HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE minutes 121310
FROM: Commission for the Environment
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting
DATE: December 13, 2010
LOCATION: Environment and Agricultural Center (Hillsborough)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Kaiser (Chair), Renee Price (Vice Chair), Chris Adams, Lynnette
Batt, May Becker, Peter Cada, Michelle Drostin, Loren Hintz, Michael Hughes, David Neal, Gary
Saunders, David Welch
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lucy Adams, Clay Hudson, Tom O’Dwyer
STAFF PRESENT: Rich Shaw and Tom Davis GUESTS: Commissioner Steve Yuhasz
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I. Call to Order: 7:30 pm
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda – None
III. Approval of Minutes – The November 8 meeting summary was approved as submitted.
IV. 2011 Meeting Calendar – The CFE meeting calendar was approved as submitted.
V. OWASA Forest Management Plan
Shaw provided an overview of OWASA’s plans for active management of its
forestland on 16 properties in southwestern Orange County. He also reported
on a Nov. 30 community meeting and a petition received by the BOCC (Dec. 5)
requesting that the Board ask the OWASA Board of Directors to reject the plan.
Shaw also provided an example of a forest stewardship plan for one of the sites.
Hughes reported on his opposition to the draft plan, citing concerns over the
potential adverse impacts to water quality.
CFE members asked for additional information about a) the forest consultant
(True North), b) whether state agencies (Division of Forest Resources and
Wildlife Resources Commission) and the Duke forest manager (Judd Edeburn)
had approved the draft plan, c) whether the plan referenced the use of forestry
BMPs, and d) what is OWASA’s primary objective in carrying out this plan.
Becker identified issues of concern: the planned use of herbicides, a potential
conflict of interest for the forestry consultant, the lack of financial information
from OWASA (will OWASA profit?), and the potential impacts on water quality
Kaiser noted the CFE had received information from many opposed to the plan.
He wants to receive OWASA’s views on this matter, including statement of need.
Kaiser asked CFE members to email Shaw with any further concerns/questions
Shaw will compile comments and questions raised by the CFE for the CFE to
continue the discussion in January and to prepare memo to the BOCC.
VI. 2011 Work Plan and Committee Breakout Session
Kaiser reviewed the list of CFE activities anticipated for 2011, along with the list
of concerns or emerging issues included in the 2011 work plan. CFE members
decided which committee would take the lead on each item.
The four standing committees met separately to discuss and prioritize tasks
Kaiser reconvened the full CFE and asked a representative from each
committee to send him a list of prioritized work items for 2011. Kaiser will
compile a complete list for consideration at the January 2011 meeting.
VII. Updates and Information Items
CFE members received updates and information on the following issues: Falls
Lake rules, Jordan Lake Partnership, UNC cogeneration plant, and the Unified
Development Ordinance, arsenic and radon the groundwater in Orange County.
Meeting adjourned at: 9:36 p.m. Minutes by Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff