Environmental Effects of Potential Development Activities in Coastal Onslow County-1980

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Division of Coastal Management
• ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS:
OF. POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT,
• ACTIVITIES IN COASTAL

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES IN COASTAL ONSLOW COUNTY
PREPARED FOR
THE ONSLOW COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
KEN WINDLEY, JR., DIRECTOR
THE ONSLOW COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
JULIUS SEGERMAN,.CHAIRMAN
AND
THE ONSLOW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ORMAND BARBEE, CHAIRMAN
The preparation of this study was financed in
part by a.grant, provided,by The North. Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by'The'Coastal Zone'Management Act of
1972, as amended, which. is administered by The
Office of Coastal Zone Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
JOHN J HOOTON AND ASSOCIATES
WILMINGTON, NC

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary and Recommendations -
Introduction . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 1
1.0 THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS
. 3
1.1 The Barrier Island Ecosystem . .
. 3
1.2 The Estuarine System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
1.3 Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 7
1.4 Groundwater . . . . . . . .. . . .
. . 12
2.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS . . . .
. . 14
2.1 Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 14
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2.2 Groundwater . . . . . . .. .
. 15
2.3 The Barrier Island Ecosystem - Storms and Erosion . .
. . 17
2.4 Lagoon - Estuary System . . . . . . . . . . .
. 18
3.0 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES . . , . . . . . . .
. . 22
3.1 Location Criteria ... . . .
. 22
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3.2 Identification of Potential DevelopmentActivities . .
. . 25
4.0 SCREENING AND LOCATION CRITERIA . . . . . . . .
. . 33
4.1 Screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 33
4.2 Location Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 45
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5.0 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . .
. . 52
6.0 IMPACT ON LOW INCOME AND MINORITY GROUPS . . . . . . .
. 55
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 57
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SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PURPOSE
Onslow County's land and people area unique blend of public and private
resources with a vast potential for change in many different directions.
County decision makers have recently taken significant actions that will in-
fluence both the direction and rate of development in the County. The con-
struction of a countywide water system and the proposed development of a
skills training center will greatly enhance the County's desirability for
industrial locations and expansions. These locations and expansions will in-
evitably result in both positive and negative environmental and socio-economic
.effects on one of Onslow County's greatest natural resources - its coast.
This ecosystem consists of approximately 26 miles of oceanfront shoreline with
adjoining estuaries, of which all but 12 miles are in public (State and Federal)
ownership. The values represented in the coastal ecosystem for recreation,
production of wildlife and fisheries, hurricane protection, erosion control,
and esthetic enjoyment are nearly immeasurable; and of greater importance is
the susceptibility of the ecosystem components to alteration from outside in-
fluences. it is this potential for conflict between potential new developments
. and the values represented in the coastal ecosystem that is the central focus
of this study. If the relative vulnerability of the ecosystem components can
be assessed and, the potential development activities identified, land planning
mechanisms and growth management strategies can be formulated that will work to
• minimize conflict and preserve the values inherent in the.coast.
THE COASTAL COMPONENTS
To many, the "coast" is only that area east of the dunes where the ocean
• meets the land in a crashing surf. However, the components of the "coast" that
produce fishery and recreational resources, provide hurricane and erosion pro-
tection and are esthetically enjoyable to many extend well behind the mean high
tide line. Further, the greater sensitivity of,the coastal ecosystem to exte-
• rior influences and its relationship to the inland components of the coast push

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this productive and important "coast" even further inland. Thus, the bounda-
• ries of the area in which development may affect, directly or indirectly, the
coastal ecosystem extend over much of Onslow County. The extent of this area
is shown on the Coastal Management Zone Map.
• THE BARRIER ISLAND ECOSYSTEM
The barrier islands are essentially large sandbars that, as their name
implies, serve as barriers to the ocean for the sounds and estuaries behind
them. The barrier island is often described as being in a state of dynamic
equilibrium where the forces of change - wind, waves, tides, littoral currents
and inlet migration - constantly shape and reshape the extent and position of
the island but remain in a delicate balance that preserves its basic character.
The islands, dunes and protecting vegetation provide a first line of defense
from oceanic storms; the maritime forest, often found behind the frontal dunes,
provides sand trapping capability and wildlife habitat. Below the surface of
the island is a narrow and shallow water table that holds water for plant and
animal maintenance. Man-made influences, such as structural controls and poor-
ly situated development, can alter the balance on the island and result in
unanticipated, expensive, and even dangerous situations. in Onslow County only
the 12 mile portion of Topsail Island from the Pender County line to the New
River Inlet is in private ownership. The remainder of Onslow's barrier island
system is owned by the Federal Government (Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base) or
the State (Hammocks Beach Park). Further, the portion of the coast under Camp
Lejeune's jurisdiction is not technically a barrier island since it was "created"
by the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway. While the evaluation and
ecosystem principles apply equally to the areas the County's authority to in-
fluence change in this areas is severely limited.
THE ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEM
Behind the barrier island lies an ecosystem of immense productivity - the
estuary. The estuary, which is composed of several sub -components (high marsh,
low marsh, mid -salinity and brackish water), is in essence a large farm for most
of the significant commercial and sport fishing species. Oysters, shrimp, crabs,
flounder, striped bass, shad and many other economically important species spend
all or a part of their life cycles in the estuary and are dependent upon the
complex regime of freshwater input, salt water wedges, temperature and circulation

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patterns for food and reproduction. The marshes serve as food source, ero-
sion buffer, wildlife habitat, and as a waste filter. The estuary, particu-
larly -its critical brackish water system, extends far inland, and the potential
land use changes that could affect its sensitive balance extend even further.
As with the barrier island system, on which it is dependent, the estuary maintains
• a delicate balance capable of being easily and even permanently altered by man -
related activities. Alterations in the volume or timing of freshwater input,
introduction of chemicals, or pollution from septic tanks can drastically reduce
the productivity of the estuarine system.
COASTAL TRANSITION
Although the barrier island and estuarine ecosystems are the most visible
and susceptible to change, they do not function independently of each other
nor are they insulated from the influence of inland landforms and development
activities. A vast zone extends far inland over much of the County in which
coastal features and processes are in transition to a more upland character but
in which a strong relationship of cause and effect is maintained to the barrier
island and estuary. The most distinctive feature of this zone is the pocosins
which, in Onslow County, are composed primarily of the white Oak and Great
Sandy Run pocosins. Their name is taken from an Algonquin Indian word which
means "swamp on a hill." They are technically described as evergreen shrub
bogs and are characterized by wet organic soils that have developed because of
their poor drainage characteristics. while these areas have less potential for
crop or -timber production in their natural state,.they provide the important function
of recharge areas for groundwater and as reservoirs for slow release of fresh-
water to estuarine streams. The prospect of this function being drastically
altered has recently been significantly increased by the energy shortage and
the possibility of using peat as a source for generation of electrical power
or for conversion to methanol. Drainage of the pocosins could result in vast
increases in freshwater flows to the estuarine system resulting in alteration
in the salinity balance and circulation pattern with consequent damage to the
commercially important nursery areas. Reclamation to agriculture uses could
result in runoff of pesticides and fertilizers causing eutrophication, siltation,
and poisoning of nursery areas.

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A second resource of the coastal transition zone that could be affected by
development is the supply of groundwater., Both the County and the City of
"Jacksonville will soon obtain their supply of groundwater from the cretaceous
aquifer which has,a better quality of water. than the overlying aquifer. How-
ever, continued withdrawal from this source may eventually result in the hori-
zontal or lateral movement of brackish water into this aquifer. While water
from this source is adequate for existing needs and those of the immediate
future the demands of a large "wet" industry could accelerate the movement of
brackish water within the Cretaceous aquifer. Because of the consequences of
this possibility close monitoring and additional research on this aquifer is
needed.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
While Onslow County's many favorable features for economic development
and industrial location make virtually any type of industry or economic devel-
opment activity possible, there are several existing and potential development
activities with particular significance for the coast. Each of these has im-
portance for each of the components of the coastal ecosystem the barrier is-
lands, the estuary, and the coastal transition zone. Onslow's economy has
traditionally been based in agriculture and forestry, but with the location of
Camp Lejeune and the increasing pressure for development on the coast, the
economy has developed a strong service and -retail sector as*well as significant,
if not large, development sector both at the beach and surrounding Jacksonville.
The most important of these is the increasing development of second home and
permanent dwellings on the barrier island itself. Because of the absence of
a central sewer system, potential exists for pollution of groundwater supplies,
as well as the surrounding estuarine waters. Many cf these dwellings have been
constructed on frontal dunes or at distances too close to avoid destruction in
the event of a severe.storm. Further, not only has public access been restricted,
but considerable damage has been done to the frontal dune from both foot and
vehicular traffic. While the estuarine'system itself has not been subject to
actual development because of stringent dredge and fill laws, and for the same
reason probably will not be in the future, it has been affected by development
not only on the ocean side of the estuary, but also on the inland side. This
development has occurred primarily as the result of single family residential

development without adequate sewage disposal facilities. Inevitably, as density
• increases the potential for additional pollution increases, and the possibility
of lateral movement into theiestuarine water system will occur. Not only can
the delicate circulation and nutrient recycling patterns be altered, but pro-
ductive shellfishing waters may be closed, as has occurred in the past. In the
coastal transition zone two.resources require protection and management. The
groundwater aquifers must be carefully monitored and managed to prevent the
possibility of salt water intrusion resulting from extensive pumping and im-
proper well spacing; and, second, the pocosins and the estuarine systems that
would receive their flow from artificial drainage must be carefully managed to
mitigate damage to estuarine productivity.
MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Onslow County has available to it several management options,each with
varying degrees of restrictiveness and applicability to the several ecosystem
components. These include zoning,subdivision regulations, mobile home park .
regulations, land: classification, Area of Environmental. Concern regulations.
Each has applicability to different areas of the coast, and a comprehensive
growth management scheme should apply them according to the vulnerability of a
particular area to development and the potential type of adverse effect that
may be caused by that development.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
The first step should be to classify the coastal components under the
Coastal. Area Management Act Land Classification system into management zones.
within each of.these zones one or more of the management options should be
used to mitigate the anticipated effects of a potential development activity.
The recommended zones are illustrated on the following Coastal Zone Management
Map. The boundaries were selected so as to encompass the coastal components
but also so as to be easily identified by reference to identifiable geographical
features.
COASTAL PRIMARY ZONE
1. ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS - Zoning and subdivision regulations
can be amended to achieve several objectives aimed at mitigating the possible
adverse effects listed above. These objectives are to:
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a. Protect -water quality from failure of on -site disposal systems at too
high a density;
b. Protect maritime forests and dunes from careless site development;
c. Reduce density to levels consistent with available utilities and
services;
d. Protect against loss of public access.
To achieve these objectives, the following changes in existing zoning and
subdivision regulations are recommended:
a. The zoning of West Onslow Beach should be amended in accord with
current efforts to reflect a large lot and cluster type of development.
Thus, minimum lot sizes should be increased.to 20,000 square feet on
all unplatted parcels and a planned unit development ordinance devel-
oped and adopted as a part of the ordinance.
b. Further, the Planned Unit Development Ordinance should require strict
compliance with, State regulations for construction and operation of
waste disposal facilities, preservation of public access in accord with
the Onslow County Beach Access Plan, and protection of maritime forests.
c. Development in Planned.Unit.Developments should proceed only in accord'
with an approved site plan that establishes dedicated public access,
preserves a designated percentage of any maritime forest on the site,
and has all approvals for waste disposal from appropriate County and
State agencies.
2. ENFORCEMENT OF STATE AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN REGULATIONS - While
these regulations would apply even without County enforcement, they are
critical to preserving and protecting dune structures, property, and
public rights in publc trust areas. The continued vigorous and respon-
sible enforcement of these regulations in conjunction with the recommended
changes to the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations will establish
an effective combination of state -local development controls for the West
Onslow Beach area.
3. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ONSLOW COUNTY BEACH ACCESS PLAN The Onslow County
Planning Department, with the cooperation of interested citizens, has taken
an active initiative in implementing the Beach Access Plan; and the contin-
uation of efforts to implement the recommendations of this plan are required
to insure public access.
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COASTAL SECONDARY ZONE
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY - RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS:
Pollution of groundwater supplies
- Pollution of estuarine waters
• - increased runoff of storm water and alteration of estuarine
circulation and salinity patterns
• MANAGEMENT OPTIONS:
- Mobile home park regulations
Zoning
Utility extension policies
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Although probably politically unfavorable, the County should
extend its zoning across the Intracoastal Waterway and encompass
the Estuarine Protection Zone. The zoning plan should follow
the same pattern as in the Coastal Primary Zone, i.e., 20,000
square foot lots and Planned Unit Development. This policy will
work to reduce density, thus reducing pollution from septic tank
failures until a central water and sewer system is available;
however, since a central sewer system may not be available in
Onslow County for several years, the importance of adequate lot
size based on soil evaluations cannot be overemphasized. Thus,
while 20,000 square foot lots are recommended as a standard,
actual soil conditions may require a larger or smaller number of
square feet.
2. Mobile home park regulations should be adopted as a part of the
zoning regulations; however, if zoning regulations are not, or
cannot be adopted in the immediate future the mobile home park
regulations should be adopted and enforced separately. These
regulations should specifiy minimum design standards for parks
and require stringent adherence to applicable water quality
regulations.
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3. While the extension of a central water supply into this zone
will alleviate the problem of contamination of individual water
supplies, it will inevitably result in increased development
and increased potential for pollution of groundwater and
estuarine waters. Accordingly, it is recommended that no
central water supplies be extended to this area until the first
two recommendations for zoning and mobile home park regulations
are implemented.
MASTAL TRANSITION
MAJOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY — FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS
AND RELATED "WET" PROCESSING INDUSTRY, PEAT MINING
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS:
Reduction in hydraulic head -and intrusion of brackish water into
fresh water supply
Runoff of pesticides and fertilizers
Adverse socio-economic effects on low income and minority persons
Increased runoff of freshwater to estuarine systems
MANAGEMENT OPTIONS:
- Land classification
Monitoring programs and screening policies
- industrial performance standards
- Affirmative recruitment of low income and minority persons
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Under the proposed County land use update, a land classification
should be established called The Coastal Transition Class which
would be a sub -category of the Transition Class. Within this area,
a comprehensive monitoring program utilizing groundwater
specialists should be initiated to constantly evaluate the quantity
and quality of groundwater in the area, particularly that of the
Cretaceous aquifer. While this program should be thorough in
scope, there is adequate existing hydrogeological data to accurately
monitor the extent of vertical intrusions of saltwater. The major
role of the groundwater specialist would be to evaluate the existing

