HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-14-2014 - AgendaORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
JOINT MEETING AGENDA
BOCC /Commission for the Environment Joint Meeting
October 14, 2014
Dinner — 5:00 p.m.
Meeting — 5:30 p.m.
Richard Whitted Meeting Facility
300 West Tryon Street
Hillsborough, NC
Welcome /Introductions and Opening Remarks (BOCC Chair Barry Jacobs &
Commission for the Environment Chair Jan Sassaman)
Orange County State of the Environment 2014 Report (Attachment 1)
2. Orange County Environmental Summit - October 11 (Attachment 2)
Incentives for Energy Efficient Construction and Renovation (Attachment 3)
4. Promoting Energy Conservation and Greater Use of Renewable Energy Sources
(e.g., Solarize Orange, Geothermal, Biogas, Biodiesel, Wood) (Attachment 4)
Solid Waste Issues
CFE Interest in the Direction the County Will Go In Handling Solid Waste;
Support of the New Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG)
CFE Interest in Diverting More Food Waste from the Solid Waste Stream
Through Composting (Attachment 5)
ATTACHMENT 1
Orange County State of the Environment 2014
Critical Issues
• Invasive, non - native, plant and animal species threaten the biological diversity of
Orange County's aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Non - native species replace
natives, threatening critical ecosystem services such as plant pollination and
posing risks to livestock, land, and public health.
• Important data on the quality and quantity of Orange County's surface water and
groundwater will remain unknown as reductions are made in State -led data
collection efforts.
• If drilling for natural gas begins in the Deep River basin, nearby Orange County
residents could experience negative impacts to air quality, water quality and
supply, and infrastructure.
• We need to do more to improve our air quality, chiefly by making changes that
result in less reliance on cars. Locally, this can be achieved by: (1) increased
availability and use of transit alternatives, including bus, rail, bicycle, and
pedestrian pathways; and (2) town and county planning that fosters denser,
walkable communities, reduces sprawl, and allows the clustering of development
in urban buffers. The installation of ozone monitors could help track air quality
more accurately.
• Orange County should continue to support the responsible deployment of clean
and appropriately -sited renewable energy.
• Reducing energy use is the first step in fighting climate change. Orange County
has made great strides in improving the energy efficiency of the buildings under
its management. We can build on this progress by investing more in energy
efficiency programs for residential, commercial, and other government buildings.
I
Orange County State of the Environment 2014
Highlighted Recommendations from the
Orange County State of the Environment 2014
Air and Energy Resources
1
1. Orange County should work with Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough to update the
2005 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast for the county, and assess our
progress toward the emissions - reduction goals recommended in the 2005 Greenhouse
Gas Emissions report.
2. Orange County should collaborate with its citizens and with civic organizations that are
organizing for clean energy policy at the local, state, federal, or international level.
3. Orange County should incentivize green building techniques by offering reduced building
permit fees for commercial and residential buildings that achieve demonstrable energy
savings.
4. Orange County should continue to reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills by
implementing a "pay -as -you- throw" system and stop trucking Orange County solid waste
to the Durham transfer station.
Land Resources
1. Orange County should work with its partners to protect at least 12% of county land area
by 2020, with focus on Natural Heritage Areas, and develop a comprehensive
conservation plan for a network of protected space throughout the county.
2. Orange County should continue educating and assisting the agricultural community with
the Voluntary Agricultural District and Present Use Value Taxation programs.
3. Orange County should increase efforts to encourage homeowners and businesses to
choose regionally native species for landscaping.
Water Resources
1. Orange County should increase efforts to gather information related to water resources
in Orange County; including data about surface water and groundwater quality, as well
as concerning groundwater quantity. State -led efforts in these areas continue to decline
due to budget and staff reductions.
2. Orange County should undertake a campaign to inform the public about invasive aquatic
species, including their current extent in our waterways, the likely ramifications of the
occurrence of these species in Orange County, and what steps can be undertaken to
slow their spread or eliminate them locally.
3. Orange County should continue to increase public awareness and understanding of
water supply sources, related concerns, and what steps can be undertaken to improve
or maintain the quality and quantity of our water supply resources.
Commission for the Environment
The Commission for the Environment advises the Orange County Board of
County Commissioners on matters affecting the natural environment.
This responsibility generally includes the following:
• advising on environmental policy,
• making recommendations on environmental initiatives,
• promoting education of the public and local officials on
environmental issues, and
• conducting special environmental studies and projects.
The Commission for the Environment is a citizen advisory board comprised
of 15 members, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.
