ISSN 0549-799X Number 347 May/June 2004

State completes evaluations of all public water supplies by Jeri Gray When Congress passed the Safe Drink- through pollution prevention efforts lead values together to protect our drinking ing Water Act Amendments of 1996 (S by local, voluntary source water protec- water. 1316, PL 104-182) it nudged the tion teams, provides ‘a window of “After all,” said MacQueen, “we all Nation’s approach to assuring safe opportunity’ to shift from ‘command and have a stake in ensuring a safe, reliable, drinking water in a new direction— control’ regulations to a more coopera- affordable supply of drinking water.” toward preventing pollution of drinking tive and inclusive public interaction that To produce the reports, PWSS spent water rather than removing pollutants brings people with different needs and several years determining the boundaries through expensive treatment. Sherry continued page 4 MacQueen, the new source water protection coordinator in the N.C. Public In this issue May/June 2004 Water Supply Section (PWSS), thinks the 1996 law was a “brilliant piece of Page legislation” because it offers consumers and local governments information, Director’s Forum: Should we become environmental advocates? 2 technical assistance, and even financial help to protect their sources of water and May action of the N.C. Environmental Management Commission 3 thereby hold down the cost of producing safe drinking water. May action of the EMC’s Water Quality Committee 7 To encourage local involvement in source water protection, the 1996 May action of the EMC’s Groundwater Committee 7 amendments required states to produce Cost Share Program targets impaired waters 8 and make public reports on the condition of all public drinking water sources and Report on compensatory mitigation conference available 8 to encourage voluntary local partnerships to protect streams, reservoirs, and wells Airborne contaminants significantly affect New England’s waterways 9 that supply public drinking water systems. Now that the PWSS has Legislation introduced in the N.C. General Assembly 10 completed the required Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) reports, it WRRI report available: is MacQueen’s job to get the information Monitoring and Modeling of the Neuse River Estuary, Phase 2: to consumers and encourage them to join Functional Assessment of Environmental Phenomena with local governments and others to through Network Analysis 11 develop local source water protection WRRI-sponsored research reported: plans. Greening Development to Protect Watersheds: “These reports are a gift, a gift of Does New Urbanism Make a Difference? 12 knowledge,” said MacQueen. “Public involvement starts with public aware- North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council officially ness. The availability of these reports advises local governments 14 allows citizens access to numerous databases in one, easy-to-use location. Plus ... water resources conditions ... people ... confer- Access to this information, combined ences ... and more with the Environmental Protection Agency’s goal to protect source water 2 WRRI NEWS May/June 2004 Director’s Forum Should we become environmental advocates? Kenneth H. Reckhow, Director, Water Resources Research Institute

