Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAMA Land Use Plan Update-19981 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DCM COPY DCM COPY lease do not remove!!!!! Division of Coastal Management Copy T1je Countp of JOertit., wort% Carolina CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE Prepared by Bertie County Land Use Plan Advisory Committee and Mid -East Commission The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1 1 1 1 1 1 BERTIE COUNTY LAND USE PLAN UPDATE 1998 Prepared by: The Bertie County Economic Development And Planning Commission With assistance provided by: The Mid -East Commission PO Box 1787 Washington, North Carolina 27889 (252) 946-8043 Adopted by the Bertie County Board of Commissioners On August 17, 1999 Certification by the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission On - September 8, 1999 The preparation of this report and all accompanying maps were financed in part through a grant provide by the North Carolina Coastal management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. BERT'IE COUNTY ' BOARD OF COUNTY COMIVIISSIONERS J. Jasper Bazemore, Chairman ' William L. Berry Patricia Ferguson Elbert R Bryant Charles H. Edwards ' Jack A Williford, County Manager Wendell M. Davis, Deputy County Manager ' BERTIE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION Robert B. Spivey, Chairman Norman Mebane, Vice Chairman C. Wood Beasley, III Norman Cherry Hattie Outlaw Elbert Ray Bryant G. Buneva Everette Nancy G. Spruill ' Joe R. Jernigan, Sr. Tim Ivey, Executive Director ' Bertie County Economic Development And Planning Commission ' MID-EAST.COMMISSION t Robert J. Paciocco, Executive Director And Planner -in -Charge, Linda Roberts, Administrative Assistant ' Planning Assistance Provided By Edmund Lynch 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ' Topic Page Rule I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 .0202 II. INTRODUCTION 3 .0203 ' IIIGOALS AND OBJECTIVES 6 .0204 ' IV. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS 7 .0206 ' A. Local and Regional'Setting 7 B. Estimate of Future Land Use Demands 8 C. Water Quality and Watershed Information. 9 ' D. Data Sources 10 E. Analysis of Implementation Of Policies 11 V. PRESENT CONDITIONS 12 .0207 A. Background 12 B. Key Trends and Facts 13 C. Population and Economy 13 Existing Water and Land Uses 23 E. Current Plans, Policies and Regulations 25 VI. CONSTRAINTS 28 .0210 ' A. Land Suitability -Physical Ph sical Limitations 28 B. Land Suitability -Fragile Areas 36 ' C. Land Suitability -Areas of Resource Potential 39 D. Community Services Capacity 40 i Topic Page Rule ' VII. ESTIMATED DEMANDS 56 . 0211 A. Population 56 B. Future Land Needs 56 ' C. Demand for Community Facilities and Services 56 ' VIII. POLICY STATEMENTS 59 .0212 ' A. Resource Protection - 59 B. Resource Production And Management 67 ' C. Economic and Community Development D. Public Participation 71 77 E. Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post Disaster ' Recovery and Evacuation Plans 79 IX. LAND CLASSIFICATION 88 .0213 A. Developed 88 ' B. Urban Transition 89 C. Limited Transition 90 D. Community 91 ' E. Rural 91 F. Rural With Services 92 ' G. Conservation 92 X. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ' AND M'LEMENTATION 95 ,0214 M. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 99 .0215 ll Page Figure 1 Location Map 12 Figure 2 CAMA County Populations 15 Figure 3 Dicennial Census Populations and State Estimates 16 Figure 4 Age — Sex Cohorts 17 Figure 5 Types of Employment 19 Figure 6 Manufacturing and Business Firms 20 Figure 7 Labor Force Statistics 21 Figure 8 Estimated Median Family Incomes 22 Figure 9 Family Incomes 23 Figure 10 Soil Characteristics 29 Figure 11 Soil Suitability by Associations (Map) 34 Figure 12 Small Watersheds 35 Figure 13 Transportation Improvement Program and Maps 43 Figure 14 School Facilities 53 Figure 15 Quick Waste Stream Analysis 54 Figure 16 Population Growth, 2000 to 2010 (Map) 58 Figure 17 North Carolina National Register 76 Figure 18 Severity of Risk in Hazard Areas (Map) 81 Appendix A Citizens Participation Plan 100 Appendix B "Bertie Citizens Newsletter" article 101 Map 1 Existing Land Use,1988 102 Map 2 Hazardous Areas 103 Map 3 Water Districts 104 Map 4 Land Classification,1998 105 iii ' I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Bertie County is a rural, northeastern County that has been designated by the State as a Tier I county. This designation is given to the North Carolina counties that are experiencing the highest rate of poverty and unemployment, combined with the lowest per capita income of the 100 counties in the State. Currently, there are 13 such counties with 10 of these being located in a "poverty belt" to the east and west of Bertie County. ' While the general demographics of the County may not be the best in the State, there are many other amenities within the County that make it a very desirable place to live and raise a family. The rural environment with beautiful rivers is most compatible with a good quality of life. The location of the County, in northeastern North Carolina, makes it readily accessible to r the Norfolk -Virginia Beach area of Virginia, and places it only about 100 miles east of Raleigh, the State Capital. The County is also blessed with an abundance of historic homes, not the least of which is the noteworthy Hope Plantation, and several small ' towns that offer a friendly, hometown ambiance. The County is also becoming more actively involved with eco-tourism projects that will draw those with environmental interests. Economically, the County is on the verge of significant growth as ' several possibilities for new industries and businesses are currently under consideration. These would produce several jobs that can be filled by the citizens of the County. Bertie is also adjacent to Hertford County, the site of iNucor which is a large, new steel industry that is under construction. ' Agriculturally, the majority of the land within the County is either suitablefor development or has only slight limitations to development. This land usually represents prime farmland as well With regard to infrastructure, Bertie County is completing a county- wide water system, hosts a regional land fill, and has a new hospital under construction. The Board of County Commissioners is committed to the promotion of economic development that will be in harmony with the natural ' environment. The policies in this land use plan are. aimed at protecting the existing resources, production and management of these resources, and ' community and economic development. Bertie County's overall policy and management objective for the ' Estuarine System is to give the highest priority to their protection and perpetuate their biological, social, economic and aesthetic values, and to ensure that development occurring within these areas of environmental ' concern is compatible with natural resources. ' The County also recognizes that the public has established rights to certain public trust areas; therefore, he County will promote reasonable conservation and management practices within these areas. Wetlands compose a significant amount of land in the County and the ' County supports the wetlands program by discouraging land uses that will alter the natural drainage patterns and vegetation. The County will encourage landowners to establish and maintain vegetative buffers around ' sensitive wetlands and water bodies. ' This land use plan also includes policies addressing the protection of other resources such as hazardous and fragile areas, potable water supply, package treatment plants, storm water runoff, marina, floating homes, industrial. areas, and bulkheads to name a few. ' Another major issue has to do with storm hazard mitigation, post disaster recovery and evacuation plans. Bertie.County is fortunate is that very few natural disasters have visited the County. There are two major hazard areas: the Chowan River shoreline and wetlands, and the Roanoke River floodplain and wetlands. There are other rivers of lesser concern as ' well. Inasmuch as there are few structures within the SLOSH level along the Chowan River, the level of damage to life and property is considered relatively small. The Roanoke River has controlled flow due to dams upstream; therefore, inundation and the level of structures do not warrant major concern. The County's Disaster Relief And Assistance Plan is adequate to handle most situations, and deals with reconstruction plans. The Evacuation Plan lists routes to be used and the five schools that are available. Z H. INTRODUCTION 1 This publication represents an update of the 1990 Bertie County CAMA Land Use Plan. Land Use Plans, with five year updates, are required by the Coastal Area Management Act. This plan has been prepared by the ' Bertie County Economic Development and Planning Commission, which is serving as the local planning agency, and has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Subchapter 7B-15NCAC, as amended on ' March 621996. Land use planning is at the very core of the planning process. All ' other phases of planning are performed to service the projected land use pattern outlined in the land use plan. The land use pattern of an area is also ' serviced by the economic development of the county. This idea was supported by Winston Churchill when he said, "We shape our buildings and ' then our buildings shape us." Almost every aspect of our lives is affected by land use. The land use pattern of today's Bertie County is very different from the days of early settlement. At one time, the County was a densely forested habitat for many forms of wildlife. As man settled in the area, he soon ' began to alter the landscape. Widely scattered development of farms or plantations first appeared on the land. This occurred along the major water courses in the County. Later,, inland, compact rural development began to appear. This development was concentrated at the crossroads of major land ' routes. Growth continued along these routes and some industrial activities have evolved at the busiest of these crossroads. 1 1 1 1 1 1 Increased mobility has also had an impact on land use. Automotive vehicles have eased the movement of people and goods, and have brought on different land use needs. Further, we have witnessed an increase in leisure time. These two factors have accounted for recreational development, particularly along water courses, and industrial development in the rural areas. Changes such as these are expected to continue; however, not at too rapid a pace. This development. includes all the necessary housing, services and space required for growth. ' This land use plan can help keep the desired character of Bertie County intact during the process of change. It is intended to serve as a tool for ' development and to guide growth to meet the needs of the citizens. Land use planning is based on many factors including topography, ' drainage, soils, existing uses of land, availability of community services, highways, population projections, trends in economic development, and ' future land use needs. A coordination of these elements is mandatory. Planning is essential to avoid the chaos typical in other areas expenencing fast growth. But land use planning is not an end in itself. Although this plan ' allows for changes in the future, it must be implemented to receive the benefits from its adoption. 0 There are many tools that a county government has at its disposal to implement a land use plan. These may include: 1) regulate land use, 2) affect land use by provision of services, 3) purchase or condemn property which usually determines what uses will occur, and 4) tax property to affect what will occur. The usual tool for implementation is zoning. County zoning, to be successful, usually requires an immense effort in public education. The potential benefits of zoning are of sufficient magnitude to justify great effort on behalf of its adoption, if it is felt that zoning is needed. However, new alternatives to zoning are available for implementing the land use plan. These include, but are not limited to: 1) moratoriums on development, 2) housing unit quotas, 3) maximum population limits for services, 4) land banking, and 5) timing and sequencing controls. Since the land use plan update of 1990, Bertie County has experienced some new growth and development that was governed by the 1986 update. New laws affecting land use planning and additional classifications of land allowing more flexibility in developing have been adopted as a direct result of development trends in Bertie County, as well as other local North Carolina governments. Bertie County does not wish to be inhibited by overly restrictive land classifications. This land use plan update addresses the specific needs and concerns of ' Bertie County's citizens as they strive to change the County's image from one which is poor and lacking in economic development, to one that is ' upwardly mobile, attractive to investors, and is rich in untapped environmental, aesthetic and economic resources. ' In summary, Bertie County has moved forward in the land use planning process and now is the time to improve upon the many past for ' accomplishments by proceeding with the land use plan coming of a new century. 1 1 5 M. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES In accordance with N.C.G.S. 113A 102(b), four goals have been established within the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). In general, these goals relate to (1) preserving and managing the natural ecological conditions of the estuarine system, the barrier dune system, and the beaches; (2) insuring that the development or preservation of the land and water resources of the coastal area proceeds in a manner consistent with the capability of the land and water for development, use, or preservation; (3) insuring an orderly and balanced use and preservation of coastal resources; and (4) establishing policies, guidelines and standards dealing with all aspects of the previous three goals. Consistent with the policies noted, this land use plan attempts to serve the purposes of the CAMA by establishing relevant policies and setting local priorities for the protection, preservation, and conservation of natural resources; economic development of the coastal -related areas; recreation and tourism facilities; transportation and circulation; preservation and enhancement of historic, cultural and scientific aspects of the coastal -related areas; and protection of common-law or statutory public rights in lands and waters of the coastal -related areas. These policies are to be used by the State as a criteria for issuance or denial of CAMA permits within Bertie County. The over-riding goal for Bertie County is to adopt a land use plan that will promote sustainable economic development which will stimulate positive growth and enhance the quality of life for Bertie County citizens while maintaining the rural character of the County and its agricultural and forestry activities. W. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS A. LOCAL AND REGIONAL SETTING Land use in Bertie County is a product of the regional setting and distribution of the natural and human resources in the County. In many ways, the growth of Bertie County and its prospects for future development can be attributed to its relative location. The County is located in the inner portion of the Atlantic Coastal Plain's physiographic province. This province extends from Massachusetts to Florida and includes many types of landforms. The Coastal Plain is a series of exposed ancient marine terraces, most of which are rolling hills and low- lying wetlands. Bertie County is nearly flat at the lower elevations in the southeast and rolling hills at higher elevations toward Roxobel and Kelford. The County is situated at the confluence of two major rivers. The Roanoke River, which carries more water than any other river in North Carolina and provides a wealth of natural resources along its course; and the Chowan River which, though smaller, is experiencing more recreational development. Together, the rivers flow into the Albemarle/Pamlico Sound which is the second largest estuarine system on the east coast of the United States. The flow of water into and out of this estuarine system should be of great concern to the citizens of Bertie County. It should be noted that the natural resources in and around Bertie County have not yet been as impacted as other areas along the coast. Although growth continues to be slow, protection of these resources is still a vital issue. Bertie County is located near several urban areas. As these areas grow, Bertie County will feel their impact. The Hampton Roads area, in southeast Virginia, is a region of rapid growth and has already sought to fulfill its potable water and electricity needs from within Bertie County's sphere. Although urban places offer different choices and amenities than rural areas (i.e., shopping, the arts, education and employment opportunities), a balance must be achieved. Bertie County offers many 7 ' resources, but the impact of unplanned resource development could be detrimental. ' Bertie County is a rural crossroads in the maze of an intensely complex and heavily populated eastern seaboard. The pressures for and ' impact of development will intensify. The challenge facing Bertie County is to preserve the rural, agrarian livelihood valued by the ' residents, while still providing the economic and community development needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. ' Data Analysis ' More complete data and the accompanying analysis is part of Section .0207 "Present Conditions" that follows. ' B. ESTMATE OF FUTURE LAND USE DEMANDS Studying developmental trends since the last Land Use Plan, the following estimates are suggested: ' 1. Agriculture, which traditionally has been the County's major source of income and employment, will continue to decline. The number of A' "family" farms will continue to decrease while the size of "business" farms will increase. ' 2. Services, including medicine, education, transportation and utilities will increase due to the demands of the current population. 3. Governmental services, including local, state and federal, will increase due to local demands. 4. Retail trade will remain constant with very little increase. "shell" , 5. Indus will increase if plans for a building concept Industry materializes, and if the presence of NUCOR becomes a reality and ' impacts the job market as anticipated. 1 s C. 6. Residential development will remain constant with the exception of the area along the Chowan River and surrounding areas. In these areas there will be increased activity related to retirement, leisure, and second home development. In general, land use demands should not present a problem throughout the County. The County, and towns within the County, will need to carefully observe development activities along the waterways and around the outskirts of the towns. Land use controls may need to be considered seriously at this time in order to protect the land and the quality of life. WATER QUALITY AND WATERSHED INFORMATION Bertie County is located within parts of 50 small watersheds. These are included within two major watersheds - the larger Chowan River Basin, with its beginning in southeastern Virginia; and the smaller Roanoke River Basin, with its beginning in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Although the Roanoke River Basin is the smaller of the two, it impacts the majority of the land area for Bertie County. The Chowan River Basin is one of three nutrient sensitive basins within the five major basins making up the Albemarle -Pamlico watershed. The nutrients, nitrogen and. phosphorus, come mostly from agricultural runoff and forestry activities. However, according to the "Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan" produced by the Albemarle -Pamlico Estuary Study, "Nutrient reduction goals set in the 1980s for the North Carolina portion of the Chowan River have been obtained." Toxic concentrations, basically zinc, copper and lead, were found in significant amounts in both the Chowan and Roanoke basins. However, overall water quality did not exceed levels considered harmful to human or wildlife consumption. The water quality within the two river basins impacting Bertie .County shows that a total of 1,800 miles of shoreline have been impaired. Of this amount,1,500 miles have been impaired by non - point sources and the remaining 300 miles by point sources. Non- point sources are mainly agricultural runoff in both basins. In the Roanoke River basin there is also some forestry activity, urban runoff, land disposal and mining. Point sources usually consist of industrial sites and wastewater treatment facilities. While the County does have a large amount of agricultural runoff, there are very few point sources of pollution. Effective management plans are underway by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality. Their goal is to "protect the basin's surface waters while accommodating reasonable growth and development." D. DATA SOURCES The date collected for this land use plan update came from the following sources: 1. The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management; included both statistical and mapping data. 2. "Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan"; Albermarle- Pamlico Estuary Study,1994. 3. "Water Quality In The Albemarle -Pamlico Drainage Basin, North Carolina and Virginia, 1992-95"; U. S. Geological Survey; U. S. Department of the Interior. 4. "Chowan River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan"; North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 1997. 5. "Roanoke River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan"; North Carolina Division of Water Quality,1996. 6. "Northeast North Carolina Region Strategic Business Action Plan"; prepared for the Northeast North Carolina Partnership, 1996. 10 ' E. ANALYSIS OF RvTLEN1E'NTATION OF POLICIES ' A study of the current Land Use Plan will show that Bertie County has successfully addressed most of the policies included. ' The County is still considering land use controls. A grant application was submitted to assist with the cost of this activity. A ' grant was also submitted for the completion of an inventory of all historic and cultural resources. Furthermore, the County is pursuing State and National recognition for appropriate sites. With regard to economic and community, development, the County is actively seeking economic opportunities. A "shell" building is being considered by the governing body as a means of encouraging new industrial activity, and strong emphasis is being focused on job opportunities that will result from the location of NUCOR in adjacent Hertford County. Tourism has received a great deal of emphasis resulting in more access sites and the building of the Roanoke-Cashie Visitors Center. ' The Town of Windsor has also been a major player in tourism development. Their emphasis has been on eco-tourism with the development of their exciting and interesting nature walk. i V. PRESENT CONDITIONS A. BACKGROUND - ' Bertle County was formed in 1722 from Chowan County. Located in the ' northeast section of the State, it is bounded by the Albemarle Sound, Chowan River, Washington, Martin, Halifax, Northampton Hertford Counties. and and The County encompasses 741.3 square miles and a land area of 698.9 square miles with an elevation of 10 feet. Within the County are the towns of Windsor (county seat), Askewville, Aulander, Colerain, Kelford, Lewiston -Woodville, Powellsville and Roxobel (Map 1)' The nearest major city of 100,000 or more in population is Norfolk, Virginia (90 miles) and the nearest commercial airport is in Greenville (35 miles). I-95 is the nearest Interstate Highway (65 miles to the west). Other distances can be ' seen on the Location Map (Figure 1). ' Location Map Figure 1 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B. KEY TRENDS AND FACTS Of the 100 counties in North Carolina, Bertie County ranks as follows: Is' in low -weight births 2nd . in percent of registered Democrats 3rd in poverty rate 6th in medicaid eligibles per 1000 6t in food stamp recipiency rate 6u` in percent of single parent families 11a` in prison admissions 21 't in unemployment rate 27th in teenage pregnancy rate 36th in traffic accident rate 38a' in voter registration rate 38th in percent of elderly 41s in birth rate 57t' in high school drop out rate 6e in county property tax per capita 7CP in crime rate 79 in population. 80t in registered vehicles per 1000 81' in per capita income 90t" in miles of paved road per square mile 92nd in average wage per worker 93rd in persons per square mile 99t' in average housing value 99th in percent of registered Republicans The above trends and facts indicate that Bertie County is a small, sparsely populated rural county with a high poverty rate and unemployment, coupled with very low per capita income and average wage per worker. Health wise, the County was first in North Carolina with regard to low weight babies, which could indicate inaccurate pre- natal care related to the poverty rate. The County also was very high in the Medicaid eligible and teen pregnancy rate. Of interest, is the fact that the County is very high in the number of prison admissions yet very low in their crime rate. C. POPULATION AND ECONOMY 1. Population Over the past three decades most CAMA counties of North Carolina have experienced a tremendous amount of growth. From 1970 to 1997 the twenty coastal counties increased in population by 54.55 percent (Figure 2). The state population has only 13 ' increased 46.26 percent in that same time period. The fastest growing counties in the coastal region since 1970 are Dare, ' Brunswick, Currituck, and Pender Counties. Only four of the 20 CAMA counties have been experiencing decreases in population, these counties are Hertford, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington. Bertie County, while not one of the four decreasing growth counties, is the only one of the remaining counties with a growth rate in single ' digits (1.16%). Other counties show growth rates from 16.21% (Gates County) to 289.98% (Dare County). There are several reasons why Bertie County is not experiencing as high a growth rate as some of the other coastal counties. One reason for growth is the coastal beaches. Over the years, many people throughout the state and the nation have moved to the beautiful North Carolina coastal beach areas. Bertie County does not have those coastal beaches that are so common in most other CAMA counties, nor is it geographically close to those coastal beaches. Another reason for the lack of growth is the economy. The opportunities for suitable employment in Bertie County are very limited. Educated citizens tend to search outside the area for employment, which results in high out -migration and a low growth rate. According to the U. S. Census, Bertie County has lost an estimated 636 persons due to out -migration from 1980 to 1990. i 1 i 14 CAMA County Populations Figure 2 CAMA COUNTIES YEAR ROUND POPULATION PERCENT CHANGE 1970 1980 1990 1997 70280 1 80290 90297 70297 BEAUFORT COUNTY 35,980 40,355 42,283 43,848 12.16% 4.78% 3.70% 21.87% 64,770 47.70% 42.51% 27.04% 167.39% BRUNSWICK COUNTY 24,223 35,777 50,985 CAMDEN COUNTY 5,453 5,829 5,904 6,524 6.90% 1.29% 10.50% 19.64% CARTERET COUNTY 31,603 41,092 52,553 59,454 30.03% 27.69% 13.13% 88.13% CHOWAN COUNTY 10,764 12,558 13,506 14,192 16.67% 7.55% 5.08% 31.85%1 CRAVEN COUNTY 62,554 71,043 81,613 87,424 13.57% 14.88% 7.12% 39.76%1 CURRITUCK COUNTY .6,976 11,089 13,736, 16.664 58.96% 23.87% 21.32% 138.88% DARE COUNTY 6,995 13,377 '22,746 27,279 91.24% 70.04% 19.93% 289.98% GATES COUNTY 8,524 8,875 9,305 9,906 4.12%. 4.85% 6.46% 16.21% HERTFORD COUNTY 24,439 23.368 22,523 22,369 -4.38% -3.62% -0.68% -8.47% HYDE COUNTY 5,571 5,873 5,411 5,040 5.42% -7.87% -6.86% -9.53% NEW HANOVER COUNTY -82,996 103,471 120,284 147.761 24.67% 16.25% 22.84% 78.03% ONSLOW COUNTY 103,126 112,784 149,838 151,770 9.37% 32.85% 1.29% 47.17% PAIVILICO COUNTY 9,467 10,398 11,368 12,078 9.83% 9.33% 6.25% 27.58% PASQUOTANK COUNTY 26,824 28,462 31.298 33,858 6.11% 9.96% 8.18% 26.22% PENDER COUNTY 18,149 22,262 28,855 36,945 22.66% 29.62% 28.04% 103.56%, PERQUIMANS COUNTY 8,351 9,486 10,447 10,792 13.59% 1 0,71 1 3 * 5' 10.13% 3.30% 29.23%1 TYRRELL COUNTY 3,806 3,975 3,856 3,727 4.44% -2.99% -3.35% -2.08%1 IWASHINGTON COUNTY Totals 14,038 510,367 14,801 595,899 13,997 710,896 .6 13.584 5.44% 788,751 16.76% -5.431-%,6 19.30% 0 -2.95% 10.95% -3.23% 54.55% Region Q 178,667, 200,841 218,196 234,206 12.41% 7.34 - 8.64% 7.34% 31.09% State 15,084,41115,880,095 6,632,448 7,4364,689 15.65%1. 9. 12.79% 12.13% 46.26% Source: Office of State Planning, LINC Figure 2 provides a summary of the population growth for the CAMA counties from the 1970 census to the 1997 projections by the State Data Center. In 19902 the population of Bertie, County was 20,388; the 1997 projections put Bertie County's population at 20,766, an increase.of 1.85%. The population of Bertie County has remained fairly steady since 1970, while the State and Region Q have experienced gains of 46.26% and 31.09% respectively. Many of Bertie County's representatives feel that the State Data Center's population estimates for the County is less that the actual number of people residing in Bertie, County. 15 Dicennial Census Population And State Estimates Figure 3 YEAR ROUND POPULATION I PERCENT CHANGE 1970 1980 1990 1996 1997 70-'80 1 80-'90 90-'96 70-'96 1 70-'97 North Carolina 5,084,411 5,880,095 6,632,448 7,323,085 7.436,689 15.65% 12.79% 10.41% 44.03% 46.26% Region Q 178,667 200,841 218,196 230,954 234,206 12.41% 8.64% 5.85% 29.27% 31.09% Bertie County 20,528 21,024 20,398 20,532 20,7661 2.42% -3.03% 0.71% 0.02%1 1.16% Askewville 247 227 201 195 1 -8.10% -11A5% -2.99% -21.05% Aulander 947 1,214 1,209 1,199 1 28.19% -0.41% -0.83% 26.61% Colerain 373 284 241 229 -23.86% -15.14% -5.39% -38.87% Kelford 295 254 204 199 -13.90% -19.69% -2A5% -32.54% Lewiston -Woodville 580 671 788 820 15.69% 17.44% 4.06% 41.38% Powellsville 247 320 279 274 29.55% -12.81% -1.79% 10.93% Roxobel 347 278 244 245 -19.88% -1223% 0.41% -2939% Windsor 2,199 2,126 2,209 2,346 -3.32%1 3.90% 6.20% 6.68% Incorporated Area 5235 5374 5375 5506 2.66%l. 0.02% 2.44% 5.18% Unincorporated Area 15,293 15,650 15,013 15,026 2.33% 4.07% 0.09% -1.75% Source: NC State Data Center (Census, Estimate, Projection) Throughout the County, certain locations tended to lose population more than others (Figure 3). Based on the 1996 estimates, the unincorporated areas of the County have had a decline of 175% since 1970. The greatest drop was between 1980 and 1990 when the unincorporated areas of the County lost 637 people. Municipalities did not have a large enough increase to counter the loss of rural population. The drop in rural population is most likely due to the decease in the agricultural economy. Over that same time period less and less people are using agriculture as a way of life. Therefore, many people are moving from the rural agricultural areas to the incorporated areas for employment with manufacturers. From .1970 to 1996 half of the incorporated areas of the County increased in population. The municipality with the greatest growth has been Lewiston -Woodville with an increase of 41.38%, or a total of 240 - people. The other three municipalities with increases in population are Aulander, Powellsville, and Windsor. All the other towns have experienced decreases in population (Figure 3). 16 Age -Sex Cohorts Bertie County,1997 Projections Figure 4 1000 900 800 700 N O � 400 Age -Sex Cohorts ' In the age distribution of population, no five-year group stands out as significantly greater. in population than others (Figure 4). Of the 20,766 people estimated to be living in Bertie County in 1997, there was ' a greater number of people between the ages of 5-14 and 35-44 than the rest of the age groups. A disturbing decrease in population in the 15-29 ' age group may explain the out -migration concern as it relates to the lack of good paying jobs. For growth in population to occur, sustainable livelihoods must be available to counteract out -migration. The primary ' workforce group, ages 30-64 has slightly increased since the 1990 Land' Use Plan Update, though it has been relative to the total population ' increase. Active recruitment of local jobs would result in positive population trends. The percentage of population over 65 constitutes slightly over 15%, or 3,125, of the total population of 20,766. The State ' average is 12.7%. Bertie County has a larger aging community than state t 17 ® Male ® Female ' averages; therefore there is the need for special services geared towards the_ aging. ' 2. Economy ' According to the 1992 US Economic Census, Bertie County has a total of 91 retail establishments with retail sales of $5420002000. The ' North Carolina Department of Revenue however, estimated that Berke County had $63,499,000 in retail sales in 1992. In 1996, the NC Department of Revenue estimated that the County's sales ' increased to $72,622,000, an increase of 14.37%. The State of North Carolina had an estimated total of $662122,475,000. in retail sales in 1992 and $97,352,867,000.in 19962 an increase of 47.23%. An ' increase, that is much higher than that of the County. ' According to the employment statistics for 1995, the manufacturing sector employs almost 41 % of all the employed people in Bertie County (Figure 5). Therefore manufacturing firms play an ' extremely important role in the economy of the County. There are thirty (30) manufacturing firms in Bertie County with a substantial ' number involving agriculture and silvaculture related business (Figure 6). The largest employer in the County is Perdue Farms Inc. in Lewiston -Woodville. Perdue Farms Inc. employs approximately 2300 people; Wrangler, with 350 employees, and Lea Lumber, with 250 employees, rank 2nd and 3d in size. Government is another major ' employer, accounting for over 14% of the jobs in. Bertie County. The bulk of these government jobs (86%) are at the state and local levels. Employment sectors that provide lesser contributions to the jobs in the County include construction, transportation and utilities, wholesale trade, finance and real estate, and non -farm agriculture, forestry, and ' fishing activities. These five sectors represent less than 4% each of the employment in the local economy. t t 18 t Types of Employment Bertie County 1980, 1990, 1995 Figure 5 1995 Percent Change Types of Employment 1980 1990 1995 Percentage 1980-1995 1990 -1995 FARM 1,773 954 959 10.14% -45.91% 0.52% NONFARM 6,687 8,238 8,497 89.86% 27.07% 3.14% AgriGForestry/Fishing 2771 360 309 3.27% 11.55% -14.17% Mining 01 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Construction .211 261 243 2.57% 15.17% -6.90% Manufacturing 3,089 3,869 3,8731 40.96% 25.38% 0.10% Transportation/Utilities 77 179 2281 2.41% 196.10% 27.37% Wholesale Trade 295 352 2521 Z.66% -14.58% -28.41% Retail Trade 690 780 8201 8.67% 18.84% 5.13% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 190 246 1851 1.96% -2.63% -24.80% Services• 639 927 1,2131 12.83% 89.83% 30.85% Government 1,219 1,264 1,374114.53% 12.72% 8.70% (Federal, Civilian) .113 107 1191 126% 5.31 % 11.21 % (Military) 72 79 68 0.72% -5.56% -13.92% (State and Local) 1,034 1,078 1,187 12.55% 14.80% 10.11% TOTAL 8,460 9,192 9,456 100.00% 11.77% Z.87% *Includes Medicine and Education Source: UNC Topic Report "Employment and Income: Full-time and part-time employees by major industry," NC State Data Center. Since 1980, there has been an increase in the non -farming types of employment and a decrease in the farm types (Figure 5). Over the years., Bertie County has relied less and less on small family farming as a way of life, as it has been throughout the State. This means that in Bertie County, the number of persons employed in the farming industry has dropped 45.9% from 1980-1995. The number of persons employed in non -farming industries has increased a total of 27.07% from 1980-1995, with some types more dominant than others. Transportation/Utilities has had the greatest increase in employment, over 196% since 1980. Service and manufacturing are areas that have had large increases in the number of employed, 89.83% and 25.38% respectively from 1980-1995. 19 ' Manufacturing and Business Firms Berkie County Figure 6 Firm ILocation lEmployees Product Established Golden Peanut Co. Aulander 87 Peanut processing 1987 Perry -Wynn Fish Co., Inc. 1Clerain 15 Canned herring, roe & brine 1966 Bunch, HE Pattern Works, Inc. Lewiston -Woodville 14 Wood and metal paitems, millwork 1947 Evans Lumber Co. Lewiston -Woodville 75 Pine lumber 1992 Gregory Manufacturing Co. Lewiston -Woodville 75 Machinery 1922 Perdue Fames, Inc. Lewiston -Woodville 2300 Poultry processing 1972 HTM Concepts, Inc. Merry Hill 20 Vinyl and fabric sreen printing 1964 Organic Litter Oro, Ina MerryHill 5 Fertilizer and feed ? Reynolds, R J Tobacco Co. Meny Hill 60 Reasearch and development 1963 TarHeel Cotton Company MaryHill 12 Cotton Ginning ? Taylor Logging MaryHill 5 Logging ? Roxobel Curtain Co. lRoxobel 45 lCurtains 1989 Bertie ledger- Advance Martinsborough Publishers Windsor ? Newspaper publishing ? Bryants Welding & Machine Co. Windsor 4 Machine shop ? R S Logging Co. Inc Windsor 5 Sawmill 1988 Cardinal Chanicals Windsor 6 Chemicals ? Coulbourn Lumber Co. Inc Windsor 80 Lumber, furniture 1943 Gilliam Bros. Peanut Shellers Windsor 25 Peanuts cleaned & shelled ? Lea Lumber & Plywood I LC Windsor 250 Furniture parts 1940 Powell & Stokes Inc Windsor 12 Peanut processing and fertilizers 1919 Tarmac Mid -Atlantic Inc Windsor ? Ready -mixed concrete ? Rimagirnation Inc. Windsor 6 Moldings 1989 Southern Forklift Service Inc Windsor 10 Fork lift and hydraulic repair 1994 Technicxafts & Services Ina Windsor ? Machine shop ? Textile Innovators Corp Windsor ' . 6 Textile fabricating & cutting 1987 White Brothers Inc Windsor 26 Logging 1970 Workers Owned Sewing Co. Windsor 50 Children shorts and trousers 1979 Wrangler Inc lWindsor 350 jMensj=fs 1966 Stephenson Crab Co. JWindsor 35 ISeafood ? Griffin Bros. Lewiston -Woodville 1 15 1 Cotton Gin ? Sources: 1996-97 Bettie County Manufactuas Directory, NCDepartment of Commerc-NCManufacturers Directory i 20 � ' The 1996 labor force totaled 92152 of which 82537 are employed persons (Figure 7). The 1996 unemployment rate of 6.7% represents an ' increase from the 1990 rate of 5.3%. The State unemployment rate in 1990 was 4.2% and has only increased to 4.3% in 1996. Bertie County's unemployment rate seems to be high compared to the State's unemployment. ' rate, and that rate is increasing. ' Labor Force Statistics Figure 7 1990 Labor S6tisfics 1996 Labor Statistics Total Labor Force EmDloved Unemployment Rate Total Labor Force Fm to ed U—ploymcd Rate Bertie County 9.0191 8,544 5.3% 9152 8,537 63 ReLyion 108.974 103,817 4.6% 115,043, 107 689 6.4% North Carolina 3,468.30 0 3324,0001 4. 3,784,598 3,620,167 4.3% Source: Office of State Planning, LILAC In terms of wages, Berne County lags far behind State averages. The ' 1996 median family income in Bertie County was $252100, which was an increase from 1990 when it was only $21,600. This represents a 16.2% increase. The North Carolina median family income in 1996 was $39,100, which was a higher increase from 1990 when it was $322400. In comparison to Bertie County, this represents a 20.7% o increase. Comparing the median family income rates of both Bertie County and the State, Bertie County is increasing although at a much slower rate., ' therefore falling further behind economically than the rest of the State (Figure 8). This can best be seen by comparing the 1970 differential between Bertie County's median family income and the State's, which ' was only $2,500, to that differential in 1996 which was $14,000. ■ 21 ' Estimated Median Family Incomes Figure 8 ' 45,000 40,000 ' 35,OW d 0 30,000 ' b 25,000 m 20,000 � 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 �—o—Bertle County I— ie—North Carolina NOTE: There were no figures for 1982 and ' 1985 1970 1980 1981 19W 1983 19M 1985 19W 1987 19W 19M 19M 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 . Year 1 According to the 1990 US Census, 20.69% of all families in Bertie ' County live on an income of less than $10,000 per year (Figure 9). At the same time, only 10.78% of all families earn $50,000 or more. This disparity ' results in the County being listed as one of the most economically distressed in the State. The 1990 US Census states that there was a total of 1,916 families in poverty, which constitutes 21.27% of all the families in Bertie County. The result is a County with a large number of citizens below the poverty level. 