Land Use Plan Update Environmental Resources & Constraints-1991

-Environmental Resources & Constraints
in W. Hanover Cou_ n_ ty
;December 4991
New Hanover County Planning Department
- .-Dexter Hayes; Director
,Patrick Lowe. Assistant Director
Staff Planners
Walter "Pee" Avery
Wanda Coston
Sam Burgess
Chris O'Keefe
' CAMA'Intern
JoAnne Shadrout
Administrative -Secretary
Phoebe Saavedra
Graphics Planning Teci*.nician
Lisa Elaine Home
New Hanover ,County Board of Commissioners
E. L: "Matt" Mathews, C' iairman
„-
_ .,Robert G., Greer, Vice Chairina_ n
Jonathan Barfield
FredfRetchin i -
William H Sutton
.v
Planning.Board Members ;
i
EarnestPuskas, Chairman71
-
Kenneth A--Shanklin, Vice Chairman
Robert McDonald
Wesley 0: Nixon
► -
William Grathwol
C. Richard Boisky
Charles R. Howell -
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Environmental
Resources & Constraints
in New Hanover County
December 1991
Wilmington - New Hanover County
Land Use Plan Update_

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Preface
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), enacted in 1974 by the North Carolina
General Assembly, requires that the 20 coastal counties of the state prepare land use plans.
These plans provide a framework used to guide local leaders as they make decisions for the
protection, preservation, orderly development and management of the North Carolina
coastal area. The original CAMA Land Use Plan for New Hanover County was adopted in
1976. Updates to the plan are required by CAMA on five year intervals This report is part
of the third plan update (1981, 1986 and 1991) performed in conjunction with the
Wilmington -New Hanover Comprehensive Planning Program, initiated in 1974.
Inaccordancewith CAMA requirements, the land useplan consists ofthefollowing elements:
1.) Summary of data collection and analysis;
2.) Existing land use map;
3.) Policy discussion;
4.) Land classification map.
This information plays an important role in the formulation of local development
regulations, such as zoning ordinances, and it provides input for growth policy decisions.
These reports also provide useful data to the public and private sector in considering
development proposals.

Table of Contents
I. WATER RESOURCES 1
A. Groundwater
1
1. Physical Characteristics
I
2. Yield and Hydraulic Characteristics
2
3. Groundwater Quality
2
4. Groundwater Classes
4
B. Surface Water
5
1. The Cape Fear River
5
a. Quality of Use by the City
5
b. River Quality
5
c. Drinking Water Treatment
8
2. Environmental Quality Factors
9
a. Commercial Resources
9
b. Degradation Sources
9
i. Septic Systems
9
ii. Urban Runoff
10
iii. Point Source Discharges
10
O
3. Surface Water Quality Classes
16
a. Fresh Waters
16
b. Tidal Salt Waters
16
c. Supplemental Cases
17
II. FRAGILE AREAS
17
A. County Classification
19
I. Swamp Forests
19
2. Pocosins
19
3. Savannahs
19
4. Ponds
19
5. Fresh Marsh
20
6. Brackish Marsh
20
7. Barrier Island -Beach Complex
20
8. Maritime Shrub Thickets
20
9. Salt Marsh
20
10. Primary Nursery Areas
21
11. Animal and Plant Natural Areas of Special Significance
21
12. Significant Historical, Archaeological, and Architectural Sites
21
B. State Classification
21
1. The Estuarine System
22
O
a. Coastal Wetlands
b. Estuarine Waters
22
22
c. Public Trust Areas
22
d. Estuarine Shorelines
22

Table of Contents Continued...
2. Ocean Hazard System
3. Public Water Supplies
4. Natural and Cultural Resource Areas
C.
Federal Classification
III. HAZARD AREAS
A.
Ocean Hazard System
1. Ocean Erodible Areas
2. High Hazard Flood Areas
3. Inlet Hazard Areas
B.
Floodplains
C.
New Hanover County International Airport
D.
Industrial Hazards
E.
Sea Level Rise
IV. ' SOILS
V. AIR QUALITY
VI. RESOURCE POTENTIAL AREAS
A. Prime Farmland
B. Forestry Resources
C. Mineral Resources Sites
D. Public Land
VII. REFERENCES CITED.
22
22-
22
23
23
23
23
24
24
24
24
25
26
28
28
29
29
30
31
31
35
w
101

G
List of Figures
Figure 1.
AquiferSensitivity........................................................................................................
3
Figure 2.
PrimaryNursery Areas ................................................................................................
12
Figure 3.
ClosedShellfish Beds..................................................................................................
13
Figure 4.
Permitted Point Source Discharge (NPDES) Sites ........................................................
14
Figure 5.
Permitted Point Source Nondischarge Sites.................................................................
15
Figure 6.
Surface Water Quality Classes.....................................................................................
18
Figure 7.
IndustrialSites............................................................................................................
27
Figure 8.
Suitable Prime Farmland and Additional Farmland Areas ............................................
32
Figure 9.
ForestResources.........................................................................................................
33
Figure 10.
Parksand Public Lands...............................................................................................
34
List of Tables
Table 1.
Water Quality Index (WQI) Scores
for Stations in or near New Hanover County.............::................................................... 6
Table 2.
New Hanover County Finfish and Shellfish Landings .................................................. 11

Environmental Resources and Constraints
in New Hanover County
This document is the 1991 update to the 1986 "Environmental Resources and
Constraints of New Hanover County", one of the technical reports of the Coastal Area
Management Act (LAMA) Land Use Plan.
The purpose of this technical report is to describe and discuss the environmental
resources and constraints that will be instrumental in shaping the direction, type and rate of
O growth in New Hanover County. This report examines water resources, fragile areas, hazard
areas, soils, air quality, and resource potential areas. '
I. WATER RESOURCES
Water resources in the County can be broken down into groundwater and surface water
systems, although it is important to note that water moves with limited restrictions between
the two systems. Approximately 54% of the population of New Hanover County receives
their water supply from groundwater and 46% receive their water from the Cape Fear River.
The County report, "Drinking Water in New Hanover County" (1989), summarizes the
various water systems currently utilized by County residents and examines some of the
factors associated with possible implementation of a county -wide water system.
A. Groundwater
1. Physical Characteristics
The County's fresh groundwater system consists primarily ofanear-surface, unconfined
aquifer and two deeper, confined aquifers. The unconfined aquifer is generally sandy and
wells exposed to it range in depth from approximately 20 to 75 feet. The two deeper confined
aquifers are composed of limestone and sandstone, respectively. Wells exposed to these
Oaquifers range in depth from about 75 to 200 feet. Wells deeper than 200 feet will usually
yield brackish water. These confined aquifers slope southeastward from where they
Figure I located approach the surface in the Castle Hayne and Wrightsboro areas (delineated as area 2 in
page 3. Figure 1), and extend in the subsurface to a maximum depth of two hundred feet along the

coast. The degree of connectivity between all of these aquifers varies considerably.
2. Yield and Hydraulic Characteristics
Very little information is available on the attributes of the near surface, unconfined
aquifer. As a general rule, the water yield from a shallow well is sufficient to supply a single
family residence on a 1/3 acre lot. However, in the industrial corridor along Highway 421,
where the unconfined aquifer is thick and composed of coarse -grained sand, a large well can
produce two to four hundred gallons per minute (gpnr) on a 24 hour sustained yield. Due to
its shallow depth and transmissive nature, this aquifer is extremely vulnerable to pollution.
The confined aquifers are the principally -used aquifers in the County. It has been
roughly estimated by N.C. Department of Environmental Management staff from the
Groundwater Section that approximately 71.7 million gallons per day (gpd) of groundwater
are available on a continually sustained basis for the entire County. Sustained yields in any
one area may be between 200,000 to 2,000,000 gpd per square mile.
Althoughthe amountof groundwaterutilized across New Hanover County has not been
documented since 1980, a shift in usage has occurred and should be noted. As a result of
annexations, many residential areas are now utilizing City water rather than groundwater
systems, thus decreasing residential usage. However, the continued development of the
Beach towns and new golf course projects, both of which utilize groundwater, have increased
commercial usage. The extent of these changes and the total amount of groundwater being
used is not available to date.
Utilizing estimates based on the 1980 usage figures, if it is assumed that the average
per capita use is approximately 140 gallons per day, the County's groundwater system could
theoretically support a maximum population of approximately 441,000 ( "Drinking Water
in New Hanover County",1989).
3. Groundwater Quality
Presently, the County's groundwater system is still relatively free of pollution but there
are a growing number of incidents of contamination. As of January 1991, approximately
eighty incidents of contamination had been documented, most of which are associated with
accidental industrial spills or leaking storage tanks. These sites are located throughout the
county but are somewhat more abundant in the northern part. Two sites in New Hanover
County have been identified as State Priority Sites due to the size of their contamination
plumes; however, one of these sites does not affect the deep aquifer system. Both sites are
located in the northern part of the county and are being monitored.
The aquifer in the Flemington area has become polluted, resulting in the County's
provision of a small 280,000 gpd system. A well monitoring system has been established
for this area to determine the extent of groundwater impacts.
The natural quality of the near -surface, unconfined aquifer system is extremely
variable. Generally, it is characterized by the presence of carbon dioxide and sodium,
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MASONROROINIET
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AQUIFER SENSITIVITY
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January 1991.
Primary recharge area of principal aquifers
I
(combined Castle Hayne and Peedee
i0
Q
aquifers -confined artesian
° CAROUNA REACH
a1E7
2 Secondary recharge areas for Castle Hayne
or Peedee where occurring near land surface
under water -table conditions
JC.
Recharge area of Sandhill aquifer -water -table
CAROUNA
BEACH
conditions
Chiefly a discharge area for ground -water
I
now
KEME BEACH
Nondescript area -a relatively poor aquifer
and not a recharge source of principal
(
aquifers
A shallow water -table sand aquifer and
Qunderlying
6
artesian aquifer containing fresh
Q�
water over salty water
Approximate Scale
1' - 3 MGles
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NEW 1NU:T
3

Figure 1 located
page 3.
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resulting in an acidic, soft, and slightly corrosive water quality. Iron content can range from
none to high. The deep, confined aquifers are characterized by the presence of calcium
bicarbonate, resulting in a typically hard quality of water, with a basic ph.
The unconfined aquifer is recharged by rainfall. In turn, water in the shallow aquifer
eventually moves down into the deep aquifer system. The deep aquifer has a primary and
a secondary recharge area as shown in Figure 1. The primary recharge area is where the
greatest quantity of recharge takes place. The secondary recharge area, though smaller in
area, is more vulnerable to pollution due to its shallow depth. Thus, it has become
increasingly important to closely control and monitor development activities within that
recharge area.
A bond referendum for a county -wide water system using the deep aquifer system
failedin 1979. Ifsuch a system were eventually developed, ithas been proposed that the wells -
be located in the east central part of the County.
4. Groundwater Classes
The State has classified all groundwaters for purposes of monitoring and regulation.
The different classes are defined in teens of depth, salinity and best possible use. The classes
in New Hanover County include the following:
a. GA -These waters can be best used fordrinking and food preparation without
treatment, except that necessary to correct naturally occurring conditions. They
have a chloride content less than 250 milligrams per liter (mgll) and begin at the
top of the near -surface water table, generally at depths of about 10 feet.
b. GSA -These waters are similarto GA waters except that they have a chloride
concentration greater than 250 mg/1 and cannot be used for drinking without
reduction of salinity.
c. GC -This class includes those groundwaters that do not meet quality criteria
of GA or GSA waters and for which efforts to restore these waters to a higher
classification, while still in place, would not be feasible or in the best interest
of the public.
The North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources has
developed extensive standards for regulating pollution ofthese different waterclasses. These
water quality standards deal with maximum allowable concentrations of heavy minerals,"
bacteria and synthetic organic compounds. The regulations do allow some degradation of
the groundwater resources; however, degradation is not allowed beyond either established
compliance boundaries orproperty boundaries. It is the intent of the regulations to preserve
the quality of the groundwaters and allow no degradation of any class below the standards
established for that class.
4

B. Surface Water
1. The Cape Fear River
a. Quantity of Water Use by the City of Wilmington
City of Wilmington residents and certain residents in the unincorporated County are
presently served by a municipally owned and operated water system utilizing raw water from
the Cape Fear River pumped from King's Bluff, approximately 23 miles northwest of the
City. The design capacity of the City's pumping system and filtration plant is 15 million
gallons per day (gpd). This system presently is operating at approximately 75-85% design
capacity, satisfying average daily demands ranging generally from 9.0 million to 13 million
.tom•
It is anticipated that the system will be expanded, providing an additional 10 million
gpd within the next three years, as a result of a March 1991, City Bond Referendum. The
need for expansion results from increased demands on the current system due to recent
annexations, extension of water lines beyond the City, and projected commercial and
industrial growth. The additional water will be pumped from the Lower Cape FearRiver by
the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority.
The entire Cape Fear River basin covers an area of 9,140 square miles and is the largest
river basin in the State. The lower Cape Fear basin covers an area of about 5,995 square miles
and includes all or portions of 13 counties.
b. River Quality
Several water quality studies have been done on the lower Cape Fear River.
In a 1982 study, "North Carolina Water Quality Inventory" by the N.C. Division of
Environmental Management (DEM), the lower Cape Fear River basin was found to have a
generally low waterquality as compared to otherriver basins in the state. Table 1 gives Water
Quality Index (WQI) scores for three sites on the river near the County. The WQI is a rating
based on the parameters of temperature, dissolved oxygen, ph (acidity), fecal coliforms,
nutrients, organic toxicity, and inorganic toxicity. The WQI has a range of 0 to 100, with any
score greater than 20 indicating a violation of standards for the parameters. A score of 1 to
20 is considered "good".
Although it is difficult to generalize from these ratings due to variable sampling
conditions, the study did indicate that water quality on the Northeast Cape Fear and the Cape
Fear Rivers could not be considered completely "good". DEM cited a lack of adequate
dissolved oxygen in the waterand the presence of inorganic toxics as being problem elements
at these stations. Inorganic toxics included zinc, lead, copper, mercury, cadmium, chromium
and arsenic.
Table I located
page 6.
0
In 1984, a study was done by the School of Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill entitled
5

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TABLE 1
Water Quality Index (WQI)*
Scores for Stations in or near New Hanover County
Average
Average Worst
Station
Year
Annual WQI
Three Months
Cape Fear River
1980
26
37
near Kelly, NC
1981
26
27
Cape Fear River
1980
NA
NA
several miles south of Wilmington
1981
35
63
Cape Fear River
1980
48
57
at Snow's Cut
1981
30
37
The WQI is a rating based on a range of physical parameters. Any score
between 1 and 20 is considered good and any score greater than 20 indicates
a violation.
go