“I just listened to a terrific commence- “Well, as WRRI director, I can give are unaware of the full set of benefits ment address by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at you specific advice once I know your associated with an undamaged environ- Duke,” I enthusiastically told my wife, values,” I responded. ment and healthy ecosystem?” Ellen, on Saturday afternoon last week. “But,” Sarah inquired, “shouldn’t “That’s a good point, Sarah,” I “Kennedy is president of the you also have an obligation to inform us acknowledged. “And it’s certainly Waterkeeper Alliance; he discussed a about the importance of environmental consistent with Kennedy’s talk at number of critical environmental issues, protection and sustainability? Isn’t it commencement.” urging us to become informed advocates possible that our values are based on “I don’t believe it!” Ellen exclaimed. for environmental protection and flawed information? In other words, “Does this mean that you’re finally going sustainability.” might we naively, and incorrectly, to take a position on environmental “So, does that mean that you’re undervalue the environment because we issues?” finally going to take public positions on environmental issues?” Ellen skeptically continued inquired. “What about the academic objectivity that you so fervently defend?” Water Resources Research Institute News “Well, as director of the Water of The University of North Carolina Resources Research Institute, I believe that I have an obligation to discuss the ISSN 0549-799X science as objectively as possible,” I Number 347 responded. “If I want to describe policy May/June 2004 implications, I’ve always believed that I Published bimonthly can say ‘if you undertake this policy, here’s what science says is likely to This newsletter is financed in part by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological happen; alternatively, if you undertake Survey, as authorized by the Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Forty-three hundred that policy here’s the scientific forecast, copies of this newsletter were printed at a cost of $1,624 or 38 cents per copy. et cetera, et cetera. I don’t give my personal opinion; instead I outline SUBSCRIPTIONS TO WRRI-NEWS LIST SERVE expected scientific implications of Anyone with an Email account can subscribe to the WRRI-News list serve. This various policies.” service is used to announce posting of the WRRI News to the website and to Just then, my political scientist disseminate information about WRRI seminars, workshops, conferences, NCWRA daughter, Sarah, walked in. “Oh boy, here forums, and other pertinent information. To subscribe, send an Email message to: we go again—the idealist scientist versus [email protected]. Put nothing in the subject line. In the message say only: subscribe WRRI-News. Please send any Email correspondence regarding the the pragmatist politician.” WRRI News or the WRRI-News LIST SERVE to [email protected]. “Now hold on,” I objected. “No one elected me; no one knows my values. For WRRI offices are located at 1131 Jordan Hall all anyone knows, I’m masquerading as on the North Carolina State University campus an environmentalist in my role as WRRI Mailing address: Box 7912, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7912 director while I’m heavily invested in Telephone: (919) 515-2815 General Email: [email protected] pollutant-generating industries. Why http://www.ncsu.edu/wrri should I intertwine my values with my science?” WRRI Staff Director/Kenneth H. Reckhow ([email protected]) “C’mon Ken,” Said Ellen in exas- Associate Director/Gregory D. Jennings ([email protected]) peration. “As a County Commissioner, I Environmental Education and Communication can’t learn the substantive details of Coordinator/ Kelly Porter ([email protected]) every issue that comes before my Board; Business and Administrative Officer/ Lynne Bridger ([email protected]) I have to depend on experts like you for Program Coordinator/ Julie Mason ([email protected]) policy guidance.” Accounting Technician/Gerry Cheney ([email protected]) Office Assistant/Diane Fudge ([email protected]) Technical Writer-Editor/Jeri Gray ([email protected]) May/June 2004 WRRI NEWS 3 “Well, I still see my role at WRRI as May action of the N.C. somewhat different from that as a Duke faculty member,” I responded. “At Environmental Management Commission WRRI, I represent an institution, not simply myself, and in maintaining the At its regular meeting on May 13, 2004, certification required mitigation for viability and integrity of the institution, I the N.C. Environmental Management destruction of a stream buffer caused by believe that I must confine myself to Commission (EMC) took the following piping of a stream. RDU filed a objective scientific interpretation.” action: contested case, contending that it “And at Duke?” Ellen asked. should not have to pay for buffer “At Duke, I’m a faculty member. Approved holding public hearings on mitigation because (1) DWQ waived Clearly, I have responsibility to the amendments to air quality rules 15A the 401 certification requirement by not University, but I feel that I can discuss NCAC 2D .0530, Prevention of issuing the certification with 60 days of my preferences if I put them in a con- Significant Deterioration and .0531, application and (2) after piping and text.” New Source Review The rules are removal of the stream, there remained “Okay, so put on your ‘Duke hat’ being amended to bring them into line no riparian area to which the buffer and reflect on your WRRI experiences,” with changes to federal rules; however, requirements applied. RDU moved for Ellen said. “What’s your opinion on the some modifications to the federal rules summary judgment, saying there were state of the environment in North are proposed. A number of options will no issues of material fact and the law Carolina?” be presented for public comment. was on its side. The ALJ agreed, ruling “Well, just as a quick response—I’m for RDU. Before the EMC, the Attor- concerned,” I answered. “Yes, we have Approved holding public hearings on ney General’s representative argued for many effective environmental protection an amendment to air quality rule 15A DWQ that the rules say a 401 certifica- policies and regulations in the United NCAC 2Q .0102, Activities Exempted tion does not have to be issued or States and in North Carolina, and we from Permit Requirements. The rejected in 60 days if there are good have many successes—for example, proposed amendment provides that an reasons for a delay—which there wastewater treatment plants have exemption will not apply if a facility were— and that there is nothing in the improved substantially over the past has a source that could likely violate an rules that allow a waiver from buffer thirty years. Yet, I’m particularly applicable standard if not properly mitigation. After much discussion, the concerned about long-term gradual controlled and operated. EMC decided that the Neuse buffer environmental degradation and the rules apply outside the 401 process and potential for irreversible damage. I Approved holding public hearings on that piping a stream does not remove believe that sustainability—maintaining amendments to air quality rule 15A the requirement to mitigate for the environmental quality for future genera- NCAC 2D .0521, Visible Emissions. It functions of a destroyed buffer. tions—is an obligation of ours. I’m not provides that facilities that must Commissioner Charles Peterson convinced that current policies are up to monitor opacity continuously will referred to special considerations the task for such issues as sediment and receive notice of violation if they written into the Neuse buffer rules for erosion control, nutrient enrichment from exceed the opacity standard more than public facilities, including airports, that intensive agriculture and animal opera- four times (six-minute periods) in one allow certain activities in buffers with tions, and the vast array of synthetic day. The current allowable exceedance mitigation. Commissioner Leo Green organics—most recently, endocrine is 10 six-minute periods. pointed out that the evidence put before disruptors.” the EMC did not provide a suitable “But let me think about that some Rejected the decision of an administra- basis for determining whether there was more while I recycle these newspapers,” tive law judge (ALJ) and remanded for good reason for the delay in responding I continued. “That deserves a long and evidentiary hearing a challenge to to the 401 application. The commission thoughtful answer. Let’s talk later.” conditions for buffer mitigation voted to reject the ALJ’s decision that contained in a 401 certification for RDU does not have to mitigate for the Editor’s Note: Dr. Reckhow will pick up piping of a stream by the Raleigh- buffer destruction and to remand the this discussion in the July/August issue Durham (RDU) Airport Authority. The case for further evidence regarding the of the WRRI News. Division of Water Quality issued a timeliness of the 401 certification. Clean Water Act Section 401 certifica- tion for a runway safety area expansion Heard from Jim Gulick of the Attorney at RDU, which is in the Neuse River General’s Office that the Rules Review Basin and is subject to the Neuse Riparian Area (buffer) rule. The continued page 7 4 WRRI NEWS May/June 2004 Source Water reports. Essentially, you are asked to around the water source that can be acknowledge that you understand that: affected by contaminants (delineated continued Assessments 1. The reports are about raw untreated area) and the locations of potential of possible pollution influence around water, not the water that comes from contaminant sources in relation to the every one of the approximately 10,000 your tap. delineated area. It is on Map 2 that you public water supply sources (groundwa- 2. The reports are not based on monitor- can find the list of the types of contami- ter wells or surface water intakes) in the ing or sampling of the water sources nant sources considered in the Source state, investigating the physical charac- but on the application of a qualitative Water Assessment reports. Table 4 (now teristics of the land area within the analysis using expert opinion to assess shown) lists and provides information on boundaries, and inventorying 16 types of the relative importance of selected each of the potential contaminant sources potential contaminant sources within the factors thought to impact water quality. within your watershed or wellhead area. boundaries. Putting all this information 3. The reports include only 16 types of Table 2 gives the “susceptibility” together, PWSS assigned a “susceptibil- potential contaminant sources con- rating of “higher, moderate, or lower” for ity” rating of “higher,” “moderate” or tained in existing state databases, not your water source, a rating that reflects “lower” to each source of public drinking every contaminant source that may both the “inherent vulnerability” of the water. The susceptibility rating indicates exist within the area of possible site to pollution and the “contaminant the potential risk of contamination from pollution influence. rating” based on the number of potential any of the 16 potential contaminant 4. The reports are based on available contaminant sources within the assess- sources located within the assessment data that may be incomplete, inaccu- ment area. area. rate, or out-of-date. Table 5 tells you how the “inherent An individual report is available for After you acknowledge the SWAP vulnerability” rating in Table 2 was every public water supply system in limitations by clicking “OK,” a second derived. Table 7 (from the next section) North Carolina, and an online geographic window will open that allows you to tells you how the watershed or well information system makes it possible to search for your water system. If you are a characteristics rating used in Table 5 was look at information layers (such as customer of a municipal or district water derived. Figures 1-7 (not shown) individual contaminant sources) for system, you can enter the name of the illustrate each of the factors used in single water sources or for the entire town, city or district (such as Orange determining the “Watershed Characteris- state. Water and Sewer Authority) to find your tics Rating” or Unsaturated Zone MacQueen acknowledged that the system. If you are a customer of a private Rating.” For example, the figures include reports contain highly technical informa- water system (such as one that serves a land cover, precipitation, land slope and tion that may be difficult to understand mobile home park or a subdivision) you land uses within the watershed. initially. That is why she is working with must know the name of the system, or at Section 6 of the report is a con- nonprofit and volunteer organizations to least part of it. Type in the name or part densed technical explanation of how the conduct workshops throughout the State of a name and click “get report.” source water assessments were done and to help water system owners and consum- The next screen may list several the basis of the ratings. For many small ers understand (1) how to interpret the reports on systems that contain the name systems, Section 6 will be much longer SWAP report results; (2) how to use the of your system. You may have to scroll than the assessment report itself. reports to further investigate the suscepti- down to see the list of matching reports. bility of local drinking water sources; Find your system and click on the How should this information and (3) how to develop plans to protect Acrobat image beside it. The report will be interpreted? those sources. open in Acrobat. It is important that consumers understand Sections 1 through 5 of the report that the “susceptibility” rating for their Accessing and using Source contain explanatory text and general water sources does not reflect the quality Water Assessment reports information on your water system and of the drinking water that comes from To download a pdf version of the Source water source(s). (For illustrative pur- their taps. Finished drinking water from Water Assessment for your public water poses, this article uses information from public water systems must meet high supply system, go to website: http:// the source water assessment for the Town Safe Drinking Water Act standards, www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/SWAP. You of Wake Forest in Wake County.) regardless of the quality of the raw water must have Adobe Acrobat reader Table 1 describes the source of your source. Nor does the “susceptibility” installed on your computer to access the drinking water. Table 3 gives you rating reflect actual contamination of the reports. additional general information about raw source water. Some idea about the In the lower right corner, click on your water source. Map 1 (not shown) actual quality of the raw water can be “SWAP Reports.” A text window will provides the general location of your found in Table 5 where raw water quality pop up that explains the limitations of the water source. Map 2 shows the land area is rated. This rating is based on turbidity May/June 2004 WRRI NEWS 5

