HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE minutes 051412
FROM: Commission for the Environment
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting Summary
DATE: May 14, 2012
LOCATION: Environment and Agricultural Center, Hillsborough
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Renee Price (Chair), Lucy Adams, May Becker, Peter Cada, Loren
Hintz, Bill Kaiser, David Neal, Tom O’Dwyer, Jan Sassaman, Gary Saunders, and David Welch
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Adams, Michele Drostin, Michael Hughes
STAFF PRESENT: Rich Shaw, Tom Davis GUEST: Jennifer Gunter
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I. Call to Order: Price called the meeting to order at 7:32 pm
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda – Price reported a majority of members had agreed to
discuss a letter received from Charles Gunter. O’Dwyer asked for time to discuss follow-
up to the CFE’s proposal for preserving areas for solar energy in new developments.
Hintz asked to discuss the CFE’s upcoming presentation to the BOCC on conserving
native plant habitat along Orange County roadsides. CFE members agreed to all three.
III. Approval of Minutes – The April 9 meeting summary was approved unanimously.
Price reported that Commissioner Pelissier contacted her to confirm that it was alright for
the CFE to work with the Planning Board to pursue the solar energy proposal.
Shaw reported the CFE proposal to conserve native plant habitat was scheduled for the
June 5 BOCC meeting and that Johnny Randall has agreed to help with presentation.
Price asked members if there were any comments about the letter from Charles Gunter
about the Gorilla Materials recycling facility. She recognized Jennifer Gunter (daughter)
who offered to show photos and answer questions. Members discussed the letter and
information received from the Orange County Planning staff. Price asked Shaw to draft
a letter to the appropriate party expressing the CFE’s interest protecting Stony Creek.
IV. Hydrilla in the Eno River – Davis presented information about an exotic invasive plant
(Hydrilla) that is causing significant problems in the Eno River. He said it is a problem
for aesthetics, water quality, recreation, and the health of certain birds. Davis explained
limited efforts to manage Hydrilla in the Eno River and its reservoirs. County staff will
participate in efforts to educate the public on identifying Hydrilla and avoiding the spread.
V. Update on Hydraulic Fracturing – Davis presented information about the use of hydraulic
fracturing (“fracking”) to extract natural gas from underground sources. He provided an
overview of the fracking process, the extent of resources nationwide and in NC, potential
problems associated with fracking, a final report on fracking by the NC Dept. of
Environment and Natural Resources, and recent actions at the NC General Assembly.
Davis responded to many questions from the CFE, who thanked him for the information.
VI. Updates and Information Items – CFE members received updates on CFE policies and
procedures, CFE memo re proposed half-cent sales tax referendum, a response to a
CFE memo re forest management and water quality, Triangle air quality re ground level
ozone, Orange County’s energy use, and Duke University’s climate action plan.
VII. The committees did not meet due to the late hour.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:35 p.m. Minutes by Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff