CAMA Land Use Plan Update Report No. 8-1986

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CLOSED
SHELLFISH
BEDS-SEPT.-lgw
PROHIBITED AREAS .

Technical Report No. 8
1986 Wilmington -New Hanover County Land Use Plan Update
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
November,. 1985
Prepared by the New Hanover County Planning Department
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a Coastal
Area Management Act 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 Coastal Zone Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration..

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. WATER RESOURCES
A. Groundwater
I. Physical Characteristics
2. Yield and Hydraulic Characteristics
3. Groundwater Quality
4. Groundwater Classes
5. Other Reports
B. Surface Water
I. The Cape Fear River
a. Quantity of Use by the City
b. River Quality
c. Drinking Water Treatment
2. Additional Water Quality Factors
a. Septic Systems
b. Urban Runoff
C.
Point Source Discharge
3. Surface Water Quality Gasses.
i1. FRAGILE AREAS
A. Swamp Forests
B. Pocosins
C. Savannahs
0. Ponds
E. Fresh Marsh
F. Brackish Marsh
G. Barrier island - Beach Complex
H. Maritime Shrub Thicket
i. Salt'Marsh
J. Primary Nursery Areas
K. Animal and Plant Natural Areas of Special
Significance
L. Significant Historical/Archeological Sites
M. North Carolina Areas of Environmental Concern
1. The Estuarine System
a.. Coastal Wetlands
b. Estuarine Waters
c. Public Trust Areas
d. Estuarine Shoreline
2., Small Surface Water Supply Watersheds
I11. HAZARD AREAS
A. Ocean Erodible and Inlet Hazard AECs
B. Floodplains
C. New Hanover County Airport
0. Industrial Hazards
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IV. SOILS 21
V. RESOURCE POTENTIAL AREAS 21
A. Prime Farmland 21
B. Mineral Resource Sites 23
C. Public Lands 23

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• ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS
N NEW HANOVER COUNTY
The purpose of this technical report is to describe and discuss those
environmental resources and constraints in New Hanover County that will be
instrumental in shaping the direction, type, and rate of growth in the County.
This report examines water resources, fragile areas, hazard areas, soils, and
resource production areas.
1. 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 60% of
the population of New Hanover County receives their water supply from
groundwater and 40% those receives theirs from the Cape Fear River.
(AY Groundwater
(1) Physical Characteristics
The County's groundwater system consists primarily of a
surface, unconfined aquifer and two deeper, confined
aquifers. The unconfined aquifer is generally sandy and
ranges in depth from zero to approximately 75 feet. The
confined aquifers, known as the Castle Hayne and Peedee
aquifers, are composed of limestone and sandstone,
respectively.. These confined aquifers slope down from where
they outcrop in the general area around Highway 117 and
Castle Hayne (delineated as area 2 in Figure 1), to a depth
of two hundred feet along the coast. The degree of
connectivity between these aquifers varies considerably.
(2) Yield and Hydraulic Characteristics
Very little information is available on water yield from the
unconfined surface aquifer. As a general rule, the water
yield from a shallow well is enough.to supply a single family
residence on a 1/3 acre lot. Although the storage potential
of the unconfined aquifer is small relative to the confined
aquifers,.it is extremely transmissive and a large well can
produce up to several hundred gallons --per minute (gpm) on a
24 hour sustained yield.
The confined aquifer can produce similar amounts on a 24 hour
basis, with artesian wells occurring occasionally in the
deeper parts of the confined aquifers. It has been roughly
estimated by N. C. Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development staff from the Groundwater Section that
approximately 45,000,000 gallons per day are available on a
continually sustained basis for the entire County. -Sustained
yields in any one area of the County may be between 200,000
to 1,000,000 gallons per day per square mile. If.it is
assumed that the average.per capita use is approximately 135

WWW OR
��•4principal
PrjnUwy recharge, area at ♦
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aquifers Icornbined I`
PeeideeS
Castle
recharge areas
QnSfr=e
Hayne or Peadeewhere
land
i`
occurring now
•i
surface under water —table S
p
conditions