To apply go to: www. co .orange.nc.us/boards /aRply.asl2
Members:
May Becker, Peter Cada, Loren Hintz, Donna Lee Jones, Cliff Leath,
David Neal, William Newby, Steven Niezgoda, Jeanette O'Connor,
Rebecca Ray, Jan Sassaman, Gary Saunders,
Lydia Wegman, David Welch
Membership:
• Members of the Commission for the Environment must be Orange
County residents.
• Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and
serve at the pleasure of the board.
• The CFE has 15 appointed members with specific expertise in:
• Air Quality • Biological Sciences • Water Resources
• Engineering • Land Conservation • Environmental Education
Meetings:
When: 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. [No July meeting]
Where: Two rotating locations:
• Orange County Solid Waste Management Department Offices,
1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill
• Richard Whitted Meeting Facility,
300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
Contact the DEAPR office for more information: 919 - 245 -2510
State of the Environment 2014
The 2014 State of the Environment report provides information and
recommendations intended to facilitate policy decisions that affect
Orange County's natural resources.
The purpose is to:
• Describe the current status of Orange County's natural environment
• Provide measures to monitor and evaluate progress toward a cleaner,
healthier environment
• Highlight the major environmental challenges facing the County
• Recommend actions to confront these challenges
The report uses 20 environmental indicators to measure progress toward
environmental goals in the topical areas of air and energy resources, land
resources, and water resources. Recommendations for each environmental
indicator were developed along with critical issues faced by the County.
Critical Issues:
Air and Energy Resources —We need to improve air quality, chiefly
by reducing our reliance on cars. Reducing energy use is the first step
in fighting climate change. The County has improved the energy
efficiency of its buildings; we can build on this by investing more in
energy - efficiency programs for residential and commercial buildings.
2. Land Resources — Invasive, non - native, plant and animal species
threaten the biological diversity of Orange County's aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems. Non - native species replace natives, threatening
critical ecosystem services such as plant pollination and posing risks
to livestock, land, and public health.
3. Water Resources — Important data on our surface water and ground-
water will be unknown due to reductions in State -led data collection
efforts. Also, if drilling for natural gas occurs in the Deep River basin,
nearby Orange County residents could experience negative impacts to
air quality, water quality and supply, and infrastructure.
See the full report at http: / /www.co. orange .nc.us /ercd /2014_SOE_index.asp
Orange County
Environmental Summit
Agenda
9:30am Gathering and Refreshments
10:00 Welcome
Jan Sassaman, Chair, Commission for the Environment (CFE)
10:05 Introductory Remarks
Alice Gordon, Orange County Board of Commissioners
10:12 Presentation of the State of the Environment 2014
Rich Shaw, Orange County Land Conservation Manager
10:25 Keynote Address: Environmental Sustainability
in a World of Change: Lessons from the Land
Dr. Norm Christensen, Nicholas School of the Environment,
Duke University ,
Introduction by Jan Sassaman, CFE Chair
Questions and Answers �
11:00 Panel Speakers:
Johnny Randall, North Carolina Botanical Garden
Controlling Invasive Plants: Working Smarter — Not Harder
Don Francisco, University of NC Chapel Hill (retired)
The Future of Jordan Lake
Moderator: Loren Hintz, CFE Vice Chair
Questions and Answers
11:50 Closing Remarks
Barry Jacobs, Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners
12:00 Adjourn
12:15pm Tour of Agricultural Education Center (optional / fee required)
ATTACHMENT 3
ORANGE COUNTY
COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MEMORANDUM
To: Orange County Planning Board
From: Orange County Commission for the Environment
Renee Price, Chair
David Neal, Energy Committee
Date: January 26, 2012
Re: Incentives for Energy Efficient Construction and Renovation in Orange County
The Orange County Commission for the Environment ( "CFE ") invites the Orange County
Planning Board to consider a Low Energy Construction Permitting Incentive ordinance in
2012. N. C. Gen. Stat.§ 153A -340 allows counties to charge "reduced building permit fees or
provide partial rebates of building permit fees for buildings" that meet or exceed recognized
energy efficient design and construction principals. Members of CFE are available to work
with the Planning Board and county staff to review similar ordinances enacted pursuant to this
statute (for example, from Catawba County) and from around the country, then to draft an
ordinance for consideration by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
Neither the current level of carbon in the atmosphere nor projected increases in greenhouse
gas emissions are sustainable. Costly and potentially irreversible adverse climate effects are
likely unless mitigation measures — such as increased energy efficiency investments and
decreased fossil fuel consumption — are taken in the near future. In Orange County, we
cannot wait for policy changes at the state and federal level to encourage increased energy
efficiency. Steps taken now to improve efficiency and decrease or eliminate our reliance on
fossil fuels for energy production will help lock -in reduced energy use for years to come.