data and synthesize it into recommendations and conclusions. This
could be accomplished at a relatively small cost to the County.
Further, within this area, major proposed industrial locations
should be screened under the screening criteria established and
industrial performance standards adopted.
2. The County should adopt an affirmative recruitment policy for new
industrial locations that will encourage the recruitment of low
income and minority persons.
3. The County should begin comprehensive studies and monitoring of
the available peat reserves, potential artificial drainage patterns,
and impacts on estuarine receiving waters from increased runoff
from mined pocosin feat fields.

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INTRODUCTION
• As with other coastal counties throughout North Carolina and the
entire southeastern United States, Onslow County is beginning to experi-
ence the growth pressures associated with the migration of "frost belt"
industries and residentstothe."sun belt" states and counties. Climate,
labor force, transport facilities, relatively low energy requirements,
and other factors have contributed to the motivation for.this migration
of individuals and industry. Although the precise extent and effect on
Onslow County is difficult to determine without the results of the 1980
Census and detailed land use surveys anticipated in the proposed land use
plan update, it has become apparent that Onslow is adding to its population
and industrial base. The probability of this trend continuingis assured
not only by the factors previously mentioned. but by local initiative of
• county officials. The construction of a county -wide water system and a
technical training center will greatly enhance the County's ability to
provide skilled labor and a dependable water supply to potential
industrial locations. Increased industrial development inevitably results
• in diseconomies, that is, adverse primary and secondary effects on other
areas, industries and individuals. Onslow County may not be different
from many other rural counties that have experienced rapid development
except that it possesses a natural resource of unusual local and state-
wide significance - its coastal ecosystem. This ecosystem, which is more
fully described in the following sections, is composed of two major
components - the estuarine system and the barrier system. Both interact
to provide a highly productive ecosystem with immeasureable commercial,
• recreational, and esthetic values. The difficult decision'County officials
must make as Onslow's industrial recruitment efforts and economic develop-
ment.progresses is how to prevent the values represented in the coastal
ecosystem from being compromised or destroyed by possible negative effects
• from potential economic development activities. The central purpose of
this study is to provide an analytical and conceptual base for this
decision making.
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METHODOLOGY
The methodology used in this study consists of several steps. First,
the environmental components of the coastal ecosystem are inventoried and
analysed; second, the components are evaluated and the degree to which
they may be sensitive to degradation from economic development activities
is determined; third, criteria are developed for selecting economic develop-
ment activities that will be compatible with the coastal systems constraints;
fourth, the activities are identified and the feasibility and potentia T for
expansion and development is assessed; fifth, the activities are prioritized
• and general site location criteria developed; sixth, recommendations are
proposed.
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1.0 THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS
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1.1 THE BARRIER ISLAND ECOSYSTEM
The most significant coastal feature of the eastern United States
is its barrier islands from Maine to Texas._ Only relatively short sections
of the coast are without barrier islands and as a result the U.S. has one.
of the best and most evolved chains in the world. Each island is a narrow,
elongated land form consisting of unconsolidated shifting sand; they are
generally characterized by a dynamic beach system consisting of offshore
bars, crashing surf, and sand beach, dune ridges just behind the beach,
interior lowlands, and bay -side wetlands. They are separated from the
mainland by marshes or open water which generally comprises the estuarine
system discussed in the following subsections. Geologically speaking,
• the barrier islands are young, having been formed within the past 5,000
to,6,000 years. They are termed "barrier islands because they provide a
protective barrier for the estuarine system and mainland from the direct
attack of ocean waves and storm surge. Thus, -on the ocean side, they
absorb the full force of the oceanic environment and on the other, they
face the calmer waters and influences of the estuarine system. Within
Onslow County there exists approximately 12 miles of the 27 mile long
barrier island known as Topsail Island. The remainder of the island lies
• in Pender County. Although these 12 miles account for less than one-half
of the barrier islands in Onslow County, the remaining 14 miles are in
Federal (Camp Lejeune) or State (Hammocks Beach State Park) ownership. As
such, development, or the County's authority to control development, on
• these islands is almost non-existent. Thus, for the purposes of this study,
while their importance is recognized, no attempt will be made to.formulate
recommendations for these areas. However., the analysis and evaluation of
the barrier island components is equally applicable to these government
• owned islands as well as Topsail Island. Topsail Island is bounded by
the New River Inlet on the north, the New Topsail Inlet on the south, the
Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway on the
west. It is approximately one-half a mile wide at its widest point. All
• of the Island, including the portion within Onslow County, is characterized
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by several basic features, although they will vary from point to point
• along the Island. These features are:'the portion of the Island that faces
the Atlantic Ocean and meets the full force of the ocean on an hourly basis,
or the beach and berm; the sloping portion of the beach facing the ocean,
or the foreshore which includes the primary dune system; and that portion
of the beach from the berm crest back toward dunes, marshes, maritime
forests and other features, known as the backshore.- The berm is the most
directly affected portion during both storms and calm periods and is there-
fore the most unstable portion of the Island. The dunes on Topsail Island
may consist of a single dune ridge vegetated by several species of dune
grasses, or several dune ridges parallel to each other or in curving lines.
The single dune ridge formation is generally found from the NC 210 bridge
north to the New River Inlet and is frequently severely damaged from
• vehicular and pedestrian traffic. From the NC 210 bridge north to the
Surf City Town limits more secondary dune formations are.evident. Further
discussion -of the condition and accessibility of the dunes may, be found,in
the Onslow County Beach Access Plan.
• Barrier islands, such as Topsail, can develop in a number of ways
reflecting the geological history of the particular region and the forces
of sea level rise. To make the system even more complex, many previous
island systems have eroded away or changed position by the forces of
• littoral drift. For example, Shackleford.Banks, a barrier island located
about 40 miles north of Topsail Island, apparently formed several thousand
years ago as a spit attached to Cape Lookout and has since been migrating
westward. This island has a whole series of arcuate dune ridges, the
• oldest of which are in the middle portion of the island. However, at
the eastern end of the island there is a washover retreat as sand moves
from one end to the other. The sequence by which a barrier beach develops
from the growth of a spit is related to various sand transport mechanisms.
• As all processes of sand transport are involved in the creation, maintenance,
and migration of the barrier island system, the islands may have moved a
great -deal since their initial formation, particularly those such as the
Outer Banks of North Carolina, including Topsail Island. Separating the
• barrier islands are tidal inlets which, where occurring naturally, are the
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result of dynamic processes along the shoreline. They open and close in
• response to different conditions and may migrate long distances along a
barrier island shoreline.This pattern of migration is apparent at both
ends of Topsail Island. On the south end considerable accretion occurred
for almost a.30 year period, then within the last 3 to 5 years this trend
has reversed itself with erosion increasing rapidly, thus endangering
considerable numbers of homes. On the north end the inlet has remained
relatively stable although this is no indication that such will always be
the case. The navigable channel is maintained by dredging but the throat
• of the inlet has a history of frequent, unpredictable medium scale
excursions. While it exists, the inlet will achieve a balance between tidal
flows and the long shore transport which tends to close the inlet.
Equilibrium is reached as the inlet cuts deeper or wider, cuts shoals, or
• changes configuration or position. When open, an inlet acts as a complete
or partial barrier to the longshore transport of sand. Inlets are the
essential pathways between the lagoon and the open ocean system for exchange
of organisms and maintenance of productivity. Without the presence of
• inlets the high productivity and nature of the barrier island estuarine system
could not be maintained.
BARRIER ISLAND FAUNA - Barrier islands stand apart as a class because
• they represent a huge ecotone, i.e. an area where two ecosystems meet - the
ocean ecosystem and the land ecosystem. Thus, all of the physiographic
features at a barrier island are of critical importance to terrestial
animals because they are the dynamic products of ongoing geologic processes.
• Three of the characteristic geologic features - capping barriers, inlet -
hammock formations, and arc -and -spoke patterns are of potentially great.
significance for terrestial organisms because they produce topographic
relief and therefore substrate diversity.
BARRIER ISLAND FLORA - THE MARITIME FORESTS - The maritime forest is
a highly variable complex of upland, intermediate, and wet forest dominated
largely by hardwood tree species. The maritime forest is thought to be
• the ultimate phase of forest succession under barrier island environmental
conditions. The interaction of salt spray kill and sandy soil growing
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conditions results in the shape of the maritime forest. Under the older
forests, organic matter has collected and the water holding capacity and
relative fertility of these'soil-s has increased. On these sites the
forest is dominated by mockernut hickory, laurel oak, water oak, and live
oak. In many areas ocean salt spray has stunted growth resulting in a
• low canopy and species usually characteristic of the subcanopy become
part of the canopy. Some of these "subcanopy" shrubs include American
Holly, yaupon, hornbeam, haphornbeam, flowering dogwood and red -bay. Herb
and vine species are abundant on the forest floor and include such species
as Ebony spleenwort, partridge berry, elephants foot, uniola, goldenrod,
silk grass, catbriar, and yellow jessamine. The maritime shrub thicket,
thought to be an early succession stage of the maritime forest, is
dominated by a low stunted canopy generally containing some loblolly pine
• among the mixture of shrub and tree species. The primary vegetation of
wax myrtle, yaupon, loblolly pine, and laurel oak is interspersed with
catbriar and sawbriar.
• BARRIER ISLAND FLORA THE DUNE COMMUNITY - This community represents
the flora found on the dune line and beach areas. The primary dune vegetation
is composed of grassy species such as sea oats, American beach grass on the
drier sites and panic grass and broom sedge on the moister sites. Among
• the grass tussocks may be found Beach Primrose, Dune Daisy and Gossypina.
Maple and Yaupon shrubs may be found in clumps along the duneline and will
show the effects of nearly constant wind and salt spray. The shrubs are
frequently tightly bound with catbriar and muscadine.
1.2 THE ESTUARINE SYSTEM
As was discussed under the barrier island section, the integrity
and development of the estuarine system is intimately related to the
dynamic processes occurring on the island... The estuarine system's most
important component from the standpoint of biological productivity is
the coastal wetlands as recognized in the N.C. State Guidelines for Areas
• of Environmental Concern which describes their value as follows: "The
unique productivity of the estuarine system is supported by detritus
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(decayed plant material) and nutrients that are exported from the coastal
marshlands. The amount of exportation and degree of importance appears
to be variable from marsh to=marsh, depending primarily upon its frequency
of inundation and inherent characteristics of the various plant species.
Without the marsh, the high productivity levels and complex food chains
• typically found in the estuaries could not be maintained. -
Man harvests various aspects of this productivity when he fishes,
hunts, and gathers shellfish from the estuary. Estuarine dependent species
of fish and sheelfish such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters, and
crabs currently make up over 90"percent of the total value of North Carolina'a
commercial catch. The marshlands,.therefore, support an enormous amount
of commercial and recreational businesses along the seacoast.
The roots, rhizomes, stems, and.seeds of coastal wetlands act as good
quality waterfowl and wildlife feeding and nesting materials. In addition,
coastal wetlands serve as the first line of defense in retarding estuarine
shorel.ine erosion. The plant stems and leaves tend to dissipate wave
action, while the vast network of roots and rhizomes resists soil erosion.
• In this way, the coastal wetlands serve as barriers against flood damage
and control erosion between the estuary and the uplands.
Marshlands also act as nutrient and sediment traps by slowing the
water which flows over them and causing suspended organic and inorganic
• particles to settle out. In this manner, the nutrient storehouse is
maintained, and sediment harmful to marine organisms is removed. Also,
pollutants and excessive nutrients are absorbed by the marsh plants, thus
providing an inexpensive water treatment service." 15 NCAC 7H .205(b).
r�
1.3 SOILS
The following discussion focuses first on general soil conditions
• in Onslow County, and, second, on more specific conditions found on the
barrier island portion of coastal Onslow County. Since the County's soils
are currently being remapped and reclassified some of the terminology and
classifications found.here,may require clarification from the County soil
• scientist to ascertain the new classification. In any event, specific site
information should be requested from the County soil scientist prior to
beginning construction on any site.
-7-

•
GENERAL - In Onslow County there are three general soil groups with
distinct layers or horizons. The first group includes the Norfolk, St.
Lucie, and:Lakewood-soils. These soils appear to.be the most thoroughly
weathered and best drained soils in the county. The second group is the
Dunbar, Coxville, Bladen soils, which have 3 distinct horizons in the 3
• foot section, a gray to dark -gray surface layer, and a light -gray or yellow-
ish -gray subsurface, and a mottled and tough and sometimes plastic subsoil
layer. Because of this plastic subsoil layer drainage in this group is
often poor.. The third group is the St. Johns, Onslow, and Leon series.
These soils are characterized by a distinct hardpan layer of blackish -
brown sand cemented together by organic matter. As with the Dunbar, Cox-
ville, Bladen soils, it is this hardpan layer that results in poor drainage
characteristics.
• In summary, most of the soils in Onslow County have poor natural
drainage. Most of the County's surface is composed of flat undulating
areas, and in many of these areas, particularly the pocosins, natural
drainage ways have not been established.
BARRIER ISLAND SOILS - The following paragraphs briefly describe the
types, locations, and some of the limitations of the various soil types
found in coastal Onslow County. The location of each soil unit on the
• Topsail Island portion of Onslow County is shown on the maps which follow
the discussion. Caution is advised in the use of the maps and specific
site investigations are advised before construction. A general profile
of these typical soils is shown on the following diagram.
•
3. BEACH - FOREDUNE - low lying and flooded daily by tides; mostly
fine 'sand with shell fragments; tidal flooding a severe limitation to all
but beach -related recreational activity.
4. BOHICKET SOILS - LOW --poorly drained, clayey marsh soils, occur
near rivers and marshes and are flooded daily by tidal action; are limited
for all uses except wildlife habitat, marine habitat, and esthetics.
0 -8-

CURACTERISTIC SOILS TYPES AND DOMINADT VEGETATION
SOUTHERN SECTION OF OUTER BANKS, N.C.
Marsh Zone
Scrub Zone
smooth cordgrass
live oak waxmyrtle
sea -oats
black needlerush
yaupon holly eastern baccharis
seashore
elder
eastern redcedar saltmeadow cordgrass
soundi�ll ' ,�.A► ,
- - �� - - ------ y
ocean
Bohicket. or
i
Newham. Corolla, or Duckston Soils
Beach and
Foredur_e
Carteret Soils

6. CARTERET SOILS - LOW - sandy, very poorly drained, marsh soils;
generally formed on the sound side of the barrier island; flood daily and
vegetated mainly by smooth cordgrass.
9. COROLLA - DUCKSTON COMPLEX - occurs on nearly level to slightly
depressional areas that commonly lie just inland from the frontal dune;
the Corolla soils are dominant and are on the nearly level areas and the
small hummocks; during seasonal wet periods the water table is within
1-1/2 to 3 feet of the surface; the Duckston soils are in wetter, lower
depressional areas with a seasonal high water table at or near the surface.
10. DREDGE SPOILS - are the result of dredging maintenance of the
Intracoastal Waterway and are composed mostly of sand and shells; range
• in height from 4 to 15 feet; generally are droughty because of sandy
texture and have poor filtering capacity for septic tank effluent with
consequent possibility of pollution of surrounding groundwater and marshes.
12. DUCKSTON - FINE SAND - are poorly drained soils occupying nearly
level to slightly depressional flats extending inland from the frontal
dunes; sandy throughout with high percentage of shell fragments; depth to
seasonal high water -table varies between at the surface during wet seasons
• to 2 - 5 feet deep during drier seasons.
17. MADELAND - found adjacent to the water on the sound side of the
island; created by pumping of "finger" canals through marshland; average
• thickness of 3 - 6 feet with water table fluctuating with the tide level
from 2 - 4 feet below the surface at high tide; high hazard from pollution
from septic tanks.
• 21. NEWHAN FINE SAND well drained to excessively drained sandy
soils; occur in long ridges on dunes that parallel the ocean with elevations
from 5 to 60 feet; percolation is rapid with many areas subject to severe
blowing with resulting absence of vegetation.
•
•
-9-

•
22. NEWHAN COROLLA COMPLEX - in many places occupies the transitional
zone between the higher lying dunes to the east and the broad flats to the
west; well to�excessively drained with water table more than 7 feet below
surface.
25. WANDO - FINE SANDS — located on the higher ridges and flats on
the sound side of the barrier islands; sandy and excessively drained with
a seasonal high water table in excess of 5 feet; slow runoff with infiltra-
tion and permeability rapid to very rapid.
•
31. BOHICKET SOILS — HIGH - irregularly flooded, clayey marsh soils
occuring where rivers and streams empty directly into the ocean; found
2 - 5 feet above sea level and are continuously wet, soft, and viscous;
• limited for any uses except wildlife, marine life and esthetics.
•
:_M
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•
CM
•
-10-

•
SOILS
OF WEST ONSLOW BEACH - ONSLOW COUNTY
GUIDE TO MAPPING UNITS
MAP
SYMBOL
MAPPING UNIT
3
Beach-Foredune association
•
4
Bohicket soils, low
6
Carteret soils, low
9
Corolla-Duckson complex
10
Dredge spoil
•
12
Duckston fine sand
17
Madeland
21
Newhan fine sand
22
Newhan-Corolla complex
25
Wando fine sand
31
Bohicket soils, high
•
•
•
-11-

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1.4 GROUNDWATER
• There are three main geological formations that underlie Onslow
County - the Peedee, the Yorktown, and the Castle Hayne. The Peedee lies
within 30 feet of the surface northwest of Richlands but coastward is
more deeply buried lying under a wedge of the Castle Hayne that thickens
• toward the coast. The Yorktown formation overlies the Castle Hayne and
along the coast reaches a thickness of about 60 feet although inland it
is thinner. The extent of the formations is shown in the following
geologic cross-section.
• Wells in Onslow County obtain their water from three main aquifers -
the surficial sands, the sands of the Peedee, or Cretaceous Sands, and the
Tertiary limestone unit or Castle Hayne formation. The surficial sand
covers the entire county to a depth of approximately 10 - 30 feet. Well
• points penetrate enough saturated sand of the surficial deposits to yield
sufficient water for domestic purposes, since the water table everywhere
is within 15 feet of the surface. Sands of the Peedee formation furnish
water to wells in the Northwest part of the County. The ability of the
• Peedee sands to yield water is shown by a city well at Richlands which is
535 feet deep and yields 500 GPM at a downdraw of about 80 feet. With the
exception of 30 feet of sand and clay at the surface, this well topped only
the Peedee formation. The water bearing unit consists of sand interbedded
• with clay and calcareous beds. South and east of Richlands little water
is pumped from the Peedee because the overlying tertiary limestone aquifer
furnishes adequate water. Except in the northwestern third of the county,
salty water may be found in the lower part of the Peedee formation; the
• entire formation may contain salty water in the vicinity of New River to
the south of Jacksonville.
The Tertiary limestone unit, largely composed of the Castle Hayne
formation, furnishes water to drilled wells south of U.S. 17. While it
• thins toward the north it remains an important aquifer as far as Richlands.
The New River is entrenched in the limestone between Richlands and Jackson-
ville which results in a large aggregate discharge of groundwater from the
limestone into the river; some of this discharge takes place in the vicinity
• of Catherine Lake. A spring 1-1/2 miles south of Catherine Lake is reported
•
-12-

I
Explanation
Os— Sand of Quaternary ape.
TI — Limestone of Tertiary age,
consisting of Yorktown formation
and Castle Hoyne limestone.
Ks— Peedee formation of Cretaceous age.
Block diagram of Onslow County showing geologic section cut through a line connecting Richlands and Jacksonville
and extending to the ocean.
t- ....___._.._�.�....__z��Y.'uf::-.........n.. I.. .••.t.,,...u...-.. . ...., ..»..... w,lRr n.�NN�Y�!�I. ...rl ww,u.. ..

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to have produced 1,500 gallons per minute. This unit varies markedly in
• composition and degree of consolidation and almost everywhere open-end
wells can be used. However, at Camp Lejeune consolidated beds are not
prominent and gravel -wall wells are used. The permeability of this aquifer
varies in location. For example, wells at Camp Davis near Holly Ridge
• draw water from the limestone at depths of 100 to 180 feet; the capacity
of these wells ranged from 18 to 125 GPM per foot of drawdown. However,
one well yielded 250 GPM at a drawdown of only 4 feet. At Camp Lejeune
the permeability of the limestone is less than at Holly Ridge. Gravel -
walled wells drawing water from semi -consolidated limestone and sand yield
as much as 250 GPM; and in most of the wells the specific capacity is
5 - 10 GPM per foot of drawdown. In order to guard against saltwater
encroachment the wells are pumped so that the pumping level does not get
• below about 20 feet below sea level.
With regard to water quality, the surficial sands yield water that
is soft and is low in dissolved mineral matter; however, it generally
contains enough dissolved carbon dioxide to render it corrosive. The
• Peedee water is a soft, sodium bicarbonate generally suitable for all
uses. The Tertiary limestone aquifer yields a hard, calcium bicarbonate
and may contain objectionable amounts of iron. The significance of each
of these aquifers for economic development is analyzed in the following
• section, EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS.
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-13-

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2.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS
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2.1 WATER QUALITY
In most instances water is found in three forms on a barrier
island - (1) salt water on the ocean side, (2) fresh water on the island
• itself, and (3) brackish water on the marsh or bay side of the island.
Each of these can be directly or indirectly affected by human activity on
the island or off the island. Of these 3, ocean water is the most plentiful
and consequently, the least affected by man's activities on the island.
•
These waters, however, are easily polluted by activities on the mainland,
on the islands themselves, and at sea.
Since there is no watershed, freshwater naturally occurs as a result
• of local precipitation falling directly on the island. The rate of replen-
ishment is governed by the island's limited precipitation and catchment
area. Plants living on the dunes and flats will acquire water in two ways -
first, the dunes, although dry on the surface, hold sufficient moisture
• within to support the plants, and, second, the water table is usually quite
close to the surface (see previous section on SOILS) and within reach of
the plant roots enabling them to get sufficient moisture. Thus, the water
demand of a community development located on a barrier island is usually
• greater than the rate of replacement. Where well water is used, an imbal-
ance between demand and replenishment may cause an overdraft of the limited
groundwater supply which not only means a depletion of the fresh water supply,
but the incursion of subterranean salt water bringing unuseable brackish
• water (defined as greater than 250 milligrams per litre of chlorides) into
the wells. In such event if no deep aquifer is available, the only
alternative for a permanent development is to pipe water from the mainland
with a resultant cost of 4 to 5 times that of procurring water on the main-
land. A recent development on the north end of Topsail Island encountered
this problem and although a mainland water source was not required a new
source, at a considerable distance (and cost) from the development, was.
The extent and probability of this occurrence is more fully discussed in
• the section of groundwater which follows.
u
-14-

[7
The upper surface of the fresh groundwater is at or near the ground
surface in many places. This condition combined with sandy soils, makes
it difficult to install septic tanks and drain fields. Two adverse possi-
bilities could occur - impeding the septic drainage because of the saturated
condition of the soil and waste discharge mixing with the surrounding ground-
water. Storm drainage may also pose a problem.
The third form of water in the coastal ecosystem is the brackish water
of the estuarine system. These waters are the dominant influence of the
entire estuarine system integrating aquatic influences from both the land
• and the sea. Many commercially important species depend upon the estuarine
system for a part of their life cycle. Examples of estuarine dependent
species are menhaden, flounder, shrimp, crabs, and oysters. Of the 10
leading species in the commercial catch, all but one are dependent upon
• the estuary. This productivity is maintained because of the unique circu-
lation patterns caused by tidal energy, fresh water flow, and shallow depth.
This y p
circulation system transports nutrients, propels plankton, spreads seed
plant life,
f fish and shellfish
stages o s , flushes wastes from animal and p
9
• controls salinity, shifts sediments, and mixes the water to create a multi-
tude of habitats. Important features of the estuary are mud and sand flats,
eel grass beds, salt marshes, submerged vegetation, clam and oyster beds
and nursery areas. Additional secondary benefits include a base for water-
fowl hunting, marinas, boatyards and tourist related industries; also, there
are the nonmonetary benefits of recreation and esthetics. As can be imagined,
the estuarine system is particularly fragile and can be upset through only
minor alteration of its circulation regimes. Construction may cause
• additional sediment, changes in the saline -fresh water mixing ratios from
either natural causes of man -related activities, or the introduction of
toxic materials can temporarily or permanently degrade the estuarine system.
• 2.2 GROUNDWATER
The following discussion of groundwater analyzes the capability and
limitations of the various aquifers discussed in Section 1.0.
While the surficial sand aquifer is not capable of providing large
• quantities of water to "wet" or heavy water using industries, it is of
:7
-15-

•
critical importance to the underlying tertiary limestone aquifer as a
• source of recharge. Thus, if the quantity of water in the surficial sands
is significantly reduced a comparable reduction in quantity will occur in
the tertiary limestone aquifer.
The tertiary limestone aquifer is capable of providing from 100,000
• to 1,000,000 gallons per day over an area of one square mile.
The cretaceous sand aquifer has a capability of providing an
estimated 50,000 gallons per day of groundwater over a one square mile
area. However, about one-half of this aquifer contains brackish, and
• therefore unusuable water. Based on the remaining one-half of the aquifer
where potable water occurs and a recharge rate of 50,000 GPD per square
mile the cretaceous aquifer is capable of supplying 15,000,000 GPD. This
estimate assumes an area of 300 square miles and a rate of aquifer discharge
I'I • (pumping) equal to the rate of recharge, and does not include possible
induced recharges. Fiscal considerations will tend to reduce the area over
which production wells will be spaced and it should therefore be anticipated
that significant withdrawls will tend to be concentrated. These concentrated
• withdrawls, that is if significantly in excess of natural recharge of
50,000 GPD per square mile, will result in continually expanding cones of
depression. For example, the City of Jacksonville draws about 2,000,000
GPD of water from its constructed wells over a 5 square mile area. Since
• the natural rate of recharge for that unit amounts to 250,000 GPD, the
average pumping rate greatly exceeds recharge; it may thus be expected
that the cone of depression will expand until recharge balances discharge.
In addition, the County intends to construct a well field in the same
• general area with a capacity of approximately 10,000,000 GPD. Fiscal
considerations will again tend to cause concentration of the wells and the
cone of depression will expand until recharge balances discharge. The
short term problem may be that the City and County systems may interfere
• with each other. The long term problem has more serious consequences.
This involves the possibility of induced water quality problems. A large
and expanding cone of depression could eventually cause the lateral move-
ment of brackish water toward the pumping centers; and even more importantly,
• the pumping centers would create substantial head differences between the
r,
-16-

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F 0 R E T
C A N 1 Oar/IN A t
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ONSLOW COUNTY
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aquifer commonly used at the 500-600 foot level and the underlying aquifer
• which containsbrackish water. The end result is that brackish water may
move from the 650 foot interval vertically through the aquifer and into
the 500-6.00 foot level. This i.s only a possibility but because of its
significance should be closely monitored.
2.3 THE BARRIER ISLAND ECOSYSTEM STORMS AND EROSION
The barrier islands are both a product of and a first line of
• resistance to oceanic storms. Thus, the features of the island, specifi-
cally its dunes and berm system, are of critical importance to the
development occurring behind them. Two types of storms affect the U.S.
Atlantic coast including Onslow County's coastline the winter cyclone
or "northeaster and the summer cyclone or hurricane The former. originate
as low pressure systems along the Gulf and southeastern United States and
then frequently make landfall in South and North Carolina. Some of the
most.intense and destructive storms the East coast has felt have -been -the
• result of these storms. They are a yearly phenomenon and during the past
years have become more frequent. A second type of storm is the hurricane
which occurs in the late summer and early fall with September being the
most active month. Hurricanes develop as low pressure systems in the
• subtropical latitudes of the Atlantic west of Africa.` Hurricanes are
noted for their intense winds, very low pressures and massive storm surges
which frequently cause substantial property damage and loss of life. On
the average 2 hurricanes strike the U.S. East Coast every year and cause
• more combined damage than any other type of natural disaster. As the
'following figure shows, the east coast of North Carolina stands a 6%
chance in any year of being struck by a hurricane (wind speeds in excess
of 73 MPH)and a 2% chance of being struck by a great hurricane (wind
• speed in excess of 125 MPH). Hurricanes have a great impact on developed
or undeveloped barrier islands. Where development has taken place, such
as on Topsail Island, steps have been taken to reduce storm damage. Several
common solutions are used where development has occurred too close to the
• water or the dunes have been leveled. ,Construction of a groin will trap
•
-17-

1 l•
SR
5 7
10
`• 54
• J 53 •
op3
52' `O
•C.
L- -- /-• ..� 50-46
• . 47
• 46 b5
1 r -��• 47 45 N
• 44 nI
45
4243 �2 ^ N
41
47
38 • 38 ti`
��• 37 • 37 �
3
36,
1 C... 13; ' 17 19 3 • 33 �0
3 • 32 N
14 Ib • • Y0 -
67 a 0 11 12 1 • 31 • 31 5•
4 5 0 • 14 15 16 17 21 30 30 co 2
3 �I• 10 11 1 1 18 • 22 29 �
a 6 g139 6131476) 19 23 26 29 N
2 b 4 1 6 20 z ?a
• 6 � 2 8 21 _• _ 17 K r
2 �L
,,��� •• 5 a a1 ALL HURRICANES � Q 4222 2a 25 13� h
2 ^ a GREAT HURR1CES ? 1 2 4- 1�
�, 90• as° 80° r 7s•

Future fill
t
----
Future seawall
i Recreational portion of beach
t i
(BEFORE) i Normal high tide
l
• / -- er
/ Normal profile d
111 f before seawall
1 / o
/ / / i .o Seawall ..
a
Note that recreational portion 3'
of beach is smaller
• (AFTER) ° ' Normal high tide
Maier
Profile after time lapse.
Note that profile is steeper and /
narrower. that recreational area mz profile immediately after
has diminished or disappeared.] installing seawall
Effect of a seawall on the profile of
a beach
•
•

•
•
•
• __` _.�. (Ocean)
Dire Lion of along -shore current
Direction of sand movement
•♦---
,
• GROIN -► Shoreline after groin
Original shoreline before groin'. Build-up
in,�mminmin�nimm, inmrni�r�nm�nfn�-,r• ��nrr�nnnnn.��m"'t • • . � ,� , R�4 ,
Erosion
I01�-Beach cottage with widened
Beach cottage inr expanse of beach - no longer
• danger from erosion on water's edge
of beach
(Land)
Effect of a groin on the Shoreline

J
sand in the littoral drift, thus holding and collecting the sand on a
! .specific portion of -the beach. ;However, below the groin erosion is
accelerated because of the depletion of sand caused by the groin.
Another structural approach is the seawall. -It is usually constructed
parallel to the beachtoact as a buffer against.wave attack. It may
halt erosion.temporarily but unless the wall is large enough to dwarf
both the beach and waves it.will be undermined eventually. The effects
of both these methods are illustrated in the following diagrams.
•
2.4 LAGOON ESTUARY SYSTEM
BRACKISH -WATER SYSTEMS The most important role of the brackish
water system is in the form of a nursery ground for the young of most of
the sports and commercial fisheries in North Carolina. The abundance and
distribution of these species is highly seasonal as a result of migration
and spawning times; these migratory movements are related to times of
•
freshwater input and the -nursery productivity is related to freshwater and
its contents As can be deducted the key to the maintenance of brackish
water systems is the.input of materials from the rivers since over 50% of
the organic utilization in this system is attributed to the organic material
flowing in -from the -river. Obviously, if upstream development significantly
decreases the flow of freshwater downstream and the import of organic
matter to .the estuary, significant reductions -can occur in the estuary.
-If water development- structures occur too close to the estuary, the
! spawning runs of species such as striped bass. -and shad may be inhibited.
Physical alterations such as the construction of dikes, causeways, and
bridges can interrupt the critical circulation patterns of brackish water
systems resulting in stagnation, interruption of materials transport and
• normal migration of young species.
MID -SALINITY SYSTEMS - A mid -salinity system is basically a water
system with salinity of 8 - 30 parts per thousand. While no clean.line
• of demarcation can be drawn to separate it from the upstream freshwater
and brackish -water system it does represent a distinct system with
•
-18-

J
significant values to users. The following map shows the extent of mid
• salinity systems in North Carolina. Its importance is similar to the
brackish -water system in that almost all of Onslow County's sports and
commercial fisheries are dependent upon this system at some point in their
life cycle. Important secondary benefits are derived from the operation
• of marinas and boatyards. In the four coastal counties of Hyde, New
Hanover, Onslow and Pamlico, in 1971 there were 210 motor vessels
operating with a gross tonnage of almost 500 tons and employing a total
of 428 persons. The type of activities and possible effects from these
• activities on a mid -salinity system is shown in the following table.
SALT MARSHES - The salt marshes and many of their values have been
discussed in previous sections. They are generally composed of regularly
• and irregularly flooded marsh. It is estimated that Onslow County has
1,000 acres of irregularly flooded marsh and 11,350 acres of regularly
flooded marshes. The regularly flooded marsh generally ends with the
last line of Spartina Alterniflora and the irregularly flooded marsh begins
• and ends with the first and last line of Juncus roemerianus. The following
diagram shows the typical zonation pattern for a salt marsh in North
Carolina and in Onslow County. The values associated with the salt marsh
are well known, if difficult to estimate. They serve as habitat, nurseries,
• and food supplies for commercial and sport fisheries, as a tertiary
"treatment plant" for waste, as sediment traps thus, deterring erosion,
and as a source of recreation. Many potential uses of the marsh are
mutually exclusive. Filling or bulkheading or spoil deposition can destroy
• the marshes filtering capacity, interrupt water exchanges and eliminate
habitat. Dredging or deepening of creeks can accelerate erosion. Ditching
for mosquito control can alter the marsh but may also have beneficial
effects. In general the most destructive activities are man -related
• actions which alter water levels or drainage patterns since vegetation
and the integrity of the marsh system are largely controlled by the position
of the water level relative to the marsh surface.
•
•
-19-

s
•
:'
•
•
•
North Carolina coastal zone. The hatched areas
inaicate the extent of mid -salinity systems,

Upland
Vegetation
Iva, Borrichia,
Baccharis
Spartina patens
IDistichlis spicata
` Juncus
I( roemerianus
Z Salicornia Tall Spartina
limonium alterniflora
Short Spartina
alterniflora
I i l Medium S ar ina
alterniflor
Mean Mean
High Low
Water Water
Idealized salt marsh zonation typical of North Carolina.