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gallons per day (gpd) the County's groundwater system could
theoretically support a maximum population of approximately
333,000.
(3) Groundwater Quality
Presently, the County's groundwater system is relatively free
of pollution with several exceptions. The aquifer system for
the Flemington area has become polluted,resulting in the
County's provision of a small 280,000 gpd system for that
area. In addition, the groundwater around one manufacturing
firm along the Northeast Cape Fear River has become
contaminated, although the contaminated area has been closely
monitored and is presently contained.
The natural quality of the unconfined surface, aquifer system
Is extremely variable. Generally, it is characterized by the
presence of carbon dioxide and sodium, resulting in an
acidic, soft, and slightly corrosive water quality. Iron
content can range from none to high, with the lower content
existing near streams or areas of discharge. 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 deep aquifers have a primary and a secondary recharge
area as shown on Figure I. The primary recharge area is
where the greatest quantity of recharge takes place. The
secondary recharge area, however, is significantly vulnerable
to pollution because of the presence of nearly exposed strafa
that could serve as a direct and rapid conduit of pollutants
Into the entire aquifer system. It becomes extremely
important, therefore, to closely control and monitor
development activities within the secondary recharge area.
A bond referendum for Countywide water system using the
deep aquifer -system failed in 1979. If such a system was
eventually developed, however, it has been proposed that the
welis.be located in the east central part of the County.
(4) Groundwater Classes -
The State has classified all groundwa ters in the State for
purposes of monitoring and regulation. The different classes
are defined in terms of depth, salinity, and best possible
use. The classes in New Hanover County include the
following:
(a) GA: These waters can be best used for drinking and food
preparation without treatment, except to correct naturally
ocurring conditions. They have a chloride content less than
250 milligrams/ liter (mg/1) and generally occur --at depths
greater than 20 feet below the surface.. It should be noted.
that a study is underway by. the State to determine if the GA
groundwater in the polluted Flemington area should be
downgraded to a GSA -restricted class.

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(b) GSA These waters are similar to GA waters except they have a
chloride concentration greater than 250 mg/I, and cannot be
used for drinking without reduction of salinity.
(c) GB: These waters occur between the surface and 20 feet below
The surface. Although considered to be of drinking -water
quality, the best use of GB waters is that of recharge to the
GA waters. GB waters are very vulnerable to pollution
because of their closeness to the surface and "...should be
considered a cycling zone for removing most or all of the
contaminants from the water..." (N. C. Admin. Code T15:
02L.0201(3)(b)). GB waters, however, are classified as GA
waters in coastal areas wherer no GA waters exist due to
salinity influences. This situation may occur in only very
small areas in the southern part of the County.
(d) GSB: GSB waters are identical to GB waters except GSB waters
possess a.chloride•content greater than 250 mg/i.
The N. C. Department of -Natural Resources and Community
Development (DNR&CD) have developed extensive standards for
regulating pollution of these different water classes. These
standards deal with maximum allowable concentrations of heavy
metals, bacteria, and synthetic organic compounds. These
standards essentially allow for no degradation of GA or GSA
waters and limited degradation of GB and GSB waters provided
no significant threats occur to public health.
Otter Reports
The groundwater system in the County has been described In
further detail in two earlier reports:
-"Geology and Ground Water Resources of New Hanover County,.
NC" Bain, G. L., USGS,. G W Buil. 17, 1970
-"New Hanover County Aquifer Management Program", LeGrand,
H., and New Hanover County Planning Department, 1982.

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(B) Surface iwiaters
(1) The Cape Fear River
(a) Quantity of Use by the City
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 capacity of the City's
pumping system and filtration plant is 15 million gpd. This
system presently is operating at approximately 75% capacity,
satisfying demands ranging generally from 8.5 million to 13
million gpd. It is anticipated that the system shall need to
,be expanded due to recent annexations, extensions of water
linesbeyond the City, and projected commercial and
industrial growth.
The lower Cape Fear River Basin, which serves as the
watershed for Wilmington's drinking water, covers an area
of 6,142 square miles in 19 coastal counties. According
to the 1980 census, the population of this basin was
665,593.
(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
f Management (DEM), the lower Cape Fear'River' Basin was found
to have a generally low water quality compared to other river
basins in the State. Table I gives Water Quality Index (WQI)
scores for four sites near the County. The WQI is a rating
based on the parameters of temperature, dissolved oxygen, ph
(acidity),. fecal coliform, nutrients, organic toxicity, and
Inorganic toxicity. The WQl has a range of 0 to 1.00, with
any score greater than 20 indicating a violation of standards
for the parameters. A score of I to 20 is considered "good".
It is difficult to generalize from these ratings because of
sampling techniques. For instance, if the sample was taken
during high flow conditions,. the pollutants' concentrations
would be reduced and the WQl would be better than normal.
It does appear, however, that.water quality on the Northeast
and Cape Fear Rivers cannot be considered completely "good".
DEM cited a lack of adquate dissolved oxygen in the water and
the presence of inorganic toxics as being problem elements at
these stations. inorganic toxics include zinc, lead, copper,
mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic.
In 1984, a study was done by the School of Public Health at
UNC-CH titled "A Survey of Potential Population Exposures to
Chemical Contaminants Present in Unprotected Surface Water
Supplies in North Carolina" (UNC-WRRI-84-213).• This study

