.

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The Trails and Greenways Master Plan Update, adopted by City Council Additional in April 2008, includes a Trails and Greenways System Map (See Map information about existing and 5.8) and an Inventory List of existing and proposed trails and greenways proposed trails and within the Rock Hill Urban Services Area. It also provides a Trails and greenway facilities Greenways Implementation Action Plan, outlining recommendations on is located in the trail design, placement, prioritization and funding, scheduling (Capital Transportation Projects Schedule); as well as background and recommendations on Element. local and regional coordination.

Existing Trails and Greenway Facilities The City’s 18 existing trails total 21.24 miles in length and are dispersed throughout the City with another 2.1 miles under construction or completed since the Trails and Greenways Master Plan Update. A summary of information for each trail is shown below. Over the last six years, the City has promoted the construction of a network of sidewalks throughout the jurisdiction. The Trails and Greenways Master Plan Update identified sidewalks at key locations as integral components of the trails system. Eight existing sidewalks, totaling 22.2 miles, are considered essential to maintaining connectivity throughout the trail system. Other Manchester Meadows Trail types of trails are also accessible within the City. These include Canoe Trail and the Saluda Bike Route. With the completion of River Park, a canoe trail has been established along the Catawba River. The trail begins at the Lake Wylie Dam access point off of Sutton Road, continues approximately six miles to the River Park canoe access, and then continues 16 miles to Lansford Canal State Park. The “Saluda Bike Trail” is essentially a 3.6 mile bike route which winds through the neighborhood(s) immediately surrounding Saluda Street and the Saluda Corridor, Southwest of downtown and within the City limits. The bike trail is distinguished by signage along the route. The bike route begins at the intersection of Johnston and Hampton streets, winds through the residential areas west of Saluda, and intersects Saluda Street at Blake Street. The route picks up again at the intersection of Saluda Street and Midvale Street, loops back through the residential areas east of Saluda, and terminates at Elizabeth and Black streets. Detailed information about these trails is available in the Trails and Greenways Master Plan Update.

Proposed Trails and Greenway Facilities Rock Hill’s 2008 Trails and Greenway Master plan proposes another 26.55 miles of greenway trails, 31.64 miles of multi-purpose trails and 20.85 miles of sidewalk. Multi-purpose trails connect major destinations and serve as the backbone of the trail and greenway system. These facilities are expected to be the most heavily used trails in the system and will be built to accommodate the widest possible range of users. These trails will attract users from across the region, making Rock Hill a destination for trail enthusiasts. Detailed information about the 15 proposed multi-purpose trails is available in the Trails and Greenways Master Plan Update. Greenway trails connect major destinations to parks, open spaces, and other natural amenities. Not only will greenway trails serve as a recreational resource, they will also be designed to enhance the City’s environmental and economic resources as well as functioning as an educational resource to promote water quality, natural resource conservation and the preservation of wildlife habitat. The Catawba River is envisioned to serve as the spine of the greenway system and form a portion of an “outer loop” greenway surrounding the City. Greenway trails will follow alongside the various creeks connecting the “outer loop” greenway to the proposed regional Carolina Thread Trail and multi- purpose trails and other destinations within the city limits. Detailed information about the ten proposed greenway trails is available in the Trails and Greenways Master Plan Update. The Trails and Greenways Master Plan map also identifies 15 proposed sidewalks to be included in the trail network. Detailed information about the proposed sidewalks is available in the Trails and Greenways Master Plan Update. Vision 2020: The Comprehensive Plan for Rock Hill 11/22/2010 V-23

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Some of the primary multi-purpose corridors shown on Map 5.8 include proposed bike lanes. Several of the road improvement projects proposed through the York County One Cent Sales Tax program plan to incorporate bike lanes; however, funding issues have arisen which may jeopardize the inclusion of these bike facilities. The need for bike facilities has been documented in the 2035 Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study (RFATS) Long Range Transportation Plan and in the Transportation Element of this Plan. Other types of trails that may be a part of the system in the future include mountain bike trails, hiking trails, equestrian trails, canoe trails, all-terrain vehicle trails, and motorcycle trails. These trail types must be clearly labeled for their intended use on maps and in the field to avoid safety problems associated with conflicting user types. These trail types are not shown on the plan map because they will be developed as opportunities arise and their location is not known at this time.