Various Types and Likely Consequences of Man -Induced Modifications of the Mid -Salinity System as a Habitat for the Young.of
Commercially Important Organisms
Feature Example Expected effects Probable results in terms of resource productivity
Adverse Beneficial
I. Change in Basin Con-
figuration:
Bulkheading and Filling Coastal Zone, North General reduction in Decreased productivity None
Carolina acreage of desirable due to loss of carrying
shore -zone and marsh hab- capacity through destruc-
itat; alteration of marsh
tion of plant cover and
drainage patterns (Hutton
food sources.
et al, 1956).
Dredging of Navigation
Intercoastal Waterway; Partial deepening of
Possible sea -water intru-
Increased carrying capa-
Channels
Wilmington ship channel; bays, alteration of marsh
on, reducing carrying
city through provision of
State part of Morehead drainage patterns; in-
capacity through reduc-
access for small organ -
creased exchange of oce-
tion of plant cover and
isms to previously inac-
anic, bay and marsh water,
food sources,
cesible estuarine and
change in circulation and
marsh areas; deepened
hence distribution of sa-
areas offer haven or es-
linity, temperature, etc,;
cape routes from effects
temporary increase in
of sudden cold fronts.
silt load (Rounsefell
(Deposition of spoil is-
1964; Reid 1956, 1957;
lands allows nesting by
floss et al. 1974a),
seabirds,)
Segmentation by Spoil
Oregon Inlet bridge Lessening of average
Slight loss of bottom
None
Banks as Well as by
depth through shoaling
acreage, disruption of
Rail and Highway Grades
due to structure's in-
flow patterns, and imped-
fluence on circulation;
ence of organism move -
reduced exchange of fresh
rents would have nominal
and salt water.
effect on productivity.
Ditching of Marshes
Coastal North Carolina Lowered water table;
Loss in productive poten-
Increased access to marsh
(Carteret County) gross change in vegeta-
tential attributable not
areas by juvenile organ-
tive cover; loss of nu-
only to loss of plant
isms,
trient material from
cover and food sources,
marsh areas (Bourn & Cot-
but to reduction in
tam 1950; Kuenzler &
nursery acreage as well.
Marshall 1973; LaSalle
& Knight 1973),
II, Protective Works:
Coastal North Carolina Restricted influx of salt
Generally lowered produc-
None
Sea Walls, Dikes,
water; loss of tidal-
tivity because of dimin-
Levees
exchange benefits; change
ished access to broad
in salinity regime,
estuarine areas for young
organisms,

Feature
Probable results in terms of resource roductivit
Example
Expected effects
Adverse
Benef Mal
III, Change in Volume and
Seasonal Distribution of
Freshwater Inflow:
Inhibition and Removal of
Upstream dams and flood
Generally heightened sal-
General deterioration of
None
Water Flow
control structures on
inity; increased concen-
environment which is a
N. C. rivers & streams;
centration of downstream
vital link in organisms'
removal of water for mu-
pollutants; reduced in-
survival strategy would
nicipal & agricultural
flux of terrigenous nu-
mean a measurable loss in
uses; removal of water by
trient material (Chapman
production,
power plants (B,S,E,P,)
1966; Copeland 1966), En-
trainment of organisms by
power plants,
Channelization
Coastal North Carolina
Erratic, sudden fresh-
Destroys benthic habitat
None
streams
water input; pulses of
through increased silts -
pollutants; increased
tion'and pollutants,
siltation due to loss of
gradual flow,
IV, Polutions:
Domestic
Untreated wastes (Cape
Change in water chemis-
Superenrichment could
Increased fertility; lim-
Fear River system?)
try; increased biological
induce suffocation and
ited enhancement of pro -
demand for oxygen,
loss of productivity,
ductivity,
Industrial
Port cities (Wilmington.
Change in water chemis-
In cases of inadequate
None
Morehead), pulp & tex-
try; presence of toxic or
dilution, decreased sur-
tile mills on N. C.
suffocating compounds
vival and productivity,
rivers
(Steed & Copeland 1967),
Agricultural
Pamlico River estuary
Introduction through
Accumulation of toxic.
Possible enhancement of
and tributaries
sheet runoff of pesti-
substances by shellfish,
system due to increased
cides, herbicides and nu-
resulting in closing of
fertility,
trients (from fertilizer)
shellfish areas, etc,
(Warlen 1974).
Thermal & Nuclear
Brunswick Steam Electric
Increased temperatures in
Fish kills due to sudden
Possible enhancement of
Plant, other possible
area of thermal plume on
shutdown during winter;
system due to warm tem-
power plants on N. C.
a year-round basis ex-
possible death of larval
peratures providing ex -
estuaries
cept for shutdowns;
organisms,
tended growing season
radioactive compounds re-
(Copeland & Davis 1972),
leased (Hose et al, 1971;
Ross et al, 1874bT,

LI
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
[1
SWAMP FORESTS - Of the 5,885,000 acres of wetlands in North Carolina,
swamps account for over 50% of these acres Swamps are characterized by
the type of forest community which exists, as opposed to other wetland
areas which have different, lower profile plant communities. Three
distinct types exist in the coastal counties of North Carolina - swamp
forests, river flood plain swamps, and pocosins. Of these three only two
exist to a significant extent in Onslow County, the swamp forest and the
pocosin. Pocosins account for the great majority of the total acreage with
120,700 acres found in the three major pocosins in Onslow County - the
White Oak, Horse Swamp, and Great Sandy Run. Pocosins are usually flooded
during winter months and waterlogged the rest of the year. The soils are
primarily peat and low in fertility. The dominant tree is the Pond Pine.
The primary value of swamp forests and pocosins is as wildlife habitat
and forestry production. Secondary values are for maintenance of flood
regimes, maintenance of the water table and water purification. They.are
important for flood control because the peaty soil collects water and releases
it slowly, preventing downstream flooding. They also help maintain the
level of the water table. Swamps recharge groundwater where stream flow
is high by absorbing water from the stream and allowing it to percolate
into the water table. Swamps thus, maintain the hydraulic head required
to prevent saltwater intrusion - a significant potential problem for Onslow
County. The types of activities with potential impact on swamps are
draining and clearing and channelization. Drainage and clearing can result
in downstream runoff into the estuarine system with inevitable adverse
effects. Drawing and channelization may also increase the rate of stream
flow which impairs the swamps' ability to absorb water into the aquifer,
thus flood waters are not retarded and the frequency of downstream floods
increase. The water table falls and can no longer recharge streams during
periods of drought. The hydraulic head is reduced and the possibility of
saltwater intrusion is increased.
-The energy shortage has created a new interest in pocosins in the
United States because of the potential fuel content in their peaty soils.
When drained and dried, peat is capable of providing up to 10,000 BTU/lb
of energy. The feasibility of the use of peat as either an energy source
•
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�J
for electric generating plants or for the production of methanol is
discussed in the following section. However, there appears to be a
considerable difference of opinion on the potential impact of peat
harvesting on surface, ground and estuarine waters. Some researchers
have concluded, as discussed above, that drainage.of pocosins may result
• in intrusion of saltwater, increased downstream flows resulting in
erosion and alteration of estuarine circulation patterns. Other
researchers have concluded that these effects would be negligible or
could be controlled through proper management. Because of the great
• potential economic and environmental impacts, thorough and comprehensive
research is clearly indicated.
•

lJ
3.0 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
•
Potential development activities for Onslow County were identified by
evaluating the County's favorable resources and site location factors
against a checklist of development location criteria. As would be expected
• a broad range of development activities were indicated concentrating
primarily in the forestry and agriculture industry groups. The location
criteria used for Onslow County are described below and the potential for
development within several broad groups is discussed. Finally, the potential
• for specific environmentally significant developments relating to energy
development are identified and discussed.
• 3.1 LOCATION CRITERIA
REGIONAL FACTORS
•
I. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
A. Proximity to raw materials or sub -assemblies
1. Average mileages
2. Delivery times
3. Lead time required
B. Proximity to markets
1. Size and composition of markets
2. Average mileages
3. Delivery time
4. Lead time required
C. Availability of types of labor required
• 1. Skilled
2. Semi -skilled
3. Unskilled
4. Part time
•
•
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D.
Availability of Energy Sources
1. Coal
2. Oil
3. Gas
4. Electricity
5. Nuclear
6. Other
•
II. SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS
A.
Transportation
:
1. Highway
•
2. Rail
3. Water
4. Air
B.
Political Climate and Stability
1. Attitudes toward industry -
2. Characteristics of dominant party
C.
Levels of Taxation, Corporate and Personal
1. Real Estate Taxes
•
2. Income Taxes - state and local.
3. Inventory Taxes
4. Sales and other Taxes
D.
Weather and Natural Disaster Vulnerability
1. Range of average temperatures
•
2. Precipitation
3. History of tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, severe
storms, floods, etc.
E.
Attitude of Financial community
1. Level of loan activity - residential and business
2. Foreclosure statistics
F.
Level of Growth Attained - Population Density
G.
Availability and Quality of Supporting Services
•
1. Required for industry
2. Required for employees
H.
Availability of Incentives
1. Tax Abatement
2. Industrial development bond financing
3. Others
•
-23-

1.
Are the attitudes of state and local government favorable
to a new industry and generally conducive to community pro-
gress?
2.
Will the school system be acceptable to management employees
transferred into the community?
-
3.
Is the community structured to furnish an acceptable level
of services to a new industry.?
4.
Are the social, cultural, recreational and shopping facilities
adequate to support a quality of life that will attract employ-
ees to the community?
5.
Are there aspects of the community that might interfere with
the industry's minority employment objectives consistent with
federal and state laws and policy? Is there evidence of un-
usual racial tension or failure by the community to deal real-
listically and appropriately with minority grievances?
6.
Does the community contain or have convenient access to the
supportive services required for day-to-day plant operation?
7.
Are the residential neighborhoods of the quality normally de-
sired by the levels of technical and management personnel who
will staff the plant? Soes the community have the capacity
contractors, mortage lenders, developed land, etc. - to supply
housing to the industry's incoming employees in a reasonable
time and a reasonable prices.?
8.
Does it appear that the proposed plant can conform to its hir-
ing schedule and build a labor force without compromising its
skill and productivity requirements?
9.
Does the community offer vocational and industrial training
programs which will be beneficial to the proposed plant?
- 24-