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Table 1
WATER QUALITY
INDEX
(WQI) SCORES FOR STATION NEW HANOVER COUNTY
AVERAGE ANNUAL
AVERAGE WORST
STATION
YEAR
WQi
THREE MONTHS
Cape Fear River
1980
26
37
near Kelly, NC
1981
26
27
Northeast Cape
1980
22
37
Fear River at
1981
18
43
Castle Hayne, NC
Northeast Cape
1980
37
43
Fear River at
1981
38
49
US 421 Bridge at
Wilmington
Cape Fear River
1980
NA
NA
several miles south
1981
35
63
of Wilmington
Cape Fear River
1980
48
57
at Snow's Cut
1981
30
37

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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. factory or
sewer pipe discharge).
More specifically, in terms of the number of point source
discharges upstream, the City of Wilmington is sixth highest
out of 156 communities that use surface water supplies. These
discharges include 49 (27 major and 22 minor) municipal
discharges, 96 (22 major and 74 minor) industrial discharges,
and 151 miscellaneous discharges,. for a total of 296. For
purpose of. comparison, Charlotte has 122 upstream discharges,
Greensboro has eight, and Raleigh has 37.
In addition to examining point source discharges, this UNC-CH
study estimated that the Cape Fear River Basin is second
highest out of the 17 river basins studied in terms of the
estimated annual use of agricultural pesticides in its basin.
Thisamountequals approximately 4,814,000 pounds per year or
nearly 18% of the total used in the State.
It is important to note that this UNC-CH 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 is made to measure their
impact on'the water supply systems. These impacts are a
function of distance between the dischargepoint and the
receiving water supply, the type of discharge, and flow
conditions. For instance, approximately 45% of the
pesticides used are herbicides, which tend to break down
fairly rapidly.
(c) Drinking Water Treatment
e City of Wilmington presently uses a multi -step treatment
process for the City's drinking water supply. Alum is added
to remove mud and other solids. lime is added to reduce the
acidity. The water is filtered in several separate steps to
further reduce turbidity.. Chlorine is added in two separate
steps to eliminate bacteria. Fluorine also is added for
dental care. A phosphate compound is added to reduce the
waters corrosiveness. It is important to note that the City
constantly monitors the water to ensure that applicable
maximum standards for certain pesticides and heavy metals are
not exceeded. It is also important to understand that,
according to the City, no problems have been encountered in
meeting these standards.. `
(2) Additional Quality Faciws
Additional water quality constraints strongly influence the
Intensity and location of future growth. Maintenance of an
adequate level of surface water quality is extremely important
to the_Countyls economy and environment. Finfishing,
shelifishing, and clean water for recreational activities help
support the area's high quality of life enjoyed by residents
and tourists.

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Figure 2 depicts the location of primary nursery areas (PNAs)
In the County. These areas have been designated by the State
as being highly productive for juvenile habitat for marine
species. Destruction of these beds, either physically by
dredging and filling or by pollution, reduces the
attractiveness of the County and eliminates economically
valuable sport and commercial fishing.
Figure 3.indicates where shellfish beds have been closed in the
County as a result of pollution, primarily excessive fecal
coliform counts. These closed beds tend to be near the most
developed areas of the waterfront,. e. g. near dense
subdivisions,. marinas, and sewage outfalls. There are
basically three sources of pollution that influence water
quality: septic system pollution, urban runoff, and point
source discharges.
(a) Septic System
Septic system pollution results from old septic systems that
were inadequately designed or placed In poor soils and from
septic systems that have failed due to poor construction or
clogged lines. The result is leaching of untreated domestic
waste into the surface waters. The primary indicator of
septic system pollution is the presence of fecal coliform .
In a 1982 report, "The Impact of Septic Tanks In Shellfish
Waters", the N. C. Division of Environmental Management (DEM)
demonstrated on New Hanover County creeks that shellfish beds
tend to become closed if septic system density exceeds one
system per seven acres. It is important to note that
construction of the Countywide sewer system should help to
eliminate this problem.
(b) 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 off of roads, parking lots, and
roofs; runoff of lawn pesticides and fertilizer; and the
intrusion of large "slugs" offreshwater from impervious
surfaces which upset the estuarine salinity balance. A
special case of urban runoff is.marins operations which not
only involves pollution and freshwater intrusion from
impervious surfaces, but also petroleum product leakage and
wastewater flushing from boats.

