HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-19-2001-9dT,. ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM AB5TRACT
Meeting .Date: June 19, 2001.
Action Agenda
Item No. _~
SUBJECT: Legal Advertisement for August 27,_2001 Quarterly Public Hearing __
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT;
Craig Benedict, Planning Director, ext 2592
Legal Advertisement p. 3 Robert P. Davis, Planner III, ext 2580
Amendments to Subdivision p. 5
Regulations TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Amendments to Erosion Control p. 8 Hillsborough 732-8181
Qrdinance Chapel Hill 968-4501
Amendments to Neuse River Basin p. 24 Durham 688-7331
Rules Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To receive authorization to submit the Quarterly Public Hearing Legal
Advertisement for publication for the August 27, 2001 meeting.
BACKGROUND: The next regular quarterly public hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2001.
A summary of each item proposed for public hearing and the proposed text for the items is
provided. Staff is available to research and answer questions prior to the public hearing.
Requests:
• A. Orange County Subdivision Amendments
• 1. Amend Section IV-B-3 Streets
a. Section N-B-.3-a, provision of streets rights~f~vay
Clarify that provision of streets right-of--way includes rights-of--way for proposed
future transportation facilities included in adopted local and regional
transportation plans.
b. Section IV-Bti3.b, provision for a coordinated street system
Clarify thata coordinated street system includes:
• provisions for the extension of subdivision public roads to developable
adjacent lots or to connect with existing public streets; and
• limited driveway access on major subdivision streets.
• B. Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance Amendments
• Amends the threshold requirements in the Cane Creek and the Upper Eno Watersheds
to the same rules as University Lake Watershed.
• C. Orange County Stormwater Program for Lands Within the Neuse River Basin
• Fine structure for violations within the originally adopted Orange County Ordinance was
inconsistent with the minimum State fines. This amendment corrects those minor
inconsistencies. The amendment also makes changes in regulatory language based
on recommendations from the State Attorney's General office.
• D. Zoning Atlas Amendment
Ann Moss Joyner petition to rezone property along Dodson's Crossroads from EC-5 to
R-1. The property is identified as Bingham Township, Map 27, Part of Lot 1 (aka Lot 1 in
Blueberry Hill subdivision) and contains approximately 1.05 acres more or less.
FINANCIAL IMPACT; There is no financial impact associated with this decision.
Advertisement costs are included in the departmental budget.
RECOMMENDATION(S): Administration recommends APPROVAL of the items for the
August 27, 2001 .Quarterly Public Hearing.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A public hearing will be held in the Judge F. Gordon Battle Superior Courtroom of the
New Orange County Courthouse, 106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina,
on Monday, August 27, 2001 at 7:30 PM for the purpose of giving all interested citizens
an opportunity to speak for or against the following items:
A. ORANGE COUNTY SUBDIVISION AMENDMENTS
Purpose: To make regulatory language more readable and more specific
regarding regulation requirements.
1. Amend Section N-B 3 Streets
a. Section N-B,3-a, provision of streets rights~f way
Clarify that provision of streets right-of--way includes rights-of--way for
proposed future transportation facilities included in adapted local and
regional transportation plans.
b. Section N-B-3.b, provision for a coordinated street system
Clarify thata coordinated street system includes:
• provisions for the extension of subdivision public roads to
developable adjacent lots or to connect with existing public streets;
and
• limited driveway access on major subdivision streets.
B. SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS
Pu__ rpose: To receive public comment on the proposed amendment that
changes the threshold grading requirements in the Cane Creek and the
Upper Eno Protected Watersheds to the same levels as the University Lake
Watershed.
C. ORANGE COUNTY STORMWATER PROGRAM FOR LANDS WITHIN
THE NEUSE RIVER BASIN
Purpose: To receive public comment on proposed amendment to the
Stormwater Program adjusting the fines to the minimum levels required in
the State rules, and to make regulatory language more specific based on
recommendations from legal staff in the State Attorney General's office.
D. ZONING ATLAS AMENDMENT
Ann Moss Joyner to rezone from EC-5 to R-1 property located along the
eastern side Dodson's Crossroads (SR 1102) between Timberidge Court
and Overland Passage also being Bingham Township, Tax Map 27, Part of
Lot 8 (aka Lot 1 of Blueberry Hills subdivision) and containing 1.05 acres
more or less.
Changes may be made in the advertised proposals that reflect debate, objections
and discussion at the hearing.
Accommodations for individuals with physical disabilities can be provided if the
request is made to the Director of Planning at least 4$ hours prior to the Public
Hearing by calling the appropriate number listed below. The full text of the
changes may be obtained from the Planning Department. Also, the text may be
obtained at the County website www.co.orange.nc.us at the Agendas and Reports
link prior to the meeting.
Questions regarding the proposals may be directed to the Orange County Planning
Department located in the Planning and Agricultural Center, 306E Revere Road,
Hillsborough, North Carolina. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday. You may also ca11245-2575 (Hillsborough), 688-7331 (Durham), 967-
9251 (Chapel Hill-Carrboro) or 227-2031 (Mebane/Graham). Please ask for extension
2575 or 2585. You will be directed to a stafiF member who will answer your questions.
PUBLISH: News of Oranae Cha el Hill Herald
August 15, 2001 August 15, 2001
August 22, 2001 August 22, 2001
5
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 27, 2001
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Amendments to Orange County Subdivision Regulations Section IV-B-3 to
Clarify Provisions for Street Rights-of-Way and Coordinated Street System
DEPARTMENT: Planning PUBLIC HEARING: Y/N YES
INFORMATION CONTACT:
ATTACHMENT(S): Craig Benedict, ext. 2592
1. Ordinance Amending the Orange County Karen Lincoln, ext. 2594
Subdivision Regulations
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 6$8-7331
Durham 688-7331
PURPOSE: To receive citizen comment on proposed amendments to the Orange County Subdniision
Regulations Section IV B-3 Streets, to clarify:
1. Section N-B~-a, provision of streets rights-af way ;and
2. Section IV B-3.b, provisian for a coordinated street system.
BACKGROUND: Subdivision Regulations require provision of street rights-of--way and that
all subdivisions to have "a coordinated street system via a public or private street ..".
Proposed amendments would clarify:
1. Provision of streets right-of--way includes rights-of-way for proposed future transportation
facilities included in adopted local and regional transportation plans.
2. A coordinated street system includes provisions for the extension of public roads in a
subdivision to undeveloped adjacent lots or to connect with existing public streets; and
limited driveway access on major subdivision streets.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no immediate financial impact associated with this decision
item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Administration recommends that the Board refer the proposed.
amendments to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of
Commissioners by June 19, 2001.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORANGE COUNTY
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS IV-B-3 STREETS,
SECTION IV-B-3-a AND SECTION IV-B-3-b
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ORAN~aE COUNTY ORDAINS THAT THE SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS ARE HEREBY AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
(Bold print indicates language to be added. ~*~~'~„}"~^~ ~^" print indicates language to
be deleted)
ORANGE COUNTY SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS, SECTION IV-B-3 STREETS, IS AMENDED TO READ A5
FOLLOWS:
IV-B-3. STREETS
*IV-B-3-a. The provision of street rights-of-way shall conform to and meet the
*Amended requirements of such adopted Comprehensive Plan for Orange County as
4/4/88 may be recommended by the Planning Board and adopted by the Orange
County Board of County Commissioners, from its date of adoption,
including dedication of street rights-of-way for proposed future
transportation facilities, provided that a subdivider shall ,not be required
to provide or dedicate right-of--way for a proposed street to which access
would be prohibited by any governmental agency.