•
•
[1
[1
[7
•
10. Proprietary question(s) relating to specific employee relations
considerations.
11. Are there union practices, chronic shortages of material, an
inadequate number of general or sub -contractors, or similar
problems peculiar to this community which might adversely af-
fect the design and construction phase of the project?
12. Is the community served by transportation and utilities ade-
quate to support the industry?
13. Are wage rates and benefits at a level which will enhance the
industry's competive position in the market place?
14. What governmental economic development incentives are available?
15. How will state and/or local environmental considerations affect
site selection, cost of plant construction and operating cost?
3.2 IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The prededing quantitative methods and subjective checklists were
intended primarily to establish a conceptual base for continued and de-
tailed analysis in the proposed land use update at which time the 1980
Census information will be available. However, using these checklists
as a guide it is possible to identify major development groups, includ-
ing other than industrial, that have potential for location in coastal,
Onslow.County within the next 5 to l0 years. Such factors as a large
population base due to the military bases, a supply of potable water
through the County water system, proximity to ports in Morehead City and
Wilmington, transportation routes along U.S. 17, the proposed skills
training center, and a stable supply of energy all make Onslow County a
likely area for various types of development when weighed against the
regional and community location factors listed above. Among these are
the following.
•
25-

•
•
•
•
C
•
•
AGRICULTURE - The major money farm crops in Onslow County are
tocacco, soybeans, and corn and most of the farming activity occurs in
the White Oak Township around Richlands, although some limited farming
does occur in the Sneads Ferry area. While tobacco is the major farm
crop there is a significant amount of hog production in the County. Due
to the generally unsuitable soils in the coastal area and the fact that
most of the land suitable for cultivation is owned by large forestry
companies that are managing the lands for timber production any signifi-
cant expansion of farming activity in coastal Onslow County appears un-
likely. This conclusion is reinforced by the fact that land utilized
for farming purposes in Onslow County has decreased by about 1,100 acres
per year since 1951. At the same time farm size has increased to about
95 acres while smaller less efficient farms of 20 acres or less have
been sold.. Because of the problems in land assemblage due to the hold-
ings of land by the timber companies, the generally unsuitable soils of
the coastal area, and the rising costs of production (energy, taxes, and
grain costs) it appears that small scale less efficient farms will con-
tinue to decrease but no large scale farming operations are likely.
COMMERCIAL FISHING - Onslow County has been ranked as high as 7th
in seafood products income based on dockside value of all coastal coun-
ties in North Carolina. Two factors have been cited as obstacles to in-
creased commercial catch - 1) water pollution, and 2) inadequate channel
depth at New River and Bogue Inlet. Further, with the increasing cost
of energy the profit margin for commercial fishing will continue to di-
minish. The water pollution occurs primarily from on -site disposal and
faulty treatment in the Swansboro and Sneads Ferry areas. Without ade-
quate land use controls establishing density limitation this type of pol-
lution will unquestionably continue. At the present time the -Corps of
Engineers has no plans to permanently stabilize either Bogue or the New
River Inlets. Thus, fishing vessels will continue to be hampered by in-
adequate channel depths. The overall outlook is thus one of continued
decline in the fishing industry with little prospect for major expansion
since it appears that the State has focused its priorities on the northern
section of the State at Wanchese Harbor and the southern part or the
State at Wilmington for the establishment of seafood processing facilities.
•
- Z6-

•
FORESTRY - The forestry industry plays a significant role in Onslow
as a major land user and an employer. Of the almost one-half million
acres of ,land in Onslow County about 45 percent is used as forest land
and of this 45 percent, 37 percent is in the hands of large industrial
users. The great majority of. this forestry production is in pines and
other softwoods used for pulp but there exists a significant acreage of
hardwood growth (90,000 to 120,000 acres) which has potential for har
1 1 t d`
vesting for use as veneer stock. Of all the natura resource re a e
industries forestry production has the greatest potential for expansion
and development. The vast holdings, proximity to transportation facili-
ties at the Wilmington and Morehead City Ports, favorable growing cli-
mate, and continued strong position of the forestry industries nation-
ally and internationally all point toward forestry production and related
industries as the base for industrial expansion in Onslow County. The
spin offs that can be expanded are evidenced by the several related
secondary industries already in existence in the County such as Weyer
haeuser's plywood manufacturing plant, Alton Box Board. Company, and.Top
sail Veneer Company. Any wood products users such as sawmills, planing
and flooring mills, wood buildings or mobile home manufacturers, particle
board, furniture manufacturers, pulp and paperboard mills, and paperboard.
manufacturers could be expected as potential future industrial prospects.
OTHER POTENTIAL INDUSTRIES - The remainder of Onslow County's indus-
trial base is a mix of textile (clothing) manufacturers and miscellaneous
plants producing a variety of products ranging from pleasure boats to
specialty tools and steels. The economy of the County is largely dominated
by the presence of Camp LeJeune which in turn results in a large service
sector in the County. None of these, other than Camp LeJeune, have es-
tablished themselves as a predominant industry in the County and thus
there is no reason to think any additional significant locations or expan-
sions would occur. However, this in no way eliminates the possibility,
and even the liklihood, that an unforeseen industrial location could occur
because of the many favorable factors previously mentioned present in
Onslow County.
- 27-

L J
ENERGY RELATED DEVELOPMENTS - Prior to the Arab oil embargo, the
possibility of a major energy production facility in Onslow County would
have seemed remote. However, the increasing demand for energy and the
rising price of available fuels has resulted in testing of new technologies
and greater need for energy related facilities. These potential develop-
ments are discussed below.
WOOD OR PEAT FIRED ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANTS The use of wood or
peat for electrical generation has been technically feasible for years and
• has been used for such in many other countries - most notably Russia,
Finland and Ireland; however, because of the availability of cheaper
alternative fuels, their economic feasibility could not be established
With the _rapid acceleration of the price of these fuels, primarily oil,
• coal, peat, and wood have assumed a new importance. Peat is simply decayed
plant and wood matter that has decayed under water for hundreds of years
while coal is peat that has aged under pressure for millions of years.
Because of the relatively high moisture content of peat and wood when
• harvested (85 to 90 percent for peat and 55 percent for wood) their heat'
values are significantly less than that of coal. Thus, the cost per BTU
of transportation of coal is much less per BTU than peat or wood; however,
these two fuels have a significant advantage over coal in that they are
• low in sulfur and ash thus removing expensive environmental controls. There-
fore, if wood and peat are to compete with coal as a fuel source an adequate
supply must be close to the generating facility to reduce the transportation
cost per BTU. The primary selection criteria for a wood -fired plant are -
• 1) an adequate supply of hard wood stands and no nearby competitors,
2) adequate water for cooling, and, 3) adequate transportation facilities,
labor and demand for electricity. For a 25 MW plant about 3,000 acres per
year would be required. Approximately 0.84 million acres exist in the area
• of Verona in Onslow County, more than adequate to service such a facility.
Onslow County has two pocosins that have potential for peat harvesting
the White Oak, located almost entirely in the Hoffman and Croatan National
Forests and the Great Sandy Run, located in the southeastern portion of the
• County between U.S. Highway 17 and State Highway 50. The Horse Swamp
•
-28-

pocosin, located north of Camp Lejeune, has a more sandy soil and does
�. not appear to be favorable for peat mining. Cost analysis of high sulfur
coal, nuclear, peat and wood fired plants indicate that a small peat
fired plant (100 MW) can compete effectively with larger nuclear and
high sulfur plants (1,000 MW) but that a small wood fired plant (25 MW),
• because of the high cost of wood chips and fixed cost disadvantages, can-
not compete. While there is a possibility of peat fired electrical
generating facilities on a small or demonstration scale in Onslow County,
the necessity of locating the generating plant close to the peat source
may reduce the feasibility of such a plant due to the poor soil conditions
for construction found in pocosins. A more likely alternative use for
mined peat is for conversion to methanol.
• METHANOL CONVERSION OF PEAT - Peat, or any high carbon material
(coal,.wood or garbage) may be converted to methanol by the Koppers
process which controls combustion at very high temperatures. About
2,200 tons of 30% moisture peat are required to.produce 3,600 bbl of
• methanol. Fresh water required to generate steam is about 500,000 GPD.
which is about 5% of that needed for a peat fired electric generating
plant. The steam produced in the process can then be used to generate
electricity for sale to a utility. The methanol may be sol..d to any users
• in the region for farming, fishing, forestry or military operations. The
apparent feasibility of this use for peat appears to be much greater than
than for primary generation of electricity. A pilot plant capable of
producing 3,600 barrels per day is proposed for development by First
• Colony Farms. This plant will be built at 1/10 the size of the projected
35,000 BPD plant and will have significant implications for future develop-
ment of peat fields in Onslow County should this pilot plant prove profit-
able in operation. Two possible effects on further development are
• apparent, given the profitability of this pilot plant. First, the
potential for a peat fired electrical generating facility would be greatly
reduced, and, two, the surrounding area could be a possible recipient of
the electricity cogenerated in the conversion process. The potential for
• this type of development for peat mining in Onslow County would appear to
•
-29-

q
.-A
be significant since most of the County's peat reserves are in the
• Hoffman forest which is managed by commercial forest interests and further
since there is a ready made market for the finished product, not only from
timber and agricultural uses but at Camp Lejeune. The environmental
impacts of peat mining are as yet undetermined although there are
• divergent opinions. It appears that the most significant impact will be
from artificial drainage.systems necessary to dry the peat. The artificial
drainage systems will be necessary since the pocosins, which contain the
peat, are not naturally drained (the name "pocosin" supposedly is an Indian
• term meaning "swamp on a hill"). This artificial drainage would inevitably
increase runoff, and if drainage patterns discharged to estuarine systems
the circulation patterns, salinity mixes, and sediment flows could be
seriously disturbed. Further, reclamation of the mined areas to agri-
cultural uses could result in runoff of fertilizers and pesticides with:
further.impact on receiving estuarine systems. Although the initiation
of such an operation is not immediate, it would appear that the most
likely pocosin for mining would be the White Oak in the Hoffman forest,
• not only because of its size but because of its ownership patterns.
Further, the Great Sandy Run pocosin in the southern portion of the County
appears to have a drainage pattern into Pender County and into the New
River which would apparently be far enough from estuarine waters to
• provide some assimilative capacity. Thus, it appears that the most
vulnerable estuarine area would be the White Oak River which would be
the most likely receiving area should the White 0ak pocosin be drained.
Comprehensive studies of the capacity'of this estuary for accepting
• increased freshwater flow should be undertaken at the earliest possible
time.
OIL RELATED DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES - Oil development related
• activities include refineries, petrochemical complexes, and offshore
terminals. Because of the physical characteristics of crude oil and
costs of operation, petroleum refiners can minimize transportation costs
by locating refineries close to markets rather than sources of oil. An
• example of this location force is the concentration of refineries in the
•
-30-

l I
mid -Atlantic states. Further, it is cheaper to move crude oil in large
tankers than in small ones; however, because of the deep draft of very
large crude carriers (VLCC)_most ports cannot accept these ships and
they must be unloaded offshore in 80.to 100.feet of water. These forces
of location economics combined with the growing population of the south
Atlantic states (including North Carolina and the Piedmont area) indicate
a potential for these development activities on North Carolina's coast
including Onslow County. The proposed BECO refinery in Brunswick County
is an example of the interest of petroleum interests in North Carolina.
• In the North Carolina Petrochemical Complex study completed in 1976, 3
sites were identified.as potential locations for petrochemical complexes.
These were l) Hertford.and Gates Counties, 2) the Wilmington area, and,
3) the five county area of Carteret, Jones, Craven,,Pamlico and.Onslow.
• The environmental effects from the location of a 200,000 BPD refinery
(the BECO refinery will be 150,000 BPD) will primarily relate to water
supply and wastewater disposal. A refinery of this size would consume 8
million gallons per day of a total intake of 30 MGD and assumes that
•. saline or brackish water would be used for part of the once through
cooling water. The Petrochemical Complex Study cited states that:
Surface water use is likely to increase the duration and volume of the
tidal saltwater wedge that penetrates the coastal rivers... It appears
• that a single refiner in an area will not encounter a serious problem
in developing dependable water supplies from either ground or surface
-
water supplies, or a combination. The presence of several facilities,
however, would call for careful'p.lanning to avoid saltwater intrusion.of
• groundwater supplies.
A final component of oil related development activities is the deep -
water terminal. Basically this type of facility is designed to unload
ships in excess of 500,000 deadweight tons in depths of 110 feet of water.
0 This process is carried out through a system known as the single point
mooring system which consists of several fixed buoys with floating hoses
for unloading the tankers. The tankers attach to and unload at the buoy
by means of the floating hose. The oil is then transferred to a -service
• platform 2 miles away from where it is pumped on onshore storage and