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FIGURE 2
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11-
(c)
Urban runoff has been drawing major attention from regulatory
agencies in recent years as state coastal water quality
continues to decline. The N. C. Division of Environmental
Management has been evaluating the use of "best professional
judgements" (BPJ's) in examining stormwater management plans
for waterfront development requiring Coastal Area Management
Act (CAMA) permits. The BPJs being considered include no
more than 10% effective impervious surface, adoption of the
100 year storm.for design purposes, and systems for physical
treatment of stormwater.
The N. C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), which is
responsible for the CAMA permitting of coastal and estuarine
development, has recently adopted strongly worded water
quality policies. These.policies include:
"Development within Areas of Environmental Concern shall not
be permitted if such development has_a high probability of
degrading the water quality ... so as to preclude any existing
use of the water...at every possible opportunity, existing
development shall be upgraded to reduce discharge of
pollutants."
The CRC is also examining the adoption of such water quality
standards as requiring minimum setbacks of 50 feet;
vegetative buffers 30-50 feet wide, 15% maximum Impervious
surface, and extension of the CRC's Jurisdiction from 75 feet
to 200 feet inland of the mean high water I.ine. The CRC has
also begun the process•of examining standards for marinas.
New Hanover County adopted in 1984 a Conservation Overlay
District (COD) for the Zoning Ordinance.. This COD should
significantly reduce urban runoff pollution because of its
standards for stormwater retention, buffer strips, and the
preservation of wetlands in their natural state.
Point Source Discharges
Point source discharge locations are shown in Figure 4.
Approximately two—thirds of these discharge points are from
local industries, Including several from utilities.
Approximately one-third handle domestic wastes from
subdivisions or from municipalities. As Indicated on the
map,five of the points are located in Brunswick County.

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FIGURE 4
Q,
w
V
O
3 discharge points in this .
area
4 discharge points in this
area
w.
PERMITTED
Q POINT SOURCE
DISCHARGES
I DECEMBER 1985
D q.�
LOCATION OF DISCHARGE
POINT IN NEW HANOVER CO.
�,: �� •,,'"""'~' LOCATION OF DISCHARGE
f POINT IN BRUNSWICK CO._
Ca
1 n.
i
4 NEON HANOVER COUNTY
O Q+
r. r.r

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The greatest concentrations of discharge points are located
along the Cape Fear River near Wilmington and on the
sound adjacent to Wrightsville Beach.. These latter ones are
in the process of being disconnected and tied into the County
sewer system for eventual treatment at the City's Southside
Treatment Plant, with discharge into the Cape Fear Rlver.
(3) Surface idater Quallty Classes
The State has classified the water quality of different surface
waters of the County, as shown in Figure 5, with regard to
regulating discharges. Class SA waters, presently the highest
quality classification available for saline waters in the
State, have a best usage of shellfishing or swimming. Class SA
waters essentially cover the entire sound area of the County.
Class SC waters.allow fishing and secondary recreation but not
shellfishing or swimming due primarily to an increased presence
of sewage wastes and associated bacteria in comparison to SA
waters. Class SC waters are located on the Cape Fear River
between Wilmington -and the SA waters south of Snow's Cut.
Class C Swamp waters are similar to SC waters except C Swamp.
waters are not as saline but may be more acidic due to the
natural occurrence of swamp drainage.
The County has one occurrence of Class A-11 waters on Toomers '
Creek north of the City. This class means that the waters of
Toomers Creek would serve as an alternate source of drinking
water for the City, assuming adequate treatment was provided.
It is important to note that it is likely that Primary Nursery
Areas (PNA's) will be adopted by the Environmental Management
Commission as a new class of water. This, class, which will be
mapped based on existing designation of PNAs by the Marine
Fisheries Commission, will overlay the present classes of water
in the County. This class will provide added protection for
important finfish and shellfish production areas in the County.
It -should also be noted that the Town of Wrightsville Beach has
recently successfully had the sound waters behind the Beach
reclassified from SC to SA, but Is now contemplating a
downgrading of that classification. Carolina Beach is.
presently attempting, however, to reclassify its sound waters
from SA to SC.