not alone tell the factored into the susceptibility rating whole story about using the site’s inherent vulnerability risk to a water with “Land Use Ratings.” Some idea of source. Many the risk posed by these contaminants can potential contami- be gleaned from figures showing land and total coliform data reported by water nant sources are not shown on statewide cover and land use ratings. systems. databases and are, therefore, not included The susceptibility rating should be in the SWAP report results. The local Source Water Protection interpreted as a rating of the risk that one source water assessment team must MacQueen said that to get more accurate or more of the potential contaminants in identify these unique, local sources of assessments of the risk to a drinking the watershed or wellhead area could potential contamination. Pollutants in water source, system owners and/or contaminate source water. However, the runoff from dense commercial, industrial, consumers need to “ground truth” their susceptibility rating in these reports does agricultural and residential areas are continued next page 6 WRRI NEWS May/June 2004

Source Water State Drinking Water Treatment Assessments continued Revolving Loan Fund rule changes address Source Water Protection Source Water Assessment report and add and Conservation local data about other pollution sources in the delineated area. The State Drinking Water Treatment Revolving Loan Fund “We want the public to refine these receives monies from the U.S. EPA appropriated by Congress reports,” she said. “That’s a big job, and for the fund and a 20 percent match from appropriations that’s why we are encouraging partner- from the N.C. General Assembly. Loans for drinking water ships among diverse groups that have a projects are made to local governments at one-half the stake in holding down the cost of market interest rate for up to 20 years. Eligible drinking water providing safe drinking water.” projects must facilitate compliance with the Safe Drinking To help local groups that want to Water Act and must be on the State’s Intended Use Plan. To monitor their watershed or wellhead area rank projects for the Intended Use Plan, the N.C. Public and protect their water source, the Public Water Supply Section awards priority points in the following Water Supply Section has compiled a list categories: (1) Public health and compliance with the Safe of funding opportunities and sources of Drinking Water Act, (2) consolidation to improve water sys- technical assistance. These are available tem reliability, (3) reliability, (4) affordability, and (5) source on the Source Water Assessment Pro- water protection and management (which includes conser- gram website. Also on the website is a vation). wellhead protection guide for groups that want to develop approved Wellhead In May the Division of Environmental Health proposed Protection Plans for public wells. changes to rules that govern use of the State Drinking Water Although North Carolina has a Treatment Revolving Loan Fund to encourage source pro- mandatory Water Supply Watershed tection and conservation. The rule changes raise the maxi- Protection program for surface water mum number of points that can be awarded in this category sources of drinking water, there is still from 10 to 15. They provide that 5 points can be awarded for much that groups can do to make local a water supply watershed protection program or wellhead programs more effective. MacQueen said protection program approved by the division and provide that she is currently working on a that 3 points can be awarded for each of multiple demand guidance document, analogous to the management strategies. Wellhead Protection Guidebook, to provide information on how source water Loan application are due September 30 of each year. For protection teams can help develop an details go to the Public Water Supply Section website at approved Surface Water Source Water http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/srf/index.htm. Protection Plan.

Information to be included in Consumer Confidence Reports summary of any monitoring that has ent kinds of public water systems, the Results from the Source Water Assess- revealed Cryptosporidium (a biological locations of water supply watersheds and ments will also be shared with the public pathogen) present in the raw water. public water supply wells statewide, and through the Consumer Confidence Source Water Assessment Program the distribution of the 16 types of Reports (CCR) provided to them by their report information will be included in the potential pollution sources statewide. water systems. Under requirements of the 2004 CCR. Other features are also included. To use 1996 Amendments, public water systems the tool, click on “NC SWAP Info” at the that have received Source Water Assess- Statewide Geographic bottom of the SWAP homepage and ments must include in their CCR’s a brief Information System follow the online help. summary of the system’s susceptibility to Mapping Tool To use the mapping tool or down- potential sources of contamination, an The PWSS also developed a statewide load Source Water Assessment reports, explanation of contaminants that may be Geographic Information System (GIS) go to: http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ in the source water, a report on the likely mapping tool, “NC SWAP Info,” that can pws/SWAP. source(s) of detected contaminants, and a be used to see the distribution of differ- May/June 2004 WRRI NEWS 7 May action of the EMC’s Water Quality Committee

At its regular meeting on May 12, 2004, program, and to reconfigure the rule by The Environmental Education Fund the Environmental Management program area and permit type to make raised another $160,000 from corpora- Commission’s Water Quality Committee future rulemaking easier. He said tions and foundations to complete the took the following action: changes to reuse rules may also be project. The teachers guide and videos included if a committee working on are now complete, and in August Approved a revised Water Supply proposals finishes its work in time. teacher training sessions will begin. Watershed Protection ordinance for Colson said that he expects to bring a Training will be coordinated by the Chatham County. draft rule to the Water Quality Commit- Project WET program in the N.C. tee in late fall or early winter. Munici- Division of Water Resources. To learn Approved holding public meetings on palities will be the largest affected more about It’s Our Water go to web the draft Catawba River Basinwide group. address: http://www.eefund.org/ Water Quality Plan. Meetings will be level3.php?mpid=109. To register for held in July. Major issues in the basin Heard an update on the Coastal training follow the highlighted link. JG include conditions of relicensing of Habitat Protection Plan (CHPP) hydropower facilities on reservoirs and process. The Intercommission Review May action of the management plans to reduce nutrient Committee has drafted actions to pollution of Lake Wylie and Lake protect coastal fisheries habitat, and EMC Groundwater Rhodhiss. For additional information those actions will be subject to public contact Dave Toms of the Basinwide discussions this summer. Many of the Committee Planning Unit at (919) 733-5083 Ext actions will require rulemaking by the 577 or [email protected]. three lead commissions. The Coastal by Kelly Porter Resources Commission, EMC, and Heard from Kim Colson, Supervisor of Marine Fisheries Commission are At its regular meeting on May 12, 2004, the Non-Discharge Permitting Unit of scheduled to meet September 9, 2004, the N.C. Environmental Management the Division of Water Quality, that rule to review details of recommended Commission’s Groundwater Committee changes will soon be proposed to 15A actions. The CHPP is to be presented to took the following action: NCAC 2H .0200 Waste Not Discharged the three commissions for adoption to Surface Waters. Colson said that during the fall and winter of 2004. Discussed proposed rules to modify staff wants to change the rule to reflect Information about the CHPP is avail- the testing requirements in 15A NCAC current procedures (such as fast track able on the N.C. Division of Marine 2L.0115 (risk-based assessment and permitting and express review), to add Fisheries website: http:// corrective action). federal references so that DWQ can www.ncdmf.net. (The proposed actions Heard a report on the status of the obtain EPA delegation for the 40 CFR to protect coastal fisheries were not State Trust Fund for cleanup of parts 501 and 503 (sludge management) available on the DMF website in mid- commercial and noncommercial May, but the CHPP update with the petroleum underground storage tanks actions can be downloaded as an (UST). As of May 7, 2004, the trust attachment to the May Water Quality fund was $30 million short of being May EMC continued Committee agenda at http:// able to pay claims for commercial sites. h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/emc/commit- There is a 354-day turnaround from the Commission has filed a “perfunctory” tees/wq/2004/index2004.htm.) time a client comes in to the time a answer regarding their position in the check is cut to pay the claims for suit brought by the EMC challenging Heard from Anne Taylor of the commercial sites. the RRC’s rejection of the NPDES Environmental Education Fund about a Heard a report on the Piedmont- Phase II Stormwater rules. Gulick also video-enhanced five-week high school Mountains Resource Evaluation said that the RRC will be represented curriculum on water quality and Program (PMREP). In cooperation with by a division of the N.C. Attorney quantity issues in North Carolina. The the U.S. Geologic Survey, Water General’s office that is separate from curriculum (It’s Our Water) is designed Resources Division, the Groundwater the division that represents agencies of to be part of an earth and environmental Section has installed a series of the Department of Environment and science course that all high school groundwater research stations in North Natural Resources. Following Gulick’s students must take to graduate. The Carolina to help refine knowledge of report, the EMC went into executive project was started with funds from a recharge and discharge processes in session to discuss the litigation. JG Clean Water Act 319 grant from DWQ. crystalline bedrock. 8 WRRI NEWS May/June 2004 Ag Cost Share Program targets impaired waters

