Stormwater Management Plan-1998

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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
NORTH CAROLINA
Adopted by the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners:
Date: May 28, 1998
DCM COPY
DO NOT REMOVE
I
Prepared by
THE WOOTEN COMPANY
Engineering.Planning.Architecture
Raleigh/Greenville/Hickory/Asheboro
North Carolina
The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................... I
1.1 Purpose......................................................................................1
1.2 Policy Statements.........................................................................1
1.3 Goals of the Plan ..........................................................................2
2.0 Facility Analysis.....................................................................................3
2.1 Purpose and Scope........................................................................3
2.2 Analysis.....................................................................................3
2.3 Recommendations and Conclusions....................................................4
3.0 Stormwater Management Ordinance.............................................................9
Appendix A: A Citizen's Guide to Identifying and Reporting Pollution
and Drainage Problems.......................................................................... 20
Appendix B: A Citizen's Guide to Improving Water Quality at Holden Beach ................ 22
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
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HOLDEN BEACH STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
' 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
' The purpose of the Holden Beach Stormwater Management Plan is to evaluate the
existing stormwater facilities and to recommend appropriate strategies (facilities and
regulations) to manage stormwater in Holden Beach. The implementation of stormwater
' runoff management practices will accomplish three basic objectives:
1. Protect the absorptive, purifying, and retentive functions of natural systems.
' 2. Provide for post -development stormwater runoff characteristics that resemble the
conditions that existed before a site's development.
3. Protect public and private property from damage due to flooding from uncontrolled
' stormwater runoff.
The stormwater management plan is designed to be adapted to the unique characteristics
' of the Town of Holden Beach. The facilities and regulations proposed in the Plan will
greatly facilitate the creation of effective controls on Holden Beach and meet the
requirements of the NC Coastal Area Stormwater Regulations promulgated by the NC
Division of Environmental Management (DEM), the Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA) administered by the Division of Coastal Management, and the Sedimentation
Pollution Control Act administered by the Division of Land Resources.
1.2 POLICY STATEMENTS
The Board of Commissioners of the Town of Holden Beach finds that uncontrolled
' development of land could have a significant adverse impact upon the health, safety and
welfare of the community. More specifically:
' a. stormwater runoff can carry pollutants into receiving water bodies, degrading
water quality and result in closures of shellfishing waters;
b. the increase in nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen accelerates
eutrophication of receiving waters, adversely affecting flora and fauna;
c. improperly channeled water increases the velocity of runoff, thereby increasing
erosion;
' d. siltation of water bodies resulting from increased erosion decreases their capacity
to hold and transport water, and harms flora and fauna;
e. improperly managed stormwater runoff can increase the incidence of flooding and
the level of floods that occur, endangering property and human life;
f. improperly managed stormwater runoff can interfere with the maintenance of
optimum salinity in estuarine areas, thereby disrupting biological activity;
' g. substantial economic losses result from these adverse impacts on the community
waters; and
h. many future problems can be avoided if land is developed in accordance with
1 sound stormwater runoff management practices.
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Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998

1.3 GOALS OF THE PLAN
To
protect, maintain, and enhance immediate and long term health, safety, and general welfare
of the citizens of the Town of Holden Beach, this Plan has the following goals:
'
a.
encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between humanity and nature;
b.
protect and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the wetlands, the
inland waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean;
'
c.
prevent individuals, business organizations, and governments from causing harm to the
community by activities that adversely affect water resources;
d.
encourage the construction of drainage systems that aesthetically and functionally
'
approximate natural systems;
e.
encourage the protection of natural systems and the use of them in ways that do not impair
their beneficial functioning;
f.
minimize the transport of pollutants to area surface waters, thus maintaining SA and SB
Water Quality Standards;
g.
protect and maintain natural salinity levels in estuarine areas;
'
h.
minimize erosion and sedimentation;
i.
prevent damage to wetlands;
j.
prevent damage to public and private property resulting from uncontrolled and poorly
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planned site development;
k.
protect and maintain the habitat of fish and wildlife; and
1.
ensure the attainment of these objectives by requiring the approval and implementation of
'
stormwater management plans for all activities that may have an adverse impact upon the
community waters.
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Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach —May 1998
2