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FIGURE 5

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FRAGILE AREAS
Fragile areas in the County cover a wide range of environmental resources,
such as the Primary Nursery Areas discussed in the previous section. The
County has established a Conservation Overlay District in the County Zoning
Ordinance to help protect fragile areas, primarily through required
preservation of 50% to 100% of the area, buffer strips, and drainage
controls. The fragile areas have been mapped on aerial photos at a scale
of 1"=4001. 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 by a wetlands consultant, David Dumond.
(A) 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 in the County are along the
Northeast Cape Fear River and its tributaries.
Swamp Forest generally has a high organic soil. Characteristic
species include cypress, red maple, black gum, sweet gum, and
swamp chestnut oak.
(8) Pocosins
Pocosins, meaning "pond on a hill", are probably 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
water is 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 briar, Including fetter bush, red
-bay,sweet bay, and others... Venus fly traps and pitcher plants
can be found in pocosins..
(C) 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.

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(0) Ponds
Natural ponds are found throughout the County 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 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.
(E) 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 pickereiweed, cattails, water
willow, and other relatively salt intolerant species.
(F) Brackish Marsh
Brackish marshes integrade 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, are black needle rush,
sawgrass, giant cordgrass, cattails, tearthumbs, and others.
Brackish marsh also encompasses the old rice fields north of
Wilmington that were cultivated in the 1700s and 1800s.
(G) 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,
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 Natural Estuarine
Sanctuary Program, the beach area south of Kure Beach, and
Figure Eight island. Zeke's Island is technically part of
Brunswick County but is more accessible from New Hanover
County.
(H) Maritime Shrub Thicket
These thickets of shrubby vegetation are characterized by an
alternately wet and dry environment, subject both to storm and
spring high tides and to salt spray. The typical species is
wax myrtle, with some siiveriing, lobbolly pine, yaupon and
live oak. These thickets also contain the northernmost
extensions of the natural range of cabbage palm.

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(1) 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.
W Primary Hursery Areas
Primary Nursery Areas, discussed in an earlier section of this
report, overlay much of the salt, brackish,.and fresh marsh
in the County. The location of Primary Nursery Areas are
determined by the N. C. Marine Fisheries Commission.
(K) 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).
(U -Significant Historical/Archeological Sites
The County has hundreds of these sites where either Native
Americans or early settlers left evidence of their existence.
Based on information provided by the N. C. Department of
Archives and History, however, only 25 have been designated as
significant. These sites tend to be located along the streams
and rivers of the County.
(M) North Carolina Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's)
It is important to note that many of the above described
fragile areas are simply a different classification scheme of
the different Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's) created
under the N. C. Coastal Area Management Act. (CAMA). These
AEC's,. which are described In more detail in Subchapter 7H of
the N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development regulations (Titie 15), include:
(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. This system includes
the- fol lowing:
a. Coastal WetlandsThese Wetlands include any marsh
subject to regular or occasional tidal flooding.
They have tremendous value in contributing vegetative
material to the foodchaln, filtering pollutants, and
other functions.

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b. Estuarine Waters - These are the sounds and creeks
of the County that serve as the bonding element
of the entire estuarine system, supporting the
finfish and shellfish populations.
c. Public Trust Areas - These include waters of the
Atlantic Ocean under State jurisdiction and the
lands under these waters. These areas hold
valuable resources and are rightfully open to the
public for recreation, navigation, and other
activities.
d. Estuarine Shorelines Estuarine shorelines include
the land 75 feet landward of estuarine waters.
This area is important because of its vulnerability
to flooding and erosion, and the influence of
shoreline development activities on the estuarine
system.
(2) Small Surface Water Supply Watersheds
These water bodies are specifically designated for possible
use as public water supplies. Toomers Creek, as previously
discussed, has been classified as A-11 by the N. C. Division
of Environmental Management for this purpose.