According to the latest report by the N.C. areas of the state covering 16 counties. It incentive, which has been shown to Division of Soil and Water Conservation, was expanded in 1990 to include all 100 reduce erosion from agricultural fields more than $582,000 of the $5.26 million counties. dramatically. appropriated by the General Assembly Participating farmers receive up to In establishing the ACSP, the for the Agriculture Cost Share Program 75 percent of the average cost of an General Assembly required that each in 2003 was targeted for installing approved best management practice project’s benefits to water quality be erosion and sediment control BMPs in (BMP). Farmers must agree to maintain estimated before funding is awarded. To watersheds of streams impaired by the practices for ten years. For a BMP to meet this requirement, the SWCC chose agricultural sedimentation. Historically, be approved by the N.C. Soil and Water three indicators of water quality benefits: about 30 percent of ASCP funds have Conservation Commission for the ACSP, tons of soil saved, pounds of nitrogen been used to implement BMPs in there must be a Natural Resources saved or managed, and pounds of watersheds of impaired waters. Conservation Service technical standard phosphorus saved or managed. The The N.C. Agriculture Cost Share for the BMP and sufficient cost informa- estimated sediment and nutrient reduc- Program (ACSP) is one of the few such tion to determine the appropriate cost tion benefits for program years 2001- programs in the United States. It was share amount. For 2003, there were 46 2003 are summarized in the accompany- authorized by the General Assembly in short- and long-term BMPs approved for ing table. JG 1983 to improve water quality associated the ACSP. The most-used BMP in 2003 with agriculture in three nutrient sensitive was the three-year conservation tillage Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Benefits for Agriculture Cost Share Program Years 2001 through 2003

2001 2002 2003 Number of Contracts 2,060 1,937 1,819 Acres Affected 97,171 acres 79,602 acres 89,436 acres Soil Saved 344,627 tons 258,853 tons 290,065 tons Nitrogen Saved 1,911,610 pounds 1,716,024 pounds 1,359,918 pounds Phosphorus Saved 216,021 pounds 397,875 pounds 741,691 pounds Waste Nitrogen Managed 4,714,328 pounds 4,481,779 pounds 4,406,982 pounds Waste Phosphorus Managed 4,945,421 pounds 3,743,366 pounds 4,572,177 pounds

Draft 2004 303 (d) Report on compensatory mitigation list available conference available North Carolina’s 2004 “Integrated List of In May 2003, the N.C. Wetlands Restora- To explore the future of compensatory Waterbodies” or “303(d)” list is available tion Program (now the Ecosystem mitigation in North Carolina. for review at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ Enhancement Program) conducted a To improve the mitigation process in tmdl/ or by contacting Robin Markham conference on compensatory mitigation North Carolina through the Ecosystem with the N.C. Division of Water Quality under an EPA Wetlands Program Enhancement Program. (DWQ) at (919) 733-5083, Ext 558. Development Grant. The conference To investigate how watershed planning Section 303(d) of the Clean Water brought together state and federal can improve compensatory mitigation. Act requires states to develop a list of agencies, academic institutions, mitiga- To reach a common understanding of waters that have water quality or use tion practitioners, and others to discuss mitigation policy and enhance commu- impairment that cannot be corrected by topics related to watershed planning and nication between stakeholders. existing point and nonpoint source compensatory mitigation. pollution control strategies and to The goals of the conference were: A report on the conference, includ- develop management strategies or total ing recommendations, is now available maximum daily loads (TMDLs) to To further the discussion of factors at: http://www.ncsu.edu/wrri/conference/ achieve water quality standards and that affect the cost of mitigation (i.e., report_index.htm restore uses. credit release, bonding, service area, land availability, risk). May/June 2004 WRRI NEWS 9 developed now allows us to better Airborne contaminants significantly identify the major sources of nutrients to affect New England’s waterways New England’s rivers, where they come from, and how the quality of the rivers is A recently released study led by the U.S. various urban and suburban land uses affected.” Geological Survey (USGS) shows that also contribute to the amount of nitrogen The USEPA and states in New nitrogen entering the atmosphere from in the region’s streams,” said Richard England will use the new contaminant- various sources has a major effect on the Moore, USGS Hydrologist and chief tracking tool to determine what level of quality of streams throughout New investigator of the study. nitrogen and phosphorus adversely England. Using a new computer model The New England Interstate Water affects the health of streams and to define designed to map nitrogen and phospho- Pollution Control Commission acceptable levels of these contaminants rus transport and how these natural (NEIWPCC) and the U.S. Environmental in rivers and streams. elements change stream quality, scientists Protection Agency (USEPA) collabo- These findings are released as USGS determined that 50 percent of the rated in the study to better understand Scientific Investigations Report 2004- nitrogen found in New England streams, and manage nutrient contamination and 5012, “Estimation of total nitrogen and or more than 42,000 metric tons per year, to improve the water quality in New phosphorus in New England streams comes from the atmosphere. This England’s rivers. using spatially referenced regression nitrogen originates both inside and “We were surprised to find that models,” by R.B. Moore and others, outside the region. contrary to previous theories, nitrogen, which is available online at http:// “Nitrogen is an element released into once it enters the water, stays dissolved pubs.water.usgs.gov/sir2004-5012 or by the atmosphere from numerous sources, in the larger streams and rivers in New contacting the USGS office in Pembroke, including fossil fuel combustion, England all the way to the coast where NH at (603) 226-7837. agricultural fertilizers, and animal the river discharges into the ocean,” said manure. Wastewater facilities and Moore. “The new computer model we

2004-2005 WRRI Water Resources Research Seminar Schedule (Date, locations, and speakers are firm. Some topics are to be determined.)

