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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda - 04-08-2014 - 3 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 8, 2014 Action Agenda Item No. 3 SUBJECT: Energy and Environmental Updates — CFE Renewable Energy Work Group; Environmental Responsibility; State of the Environment 2014 DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No (AMS); Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT: A) August 8, 2012 NC WARN Letter Dave Stancil, DEAPR, 245-2510 B) August 30, 2012 BOCC Chair Rich Shaw, DEAPR, 245-2510 Letter to NC WARN Jeff Thompson, AMS, 245-2658 C) January 22, 2013 CFE Memo to Wayne Fenton. AMS, 245-2628 BOCC - Proposal for a Renewable Blair Pollock, Solid Waste Energy and Efficiency Work Group Convened by the CFE D) Work Session PowerPoint Presentation Slides http://orangecountync.gov/Asset E) Memo and Background - State of Environment 2014 PURPOSE: To receive information on three related environmental and energy topics — the Commission for the Environment's proposal for a Renewable Energy Committee (RENEW) to explore renewable energy and sustainable development opportunities; the annual Environmental Responsibility in County Government report (including the Energy Scorecard); and the upcoming State of the Environment 2014 Report and Environmental Summit. BACKGROUND: 1. Commission for Environment Proposed Renewable Energy Work Group: In August 2012 the BOCC received a letter from NC WARN recommending Orange County form an Alternative Energy Task Force "to encourage the county to incorporate local sustainable energy production and energy efficient strategies." The BOCC referred this request to the Commission for the Environment (CFE) to consider the issues and report back to the BOCC. The CFE discussed potential approaches for incorporating alternative energy and efficiency into the County's future planning, and developed a proposal for BOCC consideration. The proposal was handed out at a January 29, 2013 BOCC work session, but there was no time during that 2 meeting for response and discussion. In recent months Board members asked to revisit this topic at an upcoming work session. The CFE proposal (Attachment C) recommends a standing work group to gather information on energy efficiency and renewable energy, and consider how local initiatives could be supported and implemented. The proposed Renewable Energy and Efficiency Work Group would bring together public and private stakeholders to develop draft policies and initiatives that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. 2. Environmental Responsibility in County Government / Energy Scorecard: On June 7, 2011, the Energy Conservation Team within Asset Management Services ("AMS") presented a comprehensive report on the County's historical use of energy, water and fuel as well as a work plan for ongoing conservation and efficiency. Staff presented a set of goals in these areas relative to a fiscal year 2010 baseline, and committed to annual updates on the County's performance relative to these goals. The 2011 report and presentation represented a subset of the larger body of "Environmental Responsibility in County Government" Goals adopted by the Board in December 2005. On October 16, 2012, AMS staff collaborated with Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation ("DEAPR") and the Orange County Solid Waste Management Department to broaden the performance report against the established "Environmental Responsibility in County Government" goals in the annual report of fiscal year 2012 data. The attached presentation (Attachment D weblink - http://orangecountync.gov/AssetMgmt/index.asp) provides the latest updates on these performance goals, which includes data for fiscal year 2013, as well as current year initiatives and proposed initiatives for fiscal year 2014-15. This collaboration will grow in future performance reports to include other departments that are involved. 3. State of the Environment 2014 / Environmental Summit Beginning in the year 2000, the CFE has periodically prepared a "State of the Environment" report to provide a snapshot of a set of measurable environmental indicators on progress toward or away from environmental goals. Subsequent reports were issued in 2002, 2004 and 2009. By 2004, it had become apparent that a two-year reporting window was too frequent to reasonably measure change, and five years was created as the new timeframe. Over the past several months, DEAPR staff and a UNC graduate student have worked to compile the data needed to create the report. The report uses a set of 22 measurable indicators of the current status of air quality, water quality and other environmental conditions within Orange County. These indicators may reveal trends to alert readers to potential impacts on human and environmental health, and suggest areas for more research and monitoring is needed. The 2014 report includes new surface water indicators, energy conservation measures undertaken by the County, emerging issue sections (including "fracking") and other information. The 2014 State of the Environment report is being finalized and will be presented, as in years past, at an "Environmental Summit." This year's summit is planned for May 31 at Maple View Agricultural Environmental Center. Dr. Norman Christenson of Duke University will be the keynote speaker, along with other panelists. 3 Excerpts from the draft report are provided as attachment herein, and staff will speak to some of the emerging issues and findings as a "preview" to the final report. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving the information in these updates and reports. Future actions to address these topics may have financial impacts, and these would be assessed as action strategies are considered. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Manager recommends that the Board receive these reports and updates, and provide feedback to the Commission for the Environment and staff for consideration. i JAttachmenFAJ 4 PO Sox 61051 Durham,NC 27715-1051 NC WARN ) Phone: (919)416-5077 Fax: (919)286-3985 ncwarn @ncwarn.org www.ncwarn.org August 8,2012 Orange County Board of Commissioners V E, Govermnent Services Center AUG 2 0 2012 200 South Cameron Street Hillsborough,NC 27278 -- Dear Commissioners, i As suggested by Orange County resident Mark Marcoplos,we support creation of an Alternative Energy Task Force to encourage the county to incorporate local sustainable energy production and energy efficiency strategies. NC WARN is a non-profit organization located in Durham working for climate protection through clean and efficient energy alternatives.We have a broad membership base in Orange County and also have staff committed to grassroots organizing in the community. With rooftop solar hot water and electricity installations on the rise, Orange County has shown great . growth and potential to be a leader,in clean energy for-surrounding counties in North Carolina. We believe that this potential can be realized if elected officials like you are pro-active about moving forward with clean energy alternatives on a local scale. Forming an Alternative Energy Task Force will help to determine the best path toward { incorporating solar energy and efficiency into Orange County's plans for the future-a path that will boost local economy, create jobs and increase energy resilience for years to come.NC WARN appreciates the Commission's consideration of this recommendation. Sincerely, } I Warren Executive Director,NC WARN i 1 !, i i 5 Attachment B BERNADE7TEPELESS/ER,CvA/R ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PAM HEMM/NGER,VECE CHA/R VALERIE P.FOUSHEE POST OFFICE BOX 8181 17 5z BARREN.GO 200 SOUTH CAMERON STREET BARRYJAGOBS `? EAR ru EAESZ HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278 �Ortb Cato I. August 30, 2012 Jim Warren Executive Director, NC WARN P.O. Box 61051 Durham, N.C. 27715 Dear Mr. Warren: On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, I want to thank you for your letter of August 8, 2012 in reference to asking for support for the creation of an Alternative Energy Task Force. Your request was reviewed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners' Chair/Vice Chair/Manager and it was decided to refer your request to our Commission for the Environment advisory board to work through these energy alternative issues. We do appreciate your proactive approach for climate protection through clean and efficient energy sources. Sincerely, �Q Bernadette Pelissier, Chair Board of County Commissioners cc: Board of County Commissioners Frank Clifton, County Manager Dave Stancil, DEAPR Director www.co.orange.nc.us Protecting and preserving—People, Resources, Quality of Life Orange County,North Carolina—You Count! (9 19)245-2130. FAX(919)644-0246 r Attachment C 6 ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT MEMORANDUM To: Board of County Commissioners From: David Neal, Chair, Orange County Commission for the Environment Date: January 22, 2013 Re: Proposal for a Renewable Energy and Efficiency Work Group Convened by the CFE Goal#1 of the 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan, Natural and Cultural Resources Element: Energy conservation, sustainable use of non-polluting renewable energy resources, efficient use of non-renewable energy resources, and clean air(Page 6-9). The BOCC requested that the Orange County Commission for the Environment (CFE) propose a response to the August 8, 2012 letter from Jim Warren of NC WARN. The CFE recommends convening a standing work group that would support energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related sustainable development strategies in Orange County. This Renewable Energy and Efficiency Work Group (RENEW Group) would be charged with bringing public and private stakeholders together to develop policies and initiatives that promote sustainable economic development, energy efficiency, and renewable energy in Orange County. The CFE would, in turn, bring vetted proposals from the RENEW Group to the BOCC for consideration. As it presently operates, the CFE has an Air and Energy Committee. The present committee would act as a host and liaison with the CFE for the work group and would convene meetings, workshops, and other activities of the RENEW Group. The work group would consist of CFE members, representatives of municipal and county planning boards and staff, municipal and county sustainability staff or committee members, and any BOCC who might wish to participate. The RENEW Group would host individual public workshops and forums with emphasis on specific topics such as: • Reducing energy use in existing buildings and new construction • Maximizing the production and use of renewable and clean energy • Reducing carbon emissions in transportation • Promoting strategies for offsetting carbon emissions • Eliminating or altering existing policies or code provisions that hinder any of the above at the county level Reducing our collective carbon emissions should be a high priority for Orange County. Global climate change is accelerating at a rate exceeding scientific projections, exacerbating drought, storms, and flooding with devastating effects. Climate scientists agree that society must make dramatic changes in the way we source and use energy in the next several years. The consequences of inaction threaten to be drastic. The RENEW Group would provide an opportunity for Orange County to promote forward-thinking local policies with the cooperation of local government representatives, private businesses, and environmental groups. With collaboration and input from a variety of experts, municipal and county staff, elected officials, and other stakeholders, we can find creative ways to lower our carbon footprint while also giving a boost to our local economy. By coming together at a central point to share information and coordinating action, we can avoid the pitfalls of working in isolation. Finally, the RENEW Group would enhance information sharing and communication with the deployment of an Orange County Green webpage. The CFE unanimously approved this proposal and requests the BOCC's consideration and endorsement of CFE's convening a Renewable Energy and Efficiency Work Group. col2L(/LLL$.$LO(1.for the FN.✓GYaisnLekst C/D Orgvi.GJe couvi.tl.J D�.4f 7z /PO FOX 8181, HillsboroucJG NC 228 �1)�2�S-2S10 7 Attachment E COUNTY OF ORANGE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE, PARKS AND RECREATION MEMORANDUM To: Board of County Commissioners Michael Talbert, Interim County Manager From: David Stancil, DEAPR Director Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager Date: April 8, 2014 Subject: State of the Environment 2014 and Environmental Summit The Orange County Commission for the Environment is working on its State of the Environment report—a report that that began in 2000 and has been updated every two or four years since then (2002, 2004, and 2009). The report is prepared by the Commission for the Environment and DEAPR staff, but this time we also received help from a graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill—Malcolm Munkittrick—who worked with DEAPR in the summer of 2013 as a Research Associate. The State of the Environment report uses a template of around 22 measurable "indicators"of the current status of air quality, water quality, and other environmental conditions within Orange County. The indicators help reveal trends that can alert us to potential impacts on human health and suggest areas where additional information, research, and monitoring are needed. Finally, the report