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111. HAZARD AREAS
Hazard 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 Ocean Erodible and Inlet
Hazard Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs), floodplains,-the County
Airport, and certain industrial areas. The AECs' and floodplains have been
discussed in greater detail in Phases One and Two of the County's Hurricane
Plan.
(A) Ocean Erodible and Inlet Hazard AEC's
The Ocean Erodible and Inlet Hazard AEC's are defined.and regulated
primarily by the State by means of the Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA). The Ocean Erodible AEC is defined as that area between the
mean low water line and a distance landward from the first line of
vegetation equal to 60 times thenaturalerosion rate, plus this
distance equal to the erosion caused by a 100 year storm. Inlet
Hazard AEC's are delineated on an individual basis depending upon the
stability and migration rate for the inlet. These AEC's are defined
in more detail under subchapter 7H of the N. C. Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development regulations (Title 15).
Construction, density, and setback standards are fairly strictly
established and enforced by the State. The County has also
established setback, density, and use standards for these areas.
(B) Fioodplains
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 which would be flooded by
a 500 year storm.
New Hanover County has adopted.a Floodplain Ordinance regulating use
and construction within the A and V zones. The County's Zoning
Ordinance also restricts development within these hazard areas. The
County's floodplain maps have been recently revised, with the major
change being a change of V zones along the sounds to A zones. The
City adopted Floodplain Management Regulations in 1978, which are due
to be revised in 1986. Similar to the County's ordinance,
construction standards are established according to the type of
development - residential or non-residential. The City's Zoning
Ordinance includes a Floodplain Overlay District imposing the
requirements of these regulations within the designated floodplains.

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(C) New Hanover County Airport
The County Airport poses a threat to development through the
potential for airplane crashes mainly within designated flight zones.
It is important to note that 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 interferring with navigation. The erection of tall structures
In the County must also comply with Federal Aviation Agency
regulations. The City has an Airport Industrial District within its
Zoning. Ordinance.
It should be noted that a commercial airstrip associated with a
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 or uses surrounding this
or other potential commercial or private airstrips.
(D) Industrial Hazards
Industrial hazard areas generally result from the presence of volatile
or toxic chemicals in quantities sufficient to pose fire or health
hazards to residences. 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, such as General
Electric, 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 US 74-76,
US 421 north of Wilmington, 1-40,.and.US 17. The rail line looping
through the City of Wilmington also poses a potential risk.
The New Hanover County Department of Emergency Services presently has
a "Hazardous Materials Plan" which is being updated. This plan
essentially serves as a reference for activating response teams and
procedures in case of a disaster.
Presently,'neariy any industrially zoned area in the County could pose
a potential threat depending on the use and associated material- usage.
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.

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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 Countywide sewer system as planned over the next 10
years, however, will eliminate soil suitability for septic systems as a
major constraint to development. Although certain highly organic soils may
pose construction difficulties, these may generally be overcome through
certain engineering and land modification 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 classifies
all soil types in the County with regard to septic system suitability as
being 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 be found in the U. S. Soil Conservation Service report,
"Soil Survey of New Hanover County, North Carolina", which discusses soil
productivity, permeability, and other factors.
V. RESOURCE POTENTIAL AREAS
Resource potential areas refer to those lands other than those previously
discussed that have value to the County in terms of their natural
characteristics. They include prime farmland, mineral sites, and publicly
owned land 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 for producing food, feed, forage,
fiber, and oilseed crops and is also available for these uses.
These characteristics include the presence of proper climate,
soil, and water table conditions for a specified portion of the
growing seasons. These conditions are described in greater
detail in U. S. Department of Agriculture Regulations
(DR9500-3).
In New Hanover County, Craven; Kenansville, Norfolk, Onslow,
and Wrightsboro soil types can meet these conditions. Figure 6
depicts the location of the County's prime farmland that
consists of at least one of -these soil types, is 10 acres or
greater in size, and is undeveloped, based on a 1982 survey.
Most of this land is located in the Castle Hayne area or in the
northeast corner of the County.

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FIGURE 6
•

23
(B) .Mineral Resources 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 have been located around the County.
(C) Public Land
Public low intensive recreational use lands in the County include
several large County and City Parks, as indicated in Figure 7. Hugh
McRae Park, including an adjoining tract of County property across
College Road, is probably the least developed of the City.and County
Parks consisting of large areas of wooded land.
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 Natural Estuarine Sanctuary Program. Masonboro Island is
entering the final stages of appraisal and acquisition for inclusion
into the Program. Both Sanctuaries provide education and research
opportunities, in addition to low intensive recreational uses.
State facilities and land also include Ft. Fisher, the Marine
Resources Center, and the -undeveloped lands surrounding these
facilities in Federai,Point. In addition, the existence of a buffer
ares.for the Sunny Point Military Terminal also limits intense
development in the Federal Point area.

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