Except for the October seminar, all Monday, October 11, 2004, 2:00 pm Tuesday, February 15, 2005, 3:00 pm seminars are presented at 3:00 pm. (note earlier time) 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Seminars are presented either in 1132 Archdale Building, Raleigh Dr. Nancy White Jordan Hall on the NC State University Dr. David Genereux UNC Coastal Studies Institute campus or in the groundfloor hearing room N.C. State University “Environmental applications of microbial of the Archdale Building in downtown To be determined. source tracking: results of research using Raleigh. An email announcement will be multiple antibiotic resistance and DNA sent to the WRRI-News list serve about 4 Tuesday, November 23, 2004, 3:00 pm weeks prior to each seminar, and a ribotyping to identify sources of patho- reminder will be sent about 1 week prior to 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU gens in coastal waters” the seminar. Professional Engineers and Dr. Phil Berke Land Surveyors can receive one Profes- UNC-Chapel Hill Tuesday, March 15, 2005, 3:00 pm sional Development Hour for attendance. “Greening Development to Protect 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Questions regarding location or other Watersheds: Is the New Urbanist Version Dr. Deanna Osmond logistics should be directed to of Compact Urban Forms an Answer?” NC State University [email protected]. Questions about “Effectiveness of Agricultural Best seminar content should be directed to Tuesday, January 18, 2005, 3:00 pm, Management Practices” [email protected]. 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Tuesday, September 21, 2004, 3:00 pm Dr. Randy Kramer Tuesday, April 12, 2005, 3:00 pm 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Duke University 1132 Jordan Hall, NCSU Dr. Curtis Richardson To be determined. Dr. Siamak Khorram Duke University NC State University “Wetlands of Mass Destruction: How the “Current Trends in Land Use/Land Cover Hussein Regime Destroyed the Mapping, Change Detection, and Mesopotamian Marshes and Their 5,000- Monitoring from Remotely Sensed Data” year-old Ma’dan Culture” 10 WRRI NEWS May/June 2004 Legislation introduced in the N.C. General Assembly These environment-related bills are among those introduced in the current short session of the 2003-2004 General Assembly. Other environment-related bills are active.

H 1496 (=S 1103) AN ACT TO AMEND THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT TO AUTHORIZE A PERSON TO PETITION AN AGENCY TO DETERMINE THE NEED FOR A RULE. Provides that a person may petition an agency to review any policy statement, guidance document, interpretive memorandum, or other document created or relied upon by the agency to determine whether the document as written or as applied falls within the definition of a rule and should have been adopted as a rule. The petition shall be in writing and shall include a copy of the document and a statement describing the agency’s application of the document. If the agency determines that the document should be adopted as a rule, it shall grant the petition. If the agency determines that the document should not be adopted as a rule, it shall deny the petition. Each agency shall establish by rule the procedure for submitting a petition to determine the need for a rule and the procedure the agency follows in reviewing and deciding the petition.

H 1581 (=S 1211) AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL PHASE II STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REQUIRE- MENT. Provides that owners and operators of designated MS4s apply for Phase II permits that implement the six minimum measures on the schedule adopted by the N.C. Environmental Management Commission in its temporary rule to implement the Phase II program. Sets deadlines for sending draft permits to public notice for 1990 census owners and operators of MS4s at Nov 1, 2004, and 2000 census owners and opera- tions of MS4s at May 1, 2005. Does not address stormwater management by urban counties or the state designation and petition process.

H 1585 (=S 1210) AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL PHASE II STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REQUIRE- MENTS. Essentially adopts provisions and permit schedule of temporary rule adopted by the Environmental Management Commission to implement the Phase II program. Sets deadlines for sending draft permits to public notice for 1990 census owners and operators of MS4s at Nov 1, 2004, and 2000 census owners and operations of MS4s at May 1, 2005. Provides for voluntary Phase II implementation by urban counties; otherwise, state will implement program and administer post-construction controls in these jurisdictions. Provides for state designation and petition process.

H 1797 AN ACT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE STATE BY APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO IMPROVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEDIMENTATION POLLUTION CONTROL ACT OF 1973, TO COMPLETE STATEWIDE INTERMITTENT AND PERENNIAL STREAM MAPPING, AND TO FULLY FUND THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE OBSERV- ING NETWORK. Would appropriate $1.5 million to the Division of Land Resources to support 30 new positions in the erosion and sediment control program, $2 million to the Division of Water Quality to complete statewide mapping of intermittent and perennial streams, and $600,000 for the State Climate Office of N.C. for 50 new weather stations and data analysis.

S 1056 AN ACT TO REQUIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PAY MONETARY COMPENSATION FOR REMOVAL OF LAWFULLY ERECTED OFF-PREMISES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS AND TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO ENTER INTO RELOCATION AND RECONSTRUCTION AGREEMENTS WITH OWNERS OF NONCONFORMING ADVERTISING SIGNS.

S 1139 AN ACT TO AMEND THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT TO CREATE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE STANDARD FOR REVIEW OF THE ADOPTION OF RULES AND THE STANDARD FOR REVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF RULES TO BE USED BY THE RULES REVIEW COMMISSION IN REVIEWING TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT RULES AND TO MAKE OTHER CONFORM- ING CHANGES. Provides that the Rules Review Commission shall first determine if a rule has been adopted in accordance with the APA and if it has not been, return the rule to the agency. If the rule is determined to have been adopted in accordance with the APA, the RRC is then to proceed with content review. Provides the RRC shall not consider questions relating to the quality or efficacy of a proposed rule or the specific means by which the agency has chosen to execute its statutory authority but that it shall restrict its review to determination of whether the rule (1) is within the authority delegated to the agency by the General Assembly, (2) is clear and unambiguous, and (3) is reasonably necessary to implement or interpret an enactment of the General Assembly, Congress or a regulation of a federal agency. Also provides that when objecting to a rule the Commission shall identify each provision of the rule that fails to satisfy any of the content standards set out in G.S. 150B-21.9A(b) and explain how the provision fails to satisfy the standards.