' 2.0 FACILITY ANALYSIS
The Town of Holden Beach has received numerous complaints from the citizens concerning the
storm drainage on the island. In a response to these complaints, the Town secured a grant
from North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, Local Planning and Management Grant
Program in July 1997 to conduct a study of the stormwater drainage system.
2.1 Purpose and Scope
'
The purpose of this facility analysis was to locate and evaluate the existing storm
drainage structures, identify areas of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, and
prepare a stormwater management plan that could be adopted by the Town. The study
'
was to provide a "first look" at the system's inadequacies and to offer a recommended
prioritized list for alleviating draining and flooding problems. The project deliverables
include observations on existing conditions, a map showing the existing stormwater
facilities (including pertinent hydraulic information) and areas with flooding problems,
and recommendations for resolving these problems. A separate stormwater
management ordinance is also provided to assist the Town of Holden Beach in
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implementing the recommendations of this analysis.
'
2.2 Analysis
The first component of this facility analysis was to locate and map all of the Town's
existing storm drainage system.
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The Town's existing storm drainage structures were located in the field by surveyors
and mapped in-house. (Reference map, Existing Storm Drainage System —April 21,
1998 for system information.) For all structures, pertinent hydraulic data were
obtained in the field. Roadside ditches and driveway culverts were considered minor
with respect to major flooding and were not considered for detailed hydraulic analyses.
The existing storm drainage system on the beach is limited. There are approximately
10 "mini" storm drainage systems on the beach which are independent from each other
(see attached map). Most of the systems discharge into the intracoastal waterway or
finger canals on the backside of the island. A couple of the systems discharge into
ditches along Ocean View Boulevard which in turn eventually drain to the intracoastal
waterway. Because the drainage systems drain into the waterway, the performance of
the systems is dependent on the tide elevations. The normal mean high tide elevation
(system which discharges down Charlotte Street between lot numbers 113 and 115,
system which discharges down Cole Street, and system which discharges down Mullett
Street). When a storm event occurs concurrent with a rising or high tide, the high tide
elevation rises with the storm surge affecting the hydraulic performance of the drainage
systems. For example, the high tide elevation which occurred on the evening of the
February 3rd storm event was 4.5 feet. This high tide elevation would cause salt water
to backup into all but 2 of the existing systems (Shell Drive and Ocean View Boulevard
West by house number 483). This would reduce the hydraulic capacity of the systems
affected (see attached Table 1 which is discussed below).
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
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Other than tidal effects on the drainage system, the system has limited capacity because
of the flat topography of the island. Flooding occurs during large storm events and
also during summertime thunderstorms when a large volume of water falls in a
relatively short time. This occurs because of the extended time it takes water to travel
to drainage ways due to the small drainage slopes available on the beach. The drainage
system performs better during slow rainfall events which allow time for the storm
runoff to make it into the drainage system and also the slow rainfall events allow time
for some of the runoff to infiltrate into the sandy soils. However, because of the
characteristics of the drainage areas on the beach, some flooding and standing water are
unavoidable during large rain events. Areas which are known to be more susceptible to
drainage problems are noted on the attached map.
To complete the hydrologic/hydraulic analyses of the existing structures, a simplified
table (Table 1) was developed to determine the existing capacity of each "mini" system
and the area in which each individual system could drain in a 2-year and 5-year storm
event (a 2-year storm is a storm which will on the average occur once every 2 years
and a 5-year storm is a storm which will on the average occur once every 5 years). The
2-year and 5-year storms were chosen for review because they were the most
representative of the summertime thunderstorms which occur frequently causing
localized flooding.
To determine the 2-year and 5-year storms, the Rational Method was used. To use this
method in calculating the achievable drainage area for each system, the discharge
capacity of each system, the rational runoff coefficient which is representative of the
type of soil and ground cover present, and the time of concentration for each distinct
location was needed. The time of concentration was used to determine the storm
intensity to which the drainage area is sensitive. The intensities were determined from
the statistical distribution of rainfall for the Brunswick County area. The runoff
coefficient represents an area which has 8 dwellings per acre in a sandy soil. The
capacity of each system was calculated based on the lowest grate elevation in each
system having 3 inches of water over them. As suspected, the existing "mini" systems
cannot drain very much area because of the small main discharge lines and shallow
slopes. Note that all the above information can be reviewed for each "mini" system in
the detailed hydrologic/hydraulic table (Table 1).
2.3 Recommendations and Conclusions
From the study completed of the storm drainage system, recommendations and
conclusions to the Town to improve drainage in the area are as follows:
• Clean out and maintain existing ditches.
• Remove and prohibit any obstructions which impede flow in the ditches.
• Clean out and maintain all existing storm drainage infrastructure.
• Reduce ponding along the shoulder of the roads by filling in low areas on the
shoulder. This could put more water into the roadway but at the same time could
distribute the water more along the entire shoulder (instead of just the low areas)
allowing for more surface area for the water to infiltrate.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
4

Table I
Hydrologic/Hydraulic Information for Existing Storm Drainage Structures
Average high Tide (2.31
1
IShell Drive
C
PVC
0.010
12
na
1 300
5.53
1 7.33
03
1 0.6
4.98
1 5.98
0
1 43
30
3.0
mid
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
13
12
2
Ocean View Blvd West by house no. 662
C
RCP/CMP
0.020
18
na
125
5.91
9.20
03
0.6
4.09
5.59
0
10.5
9.6
9.6
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
4.3
3.8
Area dnmrd on capacity of downstream ditch
3
Chadoue St between house no.'s 113 and 115
C
PVC
0.010
15
na
115
286
5.09
0.5
0.6
1.50
2.75
1
7.5
8.3
?3
mkt
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4A
5.0
3.4
3.0
4
Ocean View Blvd West by hose no. 493
C
RCP
0.013
15
m
50
4.66
6.98
0.5
0.6
4.45
5.70
0
7.7
8.6
7.7
mkt
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
3.5
3.1
5
Ocean View Blvd West by hose no.'s 456-461 & 45"W
C
RCP
0.013
18
na
365
5.29
7.29
0.5
0.6
3.43
4.93
0
9.5
81
8.1
amet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
3.7
3.2
6
Sys. which es Nn bse no.'s 276 & 278 of Brim A
C
RCP
0.013
2123
m
1245
5.34
7.33
0.5
0.6
2.62
4.39
0
12.4
?.8
7.8
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
3.5
3.1
7
Sys. %1xich discharges down Delartte St & Sadofs Dr.
C
RCP
0.013
18
m
930
3.10
5.49
0.5
0.6
3.01
4.51
0
10.9
33
3.3
ou et
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
1.5
1.3
8
Sys. which down Cole St. (Pot 8a and 8b)
h Ze rms idr ypoc 4X ar Bow d W Ir
8a
Sys. which &Kh2rges down Cole St (24" Section)
C
RCP
0.013
24
is
300
5.10
8.52
0.5
0.6
2.15
4.15
1
23.5
22.9
22.9
oudld
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
10.4
9.2
86
Sys. which duschnes dam Cole St (I8" Section)
C
RCP
0.013
I8
m
325
6.68
9.90
0.5
0.6
5.14
8.52
1
13.1
59
5.9
outlet
0.50
13
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
2.7
2.3
9
Sys. which es down Jordan Blvd. (I 1W section)
C
RCP
0.013
IS
m
1180
5.65
8.55
0.5
0.6
3.35
4.95
0
12.5
5.8
58
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
2.6
2.3
Ibis systern an handle oX. 6 cfs.
9a
Sys. which duchaq= dam Jordan Blvd. (last 430, section
C
RCP
0.013
I8
ns
430
4.80
6.47
0.5
0.6
3.35
4.85
0
8.1
6.2
6.2
otle't
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
2.8
2.5
9b
Sys. which dam Jordan Blvd. (lst section
C
RCP
0.013
18
na
750
5.63
9.55
0.5
0.6
4.97
6.47
1
12.5
5.2
5.2
outlet
0.50
15
I.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
2.4
2.l
lot
which dischames down Mullett St.
C
RCP
0.013
18
na
1155
5.12
8.13
0.3
0.6
1.40
2.90
1
12.9
6 8
6.8
onald
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
3.1
1.7
StorTn High Tide (4.51
I
Shell Dnve
C
PVC
0 010
12
na
300
5.53
7.33
0.3
0.6
4.98
5.98
0
4.3
3.0
3.0
outlet
0.50
I S
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
1.3
1.2
2
Ocean View Blvd West by hose no. 662
C
RCP/CMP
0.020
18
na
125
5.91
8.20
0.5
0.6
4V9
5.59
1
10.5
8.8
88
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
4.0
3.5
Area dnmed deperAs on capacity of downstream ditch
3
Charlotte St between house no.'s 113 and 115
C
PVC
0.010
15
na
115
2.96
5.08
0.5
0.6
1.50
4.50
1
7.5
4.3
4.3
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4A
5.0
1.9
1.7
4
Ocean View Blvd West by house no. 493
C
RCP
0.013
15
no
50
4.66
6.98
0.5
0.6
4.45
5.70
0
7.7
8.6
7.7
tukt
030
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
3.5
3.1
S
Ocean View Blvd West by house no.'s 456-461 & 454-460
C
RCP
0.013
19
is
365
5.29
7.29
03
0.6
3.43
4.93
1
9.5
26
7.6
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
3.5
3.0
6
s. which duchaives b/n hse no.'s 276 & 278 on Bruns. A
C
RCP
0.013
21.23
is
1245
5.34
7.33
0.5
0.6
2.62
4.50
1
12.4
' 4
7.4
outlet
0.50
1 15
1.10
1 1.25
4.4
5.0
1 3.4
3.0
7
Sys. which dWhwTes down Delamn St & Sat7ds Dr.
C
RCP
0.013
18
is
930
3.10
5.49
03
0.6
3.01
4.51
1
10.9
33
33
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
1.5
13
8
Sys. which discharges down Cole St. see 8a and 8b)
4 21' We Rpm IX fe Baw dAt li'sctiaa
8a
Sys. which discharges down Cole St (24" Section)
C
RCP
0.013
'_4
is
300
5.10
9.52
0.5
0.6
2.15
4.50
1
23.5
22.0
22.0
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
10.0
8.9
8b
Sys. which discharges down Cole St (18" Section)
C
RCP
0.013
( 18
nor
375
6.69
9.80
0.5
0.6
5.14
8-52
1
13.1
5.9
5.9
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
125
4.4
5.0
2.7
23
_L
Sys. which discharm dam Jordan Blvd. (I1W section)
C
RCP
0.013
18
na
1190
5.65
8.55
0.5
0.6
335
4.85
1
12.5
5.7
57
outlet
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
44
5.0
2.6
2.3
This aystem an handle approx 5.8 cfs.
9a
Sys. 0.ltichdischarges down Jordan Blvd. (last 43a section
C j
RCP
0 013
18
1tb
430
4.80
6A7
0.5
0.6
3.35
4.85
1
8.1
5.9
5.9
oudd
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4A
5.0
2.7
2.4
9b
Sys. which down Jordan Blvd. (Ist section)
C
RCP
0.013
18
m
750
5.65
9.55
0.5
0.6
4.97
6.47
1
I2.5
5.2
5.2
,Wd
0.50
15
1.10
1.25
4.4
5.0
1 2.4
2.1
10
Sys. which &whames down Mullett St.
C
RCP
0.013
18
na
1155
5.12
8.13
0.5
0.6
1.40
4.50
I
12.8
5
5J
outlet
0.50
IS
1.10
125
4.d
5 0
2.6
2.3
1
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach--Alay 1998
5