Since 2003, Orange County has been a member of Local Governments for Sustainability, an
international membership association committed to a sustainable future. Creating incentives
for energy efficiency in construction is consistent with Orange County's commitment to a
sustainable future. The 2005 Greenhouse Gas Inventory revealed that nearly fifty percent of
greenhouse gas emissions in Orange County come from residential and commercial buildings
(consistent with national data'). Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro, in conjunction
with Hillsborough, are currently working on a revised inventory of greenhouse gas emissions
and attempting to identify reduction measures.
Making use of the authority granted by the General Assembly to incentivize energy efficient
construction is a straightforward way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the county level
for the long term. CFE would like to explore crafting an incentive program that would be
attractive to lower- income residents, for whom savings on utility bills would provide a
particularly important benefit.
From Architecture 2030, buildings account for 48.7% of total energy consumption in the
United States (available at http: / /architecture203O.org/the _problem /buildings _problem why).
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To give an example of how such an energy efficient construction incentive might function,
below is a summary of the Catawba County incentives enacted pursuant to N. C. Gen. Stat.§
153A -340:
Catawba County is providing incentives to encourage the
construction of sustainably built homes and commercial
buildings. Rebates on permit fees and plan reviews are available
for certain qualifying structures and renewable energy projects.
Buildings designed and constructed in accordance with the US
Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED), NC HealthyBuilt Homes,
Energy Star, or the National Association of Home Builders'
Model Green Home Building Guidelines can receive a 25%
blanket permit fee rebate, not to exceed $500. Catawba County
will also rebate 50% of fees related to plan review or express
plan review for commercial buildings seeking LEED
certification.
Additionally, existing one and two family homes and
commercial buildings can receive a 50% rebate on the
permitting fees associated with the installation of geothermal
heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heating
systems, and gray /rain water collection for flushing fixtures.
Regular fees must be paid in full at time of plan review or
permit issuance. Fee rebates will be refunded upon project
completion and certification by third party inspection agency.2
Rebates or reduced fees for efficient construction could be structured on a sliding scale, with
zero energy construction receiving the most robust incentives. Given the current level of
permitting fees, rebates or reductions in Orange County could be designed here that could
provide a substantial incentive for efficient construction.
The CFE looks forward to working with the Planning Board on crafting an efficiency
incentive program for consideration by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. We
would appreciate the opportunity to have this item included on an upcoming agenda and to
work with you on completing a draft proposal in the next few months.
cc: David Stancil
Craig Benedict
From the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy & Efficiency (available at
<http: / /www.dsireusa.org/ incentives /incentive.cfin ?Incentive_ Code= NC87F &re=1 &ee =1 >)
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How it works Page 1 of 6
ATTACHMENT 4 7
HOW IT WORKS EVENTS FAQ SCHOOLS Sign Up
What is Solarize Orange County?
1% Is 9i`
Solarize Orange County is
a grassroots initiative that
makes solar simple and
affordable for the people
of Orange County.
How does it work?
We partner with local solar
businesses for group discounts
and affordable financing. We
pass those savings on to you
and your community.
And, we help you optimize your
tax incentives and maximize
your electricity bill savings.
We've taken the guess work out
of finding a solar installer. Our
installer partners, Southern
Energy Management and Yes!
Solar Solutions, were selected
after rigorous review by solar
experts and local community
leaders.
Best of all, we connect you with
neighborhood volunteers and
solar experts to guide you
each step of the way.
Step 1: Free home solar assessment
http://www.solarizenc.org/orange 10/7/2014
How it works
When you sign up, we'll
schedule you for a free home
solar assessment. There is no
commitment here, just a
straightforward assessment of
your solar options.
Your assessment will be
conducted by our Solarize
Orange County installers --
either Southern Energy
Management or Yes! Solar
Solutions.
RN E
M A M A M N T
M A N A G E M E N T
ENERGY EFFICIENCY 8 SOLAR POWER
solar
solutions
These companies have been
vetted by a rigorous proposal
process and reviewed by local
experts.
What if your assessment
suggests solar isn't suitable for
your home? What if you are a
renter? You can still put your
tax credits to work by joining a
community solar project to put
panels on a public site.
Step 2: Maximize your savings
Your solar assessment will
provide options custom fit to
your home site, electricity
demands, and financing needs.
We've streamlined the process
so the installer will set up your
system, obtain the necessary
Page 2 of 6
8
http: / /www.solarizenc.org /orange 10/7/2014
How it works
permits, and coordinate the
interconnection with your
electric utility.