S 1373 AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE GOVERNMENTAL UNITS TO ENTER INTO GUARANTEED WATER SAVINGS CONTRACTS THAT PROVIDE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES IN EXISTING FACILITIES, TO AUTHORIZE THE FUNDING OF THESE CONTRACTS IN THE SAME MANNER AS GUARANTEED ENERGY SAVINGS CONTRACTS, TO RAISE THE CAP FOR FINANCING CONTRACTS FOR ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES, TO EXPAND THE STATE’S ENERGY POLICY AND LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSIS TO INCLUDE WATER CONSERVATION, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES

S 1374 AN ACT TO DIRECT THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION TO STUDY WHETHER THE HIGHWAY USE TAX SHOULD BE BASED ON FUEL EFFICIENCY, WHETHER THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWAL FEE SHOULD BE BASED ON continued May/June 2004 WRRI NEWS 11 VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED, AND WHETHER FUNDS GENERATED FROM WRRI Report available THESE SOURCES OF REVENUE Functional assessment through SHOULD BE USED TO SUPPORT AIR Single copies of WRRI reports are QUALITY AND TRANSPORTATION available free to federal/state water ecological network analysis can place EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES. resource agencies, state water resources environmental phenomena within the research institutes, and other water context of trophic dynamics and foodweb S 1375 (= H 1715; also S 1349 and H 1715) research institutions with which ex- structure. This study demonstrates the AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO change agreements have been made. application of ecological network GLOBAL WARMING INITIATIVES, A Single copies of publications are analysis to ecosystem management in the NONPROFIT CORPORATION THAT available to North Carolina residents at lower NRE, North Carolina. The ENCOURAGES INDUSTRIES TO a cost of $4 per copy prepaid ($6 per investigators used monitoring data from REDUCE THEIR EMISSIONS OF copy if billed) and to nonresidents at a the Neuse River Estuary Modeling and GREENHOUSE GASES AND TO cost of $8 per copy prepaid ($10 per Monitoring Program (ModMon) and VOLUNTARILY REPORT THEIR copy if billed). Send requests to WRRI, other sources to characterize four EMISSIONS FOR PUBLICATION IN A reference food web conditions. They then REGISTRY TO BE PUBLISHED EVERY Box 7912, North Carolina State Univer- YEAR BY GLOBAL WARMING INITIA- sity, Raleigh, NC 27695-7912 or call modified conditions to simulate fish kills TIVES. Would appropriate $400,000 for (919) 515-2815. of pelagic and demersal species and die- continuation of a federally funded pilot off of clams from hypoxia. Four types of program. Monitoring and Modeling of the output provided by network analysis Neuse River Estuary, Phase 2: were then used to evaluate the effects of S 1376 (= H 1798) AN ACT TO ESTAB- Functional Assessment of Environ- these modifications on patterns of energy LISH THE NORTH CAROLINA LOW mental Phenomena through flow relative to reference conditions: EMISSION VEHICLES PROGRAM. Network Analysis Quantification of direct and indirect Would direct the Environmental Manage- relationships between food web groups. ment Commission to adopt rules to Report 343-E February 2004 Description of flow structure (includ- implement a low emission vehicle program ing trophic structure). equivalent to California’s. Robert R. Christian and James K. Dame, Description and quantification of East Carolina University; Galen material cycling. S 1404 AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE Johnson and Charles H. Peterson, UNC- Indexing of system-level attributes ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL INDEBTED- CH Institute of Marine Sciences; and NESS TO ADDRESS STATEWIDE (i.e. emergent properties). Daniel Baird, University of Port Eliza- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS beth BY PROVIDING FUNDS FOR GRANTS The models indicate that fish kills of TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS FOR 10 000, 100 000, and one million Management agencies are charged with WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS, WASTEWA- individuals can have little or no ecologi- developing policies that address the TER COLLECTION SYSTEMS, WASTE- cal impact with respect to energy flow degradation of coastal ecosystems such WATER TREATMENT WORKS, AND within the entire lower estuary as long as WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER as the Neuse River Estuary (NRE). standing stocks are relatively large. The REUSE PROJECTS. As title indicates. Monitoring programs for the Neuse have biomass of demersal species was much Also provides for additional funding for the been established to ensure these policies greater than that for pelagic species. Clean Water Management Trust Fund. have a strong scientific foundation. Localized effects can be significant, as However information from the monitor- can effects on specific predators of these S 1428 AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR ing programs has not necessarily been ADDITIONAL STUDY OF HOW BEST groups. Models also indicate that die-offs synthesized to the ecosystem level. As a TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY AND of clams (Macoma spp.) associated with result, it is difficult to evaluate the ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE hypoxia in late summer have the poten- severity and consequences of various EASTERN PORTION OF SWIFT CREEK tial to affect the diet and production of environmental phenomena. For example: IN THE TAR-PAMLICO RIVER BASIN demersal fish. The indirect effects of What size fish kill is ecologically AND ITS WATERSHED AND TO hypoxia through an altered food web can significant? APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR CERTAIN be more severe than the direct effects of RELATED STUDIES. JG Is a kill of one fish species more fish kills. Although ecosystem-level significant than an equivalent kill of effects from simulated perturbations were another? minimal, localized effects can be Is a fish kill more significant than a significant, and management decision comparable kill of benthic inverte- making may best be done on the basis of brates? these small-scale or localized effects. 12 WRRI NEWS May/June 2004 The investigators found that in WRRI-sponsored research reported greenfields, new urban developments more effectively incorporate watershed The principal investigator on a WRRI- generates more runoff than do new urban protection techniques than conventional sponsored research project may fulfill developments. Although large lots may developments, mainly through protecting the obligation of providing a final have less impervious surface per lot, the hydrologically sensitive areas. The project completion report by submitting longer roads and driveways, as well as authors say this is impressive in view of a refereed journal publication that meets larger parking lots, make the overall the fact that the new urban developments specific criteria (see policy at http:// design more impervious. While there is have average gross densities more than www.ncsu.edu/wrri/ little research that evaluates the effective- two and one-half times higher than WRRIreportpolicy.html). The journal ness of new urban development regard- conventional developments in article summarized below has been ing watershed protection, the available greenfields. They say that new urban accepted as a final completion report evidence indicates some advantages of developments in greenfields are also under the new policy. A limited number the type of development. more likely to restore degraded streams, of reprints of the full journal article are In this project, investigators studied incorporate best management practices to available from WRRI. Send requests to how well new urban design—character- control runoff, and use more techniques WRRI, Box 7912, North Carolina State ized by high net density, conservation of to reduce and modify impervious University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7912 or open space, pedestrian orientation, and surfaces. call (919) 515-2815 or email: mixed uses—supports more environmen- In infill areas, new urban develop- [email protected]. tally sustainable development. The ments are more likely to incorporate conceptual framework relates new urban impervious surface reduction techniques Greening Development to Protect design to the goals of watershed protec- and restore degraded streams than Watersheds: Does New Urbanism tion, focusing on three categories of conventional developments. However, techniques: Make a Difference? both types of development have equiva- protection of hydrologically sensitive lent levels of sensitive area protection areas (e.g., porous soils, steep slopes, Philip R. Berke and Joe MacDonald, and use of best management practices. forested lands) UNC-Chapel Hill; Nancy White, Michael Further new urban development in infill reduction of impervious surfaces Holmes, Dan Line and Kat Oury, NCSU; sites use fewer techniques to reduce best management practices to detain and Rhonda Ryznar, Tufts University sidewalks, and a much lower percentage and filter stormwater (e.g. bioretention prohibit paving of sensitive open spaces. ponds, grass swales, infiltration basins, Journal of the American Planning More sidewalks and more pavement in and landscaping) Association, Vol 69, No. 4, Autumn open spaces are likely due to the empha- 2003. sis on pedestrian orientation in the urban Through interviews with key local core. planning staff, the investigators compara- This refereed article has been accepted The authors say that their finding tively evaluated 50 matched pairs of new as the technical completion report for suggest that new urban developments in urban and conventional developments in project 70185, Water Quality and urban core areas should more effectively Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Quantity Impacts of Urban Forms: A account for watershed impacts and that South Carolina, and Virginia. Their Comparative Analysis of Compact and emphasis should be placed on building questionnaires were designed to deter- Low-Density Development, Philip Berke more new urban project in infill sites. mine whether a given development and Rhonda Ryznar, Department of City They also suggest that new urban incorporated techniques that protect and Regional Planning, UNC-Chapel development codes and standards could sensitive open spaces, reduce impervious Hill, and Nancy White and Dan Line, give more attention to watershed protec- cover and support BMPs that retain and College of Design and Department of tion, and that research should be focused infiltrate stormwater. A separate question Biological and Agricultural Engineering, on the institutional and political factors was designed to identify whether each NCSU. It has been designated WRRI- that might support the integration of development was located on a greenfield 2004-JA5. environmental protection into new urban or an infill site. They differentiated design. New urbanism has been widely ac- development by type of location to claimed as a more environmentally determine whether new urban develop- sustainable form of development than ment built on greenfield or infill sites are conventional low-density development. more likely to account for watershed Low-density developments generally protection than conventional low-density create more impervious surface that developments. May/June 2004 WRRI NEWS 13 Workshops and Conferences federal agencies and other conservation partners to think strategically about their The Center for Watershed Protection and The N.C. Division of Forest Resources individual and coordinate roles in others will present the Watershed and others will present the 2004 North prioritizing conservation efforts across Restoration Institute 2004, September Carolina Forestry Summit: Sustaining the nation. North Carolina’s Comprehen- 12 - 17, 2004, at the IslandWood retreat Working Forests Wednesday, July 28, sive Wildlife Conservation Plan is now facility, Bainbridge Island, Washington. 