22 ' Family Incomes Bertie County, 1990 1 Figure 9 Families with Income 1990 Tta 1990 Percentage 1980 _FP 1980 Under 5.000 494 8.79% 895 16.40% 5,000 -9 999 669 11.9PLO 1368 25.06% 10,000 -14 999 740 13.16% 1063 19.48% 15 000 - 24,999 1335 23.74% 1461 26.77% 25,000 - 49 999 1,779 31.64% 5801 10.63% 50,000 or more 606 10.78° 0 91 1.67% Total 5.6231 5 458 Source: NC State Data Center, 1990. D. EXISTING LAND AND WATER USES Bertie County includes 441,000 acres of land. An additional ' 20,000 acres within the County consist of the rivers and streams. Forested land is the most common type of land use in Bertie County (Map 1). It consists of approximately 320,000 acres which accounts for nearly 70 percent of the total land in the County. Of this acreage, almost two-thirds of the forested areas are privately owned and ' one-third are owned by corporations. The main forest types found are Loblolly-short leaf pine, oak -pine, and oak -hickory. There are some ' areas that due to clearing, without reforestation, insect and disease problems, and lack of forest management, are a problem. Cropland accounts for approximately 22 percent of the total area in P PP Y the County (Map 1). It is the second most dominant land use. Approximately 70 percent of the cropland acreage requires drainage or management. for erosion control. ' The area in cro P land is continually changing. ' The total number of acres is fairly consistent. Some land that has been cleared by logging ' operations is being reverted to cropland. This has proven to be beneficial to the large farms as they are usually more efficient. Other 1 23 ' land that has been under cultivation is being turned into forest plantations by commercial forestry companies. Areas devoted to pastureland are continually decreasing in the County. It accounts for less than one percent of all land in the County. ' Much of the land once used as pastureland is marginal land that is being converted to accommodate hog and broiler production. ' There has been a slight increase in built-up land associated with � urban areas (Map 1). Commercial and residential land uses have ' developed along the major corridors of the County. These consist of service -related facilities to accommodate highway travelers and single family, non -farm residences, respectively. Bertie County, as a whole, is not experiencing rapid growth. It is ' unlikely that any major land use compatibility problems will occur within the near future. Land use changes may occur in the more remote areas of the County. Most of Bertie County's population is concentrated in or around the towns. Smaller concentrations exist in rural areas at county crossroads. These population pockets have supported development of convenience outlets such as gas stations and small stores. There may be areas that will required special attention in the future. Compatibility problems will occur if development is haphazard or unplanned. The strips of land along major highway corridors in the County will requireplanning. The area south of Windsor along US 17 is an area with a variety of competing land uses. The County Industrial Park is located in this area. Development is likely to continue in this area and it is recommended that it be restricted to uses that complement the industrial park and highway users. Other areas of concern include Merry Hill in the southeastern section of the County, the NC 11 corridor, the Roxobel-Kelford area, and the Chowan River shoreline. Merry Hill serves as a bedroom community to nearby Plymouth in Washington County, the location of Weyerhaeuser, a major regional employer. It is likely that this area will experience continued growth. 24 ' The northwestern portion of the County, including Lewiston - Woodville and Aulander, is also experiencing additional growth due to industrial development. The location of a processing plant has increased the need for residential development to house its employees. It is anticipated that future land use changes will result from ' production -related industries moving into the area and a need for housing will increase. 1 The Chowan River shoreline is likely to experience a large change over the next ten years. Residential development with access to the ' River will increase in demand. Higher traffic counts as a result of development along NC 45 and other rural roads that approach the river may necessitate highway improvements. These developments may place additional demands on the County for new or improved services. The lack of land use regulations enforced by the County may lead to ' future problems. Plans are currently under way to widen this stretch of highway. This should ease any traffic congestion. E. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS ' This section outlines the plans and regulations in force in Bertie County. This discussion should provide the citizens with an idea as to how plans and regulations are related to land use. A broad range of regulatory powers is available to the County; however, most of the regulations that have a major impact on land use in the County are enforced at the State or Federal level. The following is an outline of the regulations that are currently enforced. State and Federal regulations which are enforced in the County are listed in Chapter X. 1. Recreation Program Bertie County s recreation program is coordinated by a volunteer task force. Recreational activities are funded by individual organizations. There is a limited allocation of County funds for recreational purposes. 2. Solid Waste Management Plan ' Bertie County has changed its method of solid waste collection and disposal. Rural dumpsters have been abandoned 25 ' and replaced with five manned collection sites. These sites are operated by a private company, and include recycling activities. The County -operated landfill has been closed and a new privately ' owned and operated landfill is now serving Bertie County and serving as a regional landfill. All these activities are included in ' the current Solid Waste Management Plan for Bertie County. 3. Prior Land Use Plans Bertie County utilizes the 1990 Land Use Plan for references on land use policies. The policies are outlined on pages 2844 in the plan. Once the 1998 Plan has been adopted, it will supersede the 1990 plan. 4. Floodway Ordinances ' ' in flood lain are Ordinances regulating construction p currently enforced in the County. The flood insurance rate maps ' have recently been revised and were adopted by the County in 1989. The County participates in the National Flood Insurance ' Program through enforcement of mini -mum building standards. There is a need for a study related to the validity of the current floodplains maps. The County believes that some desirable industrial sites, which are now located in floodplain areas, may, in fact, not be in such areas and may qualify for redesignation. 5. Building and Housing Codes Bertie County has been enforcing the N. C. State Building ' Code since July 1,1985. In addition, minor CAMA permits are issued by County inspectors. The County has adopted a Minimum Housing Code. This Code will help upgrade the existing housing stock. Each of the regulations is enforced by the County Building Inspector. 6. Septic Tank Regulation Bertie County enforces North Carolina regulation relating to septic tanks. These regulations are the standards established by the .26. 1 N. C. Division of Health Services. The regulations are enforced by the Bertie County Inspectors. ' 7. Zoning and Subdivision Regulations rBertie County has not enacted zoning or subdivision regulations. Windsor, Aulander, Powellsville, and Colerain each enforce a zoning ordinance. The need for a countywide zoning and subdivision ordinance is detailed elsewhere in this plan. 8. Water Supply Plan r In accordance with General Statutes 143-355 (1) and (m), all local governments that supply, or plan to supply, water must prepare a local water supply plan. Bertie County's Water Supply ' Plan for four districts was adopted March 2,1994 in accordance with State regulations, with an update on September 15,1998. rIn such have been Bertie Countythere are eleven plans that completed and submitted to the State. r a. Aulander r b. Bertie County, Water District I c. Bertie County, Water District II d. Bertie County, Water District III ' e. Bertie County, Water District IV f. Colerain g. Kelford r h. Lewiston -Woodville i. Powellsville - j. Roxobel k. Windsor r r r 27 r i VI. CONSTRAINTS 1 A. LAND SUITABILITY — PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS ' 1. Major Hazard Areas ' a. In accordance with Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III), Bertie County lists eleven such sites in the 1995 Tier II Reports. These sites include chemicals on EPX s list of Extremely Hazardous Substances. The sites are: Lea Lumber and Plywood, Windsor, NC National Guard Armory, Windsor ' Peanut Belt Research Station, Lewiston -Woodville Perdue Farms, Inc., Lewiston -Woodville ' Powell and Stokes, Windsor Quick Snak 2, Windsor Royster Clark, Inc., Aulander Royster Clark, Inc., Colerain Sprint Carolina Telephone, Aulander Sprint Carolina Telephone, Windsor Todd's Bait, Windsor b. Natural Hazard areas would include all flood plain areas shown on Map 2. 2. Areas With Soil Limitations Soils in Bertie County have been mapped by the Soil and Water Conservation Service (SWCS). The soil survey is used to determine which soils present developmental limitations due to wetness or high shrink -swell potential. ' Analysis of the soil survey shows thirty-nine soil bodies or mapping units (Figure 10). Of the forty-one soil bodies, twelve are well drained, ' eleven are moderately drained, and one is excessively well 28 HE Soil Characteristics Bertie County ' Figure 10 1 G SYMBOL NAME AtA Altavista fine sandy loam Au Augusta fine sandy loam BB Bibb and Johnston foams Bob Bonneau foamy sand BaC Bonneau loamy sand Ch Chewacla loam CnB Conetoe loamy sand CrA ' Craven fine sandy loam CrB Craven fine sandy foam CrC Craven fine sandy loam DgA Dogue sandy loam DgB Dogue sandy loam DgC Dogue sandy loam. Dk Dorovan mucky peat . ExA Exum very fine sandy loam ExB Exum very fine sandy loam GoA Goldsboro sandy loam. Gt Grantham silt foam Lf Leaf loam Ln Lenoir fine sandy loam Ly Lynchburg sandy loam Na Nahunta very fine sandy loam NoA. - Norfolk sandy loam NoB.. Norfolk sandy loam Pa Pantego loam - Ra Rains sandy loam Ro. - Roanoke fine sandy loam Se Seabrook loamy sand. : TaB Tarboro loamy sand TM Tomotley sandy loam Ud .. Udorthents, loamy Wa Wahee sandy loam WE Wehadkee loam. WkA .Wickham fine sandy loam WkB - Wickham fine sandy loam WkC Wickham fine sandy loam WmB Wickham Urban -land complex WtD .. Winton fine sandy loam WtE Winton fine sandy loam Source: USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service 29 SEPTIC FARMLAND Severe Prime Farmland Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Severe Severe Severe Severe Slight Severe Prime Farmland Severe Prime Farmland Severe . Severe Prime Farmland Severe Prime Farmland Severe Severe Severe Prime Farmland` Severe Prime Farmland Severe. Prime Farmland Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Severe Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Moderate Prime Farmland Moderate . Prime Farmland Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Seven:. - Severe Severe Severe Prime Farmland (where drained) Severe Severe Severe Modej ate Prime Farmland Moderate Prime Farmland Moderate Moderate Severe Severe drained. These areas will not present problems for industrial or urban development. ' There are fourteen very poor to ve poorly drained soil bodies in the P P Y County; three soils are extensively floodable. Nearly 80 percent of the ' soils in the County have limitations for septic tanks due to poor drainage, seasonably high water tables, or permeability problems. ' Figure 11 shows the four soil associations in Bertie County. They are grouped according to their suitability for development. This includes hazards for foundations, limitations on septic tanks, and drainage. 3. Water Supply Areas L Knowledge of the quality of groundwater and aquifers is important because of the implications to human and aquatic health and because of . the significant costs associated with land and water management, conservation and regulation. "In 1991, the U. S. Congress appropriated funds for the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) to begin the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program." The information in this section is taken from the NAWQA report "Water Quality in the Albemarle - Pamlico Drainage Basin, North Carolina and Virginia, 1992-95" published in 1998. In this report, the Coastal Plain is divided into the inner Coastal Plain and the outer Coastal Plain. Bertie County lies within the inner Coastal Plain. The study considers the environmental setting and hydrologic conditions, nutrients, pesticides, and other organic components and trace elements, fish communities, and a comparison of findings in the Albemarle -Pamlico Drainage Basin with nationwide NAWQA findings. In regards to the environmental setting and hydrologic conditions, the area is ". dominated by a patchwork of forested (50 percent of the area) and agricultural (more than 30 percent) lands, with large tracts of wetlands (about 15 percent) in the eastern Coastal Plain. Less than 5 percent of the overall basin area contains urban land. Agricultural and urban land uses have the greatest potential to affect water quality 30 because these land uses are the sources of large amounts of nutrients, sediments, and pesticides." (page 4) The major aquifers that compose the central coastal plain aquifer system include the Upper Cape Fear, Lower Cape Fear, Black Creek and PeeDee aquifers. These consist primarily of unconsolidated and partly consolidated sands with some limestone and sandy limestone. Usage of these aquifers is increasing significantly and is causing the water table to decrease as much as two feet annually. While this decrease is not as great as with other aquifers to the south, there is still need for concern. Typical concentrations of nutrients in groundwater generally do not exceed drinking -water or aquatic -life standards; however, about 4 percent of the wells sampled did produce water with nitrate concentrations that exceeded drinking -water standards. "The highest concentrations of nitrate in shallow groundwater are associated with well -drained soils in the inner Coastal Plain ..." (page 8) Another nutrient, phosphorus, is not usually present in groundwater; however, deep groundwater had a median concentration and shallow groundwater had a much lower median concentration. These concentrations are likely derived from phosphorus minerals in the aquifer sediments. Pesticides, organic compounds and trace. elements show no concentrations, or concentrations too small for -concern. Fish communities are not discussed in this section. A comparison of findings between the Albemarle -Pamlico Drainage Basin and nationwide NAWQA findings concluded that "Limiting fertilizer or manure applications ... and developing deeper ground -water supplies that are protected from land -surface activities should minimize exposure to excessive concentrations." (page 14) 31 4. Slope Exceeding 12% Excessive slopes, those greater than 12% are present in some areas of Bertie County. Areas along the Chowan River shoreline and the Roanoke River floodplain exist and have caused concerns due to erosion. In some places along the ground, bluffs measuring 70 feet in elevation are located close to the river's edge. To date, most development has occurred on low-lying land with only access roads affecting the bluffs. Future development of the bluffs will need to be monitored to guard against further erosion. 5. Small Watersheds a. Bertie County is located within two major river basins — the Chowan River Basin and the Roanoke River Basin. The Chowan River begins in Virginia where the Nottoway, Blackwater and Meherrin Rivers originate. The Nottoway and Blackwater merge at the Virginia/North Carolina line to form the ChowanRiver. The Meherrin joins the Chowan soon thereafter. The Chowan flows fifty miles through five North Carolina counties before emptying into the Albemarle Sound at Edenton. Water quality within the Chowan Basin is of concern. While there are very few marinas on the Chowan River, and population density is the least of all other major river basins, there is still serious impairment. Sediment accounts for 38% of the impaired miles, while low dissolved oxygen affects 18% and dioxin impairs another 10%. Nonpoint sources account for 82% of the impairment. Of this amount, agriculture is the dominant source (731/o), and is the cause of severe algae blooms which occurred in the 1960's and 1970's. A result of these occurrences was the designating of the Chowan as a nutrient sensitive river. Although some nutrient reduction has taken place with regard to point sources, a major algae bloom occurred in the summer of 1993. Point sources account for the remaining 18% of impairment. Point sources have been identified as one discharger of metal loadings, two solid waste sites, and seven Superfund sites. Two of the Superfund sites are located close to the Chowan and Meherrin 32 Rivers, and high levels of dioxin come from the Union Camp plant in Virginia. b. The Roanoke River Basin begins in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and flows through several Virginia and North Carolina counties before entering Bertie County via Northampton and Hertford counties. The Roanoke empties into the Albemarle Sound at the junction of Bertie, Martin and Washington counties. More than 53% of the waters in this Basin are impaired. Again, nonpoint sources account for 85% of the impairment. Suspended sediments, toxic contaminations, excessive nutrient loading, and fecal contamination are the primary causes of impairment. The high levels of industry, especially in the Roanoke Rapids area, have caused water quality standards and metal concentrations to be exceeded at many sites. Another source of concern has to do with dams. Three dams are located on the Roanoke River. Fluctuations in flow from these dams cause water quality problems downstream. Low flow periods allow standing waste to accumulate rather than be diluted and flushed downstream. On the other hand, excessive releases create flooding problems. c. As noted previously, Bertie County is impacted by no less than 50 small watersheds. These may range in size from 5,000 to 50,000 acres (Figure 12). Although growth and development is -minimal within the County, and although basinwide management plans exist for the Chowan and Roanoke Basins, it may be prudent for Bertie County to undertake a more thorough study of the small watershed, and their impact on future development. This would be especially beneficial in the areas surrounding the municipalities. d. Recommended basinwide management actions have been determined. These include such action as coordinating point source management; targeting nonpoint sources for reduction; improving wetlands protection; acquiring vital habitat areas (nonriverine swamp forest and hardwood forest, tidal freshwater marshland, and Atlantic white cedar forest land). 33 Soil Suitability By Associations Bertie County Figure 11 •.ter • � - .. ... • i i _ 9El 4' f NORFOLK-DUPLIN-GOLDSBGRQ ASSOCIATION; SUITABLE FOR DEVELOPMW LENIOR-CRAVEN-DUNBAR. ASSOCIATION and'LENIOR-CMILLE ASSOCIATION, 'SUITABILITY -SIGHTLY LIMITED WICKHAM-ALTAVISTA-WIHEE ASSOCIATION. WIGRAM-OCILLA ASSOCIATION, and ROANOKE-CHMCLA-WEHADKEE•ASSOCIATION;'SUITABILITY:'LINITED ® DARE-PUNGO-PONZER ASSOCIATION; SUITABLE FOR RECREATION Source:. .U:S.: Dept. of. Agriculture, .Soil Conservation Service.,.Raleigh,`.NC; General Soil,Map,;`Bertie County.,• .NC: 1982. 34 Watersheds Bertie County Figure 12 ' % of county - - - % of watershed River Basin DWQ in watershed occupied by county Sub Basin ' Berne County 3010107100010 0.00 0.08 ROANOKE 03-02-08 3010107100020 0.05 1.09 ROANOKE 03-02-08 ' 3010107110010 0.59 9.53 ROANOKE 03-02-08 3010107110020 2.73 96.45 ROANOKE 03-02-08 3010107110030 3.92 76.08 ROANOKE 03-02-08 3010107120050 0.05 4.59 ROANOKE 03-02-09 ' 3010107120070 0.05 1.41 ROANOKE 03-02-09- ` 3010107130010 ' 4.61 9727 ROANOKE 03-02-09 ' 3010107130020. 3010107130030 4.38 2.34 100.00 99.99 ROANOKE ROANOKE 03-02-09 03-02-09 3010107130040 3.62 100-00• ROANOKE 03-02-09 3010107140050 0.01 0.46 ' . ROANOKE 03-02-09 3010107150020 0.05 123 ROANOKE 03-02-09 ' 3010107150030 0.03 3.13 ROANOKE 03-02-09 3010107160010 Z39 M69 - ROANOKE 03-02-10 ' .3010107160014 3010107160012 125 3.33 100.00 9923 ROANOKE ROANOKE 03-02-10 03-0210 3010107160020 3.70 99.37 ROANOKE 03-OZ-10 3010107160030 ' 2.56 97.16 ROANOKE 03-02-10 3010107160040 1.52 100.00 ROANOKE 03-02-10 ' 3010107160050 6.80 100.00 ROANOKE 03-02-10 3010107160060 1.72 99.04 ROANOKE 03-02-10 ' 3010107160070 3010107160071 3.43 1.65 100.00 100.00 ROANOKE ROANOKE 03-02-10 03-02-10 3010107160080 2.41 100.00 ROANOKE 03-02-10 3010107160081 1.36 100.00 ROANOKE 03-02-10 3010107160090 2.42 89.11 - ROANOKE 03-02,10 ' 3010107160110 3.65 100.00 ROANOKE 03-02-10 301010716011.5 2.61 100.00 ROANOKE 03-02-10 ' 3010107160120 3010107160130 3.43. 1.90 99.98 100.00 'ROANOKE ROANOKE 03-02-09 03-02-09 3010107170010 0.05 1.07 ROANOKE 03-02-09 3010107170020 0.05 0.95 ROANOKE 03-02-09. 3010203050011 6.66. 45.93 CHOWAN 03-01-01 ' .3010203050012 2.80. 100.00 CHOWAN 03-01-01 - 3010203050030 024 822 :' CHOWAN 03-01-01 ' .3010203060010 3010203060011` 1.14:. 1.49 98.73 100.00 CHOWAN CHOWAN 0341-01 03-01-01 3010203060012 1.93 97.90 CHOWAN 03-01-01_ 3010203060020 .. 1.82 ':80.53_: CHOWAN .03-01-01 ' 3010203060030 023 ..-:6.86 CHOWAN 03-01-01 3010203690016 .1.53 60.91 CHOWAN 03-01-03 3010203090020 1:55. r ` 100.00 CHOWAN 03-01-04 ' 3010203090030 3010203090035 1.74 1.14 100.00. 100.00 CHOWAN CHOWAN 03-01-04 03-01-04 3010203090040. 2.82 ..100.00. CHOWAN 03-01-04 3010203100010 120 : 38.75 CHOWAN 03-01-03 ' 3010203100020 1.10 57.07 CHOWAN. 03-01-04 3010205132010 1.03 100.00 CHOWAN 03-01-04 3010205240020. 