CCEC Bulletin: 
CCEC, Inc. - August 16, 2007

 

August 20 Public Hearing "Triggers" and "Buffers" ERB Concerns

You are urged to attend a Public Hearing next Monday August 20 at Pittsboro’s Superior Courtroom (in the circle) at 6:00 p.m. and offer your support for the newly formed Environmental Review Board (ERB)

Environmental Assessment Triggers
At this public hearing the ERB will introduce recommendations for determining the conditions needed to trigger an "environmental assessment (EA)." Because of the vast amount of development activity particularly in the north eastern section of the county and the impairment of both Jordan Lake and the Haw River from excessive nutrient run off and silting from construction activities as well as from the development at full build out, this hearing is critical to the future environmental health of the land, water and air in which we live.
An "EA" is basically a detailed scientific study of the potential impact of a development on the environment, and is advisable when a development project could adversely affect, air and water quality, wildlife and aquatic life, solid waste disposal and the areas which drain into our waterways. As a result of this Public Hearing, criteria may be established that would trigger such an environmental assessment.

Because an EA involves both money and time from a developer’s perspective, we can be assured that their views will be well represented. And because citizens value our environment and want to preserve our waterways, the very air we breathe and the wildlife around us, we, too, will want our views well represented.

Riparian Buffers
This same evening, there will also be a public hearing on proposed amendments to Section 304 of our Watershed Ordinance concerning the buffers along our streams and water bodies. A buffer is generally described as an undisturbed area along or around a stream or wetland. These undisturbed areas filter out pollutants before they reach the water and thus help to protect the quality of our drinking water. The width of undisturbed buffer needed, depending on the specifics of the water body or stream, along with the acceptable activities allowed within the buffer area will be discussed.
For details about both items on the Public Hearing agenda, go to http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=778 Clicking on the links for (1) Proposed County Thresholds for required Environmental Assessments and (2) Recommended Amendments to County Watershed Protection Ordinance Related to Riparian Buffers will lead you to review the exact text under consideration at the Public Hearing.
Citizens concerned about the impact of rampant development on the land, water and air in Chatham County have labored for years to get us to this long awaited hearing. The ERB was appointed by the Board of Commissioners as a result of the last county elections. Please participate in this critical Public Hearing and speak in support of the ERB recommendations. (Normally, the County gives each speaker 3 minutes to express their opinions.)