and crude oil transfer systems. It then may be processed at a refinery
•_ or delivered to the nearest product port or interstate pipeline. The
Coastal Plains Deepwater Terminal Study found that such a terminal was
feasible in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.. General
locations for terminals were identified in the latter two states as
• well as for North Carolina. The proposed location in North Carolina is
generally off the Pender County shoreline indicating a possible landfall
in that general area.
•
•
•
•
•
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LJ
4.0 SCREENING AND LOCATION CRITERIA
•
4.1 SCREENING
The following is a series of questions that may be used by local
• decision makers as a guide for initial screening and evaluation of probable,
major adverse impacts of industrial development during the construction and
operation of an .industrial facility and related facilities. It should be
used more as a method of mentally organizing the issues and identifying
• the potential effects of a particular action than as,a systematic method
of evaluation of a proposed action. This type of detailed evaluation can
only take place after indepth research by qualified agencies and individuals.
The check list consists of two sets of questions which address the most
• general air, odor, noise, water quality and supply, solid waste and land
quality impacts. The first set of 22 general questions aids the user in
determining if any cause for concern exists. A second set of 38 follow-up
questions helps theuserdetermine if their concern should be minor -or if
• a possible major impact is possible. While there are no weights assigned
to any of the questions, once agreement is reached over the level of concern
on any particular issue, a relative weight can be assigned and a quantitative
score developed. For instance,'in Onslow County where water quality is of
• greater importance than air quality a higher weight would be assigned to
questions 11 through 17 with each of these questions given a proportionate
weight according to their relative importance. A particular score on any
question or on all questions can be used to indicate the need for additional
• evaluation through such mechanisms as Environmental Impact Statements.
•
40

0 0 0 0-
AIR QUALITY
GENERAL QUESTION ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ANSWER -
NO
SOME
SOME
MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN IF
CONCERN
CONCERN
FOR POSSIBLE
ANSWER IS
IF ANSWER
IF ANSWER
SERIOUS NEGA-
NO
IS YES
IS NO
TIVE IMPACT IF
-
ANSWER IS YES
1. Will discharges directly from the
la. Will the discharges lead
to
facility, be different from the
the violation of an air
conditions of the ambient environ-
quality standard in the
ment?
case of:
carbon monoxide
nonmethane
hydrocarbons
nitrogen dioxide
photochemical
oxidants
particulate matter
sulfur dioxide?
lb. Will the discharge include
toxic organics or inorganics?
-34-

AIR QUALITY
GENERAL QUESTION ANSWER
(Continued)
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ANSWER
NO SOME
SOME
MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN IF CONCERN
CONCERN
FOR POSSIBLE
ANSWER IS IF ANSWER
IF ANSWER
SERIOUS NEGA-
NO IS YES
IS NO
TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES ,
2. Will traffic in and out of the
2a.
Will the discharges lead to
plant or from the workers'com-
localized carbon monoxide,
muting to the facility produce
nitrogen oxide, and/or photo -
serious traffic congestion?
chemical oxidant air quality
standard violations?
2b.
Will the discharges lead to a
concentrated discharge of
lead within 200 feet of a ma-
jor residential development?
3. Will construction of the fa-
3a.
Will this level exceed 55 dB(A)
cility, its operation, and/or
outdoors near or 45 dB(A) in -
attendant transportation activ-
side of residential developments,
ities produce a noise level
schools, hospitals, libraries,
above th- ambient?
recreation areas?
3b.
Will this level exceed 70 dB(A)
during the night and 80 dB(A)
d1j"inn thn dav?

AIR QUALITY
(Continued)
GENERAL QUESTION
ANSWER
FOLLOW-UP gUESTION
ANSWER
NO SOME
SOME
MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN IF CONCERN
CONCERN
FOR POSSIBLE
ANSWER IS IF ANSWER
IF ANSWER
SERIOUS NEGA-
NO IS YES
IS NO
TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
4. Will the facility and
4a. Will the odor be apparent
attendant activities
in a residential neighbor -
produce an odor?
hood or a shopping area?
5. Will the facility contain
5a. Will the stack be visible
a stack and emissi-ons?
for more than 1/2 mile?
-36-

GENERAL QUESTION
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
R
NO SOME
CONCERN IF CONCERN
ANSWER IS IF ANSWER
NO IS YES
6. Will the solid waste stream be
different from residential waste?
7. Will the volume of the waste
exceed the current capacity of
existing landfills or hasten
the filling of the landfills?
-3
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION
ANSWER
SOME MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN FOR POSSIBLE
IF ANSWER SERIOUS NEGA-
IS NO TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
6a. Are these nonresidential
wastes hazardous (e.g.
toxic, flammable, carcino-
genic, etc.)?.
6b. Are any of these wastes not
readily degradable in the
enNironment (e.g., plastics,
glass, ferrous and nonfer-
rous metals)?
6c. If the waste is being dis-
posed of by landfill, is the
landfill near a source of
water used for fishing, pub
l'ic potable supply, or con-
tact recreation?
7a. Will a new landfill.site Ares-
ently inhabited by ,rare or
economically important species
be filled to meet the demands .
of this facility?
7-

GENERAL QUESTION
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AContinued)
ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ANSWER
NO SOME SOME MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN It CONCERN CONCERN FOR POSSIBLE
ANSWER IS IF ANSWER IF ANSWER SERIOUS NEGA
NO IS YES IS NO TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
8. Will the trucks removing the 8a. Will these vehicles lead to
waste pass through a residential or contribute to the viola -
or institutional area, or add tion of an air quality
additional traffic to an already standard or raise the deci-
crowded throroughfare? bel level to greater than
55 dB in a major residential
area?
8b. Will the changes cited in 8a
occur during the night?
9. Will the population added to the 9a. Same as follow-up question in
region by the facility and secon 7a, 8a, and 8b.
dary activities lead to the im-
pacts as in 7 and 8 above?

GENERAL QUESTION
ANSWER
NO SOME
CONCERN IF CONCERN
ANSWER IS IF ANSWER
NO IS YES
10. Will the discharges contain
waste which will exert an oxygen
demand?
11. Will the discharges contain solids
at a concentration exceeding that
of the receiving water?
12. Will the temperature of the dis-
charges be the same as that of the
receiving body of water?
13. Will the discharges contain haz-
ardous substances?
5OURCES
FOLLOW-UP� QUESTION ANSWER
SOME MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN FOR POSSIBLE
IF ANSWER SERIOUS NEGA
IS NO TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
10a.
Will the discharge lead to
the violation of a dissolved
oxygen standard?
lla.
Will these discharges reduce
light penetration, lead to
eutrophication, or discolor
the water?
llbi,
Will these discharges contain
substances which will severly
alter the PH and/or salinity
of the water and lead to a
violation of water quality
standard?
12a.
Will the water temperature
change lead to the violation.
of a water quality standard?
13a.
Will these discharges contain
toxic substances?
-39-

GENERAL QUESTION
• • •
WATER RESOURCES (Continued)
ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ANSWER
NO
SOME
SOME
MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN IF
CONCERN
CONCERN
FOR. POSSIBLE
ANSWER IS
IF ANSWER
IF ANSWER
SERIOUS NEGA-
NO
IS YES
IS NO
TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
14. Will the discharges contain
substances with high coliforw
counts?
15. Will the facility's construc-
tion cause the course of`bod-
ies of'water to be changed?
16. Will the impervious cover of
the facility and attendant
parking areas lead to any of
the impacts as in 10, 11, 13,
and 14 above?
17. Will nearby sources of water be
affected in quality or quantity
by.the facility, by its secon-
dary industries, and by addi-
tional residents brought into
the community?
14a. Will these discharges con-
tribute to a violation of
a water quality standard?
15a. Will this change last lon-
ger than the construction
period?
16a. Same as follow-up questions
in 10, 11, 13, and 14.
17a. Will a new water supply
source be needed?
17b. Will this new source require
heavy chemical treatment?
17c. Will interagency transfers
be required to meet these
demands?
-40-

0 0 0
GENERAL QUESTION
18. Will the facility be constructed
on sensitive terrain or in.an
Area -of Environmental Concern?
19. Are the facility and attendant
activities incompatible with
existing land uses?
LAND QUALITY --
ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ANSWER
NO
SOME
SOME
MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN IF
CONCERN
CONCERN
FOR POSSIBLE
ANSWER IS
-IF ANSWER
IF ANSWER
SERIOUS NEGA-
NO
IS YES
IS NO
TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
18a. Is this slope greater than
15 percent?
18b. Are the soils and bedrock.
easily eroded?
18c. Will a portion of the flood -
plain be occupied?
18d. Will any of the hazard areas
of the State Guidelines for
AEC's be affected?
19a. Will the facility raise the
value of the land and force
out nearby less intensive
uses?
19b. Will the facility change the
existing economic base by,com-
peting for local labor and
other, man-made resources or
through environmental degrada-
tion of farms, resorts, etc.?
-41

GENERAL QUESTI
LAND QUALITY (Continued)'
ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ANSWER
NO
SOME
CONCERN IF
CONCERN
ANSWER IS
IF ANSWER
NO
IS YES
20. Will the facility and its secon-
dary impacts require the expan-
sion of community infrastructure?
-4
SOME MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN FOR POSSIBLE
IF ANSWER SERIOUS NEGA
IS NO TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
19c. Are any of these structures
of historic value?
19d. Will the facility be visible
from parklands, beaches, or
other perserves or areas of
recreation or block the view
of scenic sites?
19e. Will the facility be consis-
tant with the County's Land
Use Plan?
20a. Will -the facility and its
secondary impacts require
additions to the following
local government infrastructure
components:
schools
highways
electric utility
recreation
fire
social services
health services
water/sewer?
2-

GENERAL QUESTION
21. Will the facility and its atten-
dant industries threaten the
safety of people?
LAND QUALITY (Continued
ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTII
NO SOME
CONCERN IF CONCERN
ANSWER IS IF ANSWER
NO IS YES
ANSWER
SOME MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN FOR POSSIBLE
IF ANSWER SERIOUS NEGA
IS NO TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
20b.
Will these facilities
pass through relatively
undeveloped areas and act
as undesirable development
paths?
20c.
Will the facility result in
the physical or economic
.displacement of low income
or minority persons?
21a.
Will the facility contain
the following hazards?
hazardous substances
hazardous fixed equipment
hazardous mobile equipment
21b.
Will the hazard be confined
within the boundary of the
facility?
-43-

LAND QUALITY (Continued)
GENERAL gUESTION ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ANSWER
NO SOME SOME MAJOR CONCERN
CONCERN IF CONCERN CONCERN FOR POSSIBLE
ANSWER IS IF ANSWER IF ANSWER SERIOUS NEGA-.
NO IS YES IS NO TIVE IMPACT IF
ANSWER IS YES
22. Will terrestrial plants or ani-
mals and associated aquatic
species be affected by the
facility?
23. Will there be a reduction in the
productivity of commercial or
sports fishing catches?
22a. Will species biomass be
reduced?
22b. Will species diversity be
reduced?
22c. Will rare or endangered
species be affected?
23a. Will the reduction be per-
manent'or temporary?
-44- -

lJ
4.2 LOCATION CRITERIA
The following site selection checklist should be used by decision
makers in evaluating,a proposed site for an industrial or other major
development location. It should be used as a secondary check after the
screening questions set out in the previous section have been applied
• and a particular industry found suitable for location. As with the
screening questions, these location criteria should be used as a guide
to organize thinking about appropriate sites. Each location factor can
be assigned a relative weight according to degree of importance and any
site then ranked quantitatively.
•
•
•
•
-45-