1.79 45.75 CHOWAN 03-01-04 ' 3010205240040 0.00 0.01. PASQUOTANk 03-01-53 Source.: Division of Coastal _Management,.1997. ' 35 0 B. LAND SUITABILITY - FRAGILE AREAS Wetlands, floodplains, groundwater, estuaries and surface water are all features that must be constantly monitored and are easily affected by changes in land use. These features help provide habitats for various types of wildlife, drinking water, and sources of commercial activities. These features are so important to the general public that many have been designated Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) by the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC). In Bertie County, the estuaries including the waters and shorelines and parts of the public trust waters have been designated AECs. While most of these areas are fairly well defined as to location, the County believes a study is needed concerning floodplains. Estuarine Waters are defined as the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters. Estuarine Waters are important in that they are among the most productive natural environments in the State. These Waters support the basic aquatic life that sustain the commercial fisheries. Nine of the ten leading commercial catches within the State are dependent on the estuary for life. There are nine areas in Bertie County that are classified as Estuarine Waters. They include: Albemarle Sound all manmade tributaries Roanoke River Conine Creek Thoroughfare Creek Middle River Eastmost River Chowan River - from confluence to 300 yards south of the US 17 bridge Ca.shie River from San Souci Ferry to its mouth. The management objective for the areas of environmental concern is to give highest priority to its protection in order to maintain the biological, social, economic, or aesthetic values associated with it. The development of navigation channels and the use of wharfs are examples of appropriate alterations in this area, provided that such changes will not be detrimental to the biological and physical character of the system. Incompatible uses would include projects which directly or indirectly 36 F", block or impair existing navigational channels, increase erosion along the shore, or disrupt the ecology of the shellfish waters. There are presently no such incompatible uses in the County. The Estuarine Shoreline, another type of AEC, is considered a component of the estuarine system because of its close association with adjacent Estuarine Waters AECs. Estuarine Shorelines are defined as non -ocean shorelines which are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water. They are intimately connected to the estuary and are defined as those areas in the County that border the waterbodies defined as estuaries. The AEC jurisdictional area is defined to extend for a distance of 75 feet landward from the mean high water mark. Unless measures have been taken to prevent erosion, no development should occur within these areas. This 75 foot line can be used to determine setbacks in all ordinances such as subdivision and health regulations. Public Trust Waters are the third type of AEC found in the County. These areas consist of all natural bodies of water in the County excluding privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access. Mismanagement of development in these areas could be extremely harmful. These areas are critical in that they provide a valuable recreational outlet for the public and also serve to support commercial and sport fisheries. Control over development in Public Trust Waters is presently exercised by the State or Federal government. Bertie County can assist in managing these areas by controlling development adjacent to them with regulatory devices such as setback lines, minimum lot sizes, septic tank ordinances, floodplain ordinance, and sedimentation controls. Inland Wetlands are areas that have been designated by the Coastal Resources Commission as being important for water quality. These areas are currently being mapped by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through a National Wetlands Mapping program. Although these areas have not been identified as AECs, they have types of plants, soils, and water that make them unique. Activities within the Wetlands are governed by regulations adopted by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Wetlands may be natural depressions or land surrounding manmade ponds. Many of the natural areas have been altered by changes in drainage patterns. They retain their original hydric soil and could be eligible for restoration projects. The Division of 37 Coastal Management has provided maps that are 89% accurate for identifying probable coastal and 404 wetlands. ' Two of the larger Wetland areas in Bertie County are the Roanoke w g tY ' River Valley and the Roquist Pocosin. These areas have not been greatly affected by human activity except for upriver flood control. Extended periods of flooding may, over time, change vegetation patterns in the ' Wetlands. This should be closely monitored for future problems. One of the most important factors to consider when determining the suitability of land for future urban development is the possibility of periodic flooding. Land adjacent to creeks and rivers is often subject to ' flooding during severe storms. Nearly all of these areas in Bertie County are woodlands with few exceptions. While it would be wise not to allow development in these areas, it is sometimes not practical. To prevent as ' much damage as possible, the County requires structures built within the 100-year floodplain to meet requirements set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The 100-year floodplain is flood the area adjoining water bodies that may be subject to a once every hundred years. FEMA requires floor elevations to be at least one foot above the flood elevation. Groundwater is the source of drinking water for Bertie County citizens. Private and publicly owned wells vary in depth and pumping capacity. Excessive pumping by Perdue, an out -of -county industry, has ' lowered the aquifer level. An equilibrium has been reached, but future drawdowns by new or expanding industry should be closely monitored. 38 ' C. LAND SUITABILITY — AREAS OF RESOURCE POTENTIAL ' 1. Prime Farmland Prime farmland consists of soils that are best suited for food, ' feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. These soils produce the highest yields with minimal expenditure of energy and economic resources. Figure 11 shows the large amount of land in Bertie County that is suitable for development. Most of this would also be prime farmland. This land needs to be protected,, to the extent ' possible, from unfavorable development.. This can only be accomplished with land use controls. ' While the actual loss of rime farmland is difficult to determine Wlul p , the loss of farmland, in general, and the loss of the number of farms ' can be determined. According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture's "Census of Agriculture for 1987,1992 and 1997" the following data is significant: 1987 1992 1997 Change 87-97 o Loss of Farms 564 456 371 -34.2 /o Loss of Farmland 1713,926 17010006 1542338 -10.2% The 17,588 acres of lost farmland may not appear to be significant; ' however, the continued decrease over the years can be extremely adverse unless this trend is controlled. ' A further examination shows that farms between 10 acres and 49 acres in size decreased by 51.1% between 1987 and 1997. This is a ' decrease from.133 farms to 65. Farms of other sizes show a decrease from 27.9%, for farms from one to nine acres, to 38.1% for farms ' from 50 to 179 acres. Not surprisingly, farms of 1,000 acres or larger increased 12.2% from 36 to 41. ' 2. Public Land This includes all land owned or managed by the State of North Carolina. In Bertie County there are 13,891.16 acres of public land. These are located in eight pieces of State property. 39 ' a. Roanoke River Wetlands 6,953.60 acres Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources ' b. Great Island Game Land 5,379.07 acres Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources c. Bottom Lands of Albemarle Sound 1,143.03 acres ' Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources d. Agricultural Peanut Belt Research Station 389.73 acres ' Dept. of Agriculture e. Windsor Boat Access Area 18.21 acres Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources f. Windsor National Guard Armory 4.34 acres Dept. of Crime Control and Public Safety ' g. Dept. of Transportation Maintenance Yard 2.40 acres Dept. of Transportation h. Sans Souci Access Area 0.78 acres ' Dept. of Environment, Health and Natural Resources 3. Land and Water Conservation Fund Recreational Projects This is a Federal program that assists local governments in ' "acquiring and developing land, water and facilities for public outdoor recreation." In Bertie County four such projects exist. ' a. Aulander School Site property 10.63 acres b. Windsor Outdoor Camping/Recreation Area 13.13 acres ' c. Windsor Youth Park 2.87 acres d. Windsor Recreation Park Tennis' Court 0.52 acres D. COMMUNITY SERVICES CAPACITY ' 1. Wastewater Management ' Anyone who discharges into the surface waters of the State must have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. In order to obtain such a permit, an applicant ' must prepare an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement, be inspected by the N.C. Division of Water ' Quality, have their effluent limits established for the type. of discharge, and have their request published for public review and i comment. 40 ' In Bertie County,12 such permits exist. 1 a. Askewville Elementary School b. Bertie High School c. C. G. White Elementary School d. Eastern Fuels, Inc./L. L. Parkers Grocery e. Eastern Fuels, Inc./Red Apple #7 f. Ladd Furniture/Lea Lumber and Plywood g. Lewiston Woodville Wastewater Treatment Plant ! h. Louisiana Pacific Corporation i. Perdue Farms, Inc. j. Perry -Wynne Fish Company ' k. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company 1. Windsor Wastewater Treatment Plant 2. Drinking Water Supply ' In accordance with General Statutes 143-355 and m all local governments that supply, or plan to supply, water must prepare a local water supply plan. Bertie County's Water Supply plans for all four districts were adopted on March 2,1994 in accordance with State regulations. - In Bertie County there are eleven such plans that have been ' completed and submitted to the State. a. Aulander b. Bertie County, Water District I c. Bertie County, Water District II ' d. Bertie County, Water District III e. Bertie County, Water District IV ' f. Colerain g . Kelford h. Lewiston -Woodville i. Powellsville j. Roxobel ' k. Windsor i 41 : ' 3. Transportation Needs Bertie County is included in Division One, District Two of the North Carolina Transportation Improvement Plan for 1998-2004. The plan includes ten projects as listed in Figure 13 and accompanying maps. ' Local transportation is provided by the Choanoke Public Transportation Authority (CPTA). They provide services for senior citizens and others throughout the County, as well as services to the ! County Mental Health Facilities. Services are provided Monday through Friday. Other services are provided on demand. ' The is also served b Trailways Bus System. County Y Y Y 42 Transportation Improvement Program Bertie County Figure 13 TOTAL PRIOR WORK TYPE SCHEDULE. ROUTEXITY ID NO. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION.' LENGTH . .'• EST... YEARS' (FUNDING) FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR . 4MI1` COST COST EST. COST I MI (THOU) (THOU) (THOU) 98 99 00.. 01 OZ 03 04. NC 11 R=2900 'NC 903 TO US 13 BYPASS•NORTII OF AHOSKIE. ' 29.0 71400..IDENTIFIED FUTURE NEED WIDEN ROADWAY TO FOUR LANE DIVIDED FACILITY. 46.7 US 13 R-2205 * NC 42 TO THE WINTON BYPASS. MULTI. -LANE 11.2 84650 900 D. -� FACILITY WITH A BYPASS OF AHOSKIE ON NEW .18:0 R(T ;) 8850 .• ��* LOCATION. ,. C(T.) 13075 POST YEAR CONSTRUCTION-61825 US 13 R-2506 ''US 13 BUSINESS NORTH OF WINDSOR To. NC 42. ,• 17.2 .;48200 . 200 IDENTIFIED FUTURE NEED •. w .:WIDEN ROADWAY TO A MULTI -LANE FACILITY. 27.7.. ,(INCLUDES HISSING LINK OF WINDSOR BY - - US 1T R-2404 * SOUTH OF WINDSOR TO NEST OF CHOUAN RIVER. 50690. '6300 P WIDEN ROADWAY TO MULTI -LANES WITH A'BYPASS .15.8 25.4 D * —•. OF WINDSOR ON -NEW LOCATION. R(T ) 3800 C(T. ) 34625• P ' 0$T YEAR CONSTRUCTION-5875 US 1T R42512 WEST OF CHOWAN RIVER TO US•17 BUSINESS EAST 7.6 94182" 72507 C(T. ) 21675 OF.EDENTON.- WIDEN ROADWAY•TO:A MULTI -LANE.. " ':12.2 FACILITY KITH INTERCHANGES'AT;SR 1234 AND -'UNDER CONSTRUCTION SR 1319.. NC.30B. R-2605 NC 11-42 IN LlWISTON-WOODVILLE.TO•US 13 IN 14,9 7500 IDENTIFIED FUTURE NEED - CONSTRUCTION WINDSOR. `UPGRADE EXISTING TWO LANE ROADWAY 24.0 BY DIVISION AND. RESURFACE-, SR 1108 8-3811 INDIAN CREEK. REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 85 - 385 R(NFA) 35 RIGHT OF WAY - FFY 03. C(NFA). 350 CONSTRUCTION - FFY,04 SR•1123 B'3612' BRANCH INDIAN CREEK. REPLACE BRIDGE NO.143 385 R(NFA) •35 RIGHT OF WAY - FFY 02 * INDICATES INTRASTATE PROJECT c(NFA) 350 CONSTRUCTION -FFY 03 HIGHWAY PROGRAM BERTIE COUNTY . ROUTEICITY ID NO. - LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION LENGTH TOTAL PRIOR "WORK TYPE 98..' 99 . 00 01 02 03 04 SR 1128 B-3408 BRANCH ROANOKE RIVER.. REPLACE.BRIDGE NM 147 - 330 'R(NFA) 30 RIGHT OF WAY - FFY 01 C(NFA) 300 CONSTRUCTION FFY 02 WINDSOR W-3430. SR 1100, 0.4 MILE TO 0.2 MILE WEST OF US 13' 0.2 225 225'• CUES), UNDER'CONSTRUCTION BYPASS, WEST-OF.WINDSOR. ,REVISE ROADWAY TO 0.3 IMPROVE HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT.- HIGHWAY PROGRAM COUNTY ROUTE/CITY ID NO. LOCATION AND. LENGTH.' TOTAL PRIOR (MI) EST. YEARS WORK TYPE . (FUNDING) . SCHEDULE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR DESCRIPTION (KM) COST COST EST. COST 00 01 . (THOU) : (THOU) (THOU)' 96 •.99 02 03 04 NC 00 R-0000 * I-40 TO HOMETOWN. 15.3 24150 250 P �— WIDEN EXISTING ROADWAY 24.8 D . -- TO A FOUR -LANE DIVIDED R (NHS) 4550. — r• FACILITY WITH A BYPASS C (NHS) 19350 ON NEW LOCATION. TOTAL ESTIMATED SCHEDULE -Bar length covers time in federal ROUTE NUMBER INDICATES COST OF PROJECT fiscal years that each work type Is scheduled to be accomplished. indicates work started listed in order of I, INTRASTATE LENGTH OF IN THOUSANDS.OF DOLLARS, before FFY 98 or extends beyond FFY 04 US, NC, SR, CITY' PROJECT ' • PROJECT IN (where no work type bar is shown, phase is OR New Route.. MILES AND completed of applicable). c dorn . KILOMETERS ibENTIFICATION NUMBER Is `:, PRIOR YEAR COST IN WORK TYPE.—•- P Planning �—» FUNDING. assigned to each project at Its • THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS . (Phase of project -D Design The category of funds tit conception and remains with It equals authorized funding for Implementation) • R Right of Way programmed for right of I until completion. project In previous year§. C Construction way and construction. . See key below. Funding for P & D not shown. Funding source ntay. change to acconmtodate, revenue vadatfons. i 1 rov Transportation Improvement P ement Program ' [The text is adapted from the 1997 Transportation 1mprovementp1= Most of the sentences are copied directly. However, some passages have been deleted reordered and/or slightly moc7fied for purposes of this text] ' The Transportation Improvement program is essentially an overview of transportation projects anticipated in the next five years. It contains funding information and schedules for various transportation divisions including: highways, aviation, public transportation, rail, bicycle, and pedestrians and. the Governor's Highway Safety Program, Specific ' Pmjects.in each county are listed by the various funding programs, The interstate, rural, bridge, rail/highway grade_ crossing projects and highway safety projects are listed in order of route number, while the urban program projects are listed alphabetically by city: ' The projects are coded depending upon the nature of the pmject Ile -following list of refixes of project: P give insight into the We ' I hnterstate RA Rural X Special U Urban B Bridge Replacement E Enhancement K�L Landscape' P Passenger Rail ' F F lh Hazard (Mighway sty) Y Z Railroad/MOMCrossing Projects eM IrnprT=ent ' These codes precede a project number_ See the column labeled ID No. for the prefix applicable to a particular mect P i Pmjects in the metros= or Urban Loop Systems are *listed under the appropriate funding program, but are identified ' with an asterisk (*) following the project ID number: Ferry projects have been assigned to their respective connectin highway route numbers where possnble and the division where they are assigned to operate, g t A bar graph chart is shown for each interstate, rural "and urban project in the county -by -county listing. The time required: for the planning; design, right -of --way, and construction phases of each project is estimated and depicted bya' bar graph opposite each of these phases. The cost of right-cf-way and construction and.their anticipated funding sources also are ' .listed. . .The maps included are. general in nature, showing the location of each of.the programmed projects for the interstate, rural, urban, and bridge programs. The descriptions and maps for most projects are preliminary and subject to -change. All major projects require extensive planning, environmental impact,. and design studies. The location and the exact type of improvements are subject to refinement and modification during the planning and design phases. Source Transportation Improvement Progran; 1998-2004, NC Department of Transportation. ' Contact Transportation Improvement Program;. 'Tel: 919 733 2039 information: NC Dept of Transportation PO Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 2701-520I -46- DD `4 •� KtY'm! � •� R.2205 COEID' FI+ HERTFORD. COUNTY ..s �• `, ►:: Y �� 47 it `7'�' `/`BERTIE COUNTY jo 1-4 . ,A y . 1�, r +� .Cy " ,r Y ►.^� �, rf :St .:. ., 'vim �J .� + ..• . •aye\. �� • � � �ie!'� � r� a i�i .► a - } fA5.9 rA� j t � !i rownuvid y 4 7; OSKIE 1.7 •. / .. �• QF US 13a NC 42•TO THE WINTONBYPASS BERTIE-HERTFORD COUNTIES. MULTI —LANE FACILITY WITH A BYPASS.OF.AHOSKIE ON NEW LOCATION.. r r� r r� r rr, � r �r r■� r� � � r rI � r r AN roe. 110 44 • \... 1, 1. `,.' ` :??1 ," 1 • .-•'-RY..3i..o �7�4. 1 i,,�. - •% . •I .I ,,1. />'•/ Neel st" ` . % �� ! fit, `• �. ` 'dpl > • :� AdJnJ • �' ` 1�3 T' j 1:� SEW Na _ � � �• s co.r..w !!A 3ir� • � •'� i?SJ .273 Y, ; 1 1 t • � / Is CHOWAN COUNTY , swe 00 �� •�, . Green. Cron ..� _ - _`!' •X: ` �+••: .�� 1j„ Vyi ... ! ' Petersen Cf% 1 -- ' VANOSOR. 'i, . tmlte oak wi ►or.sus 910 BERTIE COUNTY • 1� .,�;y� m scAL l► Ike=�1. a0 r US 17, SOUTH OF WINSOR TO WEST.OF CHOWAN RIVER, BERTIE COUNTY. WIDEN ROADWAY TO MULTI —LANES WITH A BYPASS OF WINDSOR ON NEW LOCATION. • ,. .A �o ' 4. Other Community Facilities a. Schools The Bertie County Board of Education currently operates six ' elementary schools and one senior high school. The senior high school is located about three miles north of Windsor, and serves the entire county. The Southwestern Elementary and C. G. White Elementary have been converted to middle schools, and a new elementary school has been built in Windsor. Although.the ' total County enrollment continues to decline, some schools are over capacity. Figure -14 shows the total enrollment to date, as well as, capacities, teachers/pupil ratios, grades served, and year of construction with dates of renovation and/or additions. The decline continues, but appears to be slowing. b. Landfill and Solid Waste ' In 1996 the State passed a law (NCGS §130A-309.09A) requiring all units of local government to prepare a solid waste plan. i Several years ago, Bertie County, in cooperation with several surrounding counties, created the East Carolina Regional Landfill.. This is located at the site of the Bertie County Landfill. The Regional Landfill handles approximately 20,000 tons annually. Solid waste recovery is a goal for Bertie County. Figure 15 shows results for 1995-96. The only other active ' landfill in the County is a private landfill permitted by R. J. Reynolds at Merry Hill. c. Law Enforcement Bertie County and Martin County share a regional jail facility consisting of 90 cells. The Bertie County Sheriff's Department ' consists of 18 deputies. The Towns of Askewville, Aulander, Lewiston -Woodville and Windsor have their own police departments. 52 ' -- YEAR TEACHER/ ERECTED PUPIL PLUS ■ SCHOOL CAPACITY ENROLLMENT RATIO GRADE ADDITIONS Askewville Elementary 192 147 28.0 PK-5 Aulander Elementary 360 229 19.7 PK-S ' Southwestern Middle 672 609 27.0 6-8 Bertie Senior High 1160 1143 23.4 9-12 C. G. White Middle 336 293 16.7 6-8 Colerain Elementary 432 372 24.8 PK-5 ' John P. Law Elementary 192 129 21.3 PK-5 West Bertie Elementary 576 479 25.2 K-5 Windsor Elementary 482 480 23.0 PK-5 1964,85 1961, 71, 85 1962, 68 1962, 68, 70, 72, 73 ,82, 85, 88 1951,70 1986 1961, 85. 