*IV-B-3-b. All subdivisions shall have a coordinated street system via a public or
"Amended private street and access a public, state, or municipal street.
10/16/90 A coordinated street system shall consider the following:
(a) Public street rights-of-way shall extend to adjacent properties to
provide connectivity to the existing and future countywide
transportation network; and
(b) Lot access shall be limited on major subdivision streets that
provide connectivity between two or more roads designated in
the Comprehensive Plan as arterials or collectors.
(eff.12/3/90) All subdivisions containing private streets shall have at least one street
which intersects with or joins an extension of a public, state, or municipal street
This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Orange County Commissioners
that this Zoning Atlas Amendment is effective upon approval.
Upon motion of Commissioner ;seconded by Commissioner
the foregoing ordinance was adopted this the day of
2001.
I, Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of
Orange, North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so
much of the proceedings of said Board at a meeting held on , 2001 as-
relates in any way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings are
recorded in Minute Book No. of the minutes of said Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day of ,
2001.
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
Amendments to the Orange County Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Ordinance
June 2001
NOTE: The bold, underlined text will be added to the Ordinance and the struck #hrough text
will be deleted.
Section 2.1 Findings of Fact Relating to Sedimentation and Erosion in University
Lake. Cane Creek, and -Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas
The County Commissioners find that, without strict sedimentation and erasion controls, the
development of land within the University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas will have a significant adverse impact upon the health, safety, and
welfare of all persons served by the University Lake, Cane Creek and U er Eno
Protected Watershed Areas. Mare specifically:
A. stormwater runoff carries pollutants into University Lake,-Cane Creek and U er
Eno Protected Watershed Areas, degrading water. quality. These pollutants
include, but are not limited to, organic and inorganic chemicals.
B. The increase in nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen will accelerate
eutrophication of University Lake, Cane Creek, and, Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas, adversely affecting flora and fauna.
C. The improper channelization of watercourses and drainage areas in the University
Lake, Cane Creek and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas will increase the
velocity of runoff, thereby increasing erosion and sedimentation.
D. The alteration of the natural topography and removal of vegetation will increase
erosion by increasing velocity of runoff.
E. The siltation of water bodies resulting from increased erosion will decrease the
capacity of the water bodies to hold and transport water, and harm flora and fauna.
F. Sedimentation further reduces water quality because it transports pollutants into the
water, then releases them in the water as it settles.
G. Impervious surfaces will increase the. volume and rate of stormwater runoff. This
allows less water to percolate into the sail, thereby decreasing groundwater
recharge. Increased velocity of runoff also reduces the filtering effect of the soil.
H. Improperly managed stormwater runoff will increase the incidence of flooding and
the level of floods which occur.
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Section 2,2 Objectives of Regulations Applicable to University Lake, Cane
Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas
The regulations set forth in this Ordinance applicable to the University Lake,
Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas are designed:
1. Tv protect and maintain the chemical, physical and biological quality and
integrity vf~University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas and other critical watershed areas.
2. To prevent harm to the residents of the community by prohibiting activities
which adversely affect University Lake,.Cane Creek,,and Upper Eno
Protected Watershed Areas as a public water supply.
3. To encourage the protection of natural systems and the utilization of these
systems in a manner which does not impair their beneficial functioning.
4. To discourage the construction of drainage systems which do not
functionally approximate the natural drainage pattern.
5. To minimize sedimentation and erosion, within the watershed, and as a
result, minimize the transport of sediment and pollutants to University
Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas.
6. To protect and maintain the existing habitat of fish and wildlife.
7. To prevent damage from flooding while recognizing that natural
fluctuations in water levels are beneficial.
8. To protect the absorptive, purifying and retentive functions of the natural
systems existing in the University Lake, Cane Creek and U er Eno
Protected Watershed Areas.
9. To ensure the attainment of these objectives by requiring the approval and
implementation of sedimentation and erosion control plans for all activities
which may adversely affect the University Lake, Cane Creek and U er
Eno Protected Watershed Areas.
10. To provide and enforce design and performance standards for control of
post_development erosion and sedimentation in order to preserve the
characteristics that existed in the University Lake, Cane Creek, and
Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas prior to development.
10
Section ~ Definitions
As used in this Ordinance, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
following definitions apply: -
Cane Creek Protected Wate~;rshed Area- comprises all the land area
contributing water to Cane Creek .
Upper. Eno ProtectedWatershed Area- comprises all the land area
contributing water to the Upper Eno
University Lake Protected Watershed Area - comprises all the land area
contributing water to University Lake
section 4 Jurisdiction and Effect
Jurisdiction
This ordinance shall apply within Orange County, including the municipalities of
Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the portion of Mebane within Orange County, but
excluding the municipal boundaries and planning extraterritorial limits of Chapel
Hill. '
Effect
It shall be unlawful, within the jurisdiction of this Ordinance, to engage in land-
disturbing activity, except as provided herein, without first obtaining a permit as
required by this Ordinance and without complying with the conditions of the
issuance of said permit.
Conflicts and duplications among portions of this Ordinance shall be resolved in
favor of the mare stringent regulation.
Whenever conflicts exist between federal, state or local laws, ordinances, or
rules, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
sections Scope and Exclusions (County-wide)
This Ordinance shall apply to land-disturbing activities undertaken by any person,
with the fallowing exclusions:
11
A. Agriculture
Activities, including the breeding and grazing of livestock, undertaken an
agricultural land for the production of plants and animals useful to man,
including, but not limited to:
1. forages and sod craps, grains and feed crops, tobacco, cotton and
peanuts;
2. dairy animals and dairy products;
3. poultry and poultry products;
4. livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules
ar goats, including the breeding and grazing of any or all such
animals;
5. bees and apiary products; '
6. fur animals.
B. Forestland
Activities undertaken on forestland for the production and harvesting of
timber and timber products and conducted in accordance with best
management practices set out in Forest Pracfice Guidelines Related to
Water Quality as adopted by the Department. If land-disturbing activity
undertaken on forestland far the production and harvesting of timber and
timber products is not conducted in accordance with Forest Practice
Guidelines Related to Water Quality, the provisions of this ordinance shall
apply to such activity and any related land- disturbing activity on the tract.
C. Mining
Activities for which a permit is required under the Mining Act of 1971,
Article 7 of Chapter 74 of the General Statues.
D. State Jurisdiction
Those land-disturbing activities aver which the State by statute (G.S.
113A-56(a)) has exclusive regulatory jurisdiction, which are activities:
(1) Conducted by the State,
(2) Conducted by the United States,
(3) Conducted by persons having the power of eminent domain,
(4) Conducted by local governments,
(5) Funded in whole or in part by the State or the United States.
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Section 6 General Requirements for Areas Other Than University
Lake, Cane Creek and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas
A. Protection of Property
Person(s) conducting land disturbing activities shall take all reasonable
measures to protect all public and private property from damage by such
activities. This requirement shall apply to any areas to be disturbed, regardless of
the size of the area to be uncovered.
B. Erosion Control Plan Requirement
Prior to the commencement of any land-disturbing activity that will result in
the uncovering of more than 20,000 square feet of land, the person(s) conducting
the land-disturbing activity must prepare and submit an Erosion Control Plan for
the proposed site. The Plan must be approved and a Grading Permit obtained
prior to the start of the disturbance.
Section 6,'I General Requirements for University Lake, Cane
Creek and Upper Eno Protected Watershed
Areas
A. Plan Requirement
Except as otherwise provided in subsection B., an erosion and
sedimentation control plan shall be prepared and filed with and approved
by the Erosion Control Division prior to the commencement of any land-
disturbing activity within the University Lake, Cane +Creek,_and Upper
Eno Protected Watershed Areas.
