A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE JORDAN RESERVOIR WATER SUPPLY NUTRIENT STRATEGY RULES 15A NCAC 02B .0262-.0273 & .0311 (2009-04-15/R-2)

WHEREAS, the Jordan Lake Reservoir is a popular recreation destination for over 1 million visitors each year including residents of Chapel Hill; and

WHEREAS, the Jordan Lake Reservoir is a major drinking water source for residents in the Triangle; and 

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina first directed local governments to reduce nitrogen in waters that flow to the Jordan Lake Reservoir in 1997 under the Clean Water Responsibility Act; and

WHEREAS, the Jordan Lake Reservoir is on the EPA 303(d) list of impaired waters due to excessive nutrients from point and non-point sources, and has been since 2002; and

WHEREAS, the Jordan Lake Reservoir Nutrient Strategy rules were developed by the NC Division of Water Quality through a lengthy stakeholder process and were adopted by the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC) on May 8, 2008 and approved by the Rules Review Commission on November 11, 2008; and

WHEREAS, the Jordan Lake Reservoir Nutrient Strategy rules are based on sound scientific monitoring and modeling to apportion decreases in the nutrient load from all point and non-point sources in the Jordan Lake watershed in order to improve water quality; and

WHEREAS, the Jordan Lake Reservoir cannot meet water quality standards unless nutrient loads from all current and future sources are reduced, including those from wastewater, and from stormwater from existing and new development; and

WHEREAS, the threat to the water quality in the Jordan Lake  Reservoir and drinking water users, as well as recreations users will continue until all sections of the rules are approved by the NC General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has instituted comprehensive protection of waters within its own boundaries that flow to the Jordan Reservoir, including our Stormwater Master Plan, enhanced riparian buffer protection and other best management practices;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that members of the North Carolina General Assembly are hereby requested to vote to approve the Jordan Lake Reservoir Nutrient Strategy rules in their entirety in order to protect the public health and welfare of the citizens of Chapel Hill and other residents of North Carolina.

This the 15^th day of April, 2009.