EMC Approves Nitrogen Reduction Plan for Neuse River

RALEIGH -- The Environmental Management Commission today approved an historic initiative to reduce nitrogen loading into the Neuse River by 30 percent over the next 5 years.

The Neuse River Basin Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW) Management Strategy is scheduled to become effective Aug. 1, 1998. The plan addresses nitrogen loading from urban stormwater, wastewater treatment, agriculture and other major sources.

"These rules are an important step toward protecting and restoring the Neuse River," Governor Jim Hunt said Thursday. "Two years ago, when millions of fish died in the Neuse, we learned the hard way that we needed to do more. I'm proud of the EMC for taking this strong action."

The plan now goes before the state Rules Review Commission for approval and then on to the full General Assembly. The EMC on Thursday also clarified a temporary rule it adopted in June to provide immediate protection of 50-foot riparian (streamside) areas with existing forest vegetation.

"We must clean up and restore our rivers, and the Neuse plan is a major step in that direction," said Secretary Wayne McDevitt of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. "The department is committed to implementing the plan and doing everything we can to reach this goal in the next five years."

Approval of the Neuse NSW comes on the heels of a number of water quality initiatives the past six months. Those include establishment of the Neuse River Rapid Response Team out of New Bern, increased coastal monitoring in recreational areas, fisheries reform and enactment of the Clean Water Responsibility Act, which places a moratorium on new and expanding hog farms.

The Neuse NSW plan includes the following elements:

  • Point sources, such as wastewater treatment and industrial plants, discharging more than 0.5 million gallons of wastewater per day will have to optimize their facilities for nitrogen removal and then meet a "mass-based" nitrogen limit in terms of pounds per year. The mass-based load will be determined using each plant's permitted flow in 1995.
  • Dischargers will have the option of meeting the mass-based load collectively through a coalition of dischargers or paying offset fees to fund nonpoint source nitrogen controls. Owners of these wastewater treatment plants have until March 1, 1998 to determine whether they want to join the coalition.
  • Owners and operators of agricultural lands will have two options -- either become part of a collective local strategy for implementing best management practices on their land, or implement standard best management practices as specified by the rule.
  • Local farming strategies implemented under the collective option will be coordinated by a multi-agency Basin Oversight Committee. The committee will be responsible for assisting in targeting reductions so they can be achieved in the most cost-effective manner while quantifying and reporting reductions.
  • The basin's most populated and rapidly growing cities, towns and counties will be required to develop and implement local stormwater management programs. These local stormwater programs will have to address nitrogen control on new developments and include components such as public education and protection of existing riparian areas.
  • A nutrient management program will be implemented for individuals who apply nutrients to 50 acres or more of residential, agricultural, commercial, recreational, industrial or right-of-way land per year. These people will be required to successfully complete nutrient management training administered by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service or the Division of Water Quality. Applicators who do not receive the required training within five years will have to develop nutrient management plans for the lands where fertilizer is applied.
  • Immediate protection of 50-foot riparian areas with existing forest vegetation. These areas include 30 feet of undisturbed forest vegetation plus 20 feet of either grass, trees or other vegetation.

    • In November 1996, the Division of Water Quality conducted four public hearings on the proposal. More than 600 people attended the hearings, which were held in Kinston, Goldsboro, New Bern and Raleigh. Based upon these public comments, the hearing officers recommended substantial changes to the plan. In June 1997, the EMC approved immediate protection of existing forested riparian areas and scheduled two public hearings in October. More than 70 people spoke at these hearings in New Bern and Raleigh, and about 300 written comments were submitted to the division.

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    Date Posted: January 27


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