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• Work with NCDOT to raise the road, where economically feasible.
• Correct pipes laid on reverse grade (i.e., 18" RCP to the west of Delanne Street
and others, refer to maps) to help localized flooding in small storm events.
0 Extend existing systems where possible to low areas to drain standing water (i.e.,
the parking lot and road in front of the fishing pier).
• Work with CAMA to reopen drainage ditch adjacent to High Point Street and
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Marker Fifty Five subdivision which was piped in and then later closed to satisfy
CAMA requirements. Reopening the drainage ditch which used to be in place will
help alleviate flooding in that area.
'
• Construct triangular grassed swales after every fourth house between lot lines to
drain water off of the streets on the west end of the beach where lots are being built
up for development. The grassed swales should be 1 foot in depth with 5 feet
horizontal to I foot vertical side slopes (top width of 10 feet) between the houses.
The grassed swales have to be a minimum of 100 feet in length and have a slope of
1 percent.
'
• Work with developers to be sure that requirements of CAMA are satisfied for
subdivisions and other construction.
• Make the Town's citizens aware of flood prone areas and of ways to maximize
pervious areas on lots (i.e., no paved drives, no plastic under flower beds, etc.).
• Adopt a stormwater management ordinance.
The options the Town has for improving storm drainage infrastructure are limited
because of availability of land, a high water table, and the receiving bodies of water
around the island are all classified as SA waters (Tidal saltwaters suitable for
commercial shellfishing and all other tidal saltwater uses). See map entitled, "Water
'
Classification Map." Infiltration basins are not feasible for stormwater quantity control
and the needed land space for them is not available (need approximately I acre
infiltration basin for every 5 acres drainage area because of the soils and high water
'
table). Additional storm drainage facilities in the form of catch basins and culverts will
not be allowed by CAMA unless they discharge into infiltration basins. New storm -
water pipe discharges into SA waters are not allowed. No additional piping or catch
basins may be added to the existing storm drainage systems which will increase the
volume of stormwater being discharged into SA waters is allowed. (Note, the existing
'
systems and discharge points are legal and CAMA will allow limited pipe line
extensions from existing systems to better drain flooded areas
Because of Town's topography and land characteristics, there are no easy solutions to
the flooding problems. The above recommendations will help to alleviate localized
flooding during small storm events and will help to dissipate ponding after larger storm
' events. However, the Town should be aware that flooding and ponding during large
storm events will continue to occur. The recommended method of mitigating the
flooding problems is shown in Table 2. No cost estimates have been provided because
' most, if not all, of the recommendations can be completed with the Town's forces.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
0

Creek
l— Canal F I C"=
5 Canal Hy CanalA
N
Canal
ATLANTIC OCEAN
woods Folly Inlet
Water Classification Map
Town of Holden Beach
LEGEND
- SA Class Waters*
0 Town of Holden Beach**
* Determined by NCDEM.
"All other data taken from 1994 TIGER files.
N
W+E
S
Scale: 1" = 3,000' May 1998
he
Wooten
Company