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"A Survey of Potential Population Exposures to Chemical Contaminants Present in
Unprotected Surface WaterSupplies in North Carolina". The study indicated that the Cape
Fear River basin was second highest out of 17 North Carolina river basins studied in terms
of the number of point source pollutant discharges, e.g. industrial or domestic waste
treatment discharges.
In terms of the number of point source discharges upstream, the City of Wilmington
was sixth highest out of 156 communities that use surface water supplies, with a total of 296
upstream discharges. For the purpose of comparison, Charlotte had 122 upstream dis-
charges, Greensboro had eight, and Raleigh had 37.
In addition to examining point source discharges, this UNC-Chapel Hill study
estimated that the Cape Fear River basin was second highest out of the 17 river basins studied
in terms of the estimated annual use of agricultural pesticides in its basin. This amount
equaled approximately 4,814,000 pounds per year or nearly 18% of the total used in the State
at the time of the study.
It is important to note that this study does not attempt to go beyond estimating the
number of point source discharges and the amount of agricultural pesticides used within the
river basin. No effort was made to measure their impact on the water supply systems. These
impacts area function of distance between the discharge point and the receiving water supply,
the type of discharge and flow conditions. Forinstance, approximately 45% of the pesticides
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used are herbicides, which tend to break down fairly rapidly.
In North Carolina, all named streams have been classified as to their "best usage". In
a recent study, "Water Quality Progress in North Carolina" (1988) by the Division of
Environmental Management, it is shown that for streams and rivers in the state, 60.6`Io
support their uses, 24.8% partially support and 4.7% do not support their uses (9.9% were
not evaluated). This "use support" classification is based upon water chemistry data and
involves computing percentages of the values in violation of applicable North Carolina
standards. For example, `fully supporting" is defined as standards exceedances less than or
equal to 10% of the total observations with the meanof measurements less than the standard.
By comparison, species richness values are calculated for three groups of pollution
intolerant benthic fauna. These biological classifications generally correspond to the "use
support" rankings; poor = not supporting, fair = partially supporting, good -fair = support
threatened, good -excellent = supporting.
For the total Cape Fear River basin "stream miles" (6,189 miles), this 1988 DEM study
shows that 34.6% fully support, 20.5% fully support -threatened, 28.2% partially support,
and 7.8% do not support their uses (9.0% were not evaluated). The major sources (reasons)
for partially- and nonsupporting streams for the Cape Fear River are municipal waste water
treatment plants (WWTP) (9.1 %), unknown nonpoint sources (42.1 %), agricultural runoff
(34.8%), urban runoff (9.9%) and industrial WWTP's (3.1). The major causes of the
degradation are undifferentiated (18.0%), multiple (18.0%) and sediment (54.1 %). This
Oreport
states that there were 391 active permitted surface water discharges in the basin, an
increase of 25% since 1984.
7

Of the tidal saltwaterestuaries and sounds in the Cape FearRiver basin, this 1988 DEM
study shows that 90.9% fully support and 9.1 % partially support their uses. Most of the
partially supporting areas are in the Lower Cape Fear River, near Southport and Wrightsville
Beach. Major causes of partially supporting streams are largely sediment and fecal
coliforms.
By comparison to otherrivers and streams in the state, the Cape Fear Riverranks neither
in the highest percentages of supporting streams, nor in the lowest. Analyses for this report
were based on benthic macroinvertebrate data, fish collection surveys, and various other
biological, chemical, and physical data about the stream.
Citizens of New Hanover County and Wilmington are concerned about the possible
water quality impacts as more development occurs upstream. Stricter regulations may be
forthcoming. In keeping with the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear River's status as
Primary Nursery Areas, the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources has
proposed to reclassify these waters from "CSw" to "HQW" (note that these classes are
defined below in the section titled "Surface Water Quality Classes" of this report). Should
this reclassification be enacted, new and expanded discharges will be required to undergo
advanced waste water treatment to achieve effluent limits of 5 mg/1 BOD (biochemical
oxygen demand) and 2 mg/1 NH3-N (ammonia). This reclassification is currently under
review.
A large scale study, involving several local industries, the Committee of 100 (Wilm-
ington Development, Inc.), and in cooperation with DEM, has been initiated to evaluate the
current condition of the lower Cape Fear River. The results of the first phase of this study
are expected to be available in the Spring of 1991.
e. Drinking Water Treatment
The City of Wilmington presently uses a multi -step treatment process for the drinking
water supply. Alum is added to remove mud and other solids. Lime is added to reduce the
acidity. The water is filtered to reduce turbidity. Chlorine is added in two separate steps to
eliminate bacteria. Chlorine dioxide is added to control the formation of harmful disinfection
by-products. For example, trihalomethanes (THM's) such as chloroform are generated when
chlorine is added to water containing organics. These THM's are currently being monitored
and regulated. Fluoride is added for dental care. A phosphate compound is added to reduce
the water's corrosiveness.
The City constantly monitors the water to ensure that applicable maximum limits for
certain pesticides and heavy metals are not exceeded. According to the City, all standards
have always been met. However, new and stricter regulations will require significant
improvements in water treatment facilities and techniques, which may become very
expensive.
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Table 2 located
page 11.
Figure 2 located
page 12.
Figure 3 located
page 13.
2. Environmental Quality Factors
a. Commercial Resources
, Waterquality constraints strongly influence the intensity and location of future growth.
Maintenance of an adequate level of high quality surface water is extremely important to the
County's economy and environment. Finfishing, shellfishing and clean water for recre-
ational activities help support the areas high quality of life that is enjoyed by residents and
tourists.
Table Two contains the preliminary dockside value of finfish and shellfish which were
reported for New Hanover County from 1979-1989. Note that these numbers and values
represent landings, i.e. only the amount which was sold to commercial fish houses; thus.
these amounts are extremely conservative.
Figure 2 shows the location of Primary Nursery Areas (PNA's). These areas have been
designated by the State as being highly conducive for juvenile habitat for marine species.
Destruction of these areas, either physically by dredging and filling orby pollution, damages
the ecosystem, decreases or eliminates certain economically valuable sport and commercial
fishing and reduces the overall attractiveness of the County and it's adjacent waters.
Figure 3 indicates where shellfish beds are closed as a result of pollution. This designation
declares it unlawful to possess, sell or take oysters, clams or mussels in these areas. These
closed beds are generally shown to be near the most developed areas of the waterfront, e.g.
near dense subdivisions, marinas, and waste treatment plant outfalls. Historically, once an
area has been closed, it is likely that the closure will become permanent. Note that the extent
of closure surrounding marinas is dependent on size and other characteristics of the marina.
b. Degradation Sources
There are basically three sources of pollution that influence waterquality: septic system
pollution, urban runoff and waste treatment and disposal systems.
L Septic systems - Septic system failure can result from septic systems that are
inadequately designed, placed in poor soils, or inadequately maintained. The result may be
leaching of untreated or partially treated domestic waste into surface waters. Now that more
stringent regulations and setbacks are in place governing septic tank installation, the more
common causes of septic tank failure are attributed to unsuitable soil conditions and users
exceeding the system design capability.
In a 1982 report, "The Impact of Septic Tanks on Shellfish Waters", DEM demon-
strated that shellfish beds on New Hanover County creeks tend to become closed if septic
system density exceeds one system per seven acres. With the increasing intensity of
development this "seven acre" ideal situation is not feasible. However, with improved
design and installation, negative environmental impacts of these systems can be mitigated.
It should be noted that the construction of the County -wide sewer system will also help to
reduce, if not eliminate, this particular problem.
6

