The take on Jordan Lake
The much-discussed Jordan Lake rules have arrived at the Guilford County commissioners' chambers.
From tomorrow's agenda:
Adopt Resolution opposing the draft Jordan Lake Rules as proposed. On June 15, 2007 the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources presented draft rules for the management of nutrients entering into the Jordan Lake watershed. These proposed rules could have a significant fiscal impact on future growth and development in Guilford County. The resolution seeks modification of the proposed rules by the Environmental Management Commission to resolve factual discrepancies (data), inequitable application, and long-term economic impacts. The PTCOG membership recently adopted a similar resolution in opposition to the rules as presented. (Greg Niles)
Some background:
The rules, courtesy of the Cap Beast.
Lots of linkage from the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, which opposes the rules.
More info from state environmental groups that back the rules.
Rockingham County didn't like the rules. Our own Gerald Witt has the story after the jump.
Update: The Greensboro City Council didn't like the rules either, voting unanimously on a resolution to oppose them last night.
May 9, 2007
WENTWORTH - Proposed pollution controls for Jordan Lake could hurt Rockingham County's ability to attract jobs, the Board of Commissioners said Monday.
Commissioners passed a resolution asking the N.C. Environmental Management Commission to reconsider adopting the rules this summer.
The Haw River watershed, which includes the southern third of Rockingham County, feeds the lake and is included in those rules. Among other standards, they could require existing developments to install or improve storm-water systems, make municipalities upgrade water-treatment plants and impose tougher standards on new developments.
If the rules become stricter in Rockingham, then other counties in the state could have an unfair advantage in attracting jobs over Rockingham County, the resolution said.
"We feel that maybe the state is reacting strongly, and there may be a better way to handle the Jordan Lake situation," county Planning Director Tom Wiggins said Tuesday.
He said there is no guarantee the proposed rules would control the lake's pollution.
The resolution was based on a draft letter from the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, Wiggins said.
The state environmental commission will hold a hearing on the proposed rules this summer, he said.
The rules outline potential solutions to reduce pollution sources contributing to the lake's proliferating algae blooms.
The blooms can kill fish and make drinking water harder to treat.
Contact Gerald Witt at 627-1781, Ext. 120, or gwitt@news-record.com
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