C
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Table 2
Suggested Method of Mitigating Flooding Problems
�✓ y .+y„ rry; F' ka s � a w.<
e4 �
✓
/'i Mp✓r.{�' /x Ny yy{ y .F .r e
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�ir��l�Yn
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...... ... y
#�14t11V�+
1
Extend existing storm drainage pipes into low area on Lot 118b.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Provide road shoulder fill and grassed swales.
13
Provide road shoulder fill and grassed swales; clean existing ditch
at Greensboro Street.
14
Extend existing storm drainage pipe and install new catch basin in
low area.
16
Work with CAMA to re-establish drainage ditch along High Point
Street.
17, 18, 19
Provide road shoulder fill; consider French drains.
20
Lower catch basin as required. Clean out ditches and pipes.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
0

' ORDINANCE NO.98-09
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
' TOWN OF HOLDEN BEACH
BE IT ORDAINED BY the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Holden Beach,
' North Carolina, that a Stormwater Management Ordinance for the Town of Holden Beach, North
Carolina, shall be adopted, as follows:
' SECTION 1. TITLE
This ordinance shall be cited as the Town of Holden Beach Stormwater Management Ordinance.
SECTION 2. GOALS AND PURPOSES
' The central environmental goal of the Town of Holden Beach is to restore and preserve water quality and
the natural ecological functions of the surface waters that are included in its planning area and to
minimize the impact of flooding and runoff of pollutants on health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of
Holden Beach. In order to meet this important goal, the Town of Holden Beach Stormwater Ordinance is
adopted for the following purposes:
' A. To regulate existing developments, future developments, and construction activities according to
State requirements and to institute additional mandatory requirements to prevent careless
pollution of surface waters, damage to property due to excessive flooding and surface water
' runoff that causes damage to adjacent property.
B. To establish the authority of the Town of Holden Beach to administer and enforce stormwater
' regulations.
C. To create public education programs so that the citizens of Holden Beach will have knowledge of
' how to reduce and prevent pollution from their homes and businesses.
' SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this ordinance, the following terms and phrases shall have these definitions:
' A. "Area of Environmental Concern" means an area identified by the North Carolina Coastal
Resources Commission as environmentally fragile and economically important where
uncontrolled or incompatible development could result in irreversible damage.
' B. 'Built -upon Area" means that portion of an individual development project that is covered by
impervious or partially impervious cover including buildings, pavement, compacted soil
(including coquina and marl), recreation facilities, gravel roads and parking areas, etc.
Uncovered wood -slatted decks and the water area of a swimming pool are not considered to be
built -upon area.
C. "CAMA" means the Coastal Area Management Act which was adopted by North Carolina in
1974. The Act established a comprehensive regional resource management program for the
Stormwater Management Ordinance
' Town of Holden Beach May 1998 9

' state's twenty county coastal area. The management program that has evolved since 1974 in
North Carolina has land use planning, regulatory, land acquisition, and policy development
components.
' D. "LAMA Major Development Permit" means the permit required by the Coastal Resources
Commission for developments that infringe on Areas of Environmental Concern.
' E. "LAMA Minimum Development Permit" means the permit required by the Coastal Resource
Commission for developments not meeting the conditions required for a major permit. Minor
permits are administered by the Town of Holden Beach under authority granted by the Coastal
Area Management Act using standards adopted by the Coastal Resource Commission.
F. "Coastal Wetland" means any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding
' by, tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through
natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides.
Coastal wetlands contain some, but not necessarily all, of ten indigenous wetland plant species.
' Included in this definition of coastal wetlands is "such contiguous land as the Secretary of EHNR
reasonably deems necessary to affect any such order in carrying out the purposes [of the
regulations]." (G.S. 113-230(a)).
' G. "Development" means any land disturbing activity which increases the amount of built -upon area
or which otherwise decreases the infiltration of precipitation into the soil. A "future development"
means any land which is utilized for a land -disturbing activity after the effective date of this
ordinance.
H.
"Drainage structure" means any natural or manmade terrain condition which manages or directs
the flow of surface or subsurface water. Examples are open or covered drainage ditches, retention
ponds, grass swales and catch basins.
'
I.
"Erosion" means the wearing away of land surface by the action of wind, water, gravity, or any
combination thereof.
'
J.
"Erosion and Sediment Control Plan" means a written plan, including drawings or other graphic
representations, for the control of soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from a land disturbing
activity.
"Estuarine
K.
Shoreline" means a non -ocean shoreline connected to the estuarine water which are
especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and other adverse effects of wind and water. Estuarine
'
shorelines extend from the mean high water level (in areas of tidal influence) or normal water
level (in areas without tidal influence) along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters for a
distance of 75 feet landward unless otherwise set by the Coastal Resources Commission.
'
"Estuarine
L.
Waters" means all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North
Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the
dividing line between coastal fishing waters, as set forth in the most recent official published
'
agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources.
'
M.
"Existing Development" means any land which has been utilized for a land -disturbing activity as
of the effective date of this ordinance.
1
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
10

� I
IN. "Infiltration System" means a stormwater treatment system designed to allow runoff to pass or
move (infiltrate) into the soil.
0.
"Land Disturbing Activity" means any use of the land by any person in residential, industrial,
educational, institutional or commercial development, highway and road construction and
maintenance that results in a change in the natural cover or topography and that may cause or
'
contribute to sedimentation. This includes placing fill materials on a lot to raise the lot above
adjacent or roadways (i.e., mounding).
property
'
P.
"NCAC" means North Carolina Administrative Code.
Q.
"North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission" means the state policymaking organization -
with responsibility for the coastal region.
'
"Ocean
R.
Hazard Area" means an area where there exists a substantial possibility of excessive
erosion and shoreline fluctuation. The seaward limit of this boundary is the mean low water line.
'
"Redevelopment"
S.
means any rebuilding activity which has no net increase in built -upon area or
which provides equal or greater stormwater controls than the previous development.
'
"SA
T.
Waters" means tidal saltwaters of the highest quality which are suitable for commercial
shellfishing, swimming, and all other tidal saltwater uses. The chloride concentration of SA
'
waters must be at least 500 parts per million.
U. "Sedimentation" means the deposition of solid material, both mineral and organic, that has been
transported from its site of origin by air or water.
V. "Sedimentation/Erosion Control Plan" means a plan required by the Division of Land Resources
in which developers must describe the sedimentation and erosion control devices they will use for
land disturbing activities that are one acre or greater.
W. "State Best Management Practices (BMPs)." Guidelines published by the NC Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Division of Water Quality (DWQ) for design,
operation and maintenance, and inspections of engineered solutions to stormwater runoff. These
guidelines supplement the stormwater management rules adopted by the State of North Carolina.
X. "Stormwater" means the flow of water which results from precipitation and which occurs
immediately following rainfall, tidal flow or a snowmelt.
Y. "State Certification" means one or more of the following documents: a CAMA permit
application and accompanying CAMA permit from the Division of Coastal Management, a
Stormwater certification or permit, as required, from the Division of Environmental Management,
and/or a Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan that has been approved from the Division of
Land Quality.
Z. "Surface Waters" means rivers, streams, creeks, channels, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, drainage
systems, springs, wetlands, wells, the Atlantic Ocean, and other bodies of surface or subsurface
water, natural or artificial, lying within or forming part of the boundaries of Holden Beach. This
term excludes privately owned ponds which have no entry or exit of water to or from waters of
public domain.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach 11ay 1998
11