ii. Urban runoff - Urban runoff pollution is a rather broad term used to describe a
number of sources and types .of pollution. Urban runoff includes the washing off of
petroleum products, animal wastes, and other debris from roads, parking lots and roofs;
runoff of lawn pesticides and fertilizer; and the intrusion of large "slugs" of freshwater and
sediment -laden water from impervious surfaces which upset the estuarine salinity and
turbidity balance. A special case of urban runoff is marina operations which not only involve
runoff pollution and freshwater intrusion from impervious surfaces, but also petroleum
product leakage and wastewater flushing from boats.
Urban runoff has been drawing considerable attention from regulatory agencies in
recent years as development pressure on lands adjacent to state coastal waters continues and
recreational -type uses increase. These problems are collectively referred to as stormwater
management issues.
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission, which is responsible for the
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permitting of coastal and estuarine development,
has adopted, along with the Division of Environmental Management, water quality policies
to handle stormwater management issues. These policies include limits and guidelines on
such topics as percentage of impervious surfaces, setback distances, configuration of
drainage ditches and the type of drainage systems permitted.
According to the State's stormwater regulations, any development which requires a
Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan, as required by the county in situations where
greater than one acre is developed, must also satisfy the state's stormwater guidelines. Those
developments greater than five acres must obtain a state permit to discharge stormwaters into
surface waters.
In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began requiring that
municipalities and most industries apply fora permit for point source storm water discharges
to state waters or to separate storm water systems. The intent of the new legislation is to
monitor and more closely control pollution impacts associated with storm water discharges.
Cities, towns and counties that operate facilities with certain industrial activities must
apply for the permits. In New Hanover County, this includes vehicle maintenance facilities,
landfills, wastewater treatment plants, airports, "waste to energy" facilities and certain
wastewater sludge disposal facilities.
New Hanover County adopted a Conservation Overlay District (COD) in 1984 as part
of the Zoning Ordinance. This plan is further described below in the section titled, "Fragile
Areas". The COD regulations can significantly reduce urban runoff pollution by utilizing
stormwater retention, buffer strips, setbacks and the preservation of wetlands in their natural
state.
iii. Waste treatment and disposal systems - Figures 4 and 5 show the approximate
location of waste treatment and disposal systems in the County. A minimum discharge rate
of 2,000 gallons per day was used as the cutoff value.
Figure 4 located
page 14,
Figure 5 located
page 15.
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TABLE 2
New Hanover County
Finfish and Shellfish Landings`
Finfish
Pounds Value
Shellfish
Pounds Value
County Total
Pounds Value
1989
1,419,865
$1,404,161
610,226
$1,512,483
2,030,091
$2,916,644
1988
908,522
906,630
364,833
1,056,548
1,273,355
1,963,178
1987
876,159
840,538
398,586
1,987,396
1,474,745
2,827,934
1986
1,089,543
1,006,738
467,306
1,050,759
1,556,849
2,056,497
1985
798,978
694,858
240,259
479,015
1,039,237
1,173,873
1984
1,021,759
847,161
579,404
1,021,849
1,601,163
1,869,010
1983
928,812
647,375
623,020
963,578
1,551,832
1,610,953
1982
1,412,155
1,500,453
607,500
1,034,845
3,000,800
2,535,298
1981
1,728,819
1,242,152
673,353
902,248
2,402,172
2,144,400
1980
2,086,460
1,127,507
1,054,335
1,643,000
3,140,795
2,770,507
1979
2,393,300
1,500,453
607,500
1,034,845
3,000,800
2,535,298
* These data are preliminary dockside values obtained from the N.C. Division of
Marine Fisheries. Amounts are extremely conservative, including only the amounts
that are sold to commercial fish houses.
* These values are annual totals and have not been adjusted to reflect current dollar
value.
11

NEW HANOVER COUNTY
101
w
TO CLvMN
_11
TO WHIMILLE --%
Wilmington
OApproximate Scale
1' - 3 Miles
CAROLINA BEACH
Mur
CAROLINA BEACH
�\ TO JACKSONVILLE
WRICHTSVILLE BEACH
MASONHORO INLET
12

70 BURGAw
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
O73 CLUMN
_IN
Wilmington
C
I� Q
!o Q
WOUNA BEACH
BILU
Jos'`•.
CAROLtHA !EACH
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KURE BEACH
.---
�:;:;.
OApproximate
Scale
Q�}
1' . 3 NMIeS
0
NM INUT
13
,\ TO JACSSONV[LLE
CLOSED
SHELLFISH BEDS
January 1991
Prohibited Areas
• Marina
NOTE. Areas subject to enlargement or re-
duction as conditions change. Extent of closure
surrounding marinas is dependent on size and
other characteristics of each marina.

TO Et1RCAW
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
TO CLIMON
\\ _ -IN
To VanTEVILLE --%
Wilmington
Approximate Scale
1' - 3 Mies
v, ° r -
�o Q
° I CAROUNA BEACH
INLET
wrvcvr
CAROLINA BEACH
�I
A
: I KIIRE BEACH
NEW /AZFT
�\ TO ,MCKSONVILLE
PERMITTED POINT
SOURCE DISCHARGE
(NPDES) SITES
January 1991
Industrial/Commercial
Discharge (NPDES) Site
• Residential Discharge
(NPDES) Site
14

TO BtRGAW
n V HANOVER COUNTY
C
TO CLVMN
TO wiffrEVII1.E
Wilmington
N
Approximate Scale
t • - 3 N6les
M@2vr es
7
� B r-
!0 V
Ip Q
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INLET
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TO JACMKV=
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MASON INLET
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MASONBORO INLET
PERMITTED
NONDISCHARGE
SITES
January 1991
IndustriaVCommercial
Nondischarge Site
ie Residential Nondischarge Site
15

U
Figure 6 located
page 18.
01
There are two types of treatment and disposal systems: (1) "discharge systems" -those
that discharge treated effluent into surface waters (which are regulated by DEM and require
a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit) and are considered to
be point source discharge sites: and, (2) "non -discharge systems" -those that disperse treated
wastes onto the ground through spray irrigation orinto the ground using a subsurface disposal
system (private systems are regulated by the CountyHealth Department and public systems
are regulated by DEM and require an NPDES permit).
Approximately two-thirds of these systems are from local industries, including several
from licensed public utilities and privately operated waste treatment facilities. Approxi-
mately one third handle domestic wastes from subdivisions.
3. Surface Water Quality Classes
The State has classified the water quality of different surface waters in the County as
shown in Figure 6. These classes are based upon the "best usage" for each water body, as
determined through studies, evaluations and the holding of public hearings to consider the
proposed classification schemes. Each class is subject to protection toward maintaining
"best usage" and regulation of discharges into the waters. Note in Figure 6 that some of these
waters have multiple supplemental classifications. More details on each class can be found
in "Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Waters of the Cape Fear
River Basin" (1990) by the Division of Environmental Management. The areas shown are
subject to change.
a. Fresh Waters: Class WSIII waters can be found at only one location in
the County, Toomer's Creek just north of the City. This means that the
waters of Toomer's Creek could serve as an alternative source of drinking
water for the City, assuming adequate treatment was provided. T000mer's
Creek is sometimes used to supplement the Cape Fear River as a source of
drinking water in emergency situations.
Class B waters are used for primary recreation and other usage as specified
by the C classification.
Class C waters are those areas best used for aquatic life propagation and
survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and agriculture.
b. Tidal Salt Waters: Class SA waters are best used for commercial
shellfishing and other uses specified by SB and SC. Many of the County's
SA waters are also classed as Outstanding Resource Waters, described
below.
Class SB waters are bestused forprimary recreation and otheruses specified
by the SC class.
Class SC waters are best used for aquatic life propagation and survival,
IR

fishing, wildlife and secondary recreation. Note that shellfishing is not
allowed in Class SC waters.
c. Supplemental Classes: Swamp waters (Sw's) are waters which have
low velocities and other natural characteristics which are different from
adjacent streams.
High Quality Waters (HQW's) are waters which arerated as excellent based on
biological and physical or chemical characteristics through Division of Environmental
Management monitoring or special studies. This class includes some Primary Nursery Areas
(PNA's), critical habitat areas and special water supply watersheds. These areas, shown in
Figure 6, are protected from significant water quality degradation in order to maintain
existing uses of those waters. Activities such as development and new or expanded
wastewater discharges into High Quality Waters are controlled by Federal Anti -degradation
regulations.
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW's) are unique and special waters of exceptional
state or national, recreational or ecological significance which require special protection to
maintain existing areas. This designation, which applies to many SA waters in the County,
requires that new development within 575 feet of the waters meet coastal stormwater
management regulations as specified by DEM. For example, the built upon area for
development within this 575 foot area is limited to 25 % of the parcel. The ORW designation
also prohibits new or expanded discharges and new or expanded marinas. Also, additional
stormwater control and land development restrictions may apply to areas with this classifi-
cation.
II. FRAGILE AREAS
Fragile areas in the County cover a wide range of environmental resources, some of
which have been briefly mentioned in previous sections of this report. There are County,
State and Federal levels of classification and regulation schemes which apply to the fragile
and hazard areas described below. Note that there is considerable overlap of the resource
areas regulated by each level of government and some areas may fall under the auspices of
all three.
For example; a parcel of marsh may lie in an area described and mapped as part of the
County's "Conservation Overlay District" and thus, be protected from certain levels of
development. It may also be positioned along the estuarine system, thus designating it as part
of the State's Coastal Wetlands Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)s and eligible for
protection under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) regulations. And finally, the
parcel may be defined as a "404" Wetland and be protected by Section 404 of the Federal
Clean Water Act from being dredged or filled.
Local regulations may be more stringent than federal regulations, but in all cases, the
strictest regulations imposed on an area will apply.
17