B. Plan Waiver
The person(s) conducting the land-disturbing activity need not submit an
erosion control plan if such person obtains an Erosion Control Plan Waiver
Form from the Erosion Control Division. An application for this form shall
be submitted and shall contain the name, address, and phone number of
the developer and owner, a description and drawing of the proposed
development or activity, the location of the development, and any other
information requested by the Orange County Erosion Control Officer that
is reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed development. The
Erosion Control Officer shall issue the Plan Waiver Form if he finds that:
1. The land-disturbing activity will not result in the uncovering of
more than 10,000 square feet; and
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2. The land-disturbing activity is not to be conducted in
connection with any of the following types of developments:
a. shopping centers
b. industrial and commercial .facilities
c. major subdivisions
d. roads
e. any activity involving the temporary or permanent storage
(above or below ground) of any noxious, toxic, or
hazardous substance, including fuel storage facilities.
3. The proposed land-disturbing activity will not:
a. significantly increase ar decrease the rate or volume of
surface water runoff;
b. significantly contribute to the degradation of water runoff;
c. have a significant adverse impact on a wetland,
watercourse, or University Lake, Cane Creek, and
Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas;
d. occur within a buffer area circumscribing University
Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed
Areas.
C. Protection of Property
Persons conducting land-disturbing activity shall take all reasonable
measures to protect all public and private property from damage by such
activities. This requirement shall apply to any area to be disturbed.
Section 7 Basic Control Objectives
An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan may be disapproved pursuant to
Section 18 of this ordinance if the plan fails to address the fallowing control
objectives:
A. Identify Critical Areas
On-site areas which are subject to severe erosion, and off-site areas
which are especially vulnerable to damage from erosion and/or
sedimentation, are to be identified and receive special attention, and
appropriate mitigative measures are to be taken to protect those areas.
B. Plan for Erosion Control
Design the development and prepare the site plan so that the necessary
sediment-trapping devices and erasion control measures can be
1~
accommodated and are accessible for main tenance and removal. --
Observe the requirements and standards in Orange County's Soil Erosion
and Sediment Control Manual.
C. Limit Exposed Areas
All land-disturbing activities are to be planned and conducted to minimize
the size of the area to be exposed at any one time.
D. Limit Time of Exposure
All land-disturbing activities are to be planned and conducted to limit
exposure to the shortest feasible time.
E. Control SurFace Water
Surface water runoff originating upgrade of exposed areas should be
controlled to reduce erosion and sediment Ions during the period of
exposure.
F. Control Sedimentation
All land-disturbing activities are to be planned and conducted so as to
prevent off-site sedimentation damage.
G. Manage Stormwater Runoff
When the increase in the peak rates and velocity of storm water runoff
resulting from aland-disturbing activity is sufficient to cause accelerated erosion
of the receiving watercourse, plans are to include measures to control the
velocity and the rate of release at the point of discharge so as to minimize
accelerated erosion of the site and increased sedimentation of the stream.
section s Mandatory Design and Performance Standards for
Land-Disturbing Activity
No land-disturbing activity subject to the control of this Ordinance shall be
undertaken except in accordance with the following mandatory standards:
A. Buffer Zone
1. No land-disturbing activity during periods of construction. or improvement
to land shall be permitted in proximity to a lake or natural watercourse
unless a buffer zone is provided along the margin of the watercourse of
sufficient width to confine visible siltation within the twenty- five percent
(25%) of the buffer zone nearest the land-disturbing activity. Waters that
have been classified as trout waters by the Environmental Management
Commission shall have an undisturbed buffer zone 25 feet wide or of
sufficient width to canine visible siltation within the twenty-five percent
(25%) of the buffer zone nearest the land-disturbing activity, whichever is
greater. Provided, however, that the County may approve plans which
15
include land-disturbing activity along trout waters when the duration of
said disturbance would be temporary and the extent of said disturbance
would be minimal. This subdivision shall not apply to aland-disturbing
activity in connection with the construction of facilities to be located on,
over, or under a lake or natural watercourse.
Unless otherwise provided, the width of a buffer zone is measured from
the edge of the water to the nearest edge of the disturbed area, with the
25 percent of the strip nearer the land- disturbing activity containing the
natural or artificial means of confining visible siltation.
2. The 25 foot minimum width for an undisturbed buffer zone adjacent to
designated trout waters shall be measured horizontally from the top of the
bank.
3. Where a temporary and minimal disturbance is permitted as an exception
by Section 8 (A) (1) of this ordinance, land-disturbing activities in the
buffer zone adjacent to designated trout waters shall be limited to a
maximum of 10% of the total length of the buffer zone within the tract to be
distributed such that there is not more than 100 linear feet of disturbance
in each 1000 linear feet of buffer zone. Larger areas may be disturbed
with the written approval of the Director of the Division of Land Resources
of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources.
4. No land-disturbing activity shall be undertaken within a buffer zone
adjacent to designated trout waters that will cause adverse temperature
fluctuations, as set forth in 15 NCAC 2B.0211 Fresh Surface Water
Classification and Standards, in these waters.
B. Graded Slopes and Fills
The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle
which can be retained by vegetative cover or other adequate erosion
control devices or structures. In any event, slopes left exposed will, within
30 working days of completion of any phase of grading, be planted or
otherwise provided with ground cover, devices, or structures sufficient to
restrain erosion.
C. Ground Cover
Whenever land-disturbing activity is undertaken on a tract comprising
more than 20,000 square~feet, if more than 20,000 square feet are
uncovered, the person conducting the land-disturbing activity shall install
such sedimentation and erosion control devices and practices as are
sufficient to retain the sediment generated by the land-disturbing activity
within the boundaries of the tract during construction upon and
development of said tract, and shall plant or otherwise provide a
permanent ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion after completion of
16
construction or development. Except as provided in Sectian 8 (D) (2) (e) of
this ordinance, provisions for a ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion
must be accomplished within 30 working days or 120 calendar days,
whichever period is shorter, following completion of construction or
development.
D. Design and Performance of Control Measures
1. Design Storm
Except as provided in Section 8(D)(2)(b) of this, Ordinance and in the
standard for sediment ponds in the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
Manual erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures, and
devices shall be so planned, designed, and constructed as to provide
protection from accelerated erosion and sedimentation from the calculated
maximum peak rates of runoff from the ten-year frequency storm. Runoff
rates shall be calculated using the procedures in the USDA Soil
Conservation Service's "National Engineering Field Manual for
Conservation Practices," or other calculation procedures acceptable to the
Erosion Control Officer.
2. Standards for High Quality Waters
In High Quality Water (HQW) zones the following design standards shall
apply:
a. Uncovered areas in HQW zones shall be limited at any time to a
maximum total area of 20 acres within the boundaries of the
tract. Only the portion of the land-disturbing activity within a
HQW zone shall be governed by this section. Larger areas may
be uncovered within the boundaries of the tract with the written
approval of the Director of the Division of Land Resources of the
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources.
b. Erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures, and
devices within HQW zones shall be so planned, designed, and
constructed to provide protection from the runoff of the 25-year
storm which produces the maximum peak rate of runoff. The
peak rate of runoff shall be calculated according to procedures,-in
the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Canservation
Service's National Engineering Field Manual for Conservation
Practices or according to procedures adopted by any other
agency of this state or the United States or any generally
recognized organization or association.
c. Sediment ponds, (also called "sediment basins") within HQW
zanes shall be designed and constructed such that the pond will
have a settling efficiency of at least 70% for the 40 micron (0.04
mm) size soil particle transported into the basin by the runoff of
~/
that 2-year storm which produces the maximum peak rate of
runoff. The peak rate of runoff shall be calculated according to
procedures in the United States Department of Agriculture Soil
Conservation Service's National Engineering Field Manual for
Conservation Practices or according to procedures adopted by
any other agency of this state or the United States or any
generally recognized organization or association.
d. Newly constructed open channels in HQW zones shall be
designed and constructed with side slopes no steeper than 2
_ horizontal to 1 vertical if a vegetative cover is used for
stabilization unless soil conditions permit a steeper slope or
where the slopes are stabilized by using mechanical devices,
structural devices or other acceptable devices. In any event, the
angle for side slopes shall be sufficient to restrain accelerated
erosion.
e. Ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion must be provided for
any portion of a land- disturbing activity in a HQW zone within 15
working days or 60 calendar days, whichever period is shorter,
following completion of construction or development.