AA. "10-year, 24-hour Storm" means the storm of the largest intensity expected to occur, on the
average, once every 10 years, and of a 24-hour duration.
BB. "25-year, 24-hour Storm" means the storm of the largest intensity expected to occur, on the
average, once every 25 years, and of a 24-hour duration.
CC. "Vegetative Filter" means an area of natural or planted vegetation through which stormwater
flows in a diffuse manner so that runoff does not become channelized and which provides for
control of stormwater runoff through infiltration of runoff and filtering of pollutants. The defined
length of the filter shall be provided for the direction of stormwater flow.
DD. "Wet Detention Pond" means a structure that provides for storage and treatment of runoff and
includes a permanent pool of water.
SECTION 4 SCOPE
This ordinance shall apply to the following entities within the jurisdiction of the "Town of Holden Beach:
A. All property owners, regardless of their previous practices, shall be subject to the regulations
listed under Section 7, Mandatory Standards for Existing Development.
B. All future developments shall be subject to the regulations listed under Section 8, Mandatory
Standards for Future Developments.
' C. All construction activities, whether for future development or improvements on existing
development (one or more units), shall be subject to the regulations listed under Section 9,
Mandatory Standards for Construction Activities.
' D. The Town of Holden Beach shall be responsible for meeting the requirements of Section 10,
Mandatory Standards for Public Education.
SECTION 5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. All visitors, residents, business owners, developers, and others who utilize the resources of
Holden Beach shall take all reasonable measures to minimize the potential flooding and protect
surface waters and the properties of others from damage resulting from their activities.
B. Whenever conflicts exist between federal, state, or local laws and this ordinance, the more
restrictive provision shall apply.
C. Any penalties imposed by the Town of Holden Beach shall be in addition to the penalties
imposed by the state, county or federal government.
SECTION 6 SUMMARY OF STATE REGULATIONS
The responsibility for administering North Carolina's stormwater regulations is shared by three divisions
of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). These divisions are the Division of
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Town of Holden Beach May 1998
12

' Environmental Management, the Division of Coastal Management, and the Division of Land Quality.
These State regulations are supplemented by local requirements outlined in this Ordinance.
1 A. The Division of Environmental Management (DEM) administers the requirements set forth in -
15A NCAC 2H .1003. This section of the administrative code regulates the density of
developments and mandates standards for engineered stormwater controls. Generally, DEM
defines low density as development that has built -upon area of 25 percent or less.
1 Hi density developments must have engineered stormwater controls that are designed,
P� ty P g
' constructed, and maintained according to state standards. These controls capture the stormwater
runoff and hold it for a period of time. During the detention process, pollutants are removed by
infiltration and/or sedimentation.
B. The Division of Coastal Management administers the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
CAMA's goal is to protect Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC), which are fragile areas where
incompatible development may result in irreversible damage. CAMA identifies four broad
' categories of AECs: Estuarine systems, Ocean Hazard Areas, Public Water Supplies, and Natural
and Cultural Resource Areas. Within these broad categories, there are 14 subcategories. The
subcategories that are most applicable to Holden Beach are: Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters,
Estuarine Shorelines, Public Trust Areas, Ocean Erodible Areas, High Hazard Flood Areas, Inlet
Hazard Flood Areas, and non -vegetated Beach Areas.
Any structure to be built in an AEC must be permitted by the Division of Coastal Management
and must meet General Use Standards which are listed in CAMA (15A NCAC 7H.0208). For a
development in an AEC to be approved, it must be water -dependent and must minimize impacts
' to the area's soil and ecology. Some examples of water -dependent uses include bulkheads, piers,
and marinas.
' C. The Division of Land Resources administers the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act. This Act
requires developers to prepare Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans for developments that
are one acre or larger. The Plan must describe the temporary and permanent control measures the
developer will use to prevent accelerated erosion and off -site sedimentation.
1 Sedimentation and erosion control plans must meet certain site performance standards, including
re -stabilization of construction sites within a reasonable time period, maintenance of a buffer
zone, any natural watercourse or lake, and protection in the 10-year storm. This act gives local
agencies the authority to inspect land -disturbing activities and to prosecute violators.
SECTION 7 MANDATORY STANDARDS FOR EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
' Persons who fail to comply with the below listed standards shall be subject to a fine of $200 for each
violation of this section, after notification by the Town,.
' A. Landscape Easements. Owners, of property that is identified by the Town as having special
topographic drainage characteristics, shall be asked by the Town to consider granting a five-foot
easement along property lines, where grass swales could be constructed (by the Town) to direct
' the flow of surface water runoff. Grass swales shall be designed in accordance with the State
Best Management Practices (BMPs). If such easements are granted, thus granting the Town
access to work on private property, the Town would maintain the drainage pattern as it so
' determines.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
1 Town of Holden Beach May 1998 13