TO BURGAW
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
s
TO CLWMN
_.\
TO WHfrEvnix
Wilmina
N
Approximate Scale
1" s 3 Miles
CAROUNA LEACH
XUAE LEACH
,\ TO JACSSOPMLLE
SURFACE WATER
QUALITY CLASSES
January 1991
® SA SC
SA/ORW BSw
SB CSw
SB# WSIII
� SCSw ® SC/HOW#
® SC#
These Water Classes are subject to protection
toward maintaining "Best Usage". Formore com-
plete definitions, see "Classifications and water
quality standards assigned to the waters of the
Cape Fear River Basin", Division of Environmen-
tal Management, November,1990.
18

A. County Classification
The County Zoning Ordinance established a Conservation Overlay District (COD) to
help protect fragile areas through required preservation of 50% to 100% of the conservation
resource, buffer strips and drainage controls. Setback distances range from 25 to 100 feet,
depending on the COD classification. The fragile areas have been mapped on aerial photos
and transparencies at a scale of 1" = 400'. The COD includes the following fragile areas,
referred to as Conservation Resources in the Zoning Ordinance. These resources are more
fully described in the County Planning Report, "Conservation Resources in New Hanover
County", prepared in 1984 by wetlands consultant, David Dumond.
1. Swamp Forests
Swamp forest communities occur along all major and many minor freshwater streams
and rivers of the County. Swamp forests are also associated with pocosins located at heads
of streams. Much of the swamp forest is subject to tidal influence. The major tracts of swamp
forest are along the Northeast Cape Fear River and its tributaries.
Swamp forests generally have a highly organic soil. Characteristic tree species include
cypress, red maple, black gum, sweet gum, and swamp chestnut oak.
Q2.
Pocosins
Pocosins, meaning "pond on a hill", make up the greatest acreage of any natural
vegetation in the County. Pocosins include Carolina Bays, transition areas between swamp
forests and upland areas, and any other broad, level terrain where wateris perched. Although
the soil type may vary considerably, the County has expressed concern for those pocosins
overlying highly organic soils.
Pocosin vegetation usually consists of a scattered or diffuse canopy of pond or longleaf
pine and a varied inventory of largely evergreen shrubs and briars, including fetter bush,
several species of hollies and bays, and others. Venus fly traps and pitcherplants can be found
in pocosins. -
3. Savannahs
Savannahs, relatively rare in the County, are characterized by longleaf pine and wire
grass. Periodic fires are instrumental in preventing this vegetation type from becoming
pocosin. Venus fly traps, pitcher plants, orchids, and other relatively rare herbaceous plants
are associated with savannahs.
4. Ponds
Natural ponds are found throughout the County, usually where underlying marl has
dissolved and the surface has slumped into the water table. Often less than an acre in size,
they contain rare and diverse combinations of plants. Some County ponds contain loose
19

water milfoil and dwarf bladderwort, both listed as threatened species in North Carolina.
These natural ponds are exceedingly fragile and vulnerable to impacts from recreational
vehicle use and indiscriminate drainage.
5. Fresh Marsh
Fresh water marsh occurs along the Northeast Cape Fear River and its tributaries and
is associated with natural ponds. This type of marsh is characterized by pickerelweed,
cattails, water willow, and other relatively salt intolerant species.
6. Brackish Marsh
Brackish marshes intergrade between freshwater and saltwater marshes. They include
most of the Cape Fear River marshes from Ness Creek south to Snow's Cut and are dominant
at the headwaters of generally saline creeks such as Hewlett's and Whiskey Creeks. The
characteristic species, in rough order of decreasing salinity preference, areblack needle rush,
sawgrass, giant cordgrass, cattails, tearthumbs, and others. Brackish marsh also encom-
passes the old rice fields north of Wilmington that were cultivated in the 1700s and 1800s.
7. Barrier Island -Beach Complex
The barrier island -beach complex represents the linear shoreline islands fronting the
Atlantic Ocean. They are composed of unconsolidated sand and, therefore, are unstable and
vulnerable to hurricanes and natural erosion processes. Vegetation is generally sparse,
consisting of such grass species as sea oats, beach grass, and coarse panic grass on the
seaward dunes. Scattered woody vegetation, including yaupon holly, wax myrtle, and red
cedar, may be found in more sheltered areas further back from the ocean.
Barrier island -beach complexes include Zeke's Island and Masonboro Island, which
are part of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve Program, the beach area
south of Kure Beach, and Figure Eight Island. Zeke's Island is technically part of B nmswick
County but is more accessible from New Hanover County. Masonboro Island is being
purchased by the State of North Carolina and should remain under public control.
8. Maritime Shrub Thickets
These thickets of shrubby vegetation are characterized by an alternately wet and dry
environment, subject both to stone and spring high tides and to salt spray. The typical species
is wax myrtle, with some silverling, lobolly pine, yaupon holly and live oak. These thickets
also contain the northernmost extensions of the natural range of cabbage palm.
9. Salt Marsh
Salt marsh occurs in the regularly saltwater flooded muck soils of estuarine streams and
behind barrier islands. These well documented productive systems are characterized by
smooth cordgrass, salt meadow cordgrass, salt grass and other saline tolerant species.
N
n
101
20

O10.
Primary Nursery Areas (PNA's)
Primary Nursery Areas, discussed in an earlier section of this report and shown in
Figure 2, overlay much of the salt, brackish, and fresh marsh in the County. The location
of Primary Nursery Areas is determined by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission.
11. Animal and Plant Natural Areas of Special Significance
This class of fragile area includes important breeding animal locations (four sites),
important animal and plant species locations (14 sites), potential natural areas (14 sites), and
important community complexes (12 sites).
12. Significant Historical, Archaeological, and Architectural Sites
The County has hundreds of historical and archaeological sites where either Native
Americans or early settlers left evidence of their existence. Based on information provided
by the North Carolina Department of Archives and History, 25 have been designated as
significant. These sites tend to be located along the streams and rivers of the County. Such
areas of special significance can be nominated as "Areas of Environmental Concern"
(AEC's) as described by the Coastal Area Management Act (LAMA). If the site is designated
as an AEC, the Coastal Resources Commission will either adopt a management plan or use
Ostandards
that apply to the site in order to preserve and protect the resource.
The architectural resources of unincorporated New Hanover County plus Wrightsville,
Carolina and Kure Beaches have been inventoried. Of those 197 structures which were
examined,143 have been judged to be historically and/or architecturally significant. These
have been described and photographed in the publication "Historic Architecture of New
Hanover County, North Carolina" (1986), which is available forpurchase from the County
Planning Department. Two structures, Mt. Lebanon Chapel and the Bradley -Latimer
Summer Home, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Masonboro Sound
Historic District is still under consideration for National Register listing.
B. State Classification
Due to the sensitive nature of the coastal region, the 1974 Coastal Area Management
Act (CAMA) directed the Coastal Resources Commission to involve local governments in
preparing planning guidelines for each coastal county. The local governments are required
to identify and designate "Areas of Environmental Concern" (AFC's) in order to control
development which might cause irreversible damage to property, public health and the
natural environment. CAMA authorization is required to develop or build within these areas
and specific guidelines apply to each category. There are four categories of AEC, as
described below. These are the Estuarine System, Ocean Hazard System, Public Water
Supplies, and Natural and Cultural Resource Areas. These areas are described in greater
O
detail in "A Guide to Protecting Coastal Resources through the CAMA Permit Program"
(1988) by Division
the of Coastal Management.
21