1961, 74, 85 1991 Waste Stream Analysis Figure 15 is analysis seeks to identify the presence of basic materials in a community's waste stream. The°Local tonnage" column is based on state -averages for each material while "Current recovery" come from values reported in the 1995-96 North Carolina Solid Waste Management , Annual Reports. DPPEA hopes this analysis will be useful as local governments develop and implement their solid waste plans. •.Quick.WasteStreamAnalysisfor: �'rnBEili7ECOU(�1TY: f><::,. + :G+!:.: ,y±.�••w ryaAa•... ::i •f: ?'...,: ..-....'aw.f :•:�5:.' ti.•}:r::4? a. W:r: •q�Q:{4{,QiS?'V. /'::}'�:i•}•f� :.7..•♦ Commune s'Po vr.'F:,•:7 �i:":i.: •.'.Z. ..v•n`f�J,ya:'•'iil`•v/fw•a';�:�r2Q;498::NzY:}::;:+}i�:x>:�<.��.>:. •��;?:.::•.� : 'if ♦ ': :J +4ir}•.'•, �.f.r?:t r.•.: 7.vl:n. ♦ }!':�.•`:,}fY?f .ar}rr ... .•i% r..•.{'�:i.:;:'n"i'i}•'•;a �: ..,. ,...t. ...:..;•.: rr .:.,.•:•. ::a+., ::,. f;p:ar: o; a.ntiv :•. .a:<.�,t:•:.3:0 •;K..: {.7 ,x. ;�;�t. Local Material. Current - Tons left in Material tonnage value recovery waste strew Total Paper 5,511 $290,776 72 5,439 Newsprint 805 $53,148 72 734 Cardboard. 2,064 $113,544 0 Z064 Magazines 168 $1,681. 0, 168 Office Paper 644 $122,402 0 644 Mixed Paper total 1,829 $0 0 1,829 Glass 972 $29,166 .37 936 Aluminum Cans 128 $143,453 5 123 Steel Cans 1621 $5,211 11 151 Total Plastic 560 N/A 9 531 PETS 69 $24,773 9 60 HDPE .102 $26,419 •. p 102 Other Plastic 390 NIA 0 390 Pallets and Wood Crates 1,318 NIA 1 1,317 Food Wastes 1,126 NIA 0 1,126 . WhKagoods - 247. $1,233 105 142 V Other Metal WA . NIA 3 WA Special Wastes - Used "Oil (Do-it-yourself gallons) 16,691 NIA 0 _ 16,69.1 HHW (tons) 70 NIA 0 70 Used Paint (HHW subset) 12 NIA N/A 12 e N/A NIA 0. :NIA This analysis uses waste stream factors from the North. Cara ft MarketAssessrnent report and data from thel99&96 Laces Goiiemmerrt Solid Walla MarragementArrnualReports. County reports include all city recycling tonnages: The whole waste stream is not represented here - only certain items.. 06 ment recovery' reflects loyal government recycliing efforts oNy; no pdvafe.sector recovery is included.: This -analysis does.not include local industdal by-product waste streams specific to the industrial generators in a given area.: if a local govemment's receding is perfomred by the'county or another munidpaRy, recovery -numbers may not be accurately. represented in this analysis. "Material values' are based on periodic OPPEA surveys of three processors in. eastem,.centrai, and western North Carolina as printed in Receding Works, the Pacycfing Business Assistance Center OMM newsletter. This sheet may contain errors due to rounding. 54 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i i 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d. Emergency Services Bertie County relies on a large number of volunteers to man volunteer fire departments and rescue squads throughout the County. These men and women contribute countless hours of service to protect life and property. 1) Fire Services - The eleven volunteer fire departments are located at Askewville, Aulander, Bluejay, Colerain, Kelford, Lewiston -Woodville, Midway -Merry Hill, Perrytown, Powellsville, Roxobel, Trap and Windsor. 2) Emergency Services — Rescue squads are located at Askewville, Aulander, Colerain, Kelford, Lewiston - Woodville and Windsor. e. Public Administration Bertie County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners for four year terms. County administration is handled by a County Manager and Deputy County Manager hired by the County Commissioners. Currently, the County employs 175 people. This number is accurate to handle the work for the County. ' VII. ESTIMATED DEMANDS A. POPULATION 1. Population Estimates from the North Carolina Office of State Planning show Bertie's 2000 population at 20,044 with an estimated decrease of 2.9% for 2010, or a population of 19,463. Their estimates show a net migration of -3.6% for the same ten year period. 2. The attached population growth map (Figure 16) reveals a disturbing picture. According to State estimates, eight adjacent, or near adjacent, counties all show population decreases. These decreases range from a low of 1.2% for Halifax and Martin counties, to a high of 8.2% for ' Washington County and 7.3% for Tyrrell County. An objective of the County should be a study of why out -migration has affected this area more than any other section of the State. The County must adopt a strategy that will focus on what will stimulate in -migration, tourism, and the creation of j obs with salaries well above the minimum wage. To be sure, the area is greatly impacted by the strong economy and availability of higher paying jobs in the metropolitan southeastern section of Virginia. However, other factors may also be involved. These should be studied and solutions proposed to slow the out migration. This downward trend will have several social and economic effects if continued. FUTURE B. LAND NEEDS ' Future land needs for Bertie County presents no problem. Population density is not an issue, and there is no influx of undesirable industry. The ' County considers undesirable industries to be those that would degrade the environment, or those paying minimum wages. ' C. DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES ' Demand for community facilities should not be a major issue: however, there is a need for expanded facilities for the County Health and Social 56 A new hospital is being constructed. The Countywide water system is now a reality. A similar Countywide sewer system would be most beneficial; however, sparse population density and large land areas make this unlikely due to cost. The greatest need is for improved highways. 57 M M M M M M M M M M M r M M M M M M M 00 POPULATION GROWTH 2O00 TO 2010 Low Growth, Net Out -Migration ® Population Loss, Net In -Migration Population Loss, Net Out -Migration ❑ Extreme Natural Incr., Net Out -Migration VIII. POLICY STATEMENTS The general statement for Bertie County Land Use Plan policies is promotion of economic development that will be in harmony with the natural environment. These policies will serve as a guide to future changes in land use. They will serve in the protection of existing resources, production and management of resources, and community and economic development. The policies for Bertie County are based on issues established by the Bertie County Economic Development and Planning Commission, and comments received at three area meetings held during the planning process. The issues include those addressed in the 1990 Bertie County Land Use Plan, the 1989 Planning Guidelines, regulations established by the Coastal Resources Commission, and new issues of concern to Bertie County citizens. Land use planning is not static, it is evolving with time. The issues, goals, and policies in this plan will continue to change as the County changes. During the next ten years there will be population, residential, commercial and industrial increases. The economy will increase, as will tourism. The County will continue to react to these changes in keeping with their over riding goal to promote sustainable economic development which will stimulate positive growth and enhance the quality of life for the citizens while projecting the rural character of the County. A. RESOURCE PROTECTION It is the intent of the governing body of Bertie County to take what steps they deem necessary to protect the resources of the County. In those situations where State or Federal laws are in effect, the governing body will support and enforce such laws; in other situations, the County may adopt necessary ordinances and regulations to protect the citizens. 1. CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT While there are several constraints to development listed and discussed in the following paragraphs, there is another constraint that is not listed. This has to do with soil suitability for septic tanks. Inasmuch as the majority of the County is not serviced by any public 59 wastewater treatment facility, and a major portion of the soil types in the County are not conducive to septic tank usage, this issue is very important. Most alternatives for this issue are not cost effective due to the population density. Changing soil types, for example, would be prohibitive. At this time Bertie County inspectors consider septic tank permits on an individual basis after they view the site for drainage, size and use. This procedure is acceptable for the County. Towns and unincorporated areas that may wish to consider public systems or package systems will be encouraged to do so as funds permit. No other policies are needed. 2. AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN AND LAND USE Bertie County recognizes that the primary concern of the Coastal Management Program is to provide a means for planning sound economic growth that is sensitive to the need to protect natural resources. County officials share this concern for the protection and sound management of these environmentally sensitive lands and waters. The following Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) have been identified in Bertie County (Map 2). a. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines b. Public Trust Areas In terms of developing policies, the Estuarine System AECs, which include Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines, and Public Trust Areas, will be treated as one uniform grouping since they are so closely interrelated. Another reason for grouping these AECs together is the fact that the effective use of maps to detail exact on -ground location of a particular area sometimes poses serious limitations. Bertie County's overall policy and management objective for the Estuarine System is to give the highest priority to their protection and perpetuate their biological , social, economic, and aesthetic values, and to ensure that development occurring within these AECs is compatible with natural resources. In accordance with this overall objective, Bertie County encourages those land uses which conform to the general use standards of the North Carolina .rl, ' Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H) for development within the Estuarine System. As the County Commissioners adopt land use ' controls, uses which are not water dependent would require approval by committees, groups or individuals delegated with the authority to deal with such issues. Specifically, each use permitted in the Estuarine System is discussed below. a. Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines Bertie County officials are very much aware that protection ' of the estuarine waters and adjacent estuarine shorelines is of paramount importance to fishing, both commercially and for ' recreation. Bertie County recognizes that certain actions within the estuarine shoreline, which is defined as the area extending 75 feet landward of the mean high water line of the estuarine ' waters, could be detrimental to these sensitive areas, and wishes to protect them. In order to promote the quality of the estuarine waters, Bertie County officials will consider land use controls which protect the values of the estuarine system. Residential, recreational, and commercial uses would also be controlled within the estuarine shoreline, provided that: • A significant change of pollution occurring from the development does not exist. • Development does not have a significant adverse impact on estuarine resources. • Development does not significantly interfere with existing public rights or access to, or use of, navigable waters or public resources. b. Public Trust Areas Bertie County recognizes that the public has established rights to certain water areas, and that these public areas also support commercial, recreational and aesthetic values. Bertie County will continue to promote reasonable conservation and management practices of Public Trust Waters. Appropriate uses include those which protect public rights for navigation and 61 recreation. Projects which would directly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters shall be discouraged. Encouraged uses shall be those which do not cause an unreasonable detriment to the physical or biological functions of Public Trust Waters. Such uses as navigational channels, drainage ditches, bulkheads to prevent erosion, piers, docks, marinas, and bridges will be encouraged. Outstanding Resource Waters have not been identified in Bertie County. No policies have been adopted for this issue. 3. WETLANDS OF HIGHEST FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Soil and Water Conservation has designated several areas in Bertie County as wetlands. Wetlands Functional Assessment maps would identify wetlands of highest significance; however, such maps where not available from the Division of Coastal Management at the time of this update. County officials realize the importance of freshwater swamps, marshes, and pocosins to the natural environment and support this designation. Many kinds of wildlife would be lost if this habitat were drastically altered. The wetlands future is based on maintaining existing drainage patterns. Bertie County supports the wetlands program by discouraging land uses that will alter the natural drainage pattern and vegetation. Farming and forestry that does not change the drainage pattern would be supported. Bertie County supports the CAMA program and the U.S. Corps of Engineers 404 program which has jurisdiction on regulating development in designated freshwater swamp areas. The County will encourage landowners to establish or maintain vegetative buffers around sensitive wetlands and water bodies. Development in coastal wetlands is regulated by the local and State CAMA Permit Officers. Other wetlands (i.e., 404 wetlands) are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Bertie County policy 62 is to continue support of these regulations in an effort to protect this sensitive natural environment. 4. OTHER HAZARDOUS AND FRAGILE AREAS a. Landfills Bertie County now permits the private operation of the East Carolina Regional Landfill which provides service for several nearby counties. This arrangement has worked out satisfactorily. There is also one private landfill site at the R. J. Reynolds site in Merry Hill. This is permitted and monitored by the State. This site is closed to the public. The County policy will be to support future non -hazardous solid waste landfill sites for County use as long as they are constructed and maintained within State environmental guidelines, are properly permitted by the State, and are carefully managed locally. b. Cultural and Historic Resources There are many historic sites and other cultural resources in Bertie County. Several sites have been identified and are being protected and preserved for future generations. Hope Plantation is one such site. This activity should be expanded through the County. It will be a matter of policy to plan for and promote preservation of historic and cultural resources. The following items will be implemented by the Bertie County Economic Development Commission in the next five years. • Seek funding for an inventory of all historic and cultural resources in Bertie County; • Develop an Historic Preservation Plan for Bertie County; • Continue to secure State and National recognitions for appropriate sites. 5. PROTECTING POTABLE WATER SUPPLY Bertie County has taken a major step forward in protecting the potable water supply by installing a countywide water system. The system consists of four water districts (Map 3). Currently, two districts 63 � I ' are constructed and in use. Another plans to be completed by January, 1999; and the construction of the fourth will begin by the end of 1998. Three systems will each have two wells, except for District I, which has three wells. Each system has an upright storage tank with a capacity of 500,000 gallons. Each district will own and operate their system, ' including the land surrounding each well site and storage tank. ' Land uses near groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Bertie County recognizes the importance of these regulations and supports ' their enforcement. ' 6. PACKAGE TREATMENT PLANTS Bertie County has very few package sewage treatment plants. ' There are 7-8 swine operations that utilize a form of package treatment in that the waste goes into a lagoon and then is sprayed in a field or applied by way of subsurface application. Package treatment plants will be supported as an alternative means of sewage disposal, and municipalities will be encouraged to use such treatment plants when ' possible. The issuing of permits through the North Carolina Division of Water Quality and the Bertie County Health Department is ' considered an appropriate means for protecting the quality of adjacent waters. 7. STORMWATER Bertie County supports the use of State and Federal regulations to control storm water runoff. Best Management Practices through Soil and Water Conservation Service is supported for agricultural operations. Residential development does not currently create a storm water runoff problem. If such a problem occurs, the County will address the situation accordingly. Because the County Commissioners do not consider storm water runoff a problem, they passed a resolution in February 1999 opposing the Division of Coastal Management's "Coastal Shoreline Protection Initiative". ' 8. MARINAS, FLOATING HOMES, MOORINGS, MOORING FIELDS AND DRY STACKS ' The building of marinas and associated development can have a significant commercial and recreational potential for Bertie County. ' The County supports this development when it is built in compliance with CAMA regulations. A development review process will be implemented when the County Commissioners feel it is necessary. Floating home developments may become more numerous in Bertie ' County. This type of development will be supported when built according to State and Federal regulations. The County does not intend to develop a water use plan to accommodate mooring fields at this time. Dry stack storage does not exist in Bertie County; however, should such facilities be built, they will be supported when built according to State and Federal regulations. 9. INDUSTRIAL IMPACTS ON INDUSTRIAL AREAS Bertie County recognizes the vulnerability of fragile areas to changes in land use. County officials will continue to support applicable State and Federal regulations as they relate to the siting of new or expanding industry on environmentally sensitive areas. The County will support water dependent industries adjacent to water bodies unless they negatively affect water quality. Industry will be discouraged from other areas classified as conservation. ' The County is also interested in the "ecopark" concept as it relates to industrial development siting. The County would like to study this ' concept and determine the advisability of such an ecopark in the County. 65 10. DEVELOPMENT OF SOUND OR ESTUARINE ISLANDS The County has no Sound Islands; therefore, no policy has been set. The County does have a few Estuarine islands which they wish to protect. The County supports recreational and agricultural usage of these islands in accordance with State and Federal regulations. 11. DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS SUBJECT TO SEA LEVEL RISE There is little land in Bertie County that would be adversely affected by a rise in sea level. The areas .affected would be in wetlands areas and would come under CAMA regulations already in effect. The County has no other policy on this issue other than to support State regulations. 12. UPLAND EXCAVATION FOR MARINAS Such excavation may well be advantageous for the economy of Bertie County as well as having significant recreational value. The County supports such development so long as it is done in compliance with CAMA regulations. 13. BULKHEAD DAMAGE TO EXISTING MARSHES There are no marshes in Bertie County; therefore, no policy has been set. However, with regard to bulkheads in general, the County prefers bulkheads rather than sloping rip -rap or other forms of erosion control. 14. WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES Water quality problems, as they relate to the Chowan and Roanoke Rivers, have been addressed in Chapter VI, Section A.3. Recommended management actions are listed on pages A3 through A10 in the "Conservation and Management Plan" prepared as part of the Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine Study. In addition, the "Chowan River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan" and the "Roanoke I ' River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan' contain chapters related to recommended management strategies and future initiatives. ■ The County should support these actions as they deem practical. Many actions are scientific and will need to be taken by the State. The ■County should encourage the State to act on these. In light of the past algae bloom problems and other impairments in the rivers, the County g P P ' may name a Water Quality Management Committee. The Committee could monitor this issue and coordinate management activities with the State. B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ■ Resources are either renewable or nonrenewable. Renewable resources are dependent upon man for the use of best management practices. When ' used wisely, these resources can provide food and fiber. Nonrenewable resources must be used judiciously to prevent their depletion. 1. PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS The resource in Bertie County that provides the largest economic return is agricultural land. The protection of this resource is important to the economic future of the County. The primary protectors of this ■ resource are the farm managers in the County. They have the most to gain and also the most to lose. Bertie County will encourage sustained agricultural production through the use of Best Management Practices. At present, Bertie County has no land use regulations to assist in conserving prime agricultural land. The law of supply and demand, and federal regulations are used in the private sector to establish the highest and best use of existing agricultural land. The County's policy will be to encourage and support farm programs which will keep prime agricultural land in cultivation. This will be accomplished by utilizing the Bertie County Soil Survey in managing and planning all aspects of agricultural production and other land uses. Land that is in soil capability Classes I or H and designated prime agricultural land, or State and locally important land, should be protected by the use of local land use regulations such as subdivision ordinances. N ' The change in farm land from cultivated crops to other agricultural uses often has a negative impact on surrounding property owners. ' Increased noise, bad odors and water pollution may result from the development of poultry and pork producing operations. These operations, even when maintained properly, receive opposition due to a ' less than positive visual impact. At the same time, these operations contribute to the economic viability of the County. The County should proceed with the adoption of regulations that will protect surrounding property owners by imposing a minimum setback. A setback of 1000 feet from lagoons and 2500 feet from spray areas should be considered. ' The setback regulations should apply to new homes and new farm operations. 2. CONDvIERCIAL FORESTRY Commercial forest companies are the largest landowners in Bertie County. When combined with privately held land approximately 70 percent of Bertie County is covered with forests. This natural and renewable resource is important to the County because of jobs provided through forest products, the aesthetic quality, natural habitats and improved air quality provided through the abundance of forested areas. Forestry activities utilize the same resources as farming activities. The County's policy will be to continue support of the production of this natural resource through in -kind services to agencies directly involved with the maintenance and support of this resource. Specifically the County will continue to support the Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation, and NC Forest Service in their efforts to encourage good forest management. The County encourages efforts to provide farmers and private businesses financial incentives to leave forested buffer areas between agricultural areas and public trust waters. The County will support Federal and State wetland programs ' in an effort to protect fragile areas, particularly wildlife habitats, adjacent to forests. 3. MINERAL PRODUCTION ' Several areas exist in the County that are used or have been used in the past for the mining of sand. At the present time this is the only nonrenewable resource that is taken from the County's resource base. 68 ' The sand pits vary in size and are normally related to highway construction. At present the County does not have specific regulations to cover mining. The N.C. Division of Water Quality and the Division of Land Resources do have regulations. ' Bertie County will continue to support State and Federal regulations on mining. The use of this natural resource will be ' supported provided minimal adverse impact on the environment occurs, such as scaring of the landscape. The County may adopt regulations that will require minimum setbacks and buffers from adjoining property. Owners of abandoned mines will be encouraged to restore, as near as possible, the area to its original condition. 4. COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING ' The fishing industry, both commercial and recreational, has been and continues to be an important part of Bertie County's economy. The waters in which this industry occurs are directly influenced by runoff ' and effluents from farms, forests, industry and rural and urban communities. It is critical that the receiving waters are of a quality that will support a viable habitat for the resource base that creates the fishing industry. The County is equally affected by runoff from areas outside Bertie County. These areas are in North Carolina and Virginia. The policy to protect the fishing industry will be to encourage land and water users to utilize the most effective methods available for assuring that the water quality of all surface runoff and effluents are equal to or better than the quality of the receiving waters. This policy may be implemented by supporting Bertie County Soil and Water Conservation District Long -Range Conservation program, and best fisheries management practices programs. Also the County may develop regulations that will control runoff. In addition, support will be given to Local, State and Federal agencies that control or regulate upriver runoff. Legislation may be supported that requires land use plans in all North Carolina counties. The County will encourage and participate in economic development programs that will expand fish processing in the County. 69 Additional support for the recreational fishing industry will come from encouraging the expansion of tourism and vacation development. Outstanding Resource Waters and trawling activities are not present in Bertie County. Policies are not needed at this time. 5. OFF -ROAD VEHICLES Off -road vehicle usage in Bertie County is limited primarily to private roads and farms. The County policy will be to support any regulations adopted by State or Federal agencies. Additional County regulations are not needed at this time. 6. RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPACTS AND RESOURCES Land use for residential, commercial or industrial uses offers economic incentives for private property owners. Bertie County's policy in the past has been to allow the market place to establish the need, type and location of development. The support of this policy has not created a problem. This policy may create a burden for County services; however, if it will continue. Certain industries may be undesirable in Bertie County. Such industries as those that could pollute waterways or groundwater, those that would degrade the environment, or those that would pay minimum wages will be considered undesirable. Infrastructure needs in rural areas may out weight the benefits of new development. Together, these concerns support the need for land use controls. The directing of growth to certain areas is often not easy and sometimes not a desirable thing to accomplish. The benefit to directing growth will be to continue supporting development in areas that have the capacity to handle the growth. Future growth can be directed to desired areas through the use of zoning, subdivision and health department regulations and State and Federal regulations. The Bertie County Economic Development and Planning Commission can play a key role in the location of future development. A coordinated marketing effort will continue in industrial recruitment, 70 ' providing prospective developers with current information and directing growth to targeted areas. t 7. PEAT OR PHOSPHATE MINING IMPACTS AND RESOURCES ' At present, there are no known peat bogs or phosphate deposits in Bertie County large enough to justify mining. The discovery or use of ' any such areas in the future will be dependent upon future economic conditions. Bertie County officials will address these two issues and establish policy if and when activity in one or both of these areas ' appears feasible. ' C. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT New jobs, better housing, improved infrastructure and schools ' are all intertwined in the economic and community development of the County. Each of these, when looked at separately, offer simple ' solutions to development problems. However, improvement in one area will not automatically improve another area. The underlying factor in all of this is the effect development will have on the environment, particularly water quality. The County policy will be to improve and expand economic and community development that is ' consistent with good environmental practices. 1. Types of Development to be Encouraged ' One of the primary m concerns of local officials and Bertie County citizens is the need for diversification of the County's economic base. Providing job opportunities to keep existing citizens here and to attract new citizens is a top priority for the ' County. As discussed earlier, desirable industry will be directed to developed areas. Such areas include the Bertie County Industrial Park and areas around the municipalities. The new industry should be environmental acceptable and rely on existing industry and business whenever possible as a resource base. The new industry should also provide jobs that are well above minimum wage. t Also, as discussed earlier, the County would like to study the concept of an ecopark for industrial siting, and its advisability for the County. i 71 The need for diversification becomes apparent because one industry employees 2,600 people, or 63.4% of the County's industrial workforce. A major employment crisis would result with the loss of that industry. 2. Commitment to Providing Services In order to encourage economic development, Bertie County shall installed a Countywide water system and has enacted a policy of financial incentives in the form of tax reimbursements. The County is also actively pursuing the expansion of natural gas into the County and would support the extension of municipal sewer service into rural areas. Another major effort of the County has been to four lane US 17 and 13 as quickly as possible, and to extend rail service beyond the northwestern part of the County. 3. Desired Growth Pattern Bertie County desires growth patterns that will distribute economic opportunity but not place an unnecessary burden on local taxpayers. The growth should occur in an orderly manner, preserving the existing character of rural areas, and prime farm land. Local officials feel that it would be in the County's best interest to encourage urban growth in areas already served by urban services or that could be served by urban services, such as water and sewer line extension. The County may consider the adoption of regulations that will direct growth to desirable areas. In addition, the County should consider the use of setback ordinances to establish a minimum distance back from highway roadways for predominantly rural areas. 4. Anticipated Residential Development and Services Needed With the continued trends towards a decreasing population, the County has no policy on this issue. Residential development is taking place along the rivers in places like Black Rock. The County policy is to support this type of recreational/second home activity as long as it is consistent with CAMA regulations and good 72 environmental practices as determined by the County Commissioners. 5. Redevelopment of Developed Areas and Location of Endangered Structures The reuse of developed areas for new uses can be a financially and environmentally smart decision. County officials desire to assist developed areas that need redevelopment or improvement and would qualify for State or Federal financial assistance. More intense development in areas that are already developed is a desirable activity in Bertie County. The new development will help fill vacant lots, make better use of existing public utilities and buildings, and help provide for the implementation of new services. 6. Commitment to State and Federal Programs Bertie County officials support the returning of local tax dollars to the County through the use of State and Federal programs that will benefit the County. These tax dollars are distributed in a wide variety of programs. All people in the County are directly or indirectly affected by the transfer of funds. Erosion control is one state program that is implemented locally. Bertie County is committed to the erosion control programs through support of the State Sedimentation and Erosion Control Act. This Act encourages buffer strips along drainage ways and requires erosion control plans for large excavation projects. County officials believe State regulations are sufficient to control the problem. River access in Bertie County is presently limited to private boat landings and beaches, and five public boat landings. Bertie County officials support efforts to provide additional public access to the rivers. This should include boat landings, swimming areas, and passive recreation areas. Highway improvements, as stated earlier, are considered a major factor in ensuring the continued economic growth of the area. 73 ' Bertie County will continue efforts to secure DOT funds to improve the County's major and minor thoroughfares. ' Large port facilities do not presently exist in the County. Policies pertaining to any proposed facility would be considered on ' a case -by -case basis. ' The County has and will continue to support efforts to dredge areas along major bodies of water to provide safe access for commercial and recreational boating. Spoils from dredging ' operations should be deposited in areas not affected by erosion. I' At present, no military facilities are located in or planned for Bertie County. If a new facility is proposed policies will be developed. The County is affected by low flying military aircraft on ' training missions; however, no policy has been adopted. t Adequate and satisfactory housing is also a concern. The County's policy is to support the application for Community Development Block Grants that will allow for the rehabilitation of substandard housing for low -to -moderate income families. Inasmuch as Bertie County is one of North Carolina's Tier I economically distressed counties, they are committed to encouraging more jobs, either through the expansion of current industries and businesses or through new industries or businesses. To this end, the County will seek grant programs from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce or from state economic development programs from the N.C. Department of Commerce. 7. Channel Maintenance, Intercoastal Waterway and Beach Nourishment Bertie County does not have any activity in these areas; therefore, there are no policies. 74 8. Energy Facilities and Inner and Outer Continental Shelf Exploration No such facilities or activities occur in Bertie County. However, as energy demands grow, if such a facility were to locate in the County it would have a positive impact on the tax base and would create jobs. Such a facility could also provide negative environmental results; therefore, the County policy is that energy facilities within the County will be supported if they are environmentally acceptable by the County Commissioners. Oil or gas exploration is not anticipated for Bertie County. Policies on projects as these will be developed as needed. 9. Tourism ' Tourism, and especially ecotourism, is a major focus for Bertie County. Inasmuch as the County's natural features are its greatest t attributes, ecotourism is a most promising activity and one of the greatest economic development tools available. Bertie County also has over 300 years of history to draw upon and is home to many beautiful historic homes and to two Indian tribes, the Tuscarora and the Meherrin. Among the historic homes, Hope Plantation (c.1803) was the home of David Stone, one of North Carolina's governors and outstanding political figures. Today, Hope houses Stone's extensive library and a collection of 18t' and early 19'J' century furnishings. The Plantation also is home to a variety of early north Carolina structures that are representative of rural Bertie County. These include the King -Bazemore House (c.1763), the Samuel Cox House (c.1803) and a barn (date unknown). An educational center on site is used frequently for classes, conferences and special activities such as craft shows. Figure 18 includes the 19 sites/houses that are on the North Carolina National Register as of May 31, 1999. 75 II ' North Carolina National Register as of May 31, 1999 ' Bertie County Figure 17 1 SiteBuildina Date of Registry ' Bertie County Courthouse (Windsor) 05/10/79 Elmwood (Watson-Mardre House) (Windsor area) 06/08/82 ' Freeman Hotel (Windsor) 09/09/82 Garrett -White House (Trap area) 06/28/82 The Hermitage (Merry Hill area) 06/08/82 ' Hope Plantation (Windsor area) 04/17/70 Jordan House (Windsor area) 08/26/71 ' King -Bazemore House (Windsor area) 08/26/71 King-Freeman-Speight House (Republican area) 12/02/82 Liberty Hall (Grabtown area) 06/08/82 ' Oaklana (Roxobel area) 04/15/82 Pineview (Browne House) (Roxobel area) 06/28/82 Rhodes Site (Archaeological site near Hamilton) 08/28/86 Rosefield (Windsor) 08/26/82 Scotch Hall (Merry Hill area) 04/29/82 ' St. Frances Methodist Church (Lewiston) 04/29/82 Windsor Historic Dictrict (Windsor) 07/29/91 Woodbourne (Roxobel area) 08/26/71 Woodville Historic District (Lewiston -Woodville) 08/28/98 7 U L 76 ' The native Americans come from the Tuscarora or Meherrin Tribes. The Tuscarorans currently are seeking State and Federal ' recognition. They have a museum/store in Windsor and hold Pow - Wows annually. The Meherrin have their State recognition but are still seeking Federal recognition. They are purchasing land in ' Hertford County where they have located their office/store, Indian Village, and where they hold Pow -Wows. Although the current number of tourist attractions is small, the potential is great and, in fact, is developing at this time. The Roanoke-Cashie Rivers Center is open. It is operated by the Partnership For The Sounds. Windsor also has constructed a nature walk through the swamp to the river, and has a zoo. The County supports these and other such projects so long as they are environmentally sensitive to changes in land use. 10. Public Water Access Bertie County is concerned with river access. Currently such access points are available in the Town of Windsor, at Sans Souci, and at Johnson Mill. The County would like to see other such sites made available to the public and will consider utilizing CAMA's waterfront access grants to assist in the purchase of such sites. There are no beach access sites, and the County has set no policy concern on this issue. ' The Roanoke River Partners is currently providing platforms for canoe trails and the County is investigating alternative means of travel within the estuarine system. One such alternative may be an ' environmental wetlands educational passenger system. This would be an overhead cable operated system. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ' Participation by Bertie County citizens in the update of the 1998 plan was encouraged from the beginning of the process. The Citizen ' Participation Plan attempted to activate as many citizens as possible. The Bertie County Economic Development and Planning Commission (BCEDPC) took the lead in revising the land use plan. 77 1 Beginning in October 1997 and continuing through September 1998, each monthly meeting of the BCEDPC included an agenda item on the land use plan update. Additional meetings were to be held as needed. All meetings were held at the Carolina House Restaurant in Windsor and were open to the public. An article was placed in the `Bertie Citizens Newsletter", a publication prepared by the County of Bertie for all the citizens. The article was meant to inform and educate the citizens about the land use plan update process and to encourage their participation. . Three public input meetings were held in January 1998. One was held in the Windsor Town Hall, another in the Aulander Recreation Center, and a third in the Colerain Town Hall. Participation was not good; however, some comments were offered. It appears that the lack of significant issues has resulted in poor public participation. Approximately 100 surveys were also distributed with poor results. Of the 20 or so who responded, the following priority list of concerns follows: County sewer system Type and location of industry Appearance of private property Tourism Solid waste disposal Impact of residential, commercial, and industrial development on Resources Improvement in County services Historic preservation Local commitment in providing services for industry Redevelopment of developed areas River access Public participation in land use planning Flood control Oil exploration Type of urban growth patterns Density of development Assistance to channel maintenance projects Commitment to State and Federal programs Electric generating plant siting 78 Limitations on off -road vehicles Peat or phosphate mining impact on resources County water system E. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST DIASTER RECOVERY AND EVACUATION PLANS 1. Storm Hazard Mitigation Plan This section speaks mainly to the effects of coastal storms, i.e. high winds, storm surge, wave action, flooding and erosion, on the County. In that Bertie County is located about 60 miles west of the coast, most of these actions will be minimized. To be sure, a hurricane can be as devastating in Bertie County as along the coast, depending on the location of the "eye". However, most other effects from storms will be lessened. Bertie County has experienced tornadoes and tornado type wind storms; however, these are very infrequent. Earthquake activity is non-existent. a. Identification of Hazard Areas Bertie County -has two major hazard areas: 1) the Chowan River shoreline and wetlands, and 2), the Roanoke River floodplain and wetlands. Each of these areas are identified on Map 2. Other hazard areas of lesser extent are: 1) the Cashie River floodplain, 2) Black Walnut Swamp and wetlands, 3) Salmon Creek Swamp and wetlands, and 4) Roquist Creek and Pocosin. These areas are integrated into the two major hazard areas listed above. Most are located nearby or drain into the major hazard areas. Identification of these areas has involved three major sources: 1) the County soil survey, 2) the US Geological Survey topographic maps of the area and 3) the flood insurance study. Specification of the exact location of the hazard areas is difficult in this study. Because of map scale, the boundaries are too general to specifically delineate between hazard and non -hazard areas. A boundary as such requires large scale maps commonly used in a flood insurance study which is currently in use in the 79 11 County. However, for land use planning purposes, the location of boundaries at this scale is adequate. b. Risk of Damage in Hazard Areas The level of damage to life and property in the hazard areas of Bertie County is considered relatively small as indicated in Figure 9. There are several clusters of development along the Chowan River that are vulnerable to storms brought about by high winds, flooding, and wave action. At the Colerain Landing, waterfront development includes a petroleum storage facility, a fish processing plant, a restaurant and a recreation area. The remaining clusters are primarily residential development with eight clusters between Bull Pond Point and Edenhouse Point, and five clusters from Edenhouse Point to Terrapin Point. Most of these residential clusters are situated above the SLOSH level (Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes). However, approximately fifteen dwellings are situated within the SLOSH zone, and an additional forty dwellings are located very close to the SLOSH zone. Other structures can be considered to be outside of storm waves and flooding. However, these structures can suffer from wind damage, falling trees, and flying debris. While the Roanoke River has controlled flow because of several dams upstream of Bertie County, inundation can occur both naturally as well as being man induced. On the upper Roanoke River, the dwellings and roads are located above the twenty -foot contour, while trails and unimproved roads are usually more than fifteen feet. On the lower Roanoke River the dwellings and roads are located above the fifteen -foot contour, except at Cashoke Landing where a dwelling is located at approximately ten feet. Inundation from stormtides can exceed this level, but not often enough to warrant major concern. On Roquist-Creek near US 17, a dwelling is located very close to the floodable area and could receive floodwaters. On the Cashie River there are two areas of concern: one is at the Sans Souci ferry site where one dwelling is less than five feet above normal river level and another is less than ten feet over normal river level. At Windsor the central business district, sewage 80 treatment plant, and a number of dwellings can be considered vulnerable to floodwaters. The occasional forcing of water upstream by high winds into the Windsor area and associated storm rainfall can create a vulnerable condition on the low lying land. It is likely that damage to public and private utilities will occur from high winds. Additionally, it is likely that several roads at low lying bridges may be flooded during the storm period and immediately thereafter. Of particular concern are the US 17 bridges over Salmon Creek and Edenhouse Creek. Severity of Risk in Hazard Areas Figure 18 WAVE SEVERITY EROSION/ ACTION FLOODING HAZARD AREA RANK SCOUR BATTERING WINDS HH Estuarine Shoreline AEC 1 • • ' V-Zone Flood Zone 2 e ' Wetland AEC 2 - - A -Zone Flood Zone 3 — B-Zone Flood Zone 3 - Remainder of County 4 - Risk Levels: High ( • ); Moderate (- ); Low () c. Estimated Severity of Possible Hazard Damage Although the County has not been hit by recent hurricanes, we have been witness to recent damage along the Chowan River brought about by the waning energy of some nearby hurricanes. With the full force of hurricane winds or a prolonged Nor'eastern, the potential for damage exists for all frontage property along the Chowan River with other hazard areas being flooded. There are no less than fifty residential and commercial structures which are vulnerable to storm hazard damage. According to the County Tax Office, the replacement value of these structures could be as high as $6 million. The severity of risk can be seen in Figure 17. 81 Id. Anticipated Development in Hazard Areas ' The people of Bertie County have been wise in their use of land through the years. Most development has occurred on the high ground except for a few instances. The waterfront ' development at Colerain is understandable since the land uses are river oriented. Other development is oriented toward residential uses. With the increasing interest of the population within the ' County, as well as outside the County, there will be a demand for intensifying water oriented land uses. While Bertie County is not in the mainstream of coastal development, it should be anticipated that development in and near hazard areas will occur. Ie. Hazard Mitigation Policies The following policies have been set by the County: 1) To prepare a Bertie County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. This ordinance should be designed to meet the National Flood Insurance Program. The ordinance should also be designed to minimize flood damage by referring to accepted practices and methods that would set forth uniform rules for developers. It should require that all existing structures must comply with requirements related to the 100-year flood elevation. These requirements should state that if any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure is equal to or exceeds sixty-five percent of the market value, the improvement or repair must follow the building code regulations. 2) To prepare a Bertie County Area Redevelopment Plan. This plan is related to the Building Code and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The policy is to indicate that reconstruction after a storm be subject to the regulations of the building code, which states that any building damaged in excess of sixty-five percent of its 82 value will conform with the code requirements for new buildings when repaired. ' 3) To support the existing building code, this land use plan update, and the County Disaster Relief and Assistance ' Plan. ' Experience has not supported a need for discouraging development or pursing the public acquisition of land in hazardous areas at this time. 2. Post Disaster Reconstruction Plan Post disaster reconstruction policies will serve as a guide to assure that rebuilding activities, following a disaster, will protect coastal structures from future damage. a. Bertie County Emergency Plan The County adopted the Bertie County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan in 1983. The Plan addresses all aspects of a disaster and directly relates, in part, to post disaster reconstruction activities both in the short term and long term. It is the policy of the County to enforce the Plan when disaster occurs. b. Reconstruction Over a Long Period of Time The County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan sets up procedures for reconstruction immediately after a disaster and continues with reconstruction activity guidelines over a long period of time as well. County policy mandates that the Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan be followed. CAMA permitting regulations will also guide reconstruction activities, and County policy supports CAMA regulations. 83 1) Establishment of a Recovery Task Force The County policy is to have the Emergency Management Damage Assessment Team serve also as the Recovery Task Force. While the Damage Assessment Team will function immediately after a disaster to determine the nature and severity of damage, it is felt that these same individuals are in the best position, and have the best capabilities, to direct the recovery activities over a long period of time. This task force consists of the County Commissioner Chairman, County Manager, County Finance Director, Emergency Management Coordinator, Health Department Director, Social Services Director, Mental Health Director, Building Inspector, and the Tax Appraiser. The responsibilities of the task force will be: a) Establishing an overall restoration schedule. ' b) Setting restoration priorities, in advance, by definition. c) Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such assistance when beyond local capabilities. d) Keeping the appropriate State officials informed using situation and damage reports. e) Keeping the public informed. f) Assembling and maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and obligations incurred. g) Undertaking repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services in accordance with priorities developed through the situation evaluations. rh) Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in obtaining information on the various types ' of assistance that might be available from federal and state agencies, in understanding the various assistance programs, and applying for such assistance. I 84 d. Establishment of a Schedule for Staging and Permitting Repairs The County policy is to have the Recovery Task Force determine a schedule for repair activities as follows: 1) Building permits to restore structures located outside of designated AEC areas that were previously built in conformance with local codes, standards and the provisions of the North Carolina Building code shall be issued automatically. 2) All structures suffering major damages as defined in the County's Damage Assessment Plan shall be repaired or rebuilt to conform with the provisions of the North Carolina Building Code and other related ordinances. 3) All structures suffering minor damage as defined in the Bertie County Damage Assessment Plan shall be permitted to be rebuilt to their original state before the storm condition, provided non -conforming use regulations are met. 4) For all structures in designated AECs and for all mobile home locations, a determination shall be made for each AEC as to whether the provisions of the North Carolina Building Code, the state regulations for Areas of Environmental Concern, or other ordinances appear adequate in minimizing storm damages. For areas where the construction and use requirements appear adequate, permits shall be issued in accordance with permitting policies above. For AECs, where the construction and use requirements do not appear to have been adequate in mitigating damages, a Temporary Development Moratorium for all structures located within that specific AEC shall be imposed. 5) All individual mobile homes located in mobile home parks sustaining some damage to at least 50 percent of their mobile homes in the park shall be required to conform to current ordinances. 6) Permits shall not be issued in areas subject to a Temporary ' Development Moratorium until such a moratorium is lifted by the Bertie County Board of Commissioners. 1 � 85 e. Establishment of Policies for Repair and/or Replacement of Public Infrastructure The County policy related to the repair and/or replacement of public infrastructure is set forth below: 1) All damaged water and sewer systems (both public and private) shall be repaired so as to be elevated above the 100-year floodplain or shall be floodproofed, with the methods employed and the construction being certified by a registered professional engineer. 2) All damaged roads used as major evacuation routes in flood hazard areas shall be repaired so as to be elevated at least one foot above the 100-year floodplain evacuation. 3) All local roads that have to be completely rebuilt shall be elevated so as to be above the 100-year floodplain elevation. 3. Evacuation Plan a. The County Evacuation Plan lists, as the primary purpose, the directing and moving of evacuees through the County westward to higher ground. Evacuation traffic control points have been designated at three locations: 1) Intersection of Routes 17 and 45 at Midway, 2) On Route 17 where it crosses the Cashie River in Windsor, and 3) Intersection of Routes 13 and 17 in Windsor. Emergency shelters have been set up in five designated schools: School Location Capacity Southwestern Middle West Bertie Elementary Colerain Elementary South Aulander Elementary J. P. Law Elementary Windsor 850 Kelford 600 Colerain 450 Aulander 450 Merry Hill 250 86 � I Ib. Evacuation Policies ' It is the policy of the County to route evacuees through the County to higher ground as quickly and safely as possible. It is also County policy to provide adequate shelters for County ' residents living in high risk areas. It is County policy to notify all County citizens of impending danger related to hurricanes ' and flooding activities. � I � I it � I � I 87 t IX. LAND CLASSIFICATION In accordance with CAMA regulations, a "land classification system has been devised as a means of assisting in the implementation of the local policies..." With this classification system delineated on a Map 4, Bertie County can specify the areas where certain policies will apply. The land classification system, to be most effective, would work in concert with the County's land use control ordinances. Inasmuch as the County does not have zoning or subdivision regulations, the classification system is weakened. In order for the County to assure their control over future development, and to protect the citizens from undesirable development, it may be timely to consider such management growth tools. The CAMA guidelines include seven land use classifications for use on the land use map: Developed, Urban Transition, Limited Transition, Community, Rural, Rural with Services, and Conservation. The definitions for each class reflect the suggested level of development. All of the land use classifications are used in the Bertie County (Map 4). Described below will be the description of each classification, how the policies relate to each class, the type of land use in each class, and the location of each class. A. DEVELOPED The Developed class of land use provides for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities or municipalities. Areas to be classified as "developed" include land currently developed for urban purposes or approaching a density of 500 dwellings per square mile that are provided with usual municipal or public services, police and fire protection. In other words, such areas must currently be "urban" in character, i.e., have mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial and institutional, or other uses at high to medium densities. The exceptions in this class includes the towns of Colerain, Kelford, Powellsville and Windsor. Each of these towns has adopted their own CAMA Land Use Plan; therefore, the County has no involvement in these lands. 88 The developed areas in the land use plan correspond to the existing urban areas. Most of the areas presently have land available for development. However, past growth rates show little promise for substantial urbanization. Still, these developed areas have the more desirable land for commerce and industry. Most of the developed areas have the urban services needed for growth. But, these communities must plan to solidify their infrastructures and to fill in the available undeveloped land. This is particularly the case within Windsor, and to a lesser extent, other communities. B. URBAN TRANSITION ' The Urban Transition classification gives counties the opportunity to designate areas that are likely to experience urban -type growth in the next five to ten years. These areas normally are adjacent to areas ' classified developed and in the next land use plan may be classified developed. The land assigned the urban transition classification is ' suitable for intensive development, and can support spillover from the developed class. Urban transition land must be served, or readily served, by public water, sewer, and other urban services including public streets. ' Also, the urban transition lands should be generally free of severe physical limitations for urban development. The urban transition class should not include: • land of high potential for water supply watersheds, tourist resources, agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction, or land falling within extensive rural areas being managed commercially for these uses, when other lands are available; • land where urban development might result in major or irreversible damage to important environmental, scientific, or scenic values; • land where urban development might result in damage to natural systems or processes of more than local concern; • land where development will result in undue risk to life or property from natural hazards or existing land uses; 89 n �I � I • areas subject to frequent flooding; and • habitat for important wildlife species. The urban transition areas in the land use plan border the developed area. These areas have land available for development. The urban transition areas must be planned now for the necessary services to be in place as development occurs. This includes water, sewer, police and fire protection, and other components of the urban infrastructure. The northern communities, because of their proximity to Ahoskie, can be expected to experience some spillover growth. The transition areas near Aulander and Powellville are expected to be sufficient to handle increased urban growth. Growth is also expected in the Colerain and Midway areas due to their proximity to the Chowan River. Other urban transition areas occur southeast of Windsor and south of Lewiston - Woodville. An urban transition area located along US 17 between the Roanoke River and Roquist Creek floodplains is considered a prime location for commercial and residential development. This is due to its proximity to Williamston and the recreational opportunities associated with the nearby natural habitats. C. LIMITED TRANSITION The Limited Transition classification is very similar to the Urban Transition classification in permitted uses. The primary difference is in location. "The urban transition classification is tied to existin developed or community areas. The limited transition class is set aside for potential areas of intensive development. The land in this class may be geographically remote from existing towns. Bertie County officials would like for land in the limited transition class to experience increased development during the next ten years. Community water and sewer, along with paved streets should be required to support cluster -type development. The predominant land use in this area should be residential at a density of three units per acre or less. Soil types and physical characteristics may affect the density of individual projects. The limited transition classification will be designated along the Chowan River shoreline between Colerain and Morgan Swamp. All of the proposed Blackrock development will be in this classification. The all area will extend for a distance of approximately one-half mile from the shoreline. Areas classified Conservation as a result of being an AEC or within the 100-year floodplain should not be classified limited transition. D. COMMUNITY The Community classification provides for clustered land uses to meet the housing, shopping, employment, and public service needs within the rural areas of the