Regional Greenway The Carolina Thread Trail (CTT) is a planned regional network of trails and greenways that will connect 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens in North and South Carolina, linking people, places, cities, towns and attractions. South Carolina partners include York County, Rock Hill, York, Fort Mill, Clover, Tega Cay, and the Nation Ford Land Trust. The CTT will create a permanent legacy of conservation and will enhance quality of life through community connections, health and wellness promotion and economic development benefits. The Carolina Thread Trail vision evolved from a series of meetings between the Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC) and more than 40 community and business leaders. This discovery process generated a set of guiding principles for counties in the Foundation for the Carolinas' footprint. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is working in partnership with the FFTC, and the Catawba Lands Carolina Thread Trail Concept Map Conservancy to plan the trail and provide the technical expertise for the local governments wishing to link to the CTT system. The trail's name was inspired by the Carolina region's rich heritage of weaving fabric. This intricate network of trails will weave together people, communities and nature--connecting Carolinians for generations to come. The Carolina Thread Trail will develop over time as communities build trails that will eventually link parks, green spaces and attractions throughout the region. Not all local trails and greenways will become part of the Carolina Thread Trail. Like the Carolina's highway systems, the CTT will develop as a "green interstate" focused on linking local trails and regionally significant attractions. In March 2009, Rock Hill adopted a resolution of support for the Rock Hill section of the Carolina Thread Trail Greenway Master Plan (see Map 5.9). York County as well as the individual municipalities within the County each adopted the CTT Greenway Master Plan in early 2009. The next steps toward development of the Carolina Thread Trail include design, acquisition and construction of the trail segments. In the coming years, Rock Hill should seek to secure grants and land acquisitions as well as form partnerships with other agencies and jurisdictions to fully implement this monumental project.

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Map 5.8: Rock Hill Trails and Greenways System Map

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Map 5.9: Proposed Carolina Thread Trail, Rock Hill Area

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Environmentally Sensitive Areas The Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area is home to numerous unique environmental features that contribute to its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. These environmental features include the following.  Lake Wylie  Floodplains  Catawba River  Geologically Hazardous Areas  Wetlands/Ponds  Streams

For regulatory purposes, these features are collectively referred to as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs). Maps 5.10 and 5.11 depict the general location, configuration, and size of known ESAs in Rock Hill and the unincorporated Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area1. These maps are intended to aid City officials, land owners, and land developers by providing an early identification of potential ESA prior to undertaking land development or clearing activities. The maps should also guide future open space and ESA planning and conservation efforts. Be advised that City ESA maps are of a very general nature and are not intended to be a substitute for site specific ESA delineations, performed by qualified professionals. ESAs are an integral component of Rock Hill’s unique “Hometown” community. Many memorable experiences have taken place while fishing in Lake Wylie, canoeing the Catawba River, or relaxing at one of Rock Hill’s area streams. In addition to providing abundant recreational opportunities, scenic views, and plant and wildlife habitat, ESAs have helped provide a clean supply of drinking water, flood prevention, and enabled the production of electricity. Rock Hill has recently adopted important regulations to protect its natural resources and environmentally sensitive areas. In May 2008, the City amended its Zoning Ordinance to require riparian buffers limiting certain development activity, pruning and clearing of vegetation along Lake Wylie, the Catawba River, perennial and intermittent streams, and wetlands as component of the Natural Resources Implementation Program.

1 Maps 5.10 and 5.11 may not be a complete depiction of all ESA in the City of Rock Hill or the unincorporated Planning Area.

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Map 5.10: Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map

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Map 5.11: ESA - Geologically Hazardous Areas Map