E. Prior. Plan Approval
No person shall initiate any land-disturbing activity on a tract if more than
20,000 square feet are to be uncovered unless, thirty or more days prior to
initiating the activity, an erasion and sedimentation control plan for such
activity is filed with, approved by, and a Grading Permit obtained from the
County.
Section 8.1 Additional Standards for Land-Disturbing Activity in
University Lake, Cane Creek and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas
The provisions of Section 8 shall apply to land-disturbing activity within the
University Lake, Cane Creek and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas. In
addition, the design, construction, and maintenance of drainage systems in
developments within the University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno
Protected Watershed Areas shall also be consistent with the following
standards, and these standards shall control to the extent that they are more
restrictive than thane set forth in Section 8.
A. Channeling Runoff -channeling runoff directly into water bodies shall be
prohibited. Runoff shall be routed through swales and other systems
designed to increase time of concentration, decrease velocity, increase
infiltration, allow suspended solids to settle, and remove pollutants.
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B. Alteration of Watercourses -natural watercourses shall not be dredged,
cleared of vegetation, deepened, widened, straightened, stabilized or
otherwise altered except in accordance with an approved erosion control
plan, Water shall be retained or detained before it enters any natural
watercourse in order to preserve the natural hydro-dynamics of the
watercourse and to prevent sedimentation.
C. Limit Land-Disturbing Activity -the area of disturbance by development
shall be as small as practical.
D. Land Alterations - no grading, cutting or filling shall be commenced until
erosion and sedimentation control devices have been installed between
the, disturbed area and water bodies, watercourses, wetlands, or adjoining
properties.
E. Wetland Protection -wetlands and, other water bodies shall not be used
as sediment traps during development.
F. Maintenance Requirements and Responsibility -erosion and
sedimentation facilities shall receive regular maintenance to ensure that
they continue to function properly. Temporary basins shall be cleaned out
when they are filled to fifty (50) percent of their design capacity.
G. Artificial Watercourses -any artificial watercourse (where the need is
demonstrated) shall be designed considering soil type so that the velocity
of flow is low enough to prevent accelerated erosion.
H. Buffer Area Requirements -soil and pollutants carried overland,
primarily from roads, trails;. and/ar land-disturbing activities, can be
effectively trapped by leaving a relatively undisturbed strip of vegetation
parallel and adjacent to the watercourse. Properly managed overland
water flow can be directed into this buffer area in a manner that will reduce
velocity and cause dispersion of the water. Sediments carried by the water
will settle out as a result of this slowing and dispersion process. The width
of these buffer areas shall depend on the type of stream or drainage area.
The width of the buffer strips shall be as follows:
1. Creeks and tributaries - (i.e., permanent streams flowing directly
into University Lake,_Cane Creek,,a,nd Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas and permanent streams flowing into such
streams). Measure along'a line running perpendicular to the
edge of the floodplain (or if na floodplain has been demarcated,
the center of the stream) fifty feet from the edge of the floodplain
(or if no flood plain has been demarcated from the edge of the
water) plus an additional distance equal to:
~. 9
4 x slope x 100
where "slope" is expressed as a percentage derived by dividing
by 100 the rise in elevation between the floodplain boundary line
(or if no floodplain has been demarcated, the centerline of the
watercourse) and a point one hundred feet from that point along
the above described perpendicular line.
2. Intermittent streams flowing into creeks and tributaries. Measure
along a line running perpendicular to the centerline of the
intermittent stream fifty feet from such stream centerline.
3. Intermittent streams flowing directly into University Lake, Cane
Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas. Measure
along a line running perpendicular to the centerline of the
intermittent stream one hundred feet from such stream
centerline.
4. Intermittent streams flowing into streams which flow directly into
University Lake, Cane Creek,_and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas. Measure along a line running perpendicular
to the centerline of the intermittent stream fifty feet from such
stream centerlines.
5. University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas. Measure along a line running perpendicular
to the high water mark or floodplain boundary (whichever is
farther from the Lake) one hundred feet from such high water
mark or floodplain boundary (whichever is farther from the Lake)
plus an additional distance equal to:
4 x slope x 100
where "slope" is expressed as a percentage derived by dividing
by 100 the rise in elevation between the high water line of the
Lake and a paint one hundred feet from that point along the
above described perpendicular line.
The existing natural vegetation in the designated buffer areas
shall not be disturbed in any way that would reduce the area's
effectiveness in achieving the objectives set forth in this
subsection. In addition, buffer areas from which the vegetative
cover has been removed shall be planted or otherwise provided
with ground cover devices or structures sufficient to allow the
buffer area to accomplish the objectives set forth in .this
subsection. Buffers shall not be used as temporary erosion
ccntrol devices during construction.
zo
I. Sediment Storage -sediment shall b~ retained on the site of the
development.
J. Detention or Retention Areas -retention and detention ponds may be
used to retain and detain the increased and accelerated runoff which the
development generates. Water shall be released firom detention ponds
into watercourses or wetlands at a rate and in a manner approximating the
natural flow which would have occurred before development.
Retention and detention ponds shall be designed so that they maintain
their structural integrity when subject to a 100-year storm. Detention and
retention areas shall be designed so that shorelines are sinuous rather.
than straight and sv that the length of the shoreline is maximized, thus
offering more space for the growth of littoral vegetation. The banks of
detention and retention areas shall slope at a gentle grade into the water
as a safeguard against drowning, personal injury or other accidents, to
encourage the growth of vegetation and to allow the alternate flooding and
exposure of the areas along the shoreline as water levels periodically rise
and fall.
K. open Space -the use of drainage facilities and vegetated buffer zones as
open space, recreation, and conservation areas shall be encouraged.
Recreational activities undertaken in these open space areas shall be
limited to passive or leisure activities.
L. Grassed 5wales -drainage within the development shall be
accommodated by the natural. drainage systems whenever passible. The
use of grassed drainageways to channel water shall be encouraged. The
velocity of travel in this grassed swale shall range between 2~
feet/second.
M. Retention of RunofF from Industrial Sites - On sites developed for
industrial purposes (i.e., uses involving the manufacturing, processing,
creating, repairing, renovating, painting, cleaning, or assembly of goods,
merchandise, or equipment), retention ar detention areas meeting the
standards set forth in subsection j. shall be used to insure that runoff is
retained on the site before being released. The purpose of this
- requirement is to insure that, not only will the standard set forth in
subsection 9A. be met, but also a mechanism will be provided to
safeguard the watershed against the spillage of toxic or dangerous
substances.
