A plan to improve water quality in the impaired Jordan Reservoir is now under public scrutiny.
The reservoir is a popular recreation spot and provides drinking water for 460,000 people in North Carolina, but harmful levels of nutrients are threatening the viability of the lake.
Many of the municipalities in the watershed support improving the water quality but are concerned about the costs of the plan presented by the N.C. Division of Water Quality. The plan places most of the financial responsibility on local governments.
The rules address runoff from new and existing developments, landscaping and agricultural operations, state and federal entities, as well as wastewater treatment discharge.
Many community members who attended a public hearing on the plan at the Carrboro Century Center July 12 said the benefits of the reservoir outweigh the costs of improving water quality.
"Water is one of the necessities of life," said Rita Spina, vice president of the Chatham Citizens for Effective Community.
"We already know that in the not-too-distant future, it will become a scarcity that people will fight over."
The plan's aim is to reduce the levels of nutrients that cause the overgrowth of algae in the lake.
Certain species of algae produce toxins which irritate human skin and mucous membranes. Algae also can be unsightly.
"Think green slime," said Elaine Kioso, executive director of the Haw River Assembly.
The overabundance of algae also can stress or kill aquatic animal life, increases the costs of treating drinking water and can alter its taste.
Gregg Weiner, a Durham realtor and kayaker, emphasized the impact on homeowners in the watershed.
"I've seen firsthand the algae blooms and the pollution on Jordan Lake. At the same time, I know landowners have rights."
The proposed rules stipulate five-year nitrogen and phosphorous reduction rates for each reservoir arm to reduce algae.
The Upper New Hope arm must reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads by 35 percent and 5 percent, respectively. The Haw River Arm must reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads by 8 percent and 5 percent. The Lower New Hope arm is already at permissible levels.
"We feel this will cause an onerous and unfair burden," said Matt Flynn, a stormwater program analyst for the Town of Cary, about the reductions.
Flynn said in high density residential areas, the proposed regulations for existing developments could mean some privately owned homes would have to be condemned.
Anne Coan, a N.C. Farm Bureau staff member, brought up the impact the rules could have on farmers.
"There are very few farmers left, and the few that are hanging on are barely hanging on," Coan said.
Jessica Ramsberger, an Apex resident who has gotten her drinking water from the reservoir for several years, said she thought the rules should go even further.
"I feel developers should be given stricter regulations when building in this watershed," she said.
Many attendees who supported the regulations emphasized the importance of clean water for the reservoir's recreational use.
Chapel Hill Town Council member Sally Greene expressed support for the plan, in spite of the costs.
"We hope these rules and strategies would be implemented in 2011 and not later."
Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.
Jordan Lake
Nutrient Management Rule: Commercial fertilizer application must be done by trained professionals or in accordance with an approved plan. 5-year cost: $63,000 for land management community Agriculture Rule: The agricultural community must collectively reduce levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in its runoff. 5-year cost: $2.57 million for agricultural community New Development Rule: Developers must maintain the land's ability to process storm water runoff, and incorporate runoff filtration systems that remove 85% of the contaminants. 5-year cost: $1.11 million for developers Existing Development Rule: Local governments must perform feasibility studies, develop educational programs, and identify nutrient reduction measures. Municipalities and counties may work together and share costs. 5-year cost: $16.4 million for local governments Wastewater Discharge Rule: Wastewater treatment plants must follow stricter regulations of nutrient concentration in discharge, which vary with the type of plant. 5-year cost: $57.31 million for local governments and private industry Nutrient Strategy for State and Federal Entities: Universities and the Department of Transportation must reduce erosive flows and nutrient concentrations in runoff. 5-year cost: $58.5 million for the state, the Department of Transportation, and Universities