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Lake Wylie Created in 1904 by a dam near Fort Mill, South Carolina, Lake Wylie is the third largest reservoir in the Catawba-Wateree hydro-electric system and the oldest lake on the Catawba River. Lake Wylie is surrounded by Gaston and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina. The Lake Wylie shoreline encompasses approximately 348.5 shoreline miles and has a surface area of approximately 12,177 acres at full pond elevation of 569.4 feet mean sea level. The cities of Rock Hill and Fort Mill, South Carolina; Belmont, North Carolina; and the Catawba Indian Nation rely on Lake Wylie as their primary source of drinking water. It also supports Allen Steam Station and the Catawba Nuclear Station with cooling water and provides a dependable water supply for many other industries in the area. Lake Wylie is actively used for water based recreation such as power and sail boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and other activities. Duke Energy currently provides six public boat access areas, one bank fishing area in cooperation with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and one boat access area below Wylie Dam in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR). The Duke Energy license for the Catawba River Dam, which created Lake Wylie, was originally issued in 1958. Duke Energy is currently undergoing a license renewal process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to operate the Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project. The Federal Power Act requires non-federal hydroelectric projects to relicense after the original license expires, with the new license being granted for 30-50 years. The Catawba-Wateree relicensing process involves over 160 stakeholders, representing more than 80 organizations, such as local governments, State and Federal environmental agencies, and other parties that have an interest in the river and its resources. In September 2006, Duke Energy revised and put into effect the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and Shoreline Management Guidelines (SMG) as part of its comprehensive shoreline management program to protect and enhance the scenic, recreational, cultural and environmental values of all lakes. A shoreline management plan is a tool to guide responsible pier and marina construction, shoreline stabilization, excavation and other construction activities within the lake boundary. Duke Energy’s SMP classifies the shoreline and denotes where environmentally important habitats exist, where existing facilities and uses occur and where future construction activities may be considered. The SMP provides continued public and private access while protecting the lake’s natural resources. It was designed to balance the many competing demands on the river's shoreline—environmental, recreational and cultural. Table 5.2 classifies the Lake Wylie shoreline by existing and future land use, as specified in the Duke Power Shoreline Management Plan (see Map 5.12). Table 5.2: Lake Wylie Shoreline Classifications Shoreline Classification Shoreline Miles Percent of Total Commercial/Non-Residential 6.2 1.9% Commercial/Residential 1.7 0.5% Residential 136.9 41.8% Business Industrial 3.3 1.0% See the Community Facilities Element Public Recreation 3.8 1.2% for a brief history Public Infrastructure 15.1 4.6% of Rock Hill’s Project Operations 1.8 0.5% electric system. Future Commercial/Non Residential 10.2 3.1% Future Commercial/Residential 22.1 6.7% Future Residential 16.3 5.0% Future Public Recreation 9.9 3.0% Impact Minimization Zones 10.0 3.1% Impact Minimization Zones (Dev.) 0.1 0.0% Environmental Areas 67.3 20.5% Natural Area 22.8 7.0% Total 327.5 100.0% Source: Catawba-Waterlee Shoreline Mgmt. Plan based upon the July 2001 SMP maps, Duke Power 2006.

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The SMG are another tool used in combination with shoreline management plan maps to guide responsible lake use activities within the lake boundary. The SMG provides a set of detailed procedures and criteria that regulate activities within reservoirs owned or managed by Duke Energy. It specifies rules on what facilities are allowed and how they can be built, constructed and/or maintained as well as specific criteria for conducting many construction, stabilization and excavation activities within the lake boundary. A 3-step review process is required for all lake use permit activity requests including policy considerations; reservoir-specific classifications and characteristics; and site-specific classifications and characteristics to ensure all activities that are permitted will be consistent with the purposes of the Lake Use Policy Statements, SMP and SMG. Some of the major changes implemented through Duke Energy’s revised SMG as it relates to natural resources preservation include the following:  Shoreline Stabilization 1. No new seawalls will be allowed where eroded bank is less than 3' high. 2. Bio-engineering or enhanced rip rap are the only stabilization techniques allowed in areas where the eroded bank is less than 2' high. 3. Bank re-shape by cut/fill will be considered if it is allowed by local buffer regulations. 4. There is to be no shoreline stabilization within 50' of an area classified as Environmental in the SMP. 5. Impacts to water willow beds should be avoided but access is still allowed.

 Vegetation Management 1. Protection of vegetation within the Project boundary (below full pond on Catawba-Wateree) a. No removal of native vegetation less than 4’ tall. b. Existing forest floor humus/litter shall remain undisturbed. c. Footpaths limited to 4’ wide. d. Trees removed greater than 3" diameter at breast height (dbh) must be replaced with an ecological equivalent. e. Trees greater than 10"dbh can not be removed unless a danger to an individual or structure. 2. View sheds a. May be created by consulting with and receiving written authorization from a Duke Energy Lake Services representative. 3. Dead trees a. Trees that have fallen into the water but are still attached to the shore should remain for fish habitat. b. Dead standing trees should remain as snags for wildlife habitat. 4. Turf grasses shall not be planted within the Project Boundary. 5. No mechanical clearing within the Project Boundary except to gain access for shoreline stabilization purposes. Lake Wylie’s irregular configuration makes it particularly susceptible to more intense, lake front development by providing more miles of shoreline than a lake with a circular pattern. As a water utility provider, Rock Hill is concerned about land development on or near Lake Wylie because of the potential impacts to water quality. If Lake Wylie’s water quality decreases from excessive sediment and/or nutrient deposits, it will be more expensive for the City of Rock to convert raw lake water into drinking water. Residential land uses consume the largest quantity of shoreline acreage. The SMP identifies a cluster of land near the southwestern portion of the lake (adjacent to SC Highway 274) that is classified as being Environmental. Lands classified as Environmental contain the presence of stable, wetland-type habitat and emergent vegetation and/or intermittent or permanent streams enter the upper ends of shallow coves. This area’s environmental characteristics and accessibility could make it particularly suited for use as public open space or a recreation area. Other unique shoreline areas that may be appropriate for preservation or protection are areas classified as being Natural. Natural areas have characteristics such as shallow water, isolated