Section 9 Stormwater cutlet Protection
A. Control of Discharge in University Lake,_Cane_Creek, and Upper Eno,
Protected Watershed Areas
Provisions shall be made for the control of Stormwater discharges far the
types of development as specified below. After development of the Site,
the peak discharge of Stormwater runoff resulting from aten-year storm
shall be no greater than that which would result from aten-year storm on
the same site prior to development.
This requirement shall apply to:
1. Commercial, industrial, office, and institutional developments
2. Multi-family residential developments of more than 10 units
3. Single-family detached residential developments where more than
three lots are to be created.
B. Control of Velocity
Persons shall plan and conduct land-disturbing activity So that the post-
construction velocity of the 10-year storm -runoff in the receiving
watercourse to the discharge point does not exceed the greater of:
1. the velocity established by the table in paragraph 3 of the
subsection; or
2. the velocity of the 10-year storm runoff in the receiving watercourse
prior to development.
If conditions (1) or (2) of this paragraph cannot be met, then the receiving
watercourse to and including the discharge point shall be designed and
constructed to withstand the expected velocity anywhere the velocity
exceeds the "prior to development" velocity by 10%.
Standards
1. Acceptable Management Measures
Measures applied alone or in combination to satisfy the intent of this
subchapter are acceptable if there are no objectionable secondary
consequences. Innovative techniques and ideas will be considered and
may be used when shown to have the potential to produce successful
results. Some alternatives are to:
a. avoid increases in surface runoff volume and velocity by including
measures to promote Infiltration to compensate for increased runoff
from areas rendered impervious;
22
b. avoid increases in stormwater discharge velocities by using vegetated -
or roughened swales and waterways in lieu of closed drains and high
velocity paved sections;
c. provide energy dissipators at outlets of storm drainage facilities to
reduce flow velocities to the point of discharge; these may range from
simple rip-rapped sections to complex structures;
d. protect watercourses subject to accelerated erosion by improving cross
sections and/or providing erosion-resistant lining.
2. Exceptions
This rule shall not apply in areas other than the University Lake, Cane
Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas where it can be
demonstrated that storm water discharge velocities will not.create an
erosion problem in the receiving watercourse.
3. Permissible Velocities
The following is a table of permissible velocity for stormwater discharges:
MATERIAL
Maximum Permissible Velocities
FPS MPS
Fine Sand (noncolloidal) 2.5 0.8
Sandy Loam (noncolloidal) 2.5 0.8
Silt Loam (noncolloidal) 3.0 0.9
Ordinary Firm Loam 3.5 1.1
Fine Gravel 5.0 1.5
Stiff Clay (very colloidal) 5.0 1.5
Graded, Loam to Cobbles (noncolloidal) 5.0 1.5
Graded, Silt to Cobbles (colloidal) 5.5 1.7
Alluvial Silts (noncolloidal) 3.5 1.1
Alluvial Silts (colloidal) 5.0 1.5
Coarse Gravel (noncolloidal) 6.0 1.8
Cobbles .and Shingles 5.5 1.7
Shale and Hard Pans 6.0 1.8
Source: Adapted from recommendations by Special Committee on
Irrigation Research, American Society of Civil Engineers, 1926, for
channels with straight alignment. Far sinuous channels, multiply
allowable velocity by 0.95 for slightly sinuous, by 0.9 for moderately
,sinuous channels, and by 0.8 for highly sinuous channels.
Section 10 Borrow and Waste Areas
2~
When the person conducting the land-disturbing activity is also the person
conducting the borrow and waste disposal activity, areas from which borrow is
obtained and which are not regulated by the provisions of the Mining Act of 1971,
and waste areas for surplus materials other than landfills regulated by the
Department's Division of Solid Waste Management shall be considered as part of
the land-disturbing activity where the borrow material. is being used or from which
the waste material originated. When the person conducting the land-disturbing
activity is not the person obtaining the borrow and/or disposing of the waste,
these areas shall be considered a separate land-disturbing activity.
Section 11 Access and Haul Roads
Temporary access and haul roads, other than public roads, constructed or used
in connection with any land-disturbing activity shall be considered a part of such
activity. With respect to development in the University Lake1 Cane Creek,,_and
Upper_Eno Protected Watershed Areas, these access and haul roads shall
have gravel pads placed at the entrance of the site of aland-disturbing activity.
24
Amendments to the Orange County Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Ordinance
June 2001
NOTE: The bold, underlined text will be added to the Ordinance and the s#~s~~g#
text will be deleted.
Section 2.1 Findings of Fact Relating to Sedimentation and Erosion in University
Lake Cane Creek and er Eno Protected Watershed Areas
The County Commissioners find that, without strict sedimentation and erosion controls, the
development of land within the University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas will have a significant adverse impact upon the health, safety, and
welfare of all persons served by the University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno
Protected Watershed Areas. More specifically:
A. stormwater runoff carries pollutants into University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper
Eno Protected Watershed Areas, degrading water quality. These pollutants
include, but are not limited to, organic and inorganic chemicals.
B. The increase in nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen will accelerate
eutrophication of University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas, adversely affecting flora and fauna.
C. The improper channelization of watercourses and drairiage areas in the Universi
Lake Cane Creek and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas will increase the
velocity of runoff, thereby increasing erosian and sedimentation.
D. The alteration of the natural topography and removal of vegetation will increase
erosion by increasing velocity of runoff.
E. The siltation of water bodies resulting from increased erosion will decrease the
capacity of the water bodies to hold and transport water, and harm flora and fauna.
F. Sedimentation further reduces water quality because it transports pollutants into the
water, then releases them in the water as it settles.
G. Impervious surfaces will increase the volume and rate of stormwater runoff. This
allows less water to percolate into the soil, thereby decreasing groundwater
recharge. Increased velocity of runoff also reduces the filtering effect of the soil.
H. Improperly managed stormwater runoff will increase the incidence of flooding and
the level of floods which occur.
2;
Section 2.2 Objectives of Regulations Applicable to Universi Lake Cane
Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas
The regulations set forth in this Ordinance applicable to the University Lake.
Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected Watershed, Areas are designed:
To protect and maintain the chemical, physical and biological quality and
integrity of University Lake, Cane Creek, and Up„per Eno Protected
Watershed Areas and other critical watershed areas.
2. To prevent harm to the residents of the community by prohibiting activities
which adversely affect Universi Lake Cane Creek and U er Eno
Protected Watershed Areas as a public water supply.
3. To encourage the protection of natural systems and the utilization of these
systems in a manner which does not impair their beneficial functioning.
4. To discourage the construction of drainage systems which do not
functionally approximate the natural drainage pattern.
5. To minimize sedimentation and erosion, within the watershed, and as a
result, minimize the transport of sediment and pollutants to Universi
Lake, Cane Creek, and U~~er_Eno Protected Wa#ershed Areas.
6. To protect and maintain the existing habitat of fish and wildlife.
7. To prevent damage from flooding while recognizing that natural
fluctuations in water levels are beneficial.
$. To protect the absorptive, purifying and retentive functions of the natural
systems existing in the Universi Lake Cane Creek and U er Eno
Protected Watershed Areas.
9. To ensure the attainment of these objectives by requiring the approval and
implementation of sedimentation and erosion control plans for all activities
which may adversely affect the University Lake, Cane Creek=and Upper
Eno Protected Watershed Areas.
1p. To provide and enforce design and performance standards for control of
post-development erosion and sedimentation in order to preserve the
characteristics that existed in the Universit~r Lake, Cane Creek, and
Up ear Eno Protected_Watershed,Areas prior to development.