County. It is usually characterized by a small grouping of mixed land uses which are suitable and appropriate for small clusters of rural development not requiring municipal sewer service. Areas in Bertie County such as Trap, Midway, Merry Hill, scattered sites along Indian Woods Road, Perrytown, Wakelon, Hexlena, Connarista, White's Crossroads, and Republican are typical of areas in the community classification. These communities provide services for the surrounding Rural classification. These areas will likely remain much the same over the next five years. E. RURAL The Rural class provides for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and other allied uses traditionally associated with an agrarian region. Other land uses, due to their noxious or hazardous nature and negative impacts on adjacent uses may also be appropriate within this class if sited properly. Such uses may include, but not be limited to, energy generating plants, refining plants, airports, sewage treatment facilities, fuel storage tanks and other industrial type uses. These are lands identified as appropriate locations for resource management and allied uses; land with high potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction; lands with one or more limitations that would make development costly and hazardous; and lands containing irreplaceable, limited, or significant natural, recreational, or scenic resources not otherwise classified. The rural classification areas in Bertie County correspond to existing rural land uses which are usually located between the poorly drained areas. Much of the County is in this category. This area contains much of the land classified prime farmland or woodland. The retention of �I 7 'LJ large tracts is important for economical farming and forestry practices and should be protected. F. RURAL WITH SERVICES Rural with Services classification is set aside for areas of Bertie County that are within the four planned water districts. The planned water systems are being funded by bonds provided by the U.S. Dept. of Agricultural/Rural Development. The systems are designed to avert potential health problems caused by contaminated wells. Capacity will support existing development and limited growth. An area two hundred feet wide along both sides of each County road within the four water districts is classified Rural with Services. Areas previously classified Developed, Urban Transition, Limited Transition, or Community are not affected by this classification. G. CONSERVATION The final land use category, according to CAMA guidelines, is the ' Conservation class. This class provides for effective long-term management of significant, limited, or irreplaceable resources, and ' includes all of the statutorily defined AECs. However, beyond the presence of AECs, other areas within the County, because of natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic value, may also require similar "effective long-term management." Examples could include major wetlands (other than statutorily defined coastal wetlands); ' essentially undeveloped shorelines that are unique, fragile or hazardous for development; lands that provide necessary habitat conditions (especially for remnant species); pocosins; or publicly -owned water ' supply watersheds and aquifers. ' The designation "Conservation" should not be misconstrued to imply " non-use," but does imply a need for careful and cautious management of any allowable use. Within a conservation area, there may be high ' ground areas which are suitable for development, in which case development may be allowed to take place. However, within land designated conservation, the only regulatory agencies that have control would be State agencies, such as the Division of Coastal Management, 92 the Division of Water Quality, the Division of Land Resources, and the Department of Health. Examples of permitted uses in the Conservation classification include: • Drainage: adequate drainage is essential to the economic ' vitality of Bertie County; therefore, drainage facilities over and through these areas, but not with the intent of draining the conservation areas, will be allowed. Such facilities may include diking, tiling, and piping systems. • Low density residential development if and as approved by the County Health Department and local, State, and ' Federal regulations. However, water and/or sewer services will not be extended to such a residential area merely to stimulate additional growth and development and development. On -site sewer services will be required and must be feasible. Site plans should be reviewed to insure that, at a minimum, regulations on ' impervious materials are met. • Water -oriented uses such as piers, docks, and marinas, if ' they are shown not to cause detriment to the estuarine waters or the conservation lands. ' • Necessary utility service lines, such as water, sewer, electrical, natural gas, etc., may be transmitted through areas classed as conservation. These lines would have a ' destination outside of areas classed conservation and would serve only areas outside the conservation class and would not act as a stimulus to development within the conservation class. These transmission lines shall not violate the environmental integrity of the conservation class, and if permitted, must meet all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. • Roadways, when construction of roadways can be ' conducted without significantly altering the ecological system, and in compliance with existing Federal, State, ' and local regulations. 1 93 • Timber harvesting and farming, provided natural drainage patterns are not changed. The conservation classification includes the 100-year flood boundary as defined by the Federal Flood Insurance Program, Public Trust Waters, Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines. As noted on the Land Classification Map, conservation areas are shown for general use only and final determination of location shall be made by the responsible Federal, State, or local agency having regulatory authority. Such determination shall be made based on a field investigation of any area in question. The land would fall under the rural classification or the limited transition classification if the field investigation shows that it should not be in conservation. X. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION The land use plan is a tool for coordinating numerous policies, standards, regulations, and other governmental activities. The plan, through its policies and land classifications, provides the framework for budgeting, planning, and the provision and expansion of community facilities such as water, sewer, school, and road systems. It is the principal policy guide for governmental decisions and activities which affect land use in the Bertie County. The implementation of policies in the land use plan requires coordination between the local government and the state and federal governments. Enforcement of the policies and goals requires a consistency with the higher levels of government. The formation of a policy without means of enforcement defeats the intention of the land use plan update. Bertie County has worked to ensure compatibility between the Bertie County Land Use Plan and the municipal Land Use Plans. There appeared to be no inconsistencies among the policies in each plan. A good working relationship exists between the Towns and Bertie County. During its developmental period, the plan was continuously evaluated for its consistencies between state and federal regulation. Bertie County intends to foster intergovernmental coordination by working with state and federal agencies to implement policies to improve water quality, as well as carry out goals for the agriculture and commercial fishing industries. In addition, Bertie County will work with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources in protecting and enhancing its heritage. Coordination between the Division of Coastal Management and US Army Corps of Engineers will be maintained in the permitting process for development in areas classified as wetlands. All additional efforts will be made to promote cooperation between the state, federal, county, and local governments. Bertie County will exchange a copy of their certified plan with all municipalities within the County, and with adjacent counties. 95 Listed below are Federal and State agencies with the licenses and permits for which they are responsible: FEDERAL DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AGENCY LICENSES AND PERMITS Army Corps of Engineers Permits required under Sections 9 and 10 of (Dept. of Defense) the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; permits to construct in navigable waters. Permits required under Sectionl03 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Permits required under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972; permits to undertake dredging and/or filling activities. Coast Guard Permits for bridges, causeways, pipelines (Dept. of Transportation) over navigable waters; required under the General Bridge Act of 1946 and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Geological Survey Permits required for off -shore drilling. Bureau of Land Management Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor rights - (Dept. of Interior) of -way. Nuclear Regulatory Licenses for siting, construction and (Dept. of Energy) operation of nuclear power plants; required under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and Title II of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. M. STATE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AGENCY Federal Energy Commission (Dept. of Energy) Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality LICENSES AND PERNIITS Permits for construction, operation and maintenance of interstate pipeline facilities required under the Natural Gas Act of 193 8. Orders of Interconnection of electric transmission facilities under Section 202(b) of the Federal Power Act. Permission required for abandonment of natural gas pipeline and associated facilities under Section 7C(b) of the Natural Gas Act of 1938. Permits to discharge to surface waters or oil discharge permits; NPDES Permits (G.S. 143-215). Permits for septic tanks that serve industrial process water flow or are community owned. Such systems owned by the State or Federal government are under the jurisdiction of the Health Department, (G. S. 143-215.108). Permits for air pollution abatement facilities and sources (G.S. 143-215.108) Permits for construction of complex sources: e.g., parking lots, subdivisions, stadiums, etc. (G.S. 143-215.109). Permits for construction of a well over 100,000 gaWday (G.S. 87-88). 97 STATE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AGENCY LICENSES AND PERMITS Division of Coastal Management Permits to dredge and/or fill in estuarine waters tidelands, etc. (G.S. 87-88). Permits to undertake development in Areas of Environmental Concern (G.S. 113A- 118). NOTE: Minor development permits are issued by local government. Division of Land Resources Permits to alter or construct a dam (G.S. 143-215.66). Permits to mine (G. S. 74-51). Permits to drill an exploratory oil or gas well (G.S. 113-391). Sedimentation erosion control plans for any land -disturbing activity of over one contiguous acre (G.S. 113A-54). Permits to conduct geographic exploration (G.S. 113-391). Permits to construct an oil refinery. Dept. of Administration Easements to fill where lands are proposed to be raised above the normal high water mark of navigable waters by filling (G.S. 146.6(c)). Dept. of Human Resources Approval to operate a solid waste disposal site or facility (G.S. 130). Approval for construction of any public water facility that furnishes water to ten or more residences (G.S. 130-160.1). Permits for septic tank systems of 3,000 gpd or less capacity (G.S. 130-160). W. XI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION A. EFFORTS FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT From the very beginning of this Land Use Plan Update, it was the intention of the Economic Development and Planning Commission to involve the public throughout the process. The Citizen Participation Plan spells out the methodology for such involvement (Appendix A). Meetings are held in Windsor on the third Thursday of each month. The agenda always includes time for the update process. Citizens are welcome to attend and participate in the discussions. Meetings have been held on October 16, 1997; November 20; December 18; January 15, 1998; February 19; March 19; April 30; May 28; July 16; September 17; and September 28, 1998. Three public meetings were also held in locations throughout the County. These meetings were held to allow for as much input as the citizens wished to make. The meetings were held in the Windsor Town Hall on January 6, 1998; in the Aulander Ruritan Hall on January 13, 1998; and in the Colerain Town Hall on January 20, 1998. Unfortunately, attendance was not good, although the meetings were advertised in the local newspaper, and the weather was very good. The County publishes a `Bertie Citizens Newsletter" from time to time. In the latest issue published and mailed (10,600 copies), a lengthy article was included. The article notified the citizens that the Land Use Plan was being updated, and encouraged the citizens to take an active part in the process. This newsletter was mailed to all families and businesses throughout the County. A copy of the article is attached as Appendix B. 0 APPENDIX A CITIZENS PARTICIPATION PLAN After hearing from the County Economic Developer on September ' 15, 1997, regarding public participation plans, the Bertie County Board of County Commissioners desires to update their Land Use Plan of ' 1990 in accordance with the Guidelines set forth in the North Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 7B, Sections .0100 through .0216. ' The Bertie County Economic Development and Planning Commission (BCEDPC) is designated as the principal agency to lead ' the update process. The Mid -East Commission is contracted with to assist the BCEDPC. Together, this plan was adopted on November 20, 1997 to assure public involvement. In order to notify the citizenry and encourage their participation. The following actions will be taken: 1. Notify citizens of monthly meetings of the BCEDPC and invite them to participate. 2. Schedule three meetings throughout the County for the purpose of ' gaining public input. Meetings to be held January 6, 13, and 20, 1998. ' 3. Place an article in the `Bertie Citizens Newsletter" informing citizens of the update process and ways they can participate. 4. Assure notification via articles/announcements in the local newspaper. 5. Assure that the Board of County Commissioners is informed of the progress by having one of them sitting on the BCEDPC. d 100 APPENDIX B Be to _ Count --`59 LAM Use Plan' Vd—a-te Bertie County is involved in updat- ing the County's Land Use Plan in ac- cordance with state regulations set-up under the Coastal Area Management Act(CAINIA). The North Carolina Divi- sion of Coastal Management and the Mid -East Commission are assisting the County's Office of Economic Develop- ment with this initiative. The plan must be updated every five years. The Land Use Plan will be formu- lated to guide development, which will hopefully attract businesses and citizens to the growing County, as well as the protection of our valuable greenways, rivers and open space. The Bertie County Land Use Plan- ning Committee is currently examining the existing plan. A Citizen Participa- tion Plan has been approved by the Committee and citizens will soon be receiving information on how they can be a part of the planning process. Citi- zen input will be a major portion of the planning process and will be encour- aged at local meetings throughout the County. A survey will be mailed to citi- zens. A designated time at each meet- ing will be set for citizen comment. The Land Use Plan will be used by planners to assist citizens, the business commu- nity and others who wish to make in- vestments in the future of our County. The Land Use map is a tool for deter- mining the Iong-range use of property and the adja- cent land uses. It serves as a principle guide in the decision making processes for achieving orderly growth Some of the previous goals were, protecting watershed areas, preserving open space and sensitive natural areas, protect greenways, preserve floodways andregulate floodplain development, pre- serve historic districts and neighborhoods. In the Plan other land characteristics are determined that stimulant develop- ment such as; location of available water and sewer, vacant land that is devel- opable, existing transportation system and scheduled transportation improvements. As you can see, the plan will address issues of concern for the future develop- ment of the County. Policies will be rec- ommended to the County Commissioners for final adoption. A public hearing will be held prior to adoption of the plan and citizens will again have an opportunity for input. Current members of the Land Use Plan Committee are; Chairman Bob Spivey, Norman Cherry, Joe Jernigan, Sr., Com- missioner Elbert Ray Bryant, Hattie Out- law, Buneva Everette, Norman Mebane, Nancy Spruill, Wood Beasley III, Bob Paciocco Executive Director of the Mid - East Commission and Secretary Tim Ivey. For more information call Tim Ivey in the Berne County Economic Development Office at 794-5301. Be e ® Webb Pace The Bertie County Economic Devel- opment Office has been working to develop an Internet Web Page. Histori- cally, two of the challenges in setting -up a County web page have been the lack of funding and security There are inex- pensive ways of developing a web page, however the risk out weight the benefits of this approach. The Bertie-Hertford Data Center and the Economic Development Office ex- amined many web page proposals. A professionally created Web Page, housed outside the County's computer system, would offer the greatest possi- bility of security. Bertie County has been awarded a grant from the Northeastern Economic Development Partnership which allows Bertie County to acquire a profession- ally created Web Page. The first section of the web page will be for travel and tourism and economic development.-The.Web.Page will.allow visitors near and a far to visit our County and its many assets on the Internet. For more information on this subject, call Tim Ivey at 794-5301 in the Bertie County Economic Development Office. Clldr6>e Servcs� Children have` a right to be safe. Children have a right to be safe. Adults have the responsibility to ensure this basic right for all children. Statewide over the last ten years, the reports of child abuse and neglect have doubled. The County has also experienced an increase of child abuse and neglect cases. From July `97 through November `97, there were 57 reports. Children are the most vulnerable citi- zens of our society, which makes them susceptible to abuse and neglect. The effects of child abuse and neglect can be traumatic and long lasting, and in some cases result in the death of a child, The NC General Statutes , defines abuse as any juvenile less then 18 years of age whose parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker inflicts or allows to be inflicted serious physical injury by other than acci- dental means. The NC General Statutes further de- fines neglect as any juvenile who does not receive proper care, supervision or disci- pline from the juvenile's parent, guardian or care taker. Abuse is rarely one physi- cal attack or one isolated incident_ Often there is a pattern of behavior that occurs over a period of time. Reporting sus- pected child abuse can be the first impor- tant step in stopping the abuse and pro- tecting the child from future harm. By reporting abuse and neglect, you are helping the family get services and the help they need. Failing to report sus- pected cases of child abuse may result in continuing abuse. Abused children may carry the trauma associated with the abuse throughout their entire lives unless treatment, assistance and support are provided. 101 Lewi 01 03010107110030 1/ 0301a107130010 030101 ander 030101071 030101 60071 030101 03010107130030 The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone MID -EAST Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is adminsitered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. or Winds ._ f � i"O of o7��eo 03010107160110 0107130040 Bertie County 1 10 Existing Land Use 1998 Map# 1 2 0 2 4 6 Miles '�'07161 = Rural Concentrations Municipalities with a CAMA Land Use Plan Urbanized Areas Agriculture & Forests Hydrological Units 102 The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is adminsitered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Berti(z..k County Land Use Constraints 998 lap # 2 2 0 2 4 6 Miles Areas of Environmental Concern 100 Year Flood Plain Hydrological Units 103