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Map 5.12: Shoreline Management Plan, Lake Wylie Area

Source: Shoreline Management Plan, Duke Energy 2006

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Map 5.13: Existing Land Uses, Lake Wylie Area

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Catawba River Originating in the mountains of North Carolina, the Catawba River extends approximately two hundred miles across the Piedmont region of North Carolina and South Carolina and flows through a series of lakes until it meets Big Wateree Creek to form the Wateree River at Wateree Lake. The Catawba River traverses the northern and eastern boundaries of the City of Rock Hill and the 2020 Planning Area. The Catawba River, arguably the most prominent natural feature in the City, provides numerous active recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, and others. Catawba River The river’s scenic vistas and abundant supply of plants and wildlife also provide passive recreation opportunities such as picnicking, bird and animal viewing, meditation, and others. South Carolina Scenic Rivers Act of 1989 called for the Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) to set up a program whereby South Carolina rivers or river segments which possess unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic, or cultural values may be voluntarily designated as a Scenic River. The program is aimed at addressing conservation issues and managing practices on lands bordering the river. As shown in Map 5.3, ten Scenic River designations have been made since the program was initiated. Although the designation does not include any water use restrictions, it does provide for the appointment of a Scenic River Advisory Council consisting primarily of landowners along the designated scenic river to draft a management plan for the river and assist in the management of the river. In the summer of 2007, the Nation Ford Land Trust and Katawba Valley Land Trust each sent requests to the DNR to consider the Catawba River for designation as a State Scenic River. An eligibility study was then conducted. In August 2008, legislation was signed by Governor Mark Sanford officially designating a 30-mile section of the Catawba River from the Lake Wylie Dam to the SC Hwy 9 Bridge between Chester and Lancaster Counties as a Scenic River. Also in 2007, South Carolina State Attorney General Henry McMaster filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop North Carolina from draining water from the Catawba River to serve upstream cities, stating that South Carolina was not given an equal say in decisions to divert millions of gallons of water from the Catawba basin. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider the case. Meanwhile, SC State Legislature is considering a water withdrawal permitting bill that would give the state oversight of large withdrawals of water from the public’s rivers and streams to protect existing interests, provide a measure of certainty; promote healthy rivers and streams by using the state’s guidelines for minimum flows that reflect the variability necessary to protect ecosystems; and the public’s right to clean, abundant water. Map 5.14 depicts existing City and unincorporated York County land uses along the Catawba River shoreline as of December 2005. Many areas on or near the shoreline remain undeveloped or are used for agricultural uses. This has resulted in the retention of large quantities of natural vegetation that enhances the river’s scenic views and wildlife habitat. Other land uses along the river include very low density residential and public purpose uses such as the Manchester Wastewater Treatment Plant. A 1,000+ acre mixed use development is planned along the Catawba River just southeast of Hwy US-21 on the former Cel-River Plant industrial site. River Park, along the Catawba River’s southern shoreline, ensures public access and recreational opportunities to the general public. Both Rock Hill and York County have adopted riparian buffer standards affecting development and land clearing activities adjacent to the Catawba River. In 2008, the City of Rock Hill amended its riparian buffer ordinance standards for the Catawba River to better protect water quality as well as safeguard plant and wildlife habits from development encroachment. As the Catawba River shoreline becomes more urbanized, very low density residential and agricultural uses may be replaced by more moderately dense, mixed-use development. The future challenge will be to ensure the envisioned or anticipated urbanization of this area does not threaten the integrity of the Catawba River and/or limit public access and enjoyment.

