Draft Storm Water Management Ordinance-1995

JUN 13 1995
DIVISION OF
COASTAL MANAGEMENT
Town Of Sunset Beach
-t
Draft Storm Water Management Ordinance
DCM COPY DCM COPY
lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management
June 6, 1995

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Section1
Title .................................................
1
Section 2
Goals and Purposes ........................................
1
Section 3
Definitions ............................................
1
Section 4
Scope ................................................
4
Section 5
General Requirements ...................................
5
Section 6
Summary of State Regulations ..............................
5
Section 7
Mandatory Standards for Existing Development .................
6
Section 8
Mandatory Standards for New Developments ...................
8
8.1 Protection of Coastal Resources ........................
8
8.2 Low Density Developments ...........................
8
8.3 High Density Developments ............................
8
Section 9 e
Mandatory Standards for Construction Activities ................
11
Section 10
Mandatory Standards for Public Education ....................
12
Section 11
Inspections and Investigations .............................
12
Section 12
Appeals .............................................
12
Section 13
Penalties ............................................
13
Section 14
Injunctive Relief .......................................
13
Section 15
Severability ...........................................
13
Section 16
Effective Date ........................................
13
Appendices
A
A Citizen's Guide to Identifying and Reporting Pollution Problems
B
A Citizen's Guide to Improving Water Quality at Sunset Beach
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TOWN OF SUNSET BEACH
DRAFT STORM WATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
SECTION 1 TITLE
This ordinance may be cited as the Town of Sunset Beach Storm Water Management
Ordinance.
SECTION 2 PURPOSES
The central environmental goal of the Town of Sunset Beach is to restore and preserve
water quality and the natural ecological functions of the surface waters that are included
in its planning area. In order to meet this important goal, the Town of Sunset Beach
Storm Water Ordinance will be adopted for the following purposes:
A. To regulate existing developments, new developments, and construction
activities in a manner consistent with state requirements.
B. To establish the authority of the Town of Sunset Beach to administer and
enforce storm water regulations.
C. To create public education programs so that the citizens of Sunset 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. Wood slatted
decks and the water area of a swimming pool are not considered to be
built -upon area.

C. "CAMA" means Coastal Area Management Act which was adopted by
North Carolina in 1974. The Act established a comprehensive regional
resource management program for the 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. "CAMA Major Development Permit" means the permit required by the
Coastal Resources Commission for developments that infringe on Areas of
Environmental Concern.
E. "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)).
F. "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.
G. "Erosion" means the wearing away of land surface by the action of wind,
water, gravity, or any combination thereof.
H. "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.
I. "Estuarine 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.
J. "Estuarine 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.
2

K. "Existing Development" means any land which has been used by any person
in residential, industrial, educational, institutional, or commercial
development, or highway and road construction and maintenance. Existing
developments also include subdivisions which have already been platted as
of the effective date of this ordinance.
L. "Infiltration System" means a storm water treatment system designed to
allow runoff to pass or move (infiltrate) into the soil.
M. "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.
N. 'New Development" means any land which is utilized for a land -disturbing
activity after the effective date of this ordinance.
O. "NCAC" means North Carolina Administrative Code.
P. 'North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission" means the state policy -
making organization with responsibility for the coastal region.
Q. "Ocean 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.
R. "Redevelopment" means any rebuilding activity which has no net increase
in built -upon area or which provides equal or greater storm water controls
than the previous development.
S. "SA 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.
T. "Sedimentation" means the deposition of solid material, both mineral and
organic, that has been transported from its site of origin by air or water.
U. "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.
V. "Storm Water" means the flow of water which results from precipitation
and which occurs immediately following rainfall or a snowmelt.
3

Summary of State Storm Water Regulations for
Sunset Beach
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Is Development located NO Is Development one NO Development is not
in an AEC? acre or greater? subject to State
Requirements.
YES
A CAMA Permit is
required.
YES
Is Development one
acre or greater?
YES
NO.
Sedimentation and
Erosion Control Plan is
required.
Is Development within
one-half mile of an SA
water?
NO
Development is more
than one-half mile from
an SA water.
YES
Low Density:
Max. 25% built -upon area.
High Density:
Control 1.5" of rainfall by infiltration.
Low Density:
Max. 30% built -upon area.
High Density:
Control 1.0" of rainfall by infiltration or
detention