1. The Estuarine System
The Estuarine System is a complex, highly productive biotic system that contributes
enormous social, economic, and biological values to North Carolina. Any project in the
Coastal Wetland, Estuarine Waters or Public Trust Areas that requires a CAMA pen -nit must
meet certain standards, as officially stated in Title 15, Subchapter 7H, Section .0208 of the .
N.C. Administrative Code.
a. Coastal Wetlands - These wetlands include any marsh subject to regular or
occasional tidal flooding. They have tremendous value in contributing vegetative material
to the foodchain, filtering pollutants, trapping sediment, providing nursery areas to some
marine life and serve to reduce flooding and shoreline erosion.
b. Estuarine Waters - These are the sounds and creeks that serve as the bonding
element of the entire estuarine system, supporting finfish and shellfish populations. These
waters transport nutrients and plankton, control salinity and cleanse the Estuarine System of
pollutants. The Estuarine Waters also support boating, swimming, hunting, fishing and other
human activities.
c. Public Trust Areas - These include waters of the Atlantic Ocean under State
Jurisdiction and the lands under the ocean and estuarine waters. These areas hold valuable
resources and are rightly open to the public for recreation, navigation, and other activities.
d. Estuarine Shorelines - Estuarine shorelines include the area 75 feet landward of
estuarine waters. This area is important because of its vulnerability to flooding and erosion,
and the impact of shoreline development activities on the estuarine system. Development
within this 75 foot area is restricted such that impervious surfaces are limited to less than 30
percent of the lot area. In areas that lie adjacent to ORW's, development activities are
restricted within 575 feet of the water.
2. Ocean Hazard System
These areas are described in detail in the section below titled HAZARD AREAS.
3. Public Water Supplies
Small surface water supply watersheds are specifically designated for possible use as
public watersupplies. Toomer's Creek, as previously discussed, has been classified as WSIII
by the Division of Environmental Management for this purpose.
4. Natural and Cultural Resource Areas
The Natural and Cultural Resource Areas include complex natural areas, areas that
sustain remnant species, unique geologic formations, and significant historic architectural
structures. These AEC's are important to the entire state because of their role in maintaining
the coastal ecosystem, value for scientific research and education, historic significance and/
or aesthetic value.
n
K
N
22

0
C. Federal Classification
According to the "Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional
Wetlands" (1988), an interagency cooperative publication, wetlands can be characterized by
three parameters. These are hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology.
This 1988 Manual is presently undergoing review at this time. To date, wetland areas that
meet these criteria are protected by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This Act regulates
the filling or dredging of U.S. waters such as open water areas, mud flats, vegetated shallows
and other aquatic habitats.
In New Hanover County, environments protected by Section 404 would include salt,
brackish and fresh tidal marshes, pocosins, ponds and swamp forests. These areas can
sometimes be developed within certain federal restrictions, or as allowed by County or State
regulations.
In addition to the three classification schemes described above (e.g. County, State and
Federal), the Soil Conservation Service delineates wetlands on agricultural landin assessing
fanner eligibility for agricultural benefit programs, in accordance with the "Swampbuster"
provision of the 1985 Food Security Act.
III. HAZARD AREAS
OHazard
areas are defined as those locations in the County where development should
be controlled due to the existence of natural or man-made dangers to human safety. Hazard
areas in the County include the Ocean Hazard System, consisting of Ocean Erodible, High
Hazard Flood (including estuarine "V" zones) and Inlet Hazard Areas of Environmental
Concern (AFC's), Floodplains, New Hanover County Airport, Industrial Hazards and areas
directly impacted by Sea Level Rise.
A. Ocean Hazard System
The ocean hazard system includes those lands along the oceanfront and inlets that are
vulnerable to storms, flooding and erosion. These hazard areas are defined and regulated by
the State through the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). CAMA permit standards for
development within or adjacent to these areas are designed to minimize loss of life and
property due to storms and reduce damage to the natural environment.
1. Ocean Erodible Areas
This includes the area between mean ocean low water and a distance landward from the
first line of vegetation equal to 60 times the natural erosion rate, plus the distance equal to
the erosion caused by a 100 year storm. This width varies for different sections of the
O
oceanfront, ranging between about 145 feet to over 700 feet. Within this area, development
is regulated.
23

2. High Hazard Flood Areas
These areas include lands subject to flooding, wave action, and high velocity water
currents caused by a major storm. Any "V-zone" (defined in the section below titled
"Floodplains") located within an oceanfront community, as well as any estuarine V zone"
is included in this area. This includes "V zones" on flood insurance maps, prepared for
oceanfront communities by the Federal Insurance Administration.
3. Inlet Hazard Areas
These areas are delineated on an individual basis depending on an analysis of the
stability and migration rate for the inlets. The individual inlet hazard areas range in width
from about 250 feet for more stable inlets to about 4,000 feet for the most dynamic inlets.
B. Floodplains
New Hanover County's flooding problems are almost completely due to hurricane
induced storm surges. In 1978, the County adopted a Floodplain Ordinance regulating
development, construction and use within all areas of special flood hazard. The Ordinance
has been amended several times since its adoption.
The County's floodplain maps have also been revised, with the major change being the
reclassification of areas along the sounds from V to A zones. Floodplains in the County can
be generally grouped into the following classes:
V Zone - The V zone is the most hazardous zone. It is defined as those areas which
would be flooded by a 100 year storm and which would be subject to the battering and erosive
actions of waves.
A Zone - The A zone encompasses those areas which would be flooded by a 100 year
storm but not be subject to wave action.
B Zone - The B zone encompasses those areas between the limits of the 100-year flood
and 500-year flood.
In 1990, the County established a Floodplain Management Plan to further establish
alternative measures to prevent flooding damages. The County's participation in the
Community Rating System, as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
has resulted in a number of regulatory, public outreach and other measures.
C. New Hanover County International Airport
It should be noted that in September, 1990, New Hanover County completed a new
passenger terminal building to accommodate current and projected increases in airport
traffic.
AN
N
24

U
Figure 7 located
page 27.
The County's airport poses a possible threat to development through the potential for
airplane crashes mainly within designated flight zones. Development, in turn, poses a threat
to air traffic both by the intrusion of towers or other tall structures into the flight zones; by
the need to minimize excessive airplane engine noise during landing and taking off over
developed areas, which may impact the safe operation of airplanes; and by the use of lighting
or signals that could interfere with airplane navigation.
The County, therefore, has created Airport Residential and Industrial Districts. Both
districts restrict the density and height of development and restrict the use of pulsating lights
or similar devices interfering with navigation. The erection of tall structures must also
comply with Federal Aviation Agency regulations. The City has an Airport Industrial
District within its Zoning Ordinance. The County has also adopted a separate Airport Height
Ordinance.
A small private airfield associated with a residential subdivision has been constructed
in the southern part of the County between U.S. Highway 421 and River Road. The County
has not adopted regulations specifically controlling airparks oruses surrounding this orothcr
potential commercial or private airstrips.
D. Industrial Hazards
Industrial hazard areas generally result from the presence of volatile, reactive or toxic
chemicals (i.e. hazardous materials) in quantities sufficient to pose fire or health hazards
to residences in the event of a fire, spill or release. These hazard areas tend to be concentrated
along the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers, as indicated by the existing land use
study. Most major industries have developed plans and procedures in case of emergency.
The transportation of volatile or toxic chemicals can also pose hazards to residences.
Major highways and rail lines serve as the primary conduits for these hazards. These
highways include U.S. 74-76, U.S. 421 north of Wilmington, I-40, U.S. 17 and 117, and NC
133. The rail line looping through the City of Wilmington also poses a potential risk. In
addition, the state port along the Cape Fear River frequently handles and temporarily stores
materials which could pose a health hazard to County residents in the event of an accident.
The New Hanover County Department of Emergency Management is the lead agency
for the County in support of hazardous materials inventory and Emergency Response
Planning in conjunction with the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA )
Title II of 1984. At present, the Department has recorded approximately 23 billion pounds
of chemicals at 161 business and industrial sites. Figure 7 shows the location of the larger
industrial sites where some type or amount of hazardous material is located. The Hazardous
Material Emergency Response Plan, which is regularly updated, serves as a reference for
activating response teams and procedures in case of a disaster. The Department of
Emergency Management also coordinates the activity of the New Hanover County Hazard-
ous Materials and Emergency Planning Committee, as required by the SARA legislation.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established a system of
identification of the fire hazards of materials which may present a danger to life and health
25