identifies critical issues and makes recommendations for future County actions to help address certain issues. The following are some changes to the 2014 report from the 2009 document: • Includes new indicators of surface water quality • Highlights innovative measures employed by Orange County to conserve energy resources and promote the conservation of energy • Includes a section on"fracking"as an "emerging issue" • Links recommendations to 2030 Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives • Provides a greater emphasis on citizen education and participation The SOE report will be completed in time for its presentation at an Environmental Summit planned for May 31 at the Maple View Agricultural Environmental Center. The CFE has invited Dr. Norman Christensen (Duke University) to be keynote speaker, along with a panel of speakers on topics that will be highlighted in the report. Attachments Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation PO Box 8981/306-A Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 245-2510 State of the Environment Oran$e Countq ivy 5 Commission for the Environment app •ray ��A 9 Orange County Commission for the Environment Lucy Adams Loren Hintz Torn O'Dwyer May Becker Bill Kaiser Rebecca Ray Terri Buckner Donna Lee Jones Jan Sassaman Peter Cada David Neal Gary Saunders Susie Enoch Steven Niezgoda Lydia Wegman Jeanette O'Connor David Welch []range County Department of Environment,Agriculture,Parka&Recreation(DEAPR) 306-A Revere Road/P.O.Box 8181,Hillsborough,NC 27278 Staff membm David Stancil,Director Tom Davis,Water Resources Coordinator Richard Shaw,Land Conservation Manager Beth Young,Communications Manager Other County Contacts Commission for the Environment http://wwtiv.co.orange.nc.us/boards/indivbd.asp?BoardID=54 Health Department—Environmental Health Services http://www.co.orange.nc.us/envhlth/index.asp Board of County Commissioners http://www.co.orange.nc.us/occlerks/bocc.asp Planning and Inspections Department http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/index.asp Cooperative Extension http://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/ Copies of this report are available at the Orange County public libraries and at the DEAPR office. It can be viewed online at http://www.co.orange.nc.us/deapr/ i 10 . TABLE OPCONTENTS OVERVIEW Introduction..................................................................................................................................................# CriticalIssues...............................................................................................................................................# Highlighted Recommendations.....................................................................................................................# Demographics...............................................................................................................................................# AIR and ENERGY RESOURCES Introduction..................................................................................................................................................# EmissionsEstimates.....................................................................................................................................# Emissions from Point Sources....................................................................................................................# Ozone Threshold Exceedances....................................................................................................................# Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled......................................................................................................................# Commuting Patterns and Modes.................................................................................................................# Emerging Issue:Plug-in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure...........................................................................# LAND RESOURCES Introduction................................................................................................................................................# Acresof Protected Land..............................................................................................................................# Acres of Protected Natural Heritage Sites..................................................................................................# PrimeForest................................................................................................................................................# Acres in Voluntary Agricultural Districts.................................................................................................# Acres in the Present Use Value Program...................................................................................................# Status of Rare Plants and Animals ......................................................................... .....# .............................. Solid Waste Management: Waste Reduction and Recycling......................................................................# Emerging Concern:Invasive Terrestrial Plants.........................................................................................# Update:Land Application of Biosolids.......................................................................................................# WATER RESOURCES Introduction.................................................................................................................................................# Water Resources in Orange Counky ...........................................................................................................# WaterUsage................................................................................................................................................# GroundwaterQuantity................................................................................................................................# GroundwaterQuality .................................................................................................................................# Surface Water Quality: Specific Conductance.............................................................................................# Surface Water Use Assessment...................................................................................................................# Emerging Concern:Invasive Aquatic Plants..............................................................................................# Emerging Concern:Fracking.......................................................................................................................# II I iv