10am-3:30pm at the Johnston Commu- on the web at: http://www.ncwildlife.org/ The Watershed Restoration Institute is a nity College in Smithfield and Thursday, pg07_WildlifeSpeciesCon/pg7c1.htm five-day program designed to equip local August 19, 10am -3:30pm at the watershed leaders with the skills, tools Statesville Civic Center in Statesville. and confidence to assess, design and These summits will provide forest Urban Subwatershed implement effective restoration programs landowners with information on how to Restoration Manual in their home watersheds. This intensive keep their forestland productive and Series available program combines field and classroom healthy. A broad range of speakers will time to provide training on urban make presentations, including forest The Center for Watershed Protection has watershed assessment techniques, landowners, conservationists, forest spent the better part of the last year stormwater retrofit inventories, stream industry experts and foresters. Registra- developing the Urban Subwatershed rehabilitation, riparian reforestation, land tion deadline is June 30. Go to http:// Restoration Manual (USRM), a reclamation, pollution prevention, www.dfr.state.nc.us/summit_ht.htm to practitioner’s guide to restoring urban watershed stewardship campaigns, and register on the web or download the watersheds. Presented in a series of 11 identification and correction of illicit registration form at: http:// manuals, the USRM presents practical discharges. Continuing Education Units www.dfr.state.nc.us/publications/ and useful information on the actual available. Registration and scholarship summit1.pdf techniques of watershed restoration that information at http://www.cwp.org or can be conveniently accessed and used contact Jennifer Zielinski, Center for by planners, engineers, stream biologists Watershed protection, phone: 410-461- Websites and municipal officials. Each manual is 8323; email: [email protected]. Coastal Studies Institute. The Univer- profusely illustrated and presents sity of North Carolina Coastal Studies detailed field methods, practice specifi- The U.S. EPA will sponsor Getting in Institute was founded in 2003 by the cations, costs, applicability and tips on Step with Phase II: A Workshop for University of North Carolina system. CSI implementation. Together, the USRM Stormwater Program Managers at has three main purposes: to conduct manuals introduce an integrated frame- EPA Region 4 headquarters in Atlanta, research, offer educational opportunities work for urban watershed restoration, Georgia, August 17-18, 2004. The and provide outreach in coastal and outline effective techniques for assessing workshop is open to state, regional, and marine science and management to a urban watersheds, and provide a compre- local officials and program managers wide variety of audiences in North hensive review of watershed restoration responsible for developing Stormwater Carolina and beyond. CSI has recently techniques. Phase II Programs. No consultants will put up its new website at: http:// These manuals can be downloaded be admitted. Registration is limited. The csi.northcarolina.edu/. in .PDF format for FREE from The CWP six minimum measures will provide the website at http://www.cwp.org/ foundation for the workshops and the NC Comprehensive Wildlife Conserva- USRM_verify.htm through September. agenda will be tailored to meet the needs tion Plan. Congress created the State Color hard copies are also available for a of the MS4 communities in the area. The Wildlife Grants (SWG) program in 2001. nominal charge. two-day workshop will provide partici- This program distributed $85 million Offices of the N.C. Department of pants with innovative tools and real- among the states in fiscal year 2002 and world examples that can be used to continued with an appropriation of $65 Environment and Natural Resources implement local stormwater programs. million in FY 2003 and an appropriation formerly in Asheville One of the days will include the popular of $75 million in FY 2004. In order to have moved to Swannanoa. Getting in Step outreach training that make the best use of the SWG program, The new offices are at EPA has sponsored for nearly 10 years. Congress charged each state and territory 2090 U.S. Highway 70, The workshops will include lively group with developing a statewide Comprehen- Swannanoa, N.C. 28778. exercises and many opportunities for sive Wildlife Conservation Plan. These The phone number is discussion. For details and registration plans will provide an essential foundation 828-296-4500, go to website: http://www.tetratech- for the future of wildlife conservation and the fax is 828-299-7043. ffx.com/wstraining/p2wrkshp.htm. and a stimulus to engage the states, 14 WRRI NEWS May/June 2004 North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council officially advises local governments by Kelly Porter could be accounted for. The drought of service connections or 3,000 or more Formerly known as the Drought Monitor- 2002 made local water suppliers aware of individuals to write up LSWPs. Also ing Council, the North Carolina Drought the importance to have the ability to public water suppliers and private Management Advisory Council make transfers between water supplies. community water suppliers are now (NCDMAC) was recognized for doing an As a result there are more connections required to include drought response outstanding job of monitoring and and partnerships between local water plans as part of their LSWP. As of coordinating drought responses during supplies. In August 2003 the General January 1, 2004, the first LSWPs the drought of 2002 (see WRRI News No. Assembly passed amendments to House prepared by over 600 private community 346, July/August 2002). The General Bill 1062 that required private commu- water systems became due. Yonts stated Assembly gave the council an official nity water systems serving 1,000 or more continued next page statutory base in House Bill 1062 (2003), assigning it the role of official drought status advisor to local governments. With North Carolina Precipitation/Water Resources the authority to issue drought advisories and having the necessary data, the council is able to pinpoint the areas of Rainfall (+/- average) the state to be under drought advisory March April Asheville 2.02” (-2.57”) 2.95” (-0.55”) rather than declaring an advisory Charlotte 1.61” (-2.78”) 1.35” (-1.60”) statewide. Greensboro 1.61” (-2.24”) 2.53” (-0.90”) The NCDMAC met for their annual Raleigh 3.31” (-0.72”) 1.73” (-1.07”) Wilmington 1.85” (-2.37”) 1.35” (-1.59”) meeting on April 15, 2004. They Elizabeth City 3.12” (-1.55”) 2.56” (-0.44”) discussed assessments and forecasts as it pertains to streamflow, groundwater Streamflow levels, reservoir levels, agriculture, March April climate, public water supply, and the Index Station mean flow (CFS) mean flow (CFS) outlook for the summer of 2004. As for (County, Basin) (% of long-term median) (% of long-term median) 2004, the spring season has been dry. Valley River at Tomotla (Cherokee, Hiwassee) 303 (67%) 229 (57%) However, most streams are flowing in the Oconaluftee River at Birdtown (Swain, Tenn) 638 (76%) 536 (71%) near normal range and the reservoir French Broad River at Asheville (Buncombe, FB) 1,911 (61%) 2,083 (77%) levels are within normal range. There is South Fork New near Jefferson (Ashe, New) 446 (78%) 502 (92%) Elk Creek at Elkville (Wilkes, Yadkin/Pee-Dee) 72.5 (49%) 108 (90%) nothing to determine whether the summer Fisher River near Copeland (Surry, Yadkin/Pee-Dee) 153 (63%) 194 (84%) season will be dryer or wetter than South Yadkin River near Mocksville (Rowan, Yadkin/PD) 272 (48%) 369 (80%) normal. The council continues to Rocky River near Norwood (Stanly, Yadkin/Pee-Dee 933 (36%) 446 (31%) prepare for the future by learning from Deep River near Moncure (Lee, Cape Fear) 1,453 (49%) 820 (47%) Black River near Tomahawk (Sampson, Cape Fear) 914 (68%) 916 (94%) the past and coordinating statewide Trent River near Trenton (Jones, Neuse) 162 (60%) 164 (76%) information so North Carolina will be Lumber River near Boardman (Robeson, Lumber) 2,105 (90%) 1,267 (84%) better prepared for future drought events. Little Fishing Creek near White Oak (Halifax, Pamlico) 125 (41%) 154 (83%) Potecasi Creek near Union (Hertford, Chowan) 158 (42%) 183 (86%) Woody Yonts, Chairman of the NCDMAC and Water Resource Engineer for the NC DENR Division of Water Groundwater Resources, said that as a result of the Index well March monthly mean April monthly mean (Province) water level (ft) water level (ft) 1986-1988 drought, legislation was (Monthly mean (Monthly mean passed in 1989 requiring all public water last month - ft) last month - ft) systems to have Local Water Supply Plans (LWSP) and update these plans Blantyre (Blue Ridge) 28.83 (29.57) 29.35 (28.83) Mocksville (Piedmont) 15.74 (16.29) 15.68 (15.74) every five years (North Carolina G.S. Simpson (Coastal Plain) 3.24 (3.05) 3.61 (3.24) 143-355(l)). In 1992, the first LWSP was completed that included surface area Source: U.S. Geological Survey’s Water Resources Conditions in North Carolina maps, a plan for where additional water http://nc.water.usgs.gov/monthly/ would come from, and how much water May/June 2004 WRRI NEWS 15 that local governments are doing a better job monitoring water use and demand projections. People Ryan Boyles, Associate State Climatologist, mentioned that Dr. Kerry Smith, NCSU University Distinguished Professor of the US Drought Monitor creates a consistency from region to Agriculture and Resource Economics, has been elected to the region. Information used in determining the Drought Monitor National Academy of Sciences. Smith is Director of the NCSU comes from monitoring streamflow, groundwater levels, and Center for Environmental and Resource Economic Policy. rainfall amounts. Boyles explained that since there is no El Niño CEnREP provides an information source for state policy makers or La Niña activity it is harder to determine whether the 2004 on the benefits and costs of policy interventions available to summer season will be dryer or wetter than normal in North address environmental quality issues related to rapid population Carolina. There is an effort to identify more specifically what is growth and change in North Carolina. Smith’s research focuses happening in North Carolina with assessment of water supply on non-market valuation of environmental resources, the role of and depiction of drought that will provide a more focused public information in promoting private risk mitigation, environ- drought monitor for North Carolina. Currently, the NCDMAC mental policy and induced technical change, and non-point Drought Advisory Development Team is developing a better source pollution and nutrient policy. His latest research consid- way to identify and report water supply conditions in North ers the prospects for linking economic and ecological models to Carolina and portions of adjoining states. In addition, a system enhance the evaluation of environmental policies. is being designed (in experimental stage) that will allow state regional engineers with Public Water Supply to report informa- Dr. Rooney Malcom, NCSU Professor of Civil Engineering, tion about local water supply conditions via the internet. retired at the end of the academic year after 31 years of teach- ing, outreach, and research. His research interests are water For more information: resources and civil engineering design, and many in North NCDMAC: http://www.ncwater.org/drought/ Carolina call him “Mr. Stormwater” because of his pioneering State Climate Office of North Carolina: http://www.nc- work in urban stormwater management. His publications include climate.ncsu.edu/ the widely cited “Elements of Urban Stormwater Design” as U.S. Drought Monitor: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/ well as two WRRI reports on projects related to urban monitor.html stormwater.