B. No landscaping, using impervious materials such as solid plastic and vinyl, will be permitted.
Property owners should remove any such materials installed before the effective date of this
ordinance.
C. Yard wastes, including dredge spoil, leaves, and yard trimmings, may not be deposited into
drainage structures. Acceptable management practices for yard wastes include composting and
land -filling.
D. Septic systems should be maintained by the property owner on a regular basis according to
Brunswick County regulations to prevent contaminated wastewater from discharging to surface
waters. In order to correct contaminated discharges, the Town of Holden Beach may remove the
water meter from the property of the septic system violation until such time as violation is
corrected.
E. Hazardous compounds must not be discharged into a septic system. Such compounds include but
are not limited to paint, paint thinner, solvents, pesticides, and petroleum products.
F. It is undesirable to directly or indirectly place or discharge into surface and subsurface water
drainage systems materials or liquids that could potentially degrade surface or subsurface water
quality, restrict the flow of water in those systems, contribute to soil pollution on the island, or
create soil erosion. The following are specifically prohibited to be placed or discharged (directly
or indirectly) into surface and subsurface water systems:
(1) Sewage or other household wastewater, including that associated with temporary portable
toilets.
(2) Water flowing from leaking water lines and lawn sprinkler systems, resulting in soil
erosion.
(3) Petroleum products such as used motor oil, paint, solvents and gasoline.
(4) Commercial and household solid waste (garbage/trash).
SECTION 8.0 MANDATORY STANDARDS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Persons who fail to comply with these regulations, after they have received notice from the Town, will be
subject to a $500 fine for each day of the violation, and other actions or penalties as may be authorized by
the Town of Holden Beach.
Section 8.1 Developments That Require State Certification
A. For developments that are one acre or larger, the State will require a stormwater
certification or permit from the Division of Environmental Management. The Storm -water
Management Plan required by the State certification or permit will assure proper
disbursal of stormwater on and from the lot so as not to cause harm or erosion to
neighboring property. The property owner or their representative must submit a copy of
the DEM stormwater certification or permit to the Town of Holden Beach.
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Town of Holden Beach May 1998
14

L
B. The Department of Environmental Management may also require a Wetland 401 Water
Quality Certification and/or a Dredge and Fill Permit. If so, the property owner or their
representative must submit copies of the permit application and the permit to the Town of
Holden Beach, five business days prior to acting on the permit.
C. Developments that infringe upon State -defined Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC)
will require either a CAMA major from the Division of Coastal Management or a CAMA
minor permit from the Town of Holden Beach. If a CAMA major permit is required,
then the property owner or their representative must submit a copy of the permit
application and the approved permit to the Town of Holden Beach, five business days
prior to acting on the permit.
D. The Town shall monitor development projects to assure that the above mentioned permit
criteria are adhered to, and will issue a notice of violation, or cause such a notice to be
issued by the State of North Carolina.
E. An Operation and Maintenance Plan (OMP) will be prepared by the property owner or
their representative to assure proper and continual operation of the Division of
Environmental Management certification or permit per Section 8. LA above. The OMP
will indicate what operation and maintenance actions are needed, what specific
quantitative criteria will be used for determining when those actions are to be taken, and
who is responsible for those actions.
F. Roadway drainage systems and stormwater control systems must be designed by a
qualified registered professional engineer properly licensed by the State of North
Carolina. The Town may require re -certification if the property is transferred prior to
actual development.
G. All future subdivisions will require a 10-foot landscape drainage easement around
perimeter of development.
Section 8.2 Developments That Do Not Require State Certification
A development which is under one acre and does not infringe upon any State -defined Areas of
Environmental Concern will usually not require State Certification. However, such developments
will be subject to the following Town of Holden Beach requirements:
A. Lots should be graded to provide sheet drainage. (Sheet drainage is defined as the
' unchanneled flow of stormwater across grassed or natural vegetated areas.) Grading shall
not block natural flow of stormwater to waterways. Provisions must be made to allow for
drainage across lots via front/back or side lot drainage ways.
B. Direct outlet channels to surface waters are prohibited unless designed for State Best
Management Practices (BMPs). Stormwater must be allowed to pool and infiltrate on the
lot or through drainage swales designed in accordance with BMPs.
C. Stormwater easements will be required for all new developments. Property owners (or
' contractor) will be required to install grass swales in accordance with BMPs, so as not to
impede the natural drainage of water from adjacent properties, or as deemed necessary by
the Town to properly manage the stormwater drainage.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
' Town of Holden Beach May 1998 15

D. All future subdivisions will require a 10-foot landscape drainage easement around
perimeter of development.
E. No fill material may be placed on any lot or parcel of land, nor may any bulkhead,
1
retaining wall, or similar structure be constructed without a specific authorizing permit
from the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina. In those cases where the proposed land
fill or bulkhead, retaining wall, or similar structure involves filling 12 inches or more
above the crown of the adjacent road, a site plan will be prepared and sealed by an
engineer licensed to practice in the State of North Carolina. If the fill is less than 12
inches, then the plan may be sealed by a North Carolina licensed Land Surveyor. The
plan will include the following information:
1. Site plan giving existing land grades, adjacent property land grades at the
property line, and proposed finished land grades.
2. Location of any structures, including driveways, sidewalks, etc.
'
3. FEMA required elevation for the first floor, proposed finished floor elevation,
and proposed elevation of high point of roof.
'
4. Location of septic system and Brunswick County Health Department
authorization for construction certificate.
'
5. Direction of stormwater flow.
Guidelines for issuance of a permit by the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina
include:
'
1. The site plan will reflect minimum use of fill to meet requirements of this
ordinance.
2. Fill for purposes of septic system, as approved by the Brunswick County Health
Department, shall be the least amount of fill to secure Health Department
approval.
F
Fill and bulkhead retaining wall, or similar structure construction may be used to
bring the subject lot up to the level of adjacent property.
4. The proposed development must comply with all other requirements of the
stormwater management plan.
Exceptions to this section shall include:
1. The placement of topsoil (not to exceed 3 inches) for the purpose of landscaping
will not require a permit.
2. Bulkheads at existing houses on canal lots will not require a site plan sealed by
an engineer if the bulkhead and fill are the same height as adjacent property.
3. Temporary access roads will be allowed on construction sites and do not require
a site plan.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
16

I
I
�I
F,
Any person who installs fill material or constructs a bulkhead, retaining wall, or similar
structure without a permit is:
Subject to a fine of $500 for each incident and day of violation. Any person found in
violation will be given ten (10) days to remove fill material or bulkhead, retaining wall,
or similar structure before the penalty begins, and to restore the site to its original
condition.
SECTION 9 MANDATORY STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Persons who fail to comply with these regulations after they have received notice from the Town will be
subject to a $500 fine for each violation, and other actions or penalties as may be authorized by the Town
of Holden Beach.
A. For construction activities that are one acre or larger, the State will require a Sedimentation and
Erosion Control Plan from the Division of Land Quality. The developer must submit a copy of
the approved Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan to the Town Manager.
B. The Town shall monitor development projects to assure that the above mentioned permit criteria
are adhered to, and will (if required) issue a notice of violation, or cause such a notice to be
issued by the State of North Carolina.
C. Construction activities, that are under one acre and infringe upon a State -defined Area of
Environmental Concern, will require a CAMA minor permit from the Local Permit Officer for
the Town.
D. No area outside of a subdivision shall have any change of the terrain, drainage (etc.) without prior
approval from the Town of Holden Beach.
E. Future subdivisions shall not have the terrain, drainage (etc.) altered before a review of the area is
conducted by State and/or County officials; e.g. the County Health department has inspected the
site pertaining to the proposed alterations.
SECTION 10 MANDATORY STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
A. The Town of Holden Beach will promote, encourage, and facilitate public education programs on
stormwater management.
B. The public must be informed of how to identify and report pollution violations and water quality
problems. Such actions and conditions shall be reported to the Town Manager. Serious
violations may be reported to the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources in
Wilmington. (See Appendix A for a suggested format for public distribution materials on this
topic.)
C. The public must be informed of how to minimize water pollution in their homes and businesses.
Some of the issues that shall be addressed are lawn and garden care, use of household chemicals,
motor vehicle care, septic tank maintenance, and pet care. (See Appendix B for a suggested
format for public distribution materials on this topic.)
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Toivn of Holden Beach May 1998
17

D. Any brochures printed by the Town will also be made available on audio tape for the
handicapped, upon request.
' SECTION 11 INSPECTION AND NOTIFICATION
1 A. The Town will, upon prior notification to the property owner, make reasonable inspections to
determine whether or not the provisions of this ordinance are being followed.
' B. A Notice of Violation may be issued by the Town in those cases where the provisions of this
ordinance have not been followed. Notice will be hand -delivered or served by Certified Mail and
shall set forth the measures to achieve compliance. A time -frame shall be established by the
Town for compliance, with the length of time being set depending on the situation. The notice
shall state that if the provisions are not adhered to, then civil action may result, including
assessment of stated monetary penalties.
SECTION 12 APPEALS
A. Any person who is found in violation of the requirements listed under Section 7, Section 8.2 Part
B, or Section 9 Part D may appeal by submitting a written explanation of the appeal to the
Planning and Zoning Board within thirty (30) days of the date of the notification of the fine. This
1 Board shall render a decision on the appeal in writing within thirty (30) days after the receipt of
the written appeal. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Board, or any taxpayer, officer,
department or board of the Town may present to a court of competent jurisdiction a petition, duly
' verified, setting forth that the decision is illegal and requesting review.
B. Any citizen or property owner who is found in violation of the requirements listed under Section
8.1, or Section 9 Parts A through C, may appeal by filing a written explanation of the appeal with
the appropriate State agency within thirty (30) days of the date of the notification of the violation.
ISECTION 13 PENALTIES
Violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable as provided by G.S. 144. In addition, violation
of this ordinance shall subject the offender to a civil penalty, as determined by the Town Board of
Commissioners, to be recovered by the Town in a civil action, in the nature of a debt, if the offender does
not pay the civil penalty within thirty (30) days after being cited for violation of the ordinance. Each day
of continuing violation shall be a separate and distinct offense.
' SECTION 14 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
This ordinance may also be enforced by appropriate equitable remedy issuing from a court of competent
' jurisdiction. The General Court of Justice shall have jurisdiction to issue such orders as may be
appropriate to enforce the terms of this ordinance. Upon a finding by the court of competent jurisdiction
that a violation is occurring or is threatened, it shall enter such orders or judgments as are necessary to
' abate the violations or to prevent the threatened violations of this ordinance. The institution of an action
for injunctive relief under this section shall not relieve any party from any civil or criminal penalty
prescribed for violations of this ordinance.
Stormivater Management Ordinance
' Town of Holden Beach May 1998 18

SECTION 15 SEVERABILITY
If any section or sections of this ordinance is/are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all other sections
shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect.
SECTION 16
The Town Clerk is directed to forward this ordinance to American Legal Publishing Corporation for
inclusion in the next published supplement to the Code of the Town of Holden Beach.
SECTION 17 EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall become effective on the 29th day of May, 1998.
Adopted this the 28th day of May, 1998.
James W. Lowell, Mayor
ATTEST:
Joyce B. Shore, Town Clerk
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
19

I'.
' APPENDIX A
A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO IDENTIFYING AND REPORTING POLLUTION AND
' DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
1 It is very important for you, as a citizen of the Town of Holden Beach, to report problems when observed
so that the appropriate government agency can take immediate action. Public reporting of pollution and
drainage problems allows us to more efficiently keep our community clean and environmentally safe.
Be on the lookout for these common pollution and drainage problems:
1. Unprotected area of bare soil on a construction site or on any other site. Construction sites must
have erosion control structures such as silt fences and vegetated filters. In addition, no
construction site should be left without vegetation for longer than 30 working days after work on
' the site has been completed. Under no circumstances should bare soil be left within 50 feet of a
wetland or waterway.
2. Illegal dumping and illegal dump sites. Look for debris dumped in creeks and along roadsides by
companies and individuals trying to avoid landfill fees.
3. Discharges to creeks, wetlands, or the ocean. Look for channels running directly from a home or
' business to a wetland or a natural waterway. In addition, look for pipes that discharge directly to
a natural waterway. Grass drainage swales are permitted if they are constructed in accordance
with State -approved Best Management Practices (BMPs).
' 4. Oil and other chemical spills. Oil appears as a shiny slick on the surface of natural waters. Other
chemical spills may be identified when water has an unusual color or odor.
5. Sewer and septic system leaks from pipes and manholes. Usually, the best way to identify sewer
and septic problems is the odor! If you sense a problem, try to identify the source.
i6. Degraded water. Some things to look for include bright green algae growth, unusual odors, and
dead aquatic life.
7. Site grading and filling. Be aware of extensive fill materials placed on home sites which would
interfere with the natural flow of stormwater. Where fill material is used, the site should be
graded for side drainage swales. These drainage ways, if properly constructed and maintained,
' will allow stormwater to infiltrate and provide some treatment of potential pollutants. Also, no
bulkheads may be constructed above the elevation of adjoining property.
' To report pollution problems:
1. If you see a pollution and drainage violation such as illegal dumping or grading/filling in
progress, write down important information such as license plate numbers and company names.
If possible, you should take photographs as evidence. This information will be used to hold
polluters accountable.
' 2. Report pollution violations and water pollution problems to the Town Manager at (910) 842-
6488. At your request, the Town Manager will maintain your confidentiality.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
20