•
•
►M
:m
•
SITE SELECTION CHECKLIST
I. LOCATION
A. Surrounding Areas
1. Radius of impact
2. Land uses: existing and planned
3. Zoning: quality and stability
4. Industrial park protective covenants
5. Age and trend of developments
6. Projects planned: public and private
7. Quality of roads; capacity
8. Traffic flow: congestion and hazards
9. Proximity, quality and quantity of services available
(a) Police, fire, sanitation, or other services required
(b) Medical
(c) Banks and financial center
(d) Governmental center
(e) Personal services
(f) Supplies and equipment repair
10. Impact upon employees; analysis of where they live, driving
time, psychological barriers to movement (bridges, major phy-
sical obstructions, etc.)
B. Specific Site
1. Size and shape; road frontage
2. Legal description
3. Easements
4. Tax ID number; assessed valuation
5. Clean Air'Act Regulations
•
46 -

6.
Zoning; deed restrictions; protective covenants
(a) Uses permitted and prohibited
(b) Parking spaces required
(c) Location of loading facilities
(d) Lot coverage and height restrictions
(e) Screening from adjacent lands
(f) Health and fire protection requirements
7.
Curb -cuts required
8.
Soil conditions - bearing capacity
(a) Known
(b) Unknown - contingent
(c) Sub -surface conditions (caverns, mines, sink holes,
rock formations, depth to water table, etc.)
9.
Terrain - topography
(a) Vegetation
(b) Elevation and grade - flood hazard
(c) Need for land balancing
10.
. Off -site development costs, if any
(a) Acceleration and deceleration lanes
(b) Road improvements
(c) Utility lines
11.
On -site development (and demolition, if any) costs
12.
Price and value trends
II. UTILITIES
r
A. Sanitary
Sewer (or septic)
1.
Controls by state Department of Natural Resources and Com-
munity Development
2.
Limitations on use
3.
Capacity; size of service required
4.
Treatment required
5.
Location in easement; depth
6.
Tap. fees
7.
Service cost
•
-47-
•

B. Storm Water Management
1.
Sedimentation control
40
2.
Open or enclosed; wetlands requirements
3.
Capacity and adequacy
4.
Location in easement; depth
5.
Specification; retention pond
6.
Maintenance
C. Water Supply - Community
•
1.
'Size of lines, pressure, volume, rates
2.
Adequacy for sprinkler; gravity tank, pumps
3.
Fire lines required, hydrants
4.
Purification treatments provided
!
5.
Chemical content; softening required
6.
Location of line in easement; depth
7.
Temperature
8.
Tap fees
9.
Cost
D. Water Supply - from wells
1.
Depth and cost to drill
2.
Size required
3.
Chemical content and treatment required
4..
Temperature
5.
Maintenance cost
6.
Treatment cost
7.
Water cost
8.
Effect on saltwater intrusion potential
•
•
-48

•
•
•
E.
Electric Power
1.
Identification of serving company
2.
Specifications of power available; voltage, KW, phase cycle;
availability for heating, if necessary
3.
Transformers required
(a) Furnished by utility
(b) Owned by industry
4.
Interruptability and use restrictions
5.
Installation above - or underground
6.
Special construction required
7.
Allocation of installation costs
8.
Rates and discounts
F.
Natural Gas
l:
Identification of serving company
2.
Size of line, volume and pressure available
3.
Interruptability
4.
Location of line in easement, depth
5.
Allocation of installation costs
6.
Rates and discounts
G.
Other Fuels
1.
Coal
2.
Solar radiation
3.
Other (future developments)
H.
Waste Disposal - Solid
1..
Combustible.;: restri c.ti onss on,. or speci fi cati on' for , equ-i pment
Used for burning
2.
Non-combustible; disposal.services available, schedules and
cost, on -site facilities required
3.
Handling -of hazardous materials
•
-49-

I.
Waste Disposal - Gaseous
1. Restrictions on, and specifications for equipment used for
treatment
2. Handling of hazardous materials -
III. TRANSPORTATION
A.
Air
1. Proximity.to airport; driving time for cars and trucks
2. Freight and passenger schedules
3. Private airports and helicopter facilities
B.
Water
1. Proximity to docks; driving time for cars and trucks
2. Schedules; trucking rates and freight costs
3. Proximity of Intracoastal Waterway
C.
Railroad - Freight
1. Identification of company serving the site
2. Schedule of service; limitations
3. Specifications for spur track and switch
4. Easements required
5. Allocation of costs of installation; rebates
6. Rate schedules
7. Future service
•
D.
Highway - Trucks
1. Accessibility to freeways and major highways
2. Identification of major carriers serving site
3: Terminal facilities available
4. Schedules of service; limitations
5. Rates
•
•
-50-

LJ
E. Highways - Automobiles
1. Identify major access routes for employees, vendors and
customers
2. Adequacy of traffic controls
3. Times of maximum congestion in and out
• 4. Street lighting
5. Emergency and service facilities
•
•
•
-51-

•
a
•
•
•
:�J
5.0 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
North Carolina county governments have many different fiscal and
regulatory incentives or disincentives available to them to discourage
growth in undesirable locations and encourage growth in other locations.
The following is`a brief summary of some of these options and a discussion
of those which are most pertinent to Onslow County.
TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS - Transferable Development Rights
(TDR) is based on the concept that ownership of land gives the owner a
bundle of rights, which may be individually separated and transferred to
someone else. An owner of a development right may then sell this right
to another owner who can develop property only after collecting a specified
number of development rights. Under such a system .each parcel of land is
assigned a number of rights based on acreage or land value. The use of
TDR is intended to eliminate the value shifts and inequities of.zoning by
al.lowing the market to compensate owners who would,.under a usual zoning
ordinance, have the development potential of their land restricted with no
compensation. It has its greatest applicability as a means of preserving
open space, preserving landmarks, preserving ecologically sensitive areas,
and managing growth.
ACQUISITION OF LESS THAN FEE INTERESTS -.This method involves purchase
of less than the.fee simple ownership in land, or an easement which may be
affirmative or negative. They are particularly useful when regulation will
not accomplish the intended purpose and fee simple acquisition is not
necessary.
UTILITIES EXTENSION - The manipulation of utility extension policy,
generally has two effects. A decision to extend or curtail facilities to
a specified area can make development prohibitively expensive or even
limit the growth of the entire county. By coordinating its utility exten-
sion policy with its Coastal Area land use plan, a county can control the
location and type of development in specific areas. There are several
advantages. First, it is cheaper than land acquisition as well as less
subject to legal challenge. Second, and perhaps most important it reduces
•
-52-

[7
a
•
•
•
El
[]
[1
the necessity ofcounty or areawide land use regulations, and, also is
less subject to change than zoning ordinances. Finally, it can put a
growth limit on county growth potential without the legal challenges
possible under moratoria and permit limitation.
ZONING - Zoning is the best known and most widely used land use
control mechanism and is employed to a limited extent in Onslow County
in the West Onslow Beach and at the County airport. It has the advan-
tage of being generally known, if not accepted, and Legally permissible.
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS — Subdivision regulations are also a widely
used development control method used primarily to insure that land sub-
divisions are properly constructed and have adequate services and utili-
ties.
MOBILE HOME PARK REGULATIONS - Mobile home.park regulations are
frequently included in a local governments zoning ordinance and serve
basically the same function as subdivision regulations, i.e., to insure
that mobile home parks are well serviced with adequate facilities.
INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS - Performance standards for indus-
tries are intended to insure that the adverse.effects of an industry are
maintained within defined levels so that there is no significant deteri-
oration to the surrounding land use or environment. Two methods are used:
1) ambient'standards, and, 2) emission rates. Under the ambient standards
approach a community determines the level of a particular environmental
containment that it will tolerate and establishes the performance stan-
dard to insure that these levels are not exceeded. Under the emission
rate the starting point is at the source in the form of an emission rate
indicative of the strength of the source.
LAND CLASSIFICATION - Land Classification is a system of classifying
lands according to the existing and future land use. Under the Coastal
Area Management Act lands may be classified into Developed, Transition,
Rural, Community, or Conservation depending upon their existing or intend-
ed density of development.
0
-53-

i_
Each of the management methods listed above is an option for growth
• and environmental management in Onslow County. All of these have been
used, with the -exception of Transferrable Development Rights, with vary-
ing degrees of success in North Carolina and in other parts of the United
States. The application of these to coastal Onslow is discussed in the
i summary and conclusions.
•
•
•
i
•
•
-54-

\J
6.0 IMPACT ON LOW INCOME AND MINORITY GROUPS
Historically, in implementing growth management or economic develop-
ment plans, low income and minority persons have often been the recipients
of the adverse environmental effects but not of the positive economic
benefits. The purpose of this section is to assess the extent of the low
income and minority population of Onslow County and the possible impact
of implementing growth management strategies on this population.
The 1970 Census counted 103,126 persons in Onslow County of which
about 16% or 16,809 were minority persons. The cohort groups with the
largest population were in the 5 - 14, and 15 - 24 groups with the great-
est proportion, 5,932 of the population in the 15 - 24 group. Further,
within this group almost three -fourths were males. Thus, it appears that
a large proportion of the minority population is in the age group and
sex that will be entering the work force and thus, could be significantly
impacted by economic development activities. This possibility is confirmed
by the fact that minority persons make up a slightly greater percentage,
18%, of the total labor force than they do of the entire population.
Onslow County's status with regard to low income persons is not
encouraging. In 1972, 21% of all civilian residents were living on incomes
which fell below the federal poverty level. According to the Census
Bureau, "near poor" persons, i.e., persons with incomes less than 125% of
the poverty level, accounted for 31% of the population while "poor, poor"
persons, i.e., persons with incomes less than 75% of the poverty level
• were almost 14% of all persons. The relative economic status of the
County's population is distorted by the salaries paid to military personnel.
According to a study done by the Countyyis Manpower Planner in 1975, 60%
of all civilian families in the County, 77% of the black families and 83%
• of all other minority families fell below the mean income level. These
figures clearly indicate a depressed economic status on Onslow County
families. At least a partial cause of the status is indicated by the
average weekly wages for selected industry groups. In 1974, the average
• weekly wage for the construction industry was $149 while Onslow County's
was $125; for manufacturing it was $135 statewide and $98 for the County;
in.the transportation, communication and utilities category statewide wages
were $191 while Onslow's were $128.
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The above figures indicate that'Onslow County's population and
particularly minority population, is in great need of more higher paying
jobs that will help to raise the disporportionate number of persons out
of a poverty or near poverty status. Any growth management options must
consider the possible adverse economic and social effects on this depres-
sed population as well as the environmental effects.
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REFERENCES
Geology and Ground-WaterResources of Wilmington -New Bern:\Area, LeGrand,
H.E., N.C. Dept. of Water Resources, Bulletin No. 1, 1960.
Ecological Determinants of Coastal Area Management, Vol. I - An Overview,
Vol. II - Appendices, Sea Grant Publication #UNC-SG-76-05, 1976.
Industrial Development Handbook - Urban Land Institute, 1975. --
Onslow County Land Use Plan, Onslow County Planning Department, 1976.
Industrial -Location Checklist, Society of Industrial Realtors, 1979.
Personal interview with Rick Shriver, hydrologist, N.C. Department of Nat-
ural Resources and Community Development.
Alternative Policies for Protecting Barrier Islands Along the Atlantic and
GulfiCoast of the U.S..and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, DOI
HCRS, Dec. 1989.
Inlet. Hazard Areas, -.Final Report and Recommendations to the Coastal Re-
sources Commission. Priddy, L.J. and Carraway, N.C.-DNR & CD, Sept.,
1978.
Topsail -Surf City 201 Facilities Plan - Henery von Oesen & Associates,
Wilmington, N.C., revised January, 1980.
Soil Survey of Onslo County, N.C., U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bureau of
Soils, 1921.
Soil Survey of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, U.S. Dept. of Agricul-
ture, SCS 1977.
Standard Industrial Classification Manual - U.S. Office of Management and
Budget.
A Primer on Industrial Environmental Impact - Greenberg, M-R Center for.
Urban Policy Research, Rutgers University.
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