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Map 5.14: Existing Land Uses, Catawba River Area

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Wetlands Wetlands are the “kidneys” of the Rock Hill watershed. Rainfall from a storm event typically flows through wetlands, which filter out harmful sediment and contaminants prior to gradually releasing the surface water into streams and other water bodies. For regulatory purposes, wetlands are defined as being “areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.” Map 5.10 depicts the generalized location of known wetlands in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area. The wetland mapping information was obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetland Inventory. Approximately 240 acres of identified wetlands are located with the City limits and 880 acres within the Planning Area. Inland, freshwater wetlands such as those found in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area are typically located on floodplains along rivers and streams, along the shoreline areas of lakes and ponds, and in low lying areas that are inundated with rainfall or where groundwater intercepts the soil surface. The seventy-five acre Sand Island, located immediately downstream of the Catawba River Dam, is the largest (known) single wetland in the area. Wetlands provide a diverse range of functions and values that contribute to the City’s “Home Town” quality of life and include the following.  Water Storage: Wetlands function as natural tubs or sponges by absorbing rain and snowfall. This water retention helps prevent flooding and reduces damage to homes and businesses located in flood prone areas.  Ground Water Recharge and Stream Flow: Wetlands release stored water gradually, which allows for ground water recharge and reduces soil erosion. Many wetlands also release water to area streams, which helps maintain a more constant water flow.  Water Filtration: Wetlands remove sediment and contaminants from surface water runoff prior to releasing the water to area aquifers, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.  Wildlife and Plant Habitat: Wetlands provide unique habitat to a variety of fish, plant, and animal species, many of which are identified as endangered or threatened. Wetlands serve as feeding areas and

resting places for numerous specifies of migratory birds Wetland behind Manchester at River Park and waterfowl. Animals such as deer, raccoon, fox, possum, and others utilize wetlands for feeding areas and refuge.  Aesthetics, Open Space, and Recreation: Wetlands help create the visually pleasing landscape that characterizes much of Rock Hill and the Urban Services Area. This has contributed to the City’s continued growth in residential development. Wetland areas also provide opportunities for active and passive recreation such as hiking (in Urban Services Area only), fishing, hunting, bird and other wildlife observation. Wetlands also provide outdoor classrooms for science education. The City of Rock Hill revised its riparian buffer ordinance in 2008 to require 50-foot buffers around wetlands and adopted standards to protect plant and animal habitats within wetlands from development encroachment. As growth and development continues to extend outward to the edges of the Planning Area where wetlands are more numerous, the challenge will be to balance growth with the need to protect these natural resources for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

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Ponds Natural and manmade ponds are scattered throughout the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area. Some natural ponds share many of the same functions and values as wetlands such as water storage, flood prevention, water filtration, plant and wildlife habitat, and aesthetic and recreational values. A site- specific evaluation may indicate that a pond meets the previously described wetland definition. In instances where a natural pond meets the definition of a wetland, the pond should be considered a wetland. Manmade ponds can be found throughout the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area on farms, golf courses, residential subdivisions, business parks, and other developments. Manmade ponds typically serve fewer environmental functions and are utilized more for agrarian purposes, aesthetics, and/or community or corporate identity. Some manmade ponds exhibit similar functions and values as natural ponds or wetlands. This may be attributed to a functional evolution of the water body and/or the pond having been constructed on land that was originally wetlands. In instances where a manmade pond meets the definition of a wetland and is found to have been constructed on lands that were originally wetlands, the pond should be considered a wetland and is subject to the same requirements. The Rock Hill Vision 2020 Land Use Plan anticipates the unincorporated Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area becoming more urbanized over time. Consistent with the threat to Rock Hill’s other ESA resources, the future challenge will be to balance this growth with the need to protect these natural resources and ensure public access and enjoyment.

Perennial, Intermittent, and Ephemeral Streams The watershed cycle begins as precipitation from a storm event flows through wetlands and floodplains and into area streams (becoming surface water), which then distribute the surface water into Lake Wylie, the Catawba River, or other water bodies. If the quantity of surface water exceeds the capacity of a stream, the surface water spills over into adjacent floodplains and/or wetlands. Similar to wetlands, streams offer a variety of functions and benefits such as providing a supply of water, plant and wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, aesthetic benefits, and others. Map 5.10 identifies the location of known streams throughout the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area. Approximately 50 linear miles of streams traverse the City and nearly 150 linear miles of streams are located throughout the Planning Area. These streams are considered the “circulatory system” of Rock Hill’s watershed. The following describes the three broad categories of streams:  Perennial: A stream or other channel that holds flowing water 365 days a year.  Intermittent: A stream that generally has a defined natural watercourse which does not flow year round, but flows beyond periods of rainfall or snowmelt.  Ephemeral: A stream that generally has a defined natural watercourse that flows only in direct response to rainfall or snowmelt and in which discrete periods of flow persist no more than 29 consecutive days per event. The City of Rock Hill revised its riparian buffer ordinance in 2008 to require variable buffers along perennial streams and fixed buffers along intermittent streams and adopted standards to protect plant and animal habitats along the stream banks from development encroachment. Although no buffers are required for ephemeral streams, they must be vegetated to prevent erosion. As growth and development continues to extend outward to the edges of the 2020 Planning Area where larger stream systems exist, the challenge will be to balance this growth with the need to protect these community assets and ensure public access and enjoyment.

