[Durham INC] Winkie Wilkins' Bill to Stop Enforcement of Falls Lake Rules

[Melissa Rooney]

The need for protections in Falls and Jordan Lakes are a long time coming. And it took a lot of effort and time (which = money) to finally get these much compromised rules through the legislature.

 IM(ns)HO, every year that enforcement is postponed is another year that development and other projects can get in under the wire without the increased protections for our waterways that are so needed. And the longer that existing runoff continues to pollute as it has been doing for decades. The longer we wait, the more mess we will have to clean up, and the more it will cost taxpayers.

But even I might be for this delay if it only regarded big BMP projects (like the proposed wetland downtown), if we put a moratorium on any projects that arent adhering to the rules as written, and if we included provisions requiring follow-up and REAL enforcement (with maximum fines) of stormwater violations (run-off/sedimentation/erosion/nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) - and this means paying employees who go out in the field regularly and repeatedly, rather than relying on citizens emailing photos of violations (that often must be obtained by trespassing on private property).  

Furthermore, a lot of research requested by legislators (that I've seen anyway) is also expensive and, if it doesnt give the answer that is hoped for, is ignored anyway.

Just bc we dont trust our own Stormwater Services department to implement and rigorously oversee and maintain big projects that will provide more opportunity to improve our waterways, doesnt mean that the projects, in and of themselves, are not worthwhile.

I am tired of wasting time and money.

Would love some knowledgeable input on this...my knowledge of state gov't is limited at best--i give up easily on red-tape, bureaucracy and legal-speak/write.

Melissa (Rooney)

Sent from my iPad

On Apr 11, 2013, at 16:44, John Martin <bulldurhamnc at yahoo.com> wrote:

> I think you're over-reacting.  This is not a bill to "stop" enforcement of Fall Lakes rules, but rather as its title says clearly:
> 
> AN ACT TO SUSPEND ENFORCEMENT OF THE FALLS LAKE RULES FOR TWO
> YEARS AND STUDY THE RULES' EFFICACY AND IMPACT ON LOCAL
> GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESS, AND INDUSTRY.
> 
> Mayor Bell and the City government have asked the state to take another look at these rules, because the projected costs to the City are absolutely astronomical.  
> 
> The chief sponsor of the bill is Winkie Wilkins, a moderate Democrat from Person County.  He was endorsed in 2012 by the NC League of Conservation Voters.
> 
> We absolutely must examine these rules, and make sure they accomplish what they are supposed to accomplish at a price we can afford.
> 
> The Bill is very short:  Here's the rest of the text:
> 
> The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
> SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the Department of Environment and Natural Resources nor any local government in the Upper Neuse Watershed (as that term is defined in Section 1.(a) of S.L. 2009-486) shall enforce any rules intended to allow the Falls of the Neuse reservoir to attain its classified uses, including, but not limited to, the rules codified at 15A NCAC 2B .0276 through .0282 and 15A NCAC 2B .0315(q).
> SECTION 2. The Department shall study and report to the Environmental Review Commission no later than January 15, 2015, regarding its findings and recommendations regarding the following:
> 2015.
> (1)   Alternative methods of attaining classified uses in the Falls of the Neuse reservoir that would have less economic impact on local governments, development, business, and industry in the Upper Neuse Watershed.
> (2)   Trends in water quality in the Falls of the Neuse reservoir, based on water quality sampling between the effective date of this act and November 15, 2014, performed by the Division of Water Quality of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at the same sampling locations and using the same techniques as water quality sampling performed during 2011 and 2012.
> SECTION 3. This act is effective when it becomes law and expires on June 30, 2015. 
> 
> From: Debra A Hawkins <dhawkins913311 at gmail.com>
> To: inc-list at rtpnet.org; durhamenviro at yahoogroups.com 
> Cc: northeastcreekstreamwatch at yahoogroups.com 
> Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 2:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [Durham INC] Winkie Wilkins&#x27; Bill to Stop Enforcement of Falls Lake Rules
> 
> Eck. Unlovely-est oxymoron I’ve heard in a while!
>  
> From: inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org [mailto: inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org ] On Behalf Of Melissa Rooney
> Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 2:15 PM
> To: inc-list at rtpnet.org; durhamenviro at yahoogroups.com
> Cc: northeastcreekstreamwatch at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Durham INC] Winkie Wilkins&#x27;Bill to Stop Enforcement of Falls Lake Rules
>  
> So now disregarding the health of our water resources is called 'Environmental Practicality'.... Have to admit, it did make me smile (though not in the usual way)...
> 
> http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2013&BillID=h770
> 
> Melissa (Rooney)
>  
> 
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