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October 5-6, 2004 Holiday Inn-Select, Hickory, NC 2004 Tentative Luncheon and November 9-10, 2004 Forum Schedule Sheraton Inn, New Bern, NC September 13, 2004 These workshops are structured to acquaint design NCSU Centennial Campus, College of Textiles professionals with the N.C. Sedimentation Pollution Control act, the rules implementing the act, and Advanced Wastewater Treatment and TMDLs design standards for erosion and sedimentation control BMPs. The tentative agenda includes December 6, 2004 presentations on calculating flow, selecting ero- NCSU Centennial Campus, College of Textiles sion control matting, innovative sedimentation The Impact of TMDLs on Stormwater Programs basins, energy dissipator design, utility lines, estab- lishing vegetation, and construction of BMPs. Updates to this schedule will be posted on web site: Professional Engineers can earn 12 PDHs, and http://www.ncsu.edu/wrri/events/ncwra landscape architects can earn 10 continuing education units for completion of both days. A final agenda will be posted in late June with registration information coming in late July at All luncheon/forums take place at 11:30 am http://www.ncsu.edu/wrri/erosionseminars.html. at the College of Textiles Building on Centennial Campus, N.C. State University. Sponsored by the N.C. Sedimentation Control Commis- For directions, go to website: sion, the N.C. Land Quality Section, and http://centennial.ncsu.edu/howtogethere/htgh.htm the Water Resources Research Institute.

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