26
Section 2 Definitions
As used in this Ordinance, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
following definitions apply:
Cane Creek Protected Watershed Area-com rises all the land area
contributin water to Cane Creek
U er Eno Protected Watershed Area- com rises all the land area
contributing water to the UP,per Eno
University Lake Protected Watershed Area - comprises all the land area
contributing water to University Lake
Section 3 Jurisdiction and Effect
Jurisdiction
This ordinance shall apply within Orange County, including the municipalities of
Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the portion of Mebane within Orange County, but
excluding the municipal boundaries and planning extraterritorial limits of Chapel
Hill.
Effect
It shall be unlawful, within the jurisdiction of this Ordinance, to engage in land-
disturbing activity, except as provided herein, without first obtaining a permit as
required by this Ordinance and without complying with the conditions of the
issuance of said permit.
Conflicts and duplications among portions of this Ordinance shall be resolved in
favor of the more stringent regulation.
Whenever conflicts exist between federal, state or local laws, ordinances, or
rules, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
z~
Section 4 Scope and Exclusions (County-wide)
This Ordinance shall apply to land-disturbing activities undertaken by any person,
with the following exclusions:
A. Agriculture
Activities, including the breeding and grazing of livestock, undertaken on
agricultural land for the production of plants and animals useful to man,
including, but not limited to:
1. forages and sod crops, grains and feed crops, tobacco, cotton and
• peanuts;
2. dairy animals and dairy products;
3. poultry and poultry products;
4. livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules
or goats, including the breeding and grazing of any or all such
animals;
5. bees and apiary products;
5. fur animals.
B. Forestland
Activities undertaken on forestland for the production and harvesting of
timber and timber products and conducted in accordance with best
management practices set out in Forest Practice Guidelines Related to
Water Quality as adopted by the Department. If land-disturbing activity
undertaken on forestland for the production and harvesting of timber and
timber products is not conducted in accordance with Forest Practice
Guidelines Related to Water Quality, the provisions of this ordinance shall
apply to such activity and any related land- disturbing activity on the tract.
C. Mining
Activities for which a permit is required under the Mining Act of 1971,
Article 7 of Chapter 74 of the General Statues.
D. State Jurisdiction
Those land-disturbing activities over which the State by statute (G.S.
113A-56(a)) has exclusive regulatory jurisdiction, which are activities:
(1) Conducted by the State,
(2) Conducted by the United States,
(3) Conducted by persons having the power of eminent domain,
28
(4) Conducted by local governments,
(5) Funded in whale or in .part by the State or the United States.
Section 5 General Requirements for Areas Other Than University
Lake Cane Creek and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas
A. Protection of Property
Person(s) conducting land-disturbing activities shall take all reasonable
measures to protect all public and private properly from damage by such
activities. This requirement shall apply to any areas to be disturbed, regardless of
the size of the area to be uncovered.
B. Erosion Control Plan Requirement
Prior to the commencement of any land-disturbing activity that will result in
the uncovering of more than 20,000 square feet of land, the person(s) conducting
the land-disturbing activity must prepare and submit an Erasion Control Plan for
the proposed site. The Plan must be approved and a Grading Permit obtained
prior to the start of the disturbance.
Section 6.1 General Requirements for University„Lake Cane Creek,
,, ,---.,
and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas
A. Plan Requirement
Except as otherwise provided in subsection B., an erasion and
sedimentation control plan, shall be prepared and filed with and approved
by the Erosian Control Division prior to the commencement of any land-
disturbing activity within the University Lake. Cane Creek, and Upper
Eno Protected Watershed Areas.
B. Plan Waiver
The person(s) conducting the land-disturbing activity need not submit an
erosion control plan ifi such person, obtains an Erosian Control Plan Waiver
Form from the Erosian Control Division. An application for this form shall
be submitted and shall contain the name, address, and phone number of
the developer and owner, a description and drawing of the proposed
development or activity, the location of the develapmer~t, and any other
information requested by the Orange County Erosian Control Officer that
z9
is reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed development. The
Erosion Control Officer shall issue the Plan Waiver dorm if he finds that:
1. The land-disturbing activity will not result in the uncovering of
more than 10,000 square feet; and
2. The land-disturbing activity is not to be conducted in
connection with any of the following types of developments:
a. shopping centers
b. industrial and commercial facilities
c. major subdivisions
d. roads
e. any activity involving the temporary or permanent storage
(above ar below ground) of any noxious, toxic, or
hazardous substance, including fuel storage facilities.
3. The proposed land-disturbing activity will not:
a. significantly increase or decrease the rate or volume of
surface water runoff;
b. significantly contribute to the degradation of water runoff;
c. have a significant adverse impact on a wetland,
watercourse, or University Lake,,,Cane Creek. and
Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas;
d. occur within a buffer area circumscribing University
Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper, Eno Protected Watershed
Areas.
C. Protection of Properly
Persons conducting land-disturbing activity shall take all reasonable
measures to protect all public and private property from damage by such
activities. This requirement shall apply to any area to be disturbed.
Section 6 Basic Control Objectives
An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan may be disapproved pursuant to
Section 18 of this ordinance if the plan fails to address the fallowing control
objectives:
A. Identify Critical Areas
On-site areas which are subject to severe erosion, and off-site areas
which are especially vulnerable to damage from erasion and/or
sedimentation, are to be identified and receive special attention, and
appropriate mitigative measures are to be taken to protect those areas.
30
B. Plan for Erosion Control
Design the development and prepare the site plan so that the necessary
sediment-trapping devices and erosion control measures can be
accommodated and are accessible for main tenance and removal.
Observe the requirements and standards in Orange County's Sail Erosion
. and Sediment Cantral Manual.
C. Limit Exposed Areas
All land-disturbing activities are to be planned and conducted to minimize
the size of the area to be exposed at any one time.
D. Limit Time of Exposure
All land-disturbing activities are to be planned and conducted to limit
exposure to the shortest feasible time.
E. Control Surface Water
Surface water runoff originating upgrade of exposed areas should be
controlled to reduce erosion and sediment loss during the period of
exposure.
F. Control Sedimentation
All land-disturbing activities are to be planned and conducted so as to
prevent off-site sedimentation damage.
G. Manage Stormwater Runoff
When the increase in the peak rates and velocity of storm water runoff
resulting from gland-disturbing activity is sufficient to cause accelerated erosion
of the receiving watercourse, plans are to include measures to control the
velocity and the rate of release at the point of discharge so as to minimize
accelerated erosion of the site grid increased sedimentation of the stream.
Section 7 Mandatory Design and Performance Standards
for Land-Disturbing Activity
No land-disturbing activity subject to the control of this Ordinance shall be
undertaken except in accordance with the fallowing mandatory standards:
A. Buffer Zone
1. No land-disturbing activity during periods of construction or improvement
to land shall be permitted in proximity to a lake or natural watercourse
unless a buffer zone is provided along the margin of the watercourse of
sufficient width to confine visible siltation within the twenty five percent
(25%) of the buffer zone nearest the land-disturbing activity. Waters that
31
have been classified as trout waters by the Environmental Management
Commission shall have an undisturbed buffer zone 25 feet wide or of
sufficient width to confine visible siltation within the twenty-five percent
(25%) of the buffer zone.nearest the land-disturbing activity, whichever is
greater. Provided, however, that the County may approve plans which
include land-disturbing activity along trout waters when the duration of
said disturbance would be temporary and the extent of said disturbance
would be minimal. This subdivision shall not. apply to gland-disturbing
activity in connection with the construction of facilities to be located on,
aver, or under a lake or natural watercourse.
Unless otherwise provided, the width of a buffer zone is measured from
the edge of the water to the nearest edge of the disturbed area, with the
25 percent of the strip nearer the land- disturbing activity containing the
natural or artificial means of confining visible siltation.
2. The 25 foot minimum width for an undisturbed huffier zone adjacent to
designated trout waters shall be measured horizontally from the top of the
bank.
3. Where a temporary and minimal disturbance is permitted as an exception
by Section 8 (A) (1) of this ordinance, land-disturbing activities in the
buffer zone adjacent to designated trout waters shall be limited to a
maximum of 10% of the total length of the buffer zone within the tract to be
distributed such that there is not more than 100 linear feet of disturbance
in each 1000 linear feet of buffer zone. Larger areas may be disturbed
with the written approval of the Director of the Division of Land Resources
of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources.
4. No land-disturbing activity shall be undertaken within a buffer zone
adjacent to designated trout waters that will cause adverse temperature
fluctuations, as set forth in 15 NCAC 2B.0211 Fresh Surface Water
Classification and Standards, in these waters.
B. Graded Slopes and Fills
The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle
which can be retained by vegetative cover or other adequate erosion
control devices or structures. In any event, slopes left exposed will, within
30 working days of completion of any .phase of grading, be planted or
otherwise provided with ground cover, devices, or structures sufficient to
restrain erasion.
C. Ground Cover
Whenever land-disturbing activity is undertaken on a tract comprising
more than 20,000 square feet, if more than 20,000 square feet are
uncovered, the person conducting the land-disturbing activity shall install
32
such sedimentation and erosion control devices and practices as are
sufficient to retain the sediment generated by the land-disturbing activity
within the boundaries of the tract during construction upon and
development of said tract, and shall plant or otherwise provide a
permanent ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion after completion of
construction or development. Except as provided in Section 8 (D) (2) (e) of
this ordinance, provisions for a ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion
must foe accomplished within 30 working days or 120 calendar days,
whichever period is shorter, following completion of construction or
development.
D. Design and Performance of Control Measures
1. Design Storm
Except as provided in Section 8(D)(2)(b) of this Ordinance and in the
standard for sediment ponds in the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
Manual erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures, and
devices shall be so planned, designed, and constructed as to provide
protection from accelerated erosion and sedimentation from the calculated
maximum peak rates of runoff from the ten-year frequency storm. Runoff
rates shall be calculated using the procedures in the USDA Soil
Conservation Service's "National Engineering Field Manual for
Conservation Practices;" or other calculation procedures acceptable to the
Erosion Control OfFicer.
2. Standards for High Quality Waters
In High Quality Water (HQW) zones the following design standards shall
apply:
a. Uncovered areas in HQW zones shall be limited at any time to a
maximum total area of 20 acres within the boundaries of the
tract. Only the portion of the land-disturbing activity within a
HQW zone shall be governed by this section. Larger areas may
be uncovered within the boundaries of the tract with the written
approval of the Director of the Division of Land Resources of the
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources.
b. Erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures, and
devices within HQW zones shall be so planned, designed, and
constructed to provide protection from the runoff of the 25-year
storm which produces the maximum peak rate of runoff. The
peak rate of runoff shall be calculated according to procedures in
the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation
Service's National Engineering Field Manual for Conservation
Practices or according to procedures adopted. by any other
agency of this state or the United States or any generally
recognized organization or association.
33
c. Sediment ponds (also called "sediment basins") within HQW
zones shall be designed and constructed such that the pond will
have a settling efficiency of at least 70% for the 40 micron (0.04
mm) size soil particle transported into the basin by the runoff of
that 2-year storm which produces the maximum peak rate of
runoff. The peak rate of runoff shall be calculated according to
procedures in the United States Department of Agriculture Soil
Conservation Service's National Engineering Field Manual for
Conservation Practices or according to procedures adopted by
any other agency of this state or the United States or any
generally recognized organization or association.
d. Newly constructed open channels in HQW zones shall be
designed and constructed with side slopes no steeper than 2
horizontal to 1 vertical if a vegetative cover is used for
stabilization unless soil conditions permit a steeper slope or
where the slopes are stabilized by using mechanical devices,
structural devices or other acceptable devices. In any event, the
angle for side slopes shall be sufficient to restrain accelerated
erosion.
e. -Ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion must be provided for
any portion of a land- disturbing activity in a HQW zone within 15
working days or 60 calendar days, whichever period is shorter,
following completion of construction or development.
E. Prior Plan Approval ~~
No person shall initiate any land-disturbing activity on a tract if more than
20,000 square feet are to be uncovered unless, thirty or more days prior to
initiating the activity, an erosion and sedimentation control plan for such
activity is filed with, approved by, and a Grading Permit obtained from the
County.
Section $.1 Additional Standards for Land-Disturbing Activity in
University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper, Eno Protected Watershed Areas
The provisions of Section 8 shall apply to land-disturbing activity within the
University Lake, Cane Creek, and UUaper Eno Protected Watershed Areas. In
addition, the design, construction, and maintenance of drainage systems in
developments within the University_Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno
Protected Watershed Areas shall also be consistent with the fallowing
standards, and these standards shall control to the extent that they are more
restrictive than those set forth in Section 8.
3~
A. Channeling Runoff -channeling runoff directly into water bodies shall be
prohibited. Runoff shall be routed through swales and other systems
designed to increase time of concentration, decrease velocity, increase
infiltration, allow suspended solids to settle, and remove pollutants.
B. Alteration of Watercourses -natural watercourses shall not be dredged,
cleared of vegetation, deepened, widened, straightened, stabilized or
otherwise altered except in accordance with an approved erosion control
plan. Water shall be retained or detained before it enters any natural
watercourse in order to preserve the natural hydro-dynamics of the
watercourse and to prevent sedimentation.
C. Limit Land-Disturbing Activity -the area of disturbance by development
shall be as small as practical.
D. Land Alterations - no grading, cutting or filling shall be commenced until
erosion and sedimentation control devices have been installed between
the disturbed area and water bodies, watercourses, wetlands, or adjoining
properties.
E. Wetland Protection -wetlands and other water bodies shall not be used
as sediment traps during development.
F. Maintenance Requirements and Responsibility.-erosion and
sedimentation facilities shall receive regular maintenance to ensure that
they continue to fiunction properly. Temporary basins shall be cleaned out
when they are filled to fifty (50) percent of their design capacity.
G. Artificial Watercourses -any artificial watercourse (where the need is
demonstrated) shall be designed considering soil type so that the velocity
of flow is low enough to prevent accelerated erosion.
H. Buffer Area Requirements -soil and pollutants carried overland,
primarily from roads, trails, and/or land-disturbing activities, can be
effectively trapped by leaving a relatively undisturbed strip of vegetation,
parallel and adjacent to the watercourse. Properly managed overland
water flow can be directed into this buffer area in a manner that will reduce
velocity and cause dispersion of the water. Sediments carried by the water
will settle out as a result of this slowing and dispersion process. The width
of these buffer areas shall depend on the type of stream or drainage area.
The width of the buffer strips shall be as follows:
1. Creeks and tributaries - (i.e., permanent streams flowing directly
into Universi Lake Cane Creek and U er Eno Protected
Watershed Areas and permanent streams flowing into such
streams). Measure along a line running perpendicular to the
35
edge of the floodplain (or if no floodplain has been demarcated, -
the center of the stream) fifty feet from the edge of the floodplain
(or if no flood plain has been demarcated from the edge of the
water) plus an additional distance equal to:
4 x slope x 100
where "slope" is expressed as a percentage derived by dividing
by 100 the rise in elevation between the floodplain boundary line
(or if no floodplain has been demarcated, the centerline of the
watercourse) and a point one hundred feet from that point along
the above described perpendicular line.
2. Intermittent streams flowing into creeks and tributaries. Measure
along a line running perpendicular to the centerline of the
intermittent stream fifty feet from such stream centerline.
3. Intermittent streams flowing directly into Universi Lake Cane
Creek and U er Eno Protected Watershed Areas. Measure
along a line running perpendicular to the centerline of the
intermittent stream one hundred feet from such stream
centerline.
4. Intermittent streams flowing into streams which flow directly into
University Lake., Cane Creek, ,and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas. Measure along a line running perpendicular
to the centerline of the intermittent stream fifty feet from such
stream centerlines.
5. University-Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Areas. Measure along a line running perpendicular
to the high water mark or floodplain boundary (whichever is
farther from the Lake) one hundred feet from such high water
mark ar floodplain boundary (whichever is farther from the Lake)
plus an additional distance equal to:
4 x slope x 100
where "slope" is expressed as a percentage derived by dividing
by 100 the rise in elevation between the high water line of the
Lake and a point one hundred feet from that point along the
above described perpendicular line.
The existing natural vegetation in the designated .buffer areas
shall not be disturbed in any way that would reduce the area's
effectiveness in achieving the objectives set forth in this
subsection. !n addition, buffer areas from which the vegetative
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cover has been removed shall be planted or otherwise provided
with ground cover devices or structures sufficient to allow the
buffer area to accomplish the objectives set forth in this
subsection. Buffers shall not be used as temporary erasion
control devices during construction.
I. -Sediment Storage -sediment shall be retained on the site of the
development.
J. Detention or Retention Areas -retention and detention ponds may be
used to retain and detain the increased and accelerated runoff which the
development generates. Water shall be released from detention ponds
into watercourses or wetlands at a rate and in a manner approximating the
natural flow which would have occurred before development.
Retention and detention ponds shall be designed sa that they maintain
their structural integrity when subject to a 100-year storm. Detention and
retention, areas shall be designed so that shorelines are sinuous rather
than straight and so that the length of the shoreline is maximized, thus
offering mare space for the growth of littoral vegetation. The banks of
detention. and retention areas shall slope at a gentle grade into the water
as a safeguard against drowning, personal injury or other accidents, to
encourage the growth of vegetation and to allow the alternate flooding and
exposure of the areas along the shoreline as water levels periodically rise
and fall.
K. Open Space -the use of drainage facilities and vegetated buffer zones as
open space, recreation, and conservation areas shall be encouraged.
Recreational activities undertaken in these open space areas shall be
limited to passive or leisure activities.
l.. Grassed Swales -drainage within the development shall be
accommodated by the natural drainage systems whenever possible. The
use of grassed drainageways to channel water shall be encouraged. The
- velocity of travel in this grassed swale shall range between 2-4
feet/second.
M. Retention of Runoff from Industrial Sites - On sites developed for
industrial purposes (i.e., uses involving the manufacturing, processing,
creating, repairing, renovating, painting, cleaning, or assembly of goods,
merchandise, or equipment), retention ar detention areas meeting the
standards set forth in subsection j. shall be used to insure that runoff is
retained on the site before being released. The purpose of this
requirement is to insure that, not only will the standard set forth in
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subsection 9A. be met, but also a mechanism will be provided to
safeguard the watershed against the spillage of toxic or dangerous
substances.
Section 8 stormwater Outlet Protection
A. Control of Discharge in University Lake, Cane Creek, and.,Upper Eno
Protected Watershed Areas
Provisions shall be made far the control of stormwater discharges for the
types of development as specified below. After development of the site,
the peak discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from aten-year storm
shall be no greater than that which would result from aten-year storm on
the same site prior to development.
This requirement shall apply to:
1. Commercial, industrial, office, and institutional developments
2. Multi-family residential developments of more than 10 units
3. Single-family detached residential developments where mare than
three lots are to be created.
B. Control of Velocity
Persons shall plan and conduct land-disturbing activity so that the post-
construction velocity of the 10-year storm runoff in the receiving
watercourse to the discharge point does not exceed the greater of:'
1. the velocity established by the table in paragraph 3 of the
subsection; or
2. the velocity of the 10-year storm runoff in the receiving watercourse
prior to development.
If conditions (1) or (2) of this paragraph cannot be met, then the receiving
watercourse to and including the discharge point shall be designed and
constructed to withstand the expected velocity anywhere the velocity
exceeds the "prior to development" velocity by 10%.
Standards
1. Acceptable Management Measures
Measures applied alone or in combination to satisfy the intent of this
subchapter are acceptable if there are no objectionable secondary
consequences. Innovative techniques and ideas will be considered and
may be used when shown to have the potential to produce successful
results. Some alternatives are to:
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a. avoid increases in surface runoff volume and velocity by including
measures to promote Infiltration to compensate for increased runoff
from areas rendered impervious;
b. avoid increases in stormwater discharge velocities by using vegetated
or roughened swales and waterways in lieu of closed drains and high
velocity paved sections;
c. provide energy dissipators at outlets of storm drainage facilities to
reduce flaw velocities to the point of discharge; these may range from
simple rip-rapped sections to complex structures;
d. protect watercourses subject to accelerated erosion by improving cross
sections and/ar providing erosion-resistant lining.
2. Exceptions
This rule shall not apply in areas other than the University Lake. Cane
CreekLand Utaper Eno Protected Wa#ershed Areas where it can be
demonstrated that storm water discharge velocities will not create an
erasion problem in the receiving watercourse.
3. Permissible Velocities
The following is a table of permissible velocity for stormwater discharges:
MATERIAL
Maximum Permissible Velocities
FPS MPS
Fine Sand (nancolloidal) 2.5 0.8
Sandy Loam (noncolloidal) 2.5 0.8
Silt Loam (nancolloidal) 3.0 0.9
Ordinary Firm Loam 3.5 1.1
Fine Gravel 5.0 1:5
Stiff Clay (very colloidal) 5.0 1.5
Graded, Loam to Cobbles (noncolloidal) 5.0 1.5
Graded, Silt to Cobbles (colloidal) 5.5 1.7
Alluvial Silts (noncolloidal) 3.5 1.1
Alluvial Silts (colloidal) 5.0 1.5
Coarse Gravel (noncolloidal) 6.0 1.8
Cobbles and Shingles 5.5 1.7
Shale and Hard Pans 6.0 1.8
Source: Adapted from recommendations by Special Committee on
Irrigation Research; American Society of Civil Engineers, 1926, for
channels with straight alignment. For sinuous channels, multiply
allowable velocity by 0.95 for slightly sinuous, by 0.9 for moderately
sinuous channels, and by 0.8 far highly sinuous channels.
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SECt1O11 9 Borrow and Waste Areas
When the person conducting the land-disturbing activity is also the person
conducting the borrow and waste disposal activity, areas from which borrow is
obtained and which are not regulated by the provisions of the Mining Act of 1971,
and waste areas far surplus materials other Phan landfills regulated by the
Department's Division of Solid Waste Management shall be considered as part of
the land-disturbing activity where the borrow material is being used or from which
the waste material originated. When the person conducting the land-disturbing
activity is not the person obtaining the borrow and/or disposing of the waste,
these areas shall be considered a separate land-disturbing activity.
Section 10 Access and Haul Roads
Temporary access and haul roads, other than public roads, constructed or used
in connection with any land-disturbing activity shall be considered a part of such
activity. With respect to development in the Universi Lake Cane Creek and
Upper Eno Protected Watershed Areas, these access and haul roads shall
have gravel pads placed at the entrance of the site of aland-disturbing activity.