of individuals exposed to or handling the material under conditions of fire, spill or similar
emergency. The system applies to industrial sites, businesses or institutions that manufac-
ture, process, use, or store bulk amounts of hazardous materials.
The NFPA system identifies the hazards of materials on colorful, diamond -shaped
signs which are posted on the exterior of buildings and within view of approaching
emergency personnel. The hazards are displayed in terms of 4 categories: health -located on
the left, with a blue background; flammability -located at the top and center, on a red
background; reactivity -located on the right, on a yellow background; and, special hazard -
located on the bottom and center, on a white background. The NFPA system also indicates
the degree of severity by a numerical rating that ranges from four (4) indicating severe
hazard, to zero (0) indicating no hazard.
Presently, nearly any industrially -zoned area in the County could pose a potential
threat depending on the use and association of materials on site. The County, however,
attempts to buffer these areas from high density residential areas through transitional zoning
of commercial, light industrial and low density residential uses. Wilmington attempts to
provide transitional zoning designations of light industrial or commercial zoned areas. It is
important to note that there are also a number of industrial sites across the Cape Fear River
and in adjoining counties which utilize hazardous materials and could, in an emergency,
pose a potential threat to residents of New Hanover County. t
E. Sea Level Rise
A wide range of potential sea level rise projections have been developed by many
respected authorities. Using the scenario outlined by Hoffman et al (1983), sea level rise may
range from 11 to 50 inches by the year 2050, and 30 to 144 inches by the year 2100. Hoffman
et al suggest that the rise will mostly be in the mid range of these estimates.
Potential impacts from sea level rise are numerous and diverse. They include
inundation of developable land, increased flooding impacts, increased shoreline erosion,
loss of wetlands, and saltwater intrusion into fresh groundwater. The impacts would be
significant in the County because much of the County's barrier island and estuarine
shorelines are less than 15 feet above sea level.
The range of measures that a local government can take to mitigate sea level rise
impacts can be broadly classified as whether the measure attempts to halt the approach of
the sea, i.e. "no retreat", or allows the sea to rise and avoid the impacts, i.e. "retreat". "No
retreat" measures include construction of levees, sea walls and revetments to protect the
shoreline, development of groin and breakwaters to reduce wave energy and trap sand, and
other shoreline stabilization measures. "Retreat" measures include such regulations as
increased set back distances and building elevations for new construction, policies for
purchase of low lands, restriction on reconstruction of damaged structures after severe
hurricane damage, and other planning-orientcd measures.
K
W

NEW HANOVER COUNTY
TO CIMM\N111
_ A
TO WFOTEVn1X
Wilmington
K
OApproximate Scale
1' - 3 MIM
MAM
IN
V
Q
CAROLINA BEACH
INLET
CAROUNA BEACH
�\ TO ]ACKSONVni,E
WRIGMVUAZ BEACH
MASONBORO INLET
INDUSTRIAL SITES
January 1991
Industrial Site containing
some type or amount of
hazardous material
27

0 IV. SOILS
The suitability of soils for septic systems historically has been a major factor in
determining the density of development in New Hanover County. The construction of a
county -wide sewer system will eliminate soil suitability for septic systems as a major
constraint to development. Although certain highly organic soils may pose construction
difficulties, these can generally be overcome through certain engineering and land modifi-
cation practices. Detailed information on County soils may be obtained from a previous
Technical Report, prepared as part of the 1981 Land Use Plan Update, called "Classification
of Soils in New Hanover County for Septic Tank Suitability". This report, along with
1 "=400' transparency maps, classifies all soil types with regard to septic system suitability
as being either suitable, suitable with moderate limitations, severely limited, or unsuitable.
Generally, the more unsuitable soils tend to be found in the flat, wet parts of the County along
drainage ways. Additional information on soil types can also be found in the U.S. Soil
Conservation Service report,"SoilSurveyofNewHanover County, North Carolina",which
discusses soil productivity, permeability, and other factors.
V. AIR QUALITY
The Division of Environmental Management's Air Quality Section monitors compli-
ance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards(NAAQS) in New Hanover County. New
O Hanover is part of a seven county region which includes Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus,
Duplin, Onslow and Pender Counties. NAAQS have been established for six pollutants:
total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and particulate matter less than 10 micrometers
(PM-10), carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead. TSP, PM-10,
and ozone are routinely monitored at three ambient air monitoring stations in the County.
By comparison with other metropolitan areas in the state, New Hanover's air quality is
considered excellent as none of the counties within the region have exceeded any ambient
air quality standards.
In compliance with North Carolina and Federal Law, industrial facilities in the County
are required to obtain an Air Quality permit which regulates the type and amount of air
pollutant allowed to be discharged to the ambient air. Permits have been issued to 70
industrial facilities in the County. These permits are renewed on a 5 year basis. In addition.
major new facilities and major modifications at existing facilities are subject to Federal
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) rules which prohibit degradation of air
quality beyond significant levels established by the Clean Air Act of 1977. Only one facility
in the County has been permitted under PSD rules.
According to the Environmental Protection Agencies' (EPA) "National Air Quality
and Emissions Trends Report, 1987", national figures (1978-1987) show that industrial
processes and fuel combustion account for the majority of particulate and sulfur dioxide
emissions; and transportation and fuel combustion account for most carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxide and lead emissions. Volatile organic compounds primarily come from
O I transportation and industrial processes. This 1989 EPA report shows that nationally, total
emission amounts for these substances have decreased fairly consistently from 1978 levels.
28

However, despite efforts to regulate and decrease.toxic chemical emissions from
industries, this study shows that the largest source of air pollution still remains vehicle use,
i.e. the automobile.
In 1989, the North Carolina Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) completed a report
titled "Toxic Air Emissions in North Carolina: An Update for 1989". This study reports
that four of the state's ten largest industrial toxic air emitters are located in the region of
which New Hanover County is a part. Of these, the largest is in Brunswick County, the
second and tenth largest are in New Hanover County, and the sixth largest is in Columbus
County. In this ranking, industries are compared by total pounds of toxic chemicals released
into the air, regardless of the relative toxicities of the chemicals. Thus, a facility that releases
alarge quantity of a relatively low toxic chemical would be ranked higher than a facility that
releases a small amount of a relatively high toxic chemical, even though the latter factility
may be more of a health hazard.
Nonetheless, New Hanover County ranked third in the state for total pounds emitted
by industries, and Columbus and Brunswick Counties ranked fifth and sixth. In the EDF
report, twenty different toxic chemicals* are listed for the seven largest toxic air emitters in
New Hanover County. These same three counties also ranked fourth (Columbus), 16th
(Brunswick), and 17th (New Hanover) in a listing of the counties with the greatest
carcinogenic emissions in 1988 (greater than 100,000 pounds). The data for this EDF study
was obtained from reports filed by the industries, as required by SARA Title III, Section 313
legislation. It should be noted that in terms of air pollution, New Hanover County has a
natural advantage overinland areas. Due to the differential cooling and heating rates of land
and water, sea breezes blow air offshore in the evenings and onshore during the day.
According to the State's Air Quality Section, this sea breeze effect provides ample air
movement to limit accumulation of airborne toxic chemicals in New Hanover County.
* Inorderofdecreasing abundance, these chemicalsare: methanol,p-xylene,tolulene,methylethyl
ketone, ammonia, formaldehyde, acetone, hydrochloric acid, terephthalic acid, dichloromethane,
dimethyl phthalate, chlorine, cobalt, hydrogen fluoride, ethylene glycol, nitric acid, freon 113,
triehloroethane, benzene, and sulfuric acid.
VI. RESOURCE POTENTIAL AREAS
Resource potential areas refer to lands, other than those previously discussed, that are
of value to the County in terns of their natural characteristics. They include prime farmland,
forestland, mineral sites, and publicly owned land to be used for low intensive outdoor
recreation.
A. Prime Farmland
Prime farmland, as specified by the Governor's Executive Order No. 96, includes land
that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics and is available for
producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oil seed crops. These characteristics include the
presence of proper climate, soil, and water table conditions for a specified portion of the
growing season. These conditions are described in greater detail in U.S. Department of
Agriculture Regulations (DR9500-3).
FZ