W. "Subdivision" means all divisions of a tract of land into two or more lots,
building sites, or other divisions of two acres or less for single ownership
for the purpose of sale or building development.
X. "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 Sunset Beach. This term
excludes privately owned ponds which have no entry or exit of water to or
from waters of public domain.
Y. "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.
Z. "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.
AA. "Vegetative Filter" means an area of natural or planted vegetation through
which storm water flows in a diffuse manner so that runoff does not
become channelized and which provides for control of storm water runoff
through infiltration of runoff and filtering of pollutants. The defined
length of the filter shall be provided for the direction of storm water flow.
BB. "Wet Detention Pond" means a structure that provides for storage and
treatment of runoff and includes a permanent pool of water.
SEMON 4 SCOPE
This ordinance shall apply to the following entities within the jurisdiction of the Town of
Sunset 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 new developments, regardless of their size, shall be subject to the
regulations listed under Section 8, Mandatory Standards for New
Developments.
C. All construction activities, whether for new development or improvements
on existing development, shall be subject to the regulations listed under
Section 9, Mandatory Standards for Construction Activities.
D. The Town of Sunset Beach shall be responsible for meeting the
requirements of Section 10, Mandatory Standards for Public Education.
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SECTION 5 GENERAL REQUIRENIENTS
A. All visitors, residents, businesses, and developers that utilize the resources
of Sunset Beach shall take all reasonable measures to protect surface
waters 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 Sunset Beach shall be in addition to
the penalties imposed by the state or county.
SECTION 6 SUMMARY Or STATE: REGUIXI IONS
The responsibility for administering North Carolina's storm water regulations is shared
by three divisions of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
(DEHNR).
These divisions are the Division of Environmental Management, the Division of Coastal
Management, and the Division of Land Quality.
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 storm water controls. DEM recommends
maintaining low density developments as the best means for managing
storm water. Low density developments limit built -upon surface areas so
that grass, trees, and other vegetation may serve as filters for storm water.
This development option minimizes the need for costly engineered storm
water controls.
High density developments must have engineered storm water controls that
are designed, constructed, and maintained according to state standards.
These controls capture the storm water 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 Sunset Beach are: Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters,
Estuarine Shorelines, Public Trust Areas, Ocean Erodible Areas, High
E

Hazard Flood Areas, Inlet Hazard Flood Areas, and Unvegetated 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.
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 along 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 MANTDATORY STANTDARDS FOR EXISTING DEVELOPMENYT
A. No landscaping using impervious materials such as solid plastic and vinyl
will be permitted. Property owners must remove any such materials
installed after the effective date of this ordinance. Failure to comply
within 30 days of notification is subject to a fine of $50 for each incident
and day of violation as well as any and all costs of removal.
B. Yard wastes, including dredge spoil, leaves, and yard trimmings, may not
be deposited into surface waters. Acceptable management practices for
yard wastes include composting and landfilling. Persons who deposit yard
wastes into surface waters are subject to a fine of $200 for each incident of
violation as well as any and all. costs of removal, cleanup and remediation.
C. Septic systems must pumped and maintained on a regular basis according
to local regulations to prevent contaminated wastewater from discharging
to surface waters. Owners of systems that are found to be discharging to
surface waters will be given seven calendar days to correct such conditions.
Property owners ,%vho fail to comply following this seven day period will be
subject to a fine of $200 for each incident and day of violation as well as
any and all costs of cleanup and remediation.
6

D. Hazardous compounds must not be discharged to a septic system. Such
compounds include but are not limited to paint, paint thinner, solvents,
.pesticides, and petroleum products. Persons who discharge these
hazardous substances into septic systems. are subject to a fine of $200 for
each incident of violation as well as any and all costs of removal, cleanup,
and remediation.
E. All label directions must be followed so that fertilizers and pesticides are
mixed and applied correctly and at the proper time. The label is a legal
document. Persons who incorrectly mix or apply chemicals are subject to a
fine of $200 for each incident of violation, as well as any and all costs of
removal, cleanup, and remediation.
F. Chemicals on both commercial and residential property must be stored in
properly built and maintained storage facilities. Persons who do not store
chemicals safely will be given seven calendar days to correct such
conditions. Failure to comply following this seven-day period will be
subject to a fine of $200 for each incident and day of violation as well as
any and all costs of removal, cleanup, and remediation.
G. Illegal discharges degrade water quality and are strictly prohibited. The
following direct discharges resulting from the improper disposal of such
materials into surface waters are unlawful. Violators will be subject to a
fine of $200 for each incident and day of violation as well as any and all
costs of removal, cleanup, and remediation.
(1) Sewage or biosolids.
(2) Polluted household wastewater, including but not limited to laundry
wash water and dishwater.
(3) Leaking sanitary sewers and connections, which have remained
uncorrected for three days or more after seven days notice.
(4) Leaking water lines with flows sufficient to cause soil erosion which
have remained uncorrected for three days or more after seven days
notice.
(5) Commercial, industrial, or public vehicle, vessel, or equipment wash
discharge.
(6) Solid, chemical, or sanitary waste..
(7) Dead terrestrial animals or animal fecal waste.
(8) Petroleum products or derivatives thereof.
7

(9) Wrecked or discarded vehicles or equipment.
(10) Trash, refuse, or garbage.
SEcnON 8.0 MANDATORY STANTDAIiDS FOIL NrNN, DrNT-LOPMENTTS
All new developments must comply with the regulations listed under Section 8.1 and the
regulations listed under either Section 8.2 or 8.3. