Elon’s Center for Environmental Studies hosted two public hearings July 17 concerning a controversial proposal made by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous levels in the B. Everett Jordan Reservoir. Details...
The water source, which provides drinking water to Chatham County as well as the growing cities of Cary, Apex and Morrisville, displays signs of low water quality, including blue green algal blooms, which damage wildlife and can potentially harm humans. The proposed sets of rules would impose numerous regulations on land development, agricultural practices and storm water and wastewater management.
Dozens of citizens, elected officials and interest group representatives packed Koury Business Center to voice their opinions about the proposal to the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. Many opposed the proposal due to the cost that implementing such rules would have on local governments, which is expected to range between $500 million and $1 billion in the long term.
“I urge the DWQ to explore some alternatives to this proposal,” said Steve Ross, mayor of the City of Burlington and an Elon alumnus. “We must strive to reach a balance.”
Gay Davis, who works in commercial real estate, warned of job loss in industries that may consider relocating because of the rules.
“The Triad must be able to continue growth,” she said. “We’ve had our share of losses, now it’s our time to gain.”
Supporters of the proposal emphasized the environmental need for stricter regulations. Many said that if steps to protect the water aren’t taken now, more cumbersome, expensive solutions will be needed at a later time.
Janet MacFall, associate professor of biology and director of the environmental studies program at Elon, said the new rules could help Alamance County deal with important issues about the future.
“This could be the beginning of a set of tools to help us deal with that growth, and have a good quality of life.”
Hearing attendant Michael Holland spoke about the rising costs of improving water quality, explaining how delaying this process would leave future generations to endure a greater financial burden.
The Environmental Management Commission will continue to accept written responses regarding the proposal until Sept. 15. They are expected to make a final decision on the regulations between January and May 2008.
Elon was chosen as the venue for the hearing due to its centralized location within the Jordan Reservoir Watershed.
To learn more, visit the N.C. Division of Water Quality web site at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/nps/JordanNutrientStrategy.htm
To listen to a WUNC Radio story about the issue, click here…