Figure 8 located
page 32.
U
In New Hanover County, Craven, Norfolk, Onslow, and Wrightsboro soil types can
meet these conditions. Prime farmland is that which consists of at least one of these soil
types, is ten acres or greater in size and is undeveloped. Additional farmland areas sustain
farming ventures but do not fall into these particular soil types and are therefore not
considered prime farmland. Figure 8 shows the location of the larger tracts of the County's
farmland. These areas are mapped based on input from the Soil Conservation Service and
Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, soil maps and 1990 aerial photographs.
Note that most of the prime farmland is located in the Castle Hayne area and the
northwest part of the County. Additional farmland is located as small tracts distributed
across the county. Individually owned agricultural land consisting of at least ten contiguous
acres, in actual production, and having produced an average gross agricultural income of at
least $1,000.00 for the past 3 years may qualify for "present use value" for property tax
purposes. The property must be in production under a sound management program, as
designed by the Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and available to the public.
In the northeast corner of the County, several tracts of Kenansville soil are excellent
for the production of peanuts and sweet potatoes and will probably be used for this purpose
until ongoing development absorbs these lands. New Hanover County has a few areas of
"unique" farmlands devoted to the production of blueberries, a high value crop. The soils
where blueberries are grown support wetlands in theirnatural state. Unless present rules are
modified, no more areas can be cleared for blueberry production because the wetlands are
protected from destruction.
According to the Soil Conservation Service's 1987-88 "Annual Strategy Plan", New
Hanover County had approximately 6,320 acres of cropland. Currently, approximately
5,000 acres of cropland remain in the County. The 1990 "Summary of Income Estimates"
by the Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, reports that approximately $7.6 million
was derived from farming and forestry ventures in the County. Of this $7.6 million, food
crops made up'41 %, ornamental trees and shrubs, greenhouse crops and outdoor flowers
made up 30%, and forestry made up 28% of this total.
Crops grown in the County include com, wheat, soybeans, oats, hay, tobacco, peas,
sweet potatoes, leafy greens, tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, grapes and
pecans.
B. Forestry Resources
According to the U.S. Forest Services' "Forest Statistics for the Southern Coastal
Plain of North Carolina (1990)", 49,329 acres of the County's total 118,106 acres are
considered timberland. In 1973, the Forest Service documented that the County had 60,312
acres of timberland; thus, the County lost 18% of its timberland during those 17 years. The
Forest Service defines timberland as "land at least 16.7 percent stocked by forest trees of
any size, or formerly having had such tree cover, not currently developed for nonforest use.
capable of producing 20 cubic feet of industrial wood per acre per year and not withdrawn
from timber utilization by legislative action."
30

Of the 49,329 timberland acres: 29,075 are owned by individuals; 9,692 by
corporations, 3,509 by forest industry; 3,231 by farmers; and 3,822 total by county/
municipal, state and federal governments. Individually -owned forestland consisting of at
least 20 contiguous acres, in actual production and not part of a farm unit, may qualify for
"present use value" for property -tax purposes. The property must be commercially
growing trees under a sound management program, as designed by the Forest Service. This
service is available to the public and can be obtained by contacting the Division of Forest
Resources.
The most abundant forest types are, in order of descending abundance; oak -gum -
cypress, loblolly-short leaf pine, oak -pine, longleaf -slash pine and oak -hickory. Figure 9
shows the location of the larger tracts of forest land in the County, utilizing a minimum
cutoff of approximately 100 acres. The areas are mapped from 1990 aerial photographs and
have not been field checked. Itis important to note that this map does not necessarily include
all timberland in the County, nor does it infer that these tracts would all necessarily be
defined as timberland by the Forest Service.
C. Mineral Resource Sites
The County's major mineral resource sites are along the Northeast Cape Fear River.
These limestone deposits support several major cement and crushed stone manufacturing
firms. In addition, several small borrow pits are located around the County for mining sand.
D. Public Land
Public low -intensity, recreational -use lands in the County include several large
County and City Parks as indicated in Figure 10. Hugh MacRae Park, including an
adjoining tract of County property across College Road, is probably the most utilized park
facility in the City and County. <
As recommended by the County's "Master Plan for Parks and Recreation" (1988),
the County is currently increasing park acreage through the purchase of additional land.
Funds have been made available by the 1989 Bond Referendum and the money is allocated
for purchase and development of recreation properties. To date, one property has been
acquired foruse as both passive and active recreation. A second property is in the final stages
of being purchased and 3 additional properties have been acquired through donations. In
September 1990, Snow's Cut Park was expanded to include additional parking, picnic
shelters and a gazebo.
State facilities and land also include Carolina Beach State Park, Ft. Fisher, the Marine
Resources Center, and the undeveloped lands surrounding these facilities in Federal Point.
In addition, the existence of a buffer area for the Sunny Point Military Terminal also limits
intense development in the Federal Point area.
Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island, perhaps the two most significant low intensive
use public lands available to the County, are managed as part of the North Carolina National
Estuarine Research Reserve program. Masonboro Island has entered the final stages of
acquisition. Both of these sites have been dedicated as State Nature Preserves through the
State Natural Heritage Program. Both islands provide research and educational opportu-
nities, in addition to low -intensity recreational uses.
Figure 9 located
page 33.
Figure 10 located
page 34.
K
101
101
31

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34

O
REFERENCES
1.
"A Guide to Protecting Coastal Resources Through the CAMA Permit Program,"Division of
Coastal Management,1988.
2.
"A Survey of Potential Population Exposure to Chemical Contaminants," UNC-Chapel Hill
School of Public Health,1984.
3.
"Classification of Soils in New Hanover County for Septic Tank Suitability," New Hanover
County Planning Department,1980.
4.
"Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Waters of the Cape Fear River
Basin," Division of Environmental Management, 1990.
5.
"Conservation Resources in New HanoverCounty,"NewHanoverCountvPlanningDepartment
& David DuMond,1990.
6.
"Drinking Water in New Hanover County," New Hanover County Planning Department,
1989.
7.
"Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands," U.S. Army Corp
of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Soil
Conservation Service.1989.
8.
"Forest Statistics for the Southern Coastal Plain of North Carolina," U.S. Forestry Service,
1990.
QBull.17,1970.
9.
"Geology and Ground Water Resources of New Hanover County, N.C.." Bain, G.L. USGS
10.
"Historic Architecture of New HanoverCounty, North Carolina," CountyPlanningDepartment,
1986.
11.
"Identification of the Fire Hazards of Materials," NFPA-704, National Fire Protection
Association, 1990.
12.
"Master Plan for Parks and Recreation," New Hanover County Planning Department and
Parks and Recreation Department,1988.
13.
"National Air Quality and Emissions Trends Report, 1987," Environmental Protection
Agency,1987.
14.
"New Hanover County Aquifer Management Program," LeGrand, H., and New Hanover
County Planning Department, 1982.
15.
"North Carolina Water Quality Inventory," Division of Environmental Management, 1982.
16.
"Soil Survey of New Hanover County, NC," Soil Conservation Service, 1977.
17.
"Status of Water Resources, CFR Basin Study 1981-1983," N.C. Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development & U.S. Water Resources Council,1983.
18.
"Summary of Income Estimates,"New Hanover CountyAgriculture Extension Service, 1990.
19.
"The Impact of Septic Tanks on Shellfish Waters," Division of Environmental Management,
1982.
O
20.
"Toxic Air Emissions in North Carolina: An update for 1989,"North Carolina Environmental
Defense Fund, 1990.
21.
"Water Quality Model of the Lower Cape Fear River," Federal Paper Board, 1990.
22.
"Water Quality Progress in North Carolina," Division of Environmental Management,1988.
35