Floodplains Floodplains are defined as those “areas including and contiguous with lakes, streams, other bodies of water, as well as inland depressional areas whose elevation is equal to or lower than the projected

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Base Flood elevation.” They are typically located on lowland areas adjacent to streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds, and are flooded when the quantity of water exceeds the storage capacity of the larger water body. Map 5.10 depicts the known location of floodplains in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area, mostly located along the shorelines of the Catawba River and along banks of major streams. Similar to wetlands, floodplains provide an assortment of benefits to the community, which include the following:  Flood Control, Water Filtration, and Groundwater Recharge: Floodplains provide flood water storage and reduce flood damage to homes and businesses. Floodplains also filter out sedimentation, nutrients, and contaminants from surface water that is eventually released to area aquifers and larger water bodies such as the Catawba River or Lake Wylie.  Plant and Wildlife Habitats and Recreational Benefits: The moist soils of floodplains support a variety of vegetation, fish, birds, and wildlife. The typical linear configuration of floodplains and the rich plant and wildlife habitat provide unique opportunities for public greenways, linear parks, and other natural areas. Rock Hill’s River Park is a local example of how floodplains can be used for recreational purposes. Many of the floodplains in the City’s corporate limits have been developed with single-family residences. In 2008, the City of Rock Hill amended its riparian buffer ordinance to require that buffers around the Catawba River, Lake Wylie and perennial streams be expanded to include adjacent floodplains within the streamside zone, up to the maximum variable buffer width. As growth and development continues to extend outward where significant concentrations of floodplains are located, the challenge will be to balance the growth with the need to protect these community assets, limit future flood events, and ensure public access and enjoyment, as appropriate.

Geographically Hazardous Areas Geologically Hazardous Areas (GHAs) are lands that are vulnerable to erosion, sliding, or other geological events. Map 5.11 provides a generalized depiction of known GHAs in the Rock Hill 2020 Planning Area. GHAs include the following two subareas:  Steep Slope Areas: Steep Slope Areas are areas with a natural or manmade topographical gradient greater than 25 percent (ratio of vertical distance to horizontal distance). The topographic characteristics of these areas make them particularly susceptible to soil erosion and slide hazards. Slope mapping information was obtained from York County Government.  Erosion Hazard Areas: Erosion Hazard Areas are those areas with severely eroded soils due to slope characteristics, soil type, and/or natural agents such as wind, rain, frost action, or stream flow. Erosion mapping information was obtained from the Voices and Choices of the Central Carolinas organization. Many of the depicted GHAs are located along the banks of streams, Lake Wylie, and the Catawba River. Land development or clearing activities on or near GHAs accelerate the natural erosion and/or sliding processes in these areas, resulting in excessive sediment deposits which threaten water quality and vegetation. Other GHA concerns include public safety and property damage risks that may result from land development on unstable soils. In 2008, the City of Rock Hill amended its Zoning Ordinance to include definitions for Non-Critical/Low Slopes (greater than or equal to 15%), Precautionary/Moderate Slopes (between 15 and 25%), and Prohibitive/Severe Slopes (greater than 25%). Land disturbing activities on natural slopes of 15 percent or greater is limited; disturbances on prohibitive/severe slopes are prohibited. In addition, Rock Hill amended its riparian buffer ordinance in 2008 to require that buffers around the Catawba River, Lake Wylie, and perennial streams be expanded to include prohibitive/severe slopes within the streamside zone, up to the maximum variable buffer width. As growth and development continues to occur on or near the Catawba River, Lake Wylie, and/or area streams (where GHAs are most frequent), the challenge will be to ensure this growth does not threaten the integrity of the City’s GHA resources and further deteriorate water quality.

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