I
' 3. If the violation is of a very serious nature, you may report problems to the NC Department of
Environment and Natural Resources in Wilmington at [phone]. Once you describe the
nature of the problem, you will be directed to the appropriate person and agency.
11
1
F1
I�
I
11
I
1
Storm -water Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
21

I
APPENDIX B
A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO IMPROVING WATER QUALITY AT HOLDEN BEACH
I
Clean water and a healthy environment start with you and your neighbors. This list offers many easy and
inexpensive ideas that will benefit water quality at Holden Beach. By practicing these suggestions, you
will be doing your part for a cleaner and healthier environment.
1 Lawn and Garden Care:
Well -maintained lawns and gardens can be a real benefit to water quality and the local community. They
add beauty, control erosion, filter runoff from adjacent hard surfaces, reduce dust, and help moderate
summer heat. However, lawns and gardens are often the reason for excessive water use and unnecessary
applications of fertilizer. To help:
• Reduce soil erosion by planting appropriate plant cover on bare patches of ground.
• Do not use plastic material for weed control.
• Do not apply pesticides or fertilizer if heavy rain is expected.
• Use only fertilizers that are really needed, based on soil tests and specific needs of your plants. The
Agricultural Extension Center will test soils for free, and some nurseries may also offer this service.
• Keep fertilizer off driveways and sidewalks where it will be washed into storm drains.
• Remember that it is illegal to dump yard waste into creeks, ponds, wetlands, and the ocean. Yard
waste may be either composted or land -filled.
• When removing mildew from your house or roof use the most diluted solution of cleaner that will do
the job. If possible, use biodegradable products.
• Contact your County Extension Agent at [phone] for information on plant and integrated pest
management (reducing the application of chemicals by using natural controls).
• Gravel surfaces are considered to be impervious for stormwater purposes. The Town recommends
the use of open block or other more pervious means to stabilize driveways and walks.
' Household Chemicals:
Most households contain numerous chemicals that can be dangerous if released into the environment,
such as: spot remover, furniture polish, deodorizers, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, disinfectants, ammonia,
paint, and other finishes, thinners and solvents, batteries, and swimming pool chemicals. These chemicals
can become pollutants if residues are poured down home drains or onto the land surface. To help:
i• Select the least toxic products that will do the job, and use only when necessary.
• Use only recommended amounts and do not mix chemicals.
' Do no apply chemicals near creeks, wetlands, or the ocean.
• Stuff used cans of paint with newspapers and allow to dry before putting the cans into the trash.
• Never pour household chemicals down the drain or onto the ground.
I
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
22

Motor Vehicles:
The oil from a single automobile can produce an eight -acre oil slick, and a single quart of motor oil can
contaminate as much as two million gallons of drinking water. Used oil, antifreeze, and other motor
vehicle fluids are often dumped on land or into roadside ditches. To help:
• Maintain motor vehicles and repair leaks promptly.
• Dispose of used motor oil in oil recycling centers. Advance Auto Parts in Shallotte will take used oil
and car batteries.
• Arrange with local service stations or recycling centers to take your used antifreeze.
• Avoid gas tank overflows during refueling.
• Take your car to a commercial car wash where the cleaning water is discharged to a treatment plant.
If you do wash your car at home, use a non -toxic and biodegradable detergent.
Septic Tanks:
Septic systems depend upon bacterial action and soils to absorb the outflow of household wastewater. If
the drain field is damaged or the soil becomes saturated, nearby surface waters may become contaminated
with sewage products.
• Do not overload the system by allowing an inappropriately large number of people to share a single
dwelling.
• Avoid putting household chemicals down the drain that could destroy bacteria.
• Consider giving up garbage disposals that add unnecessary solids and grease to the system.
• Do not flush or pour down the drain: grease, coffee grounds, cigarettes, facial tissues and paper
' towels, sanitary products, and disposable diapers.
• Keep automobiles and heavy equipment off the system.
• Maintain adequate vegetative cover over the drain field.
• Follow the guideline below to determine how frequently to have your septic tank pumped. If you do
not know the size and location of your septic tank, the County Health Department has this
information.
' Estimating Septic Tank Inspection and Pumping Frequency in Years
Number of People Using the System
Tank Size
(gallons) 1 2 4 6
8
900 11 5 2 1
<1
1,000 12 6 3 2
1
1,250 16 8 3 2
1
'
1,500 19 9 4 3
2
Source: Adapted from 'Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Frequency
by Karen
Mand, 1984, Journal ofEnvironmental Engineering. Volume 110.
' Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998 23

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Hard Surfaces:
Hard surfaces such as paved roads, driveways, rooftops, and parking lots cause rapid runoff of rain water.
As water flows from hard surfaces, it captures pollutants before it is discharged into our waterways. On
the other hand, natural, vegetated areas improve water quality by soaking up and cleansing rain. To help:
• On your property, try to limit the area of impervious surfaces such as concrete, brick, gravel, crushed
shell, and wood decks.
Boats:
Recreational boaters use a variety of cleaners, finishes, and anti -fouling compounds, and are often
responsible for discharging garbage, sewage, and petroleum products into our waterways. Boats that
create excessive wakes contribute to shoreline erosion and increase sediment loads to adjacent waterways.
To help:
• Avoid producing wakes within 500 feet of shore.
• Scrub boats with brush and water instead of routinely using soap and detergent. If cleaners are
needed to remove stains, use phosphate -free detergents.
• Do not discharge boat sewage or trash into waterways.
• Use a drop cloth when scraping boat hulls to catch toxic chips of paint or anti -fouling.
Animal Waste:
Animal wastes are high in nutrients and bacteria which can contribute to excessive plant growth in
waterways as well as closure of shell -fishing beds and swimming areas. To help:
• Clean up after pets and dispose of wastes in the trash or toilet.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Town of Holden Beach May 1998
24