With the Solarize Orange
County negotiated price, you
can be confident that you are
getting a great value. Here is
how the costs break down for a
typical 4 kW installation on a
Orange County home:
Average retail price
$ 19,000
Solarize Orange County
$ 16,080
35% NC tax credit
$ 5,628
Est. Federal tax credit
$ 3,417
Net cost $ 7,035
Solarize Orange County has
tiered pricing. When more
people in Orange County go
solar, everyone's cost goes
down even more. Here are the
discounts for the 4 kW example.
When Solarize The discount for a
installations typical 4 kW
exceed ... home installation
is
15 kW (Tier 2) $ 280
50 kW (Tier 3) $ 800
200 kW (Tier 4) $ 1,080
Your discount will depend on
the size of your system. Details
here.
On Sept. 15, we hit Tier 2
pricing, so everyone is
getting a discount!
The next step is to get 50 kW
contracted to activate Tier 3:
24 kW CONTRACTED
26 kW NEEDED TO REACH TIER 3
And you don't have to wait for
the lowest price. You will not be
billed for the final 10% of the
cost until the lowest price is set
at the end of the program.
Finally, make sure you take
advantage of valuable state and
federal tax credits that could
save up to 65 %. We'll send you
a reminder during tax season.
Have any questions? Our local
experts and neighborhood
volunteers are here to help.
Just send me an email
(rob.pinder @solarizenc.org) or
post to our forum.
Page 3 of 6
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http: / /www.solarizenc.org /orange 10/7/2014
How it works
Step 3: Enjoy the benefits of solar
Spend less money on
electricity. Spend more money
on the things you love.
It's that simple.
But there's more than just the
dollars and cents. Fossil fuels
pollute our air, poison our
drinking water, and give rise to
climate change. When your
home goes solar, your energy is
local, independent, and safe for
us and future generations.
Step 4: Spread the word
Your solar home will be great.
But to get to a clean,
independent energy future, we
need everyone involved.
When you spread the word,
your friends and neighbors will
thank you. And the costs will go
down for everyone.
There are a lot of ways to help
out. You could share this page
with your neighborhood's email
list, like our page on facebook,
or volunteer to help out with
Solarize Orange County.
Like 205 people like this. Sign Up to see what your friends like.
Page 4 of 6
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http: / /www.solarizenc.org /orange 10/7/2014
How it works
Important Dates
The sooner you join the
program, the sooner you will
get your free solar assessment
and proposal. After reviewing
your proposal, if you decide to
go solar, the sooner you sign
the contract, the earlier you will
get your installation. But if you
have to wait, here are the
deadlines.
Nov. 7, 2014: Last day to join
for free solar assessment and
be eligible for group discounts.
Feb. 13, 2015: In order for your
home to count towards our
group discount tier, you need to
sign your contract by this day.
Join today!
When you join Solarize Orange
County, one of our installer
partners will be in contact with
you to schedule your free home
solar assessment, and you are
eligible to participate in our
tiered pricing group discounts.
Join Solarize Orange County
I'd like a free solar assessment for
A home I own
My electric utility is
Duke Energy
J] Interested in community solar?
Volunteer to help organize your
neighborhood!
Join Free
Page 5 of 6
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http: / /www.solarizenc.org /orange 10/7/2014
ATTACHMENT 5
ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
RESOLUTION
Diversion of Food Waste
WHEREAS, a significant percentage of the waste (generated within Orange County),
which is currently deposited into the landfill is soon to be sent to a transfer station, is
organic material that can be composted for valuable reuse; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Commission for the Environment together with the
Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee hosted a Solid Waste Forum including
consideration of means of minimizing waste at the source, maximizing re -use of waste,
and efficient disposal of remaining waste; and
WHEREAS, participants at the Solid Waste Forum recommended that Orange County
prioritize expanding commercial composting programs and should implement programs
for diversion of organic waste as soon as it becomes economically feasible; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 2,000 tons of organic I waste are diverted from the local
landfill each year by Orange County Solid Waste Management working with a local
contractor to collect food waste and other compostable material from about 30 local
restaurants, food - services, establishments, and grocery stores; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned program for collection of commercial food waste
represents only a small percentage of the potential number of commercial
establishments participating in Orange County;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Commission for the
Environment urges the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to expand
commercial food -waste pickup and composting services, as currently serviced by an
aforementioned private contractor, and that the Board of Commissioners allocate
necessary staff time in Solid Waste Management in order to develop a workable
program for such reduction in volumes of food waste delivered to the local landfill and
future transfer station.
This the 11th day of November, 2013.
David Neal, Chair
Orange County Commission for the Environment
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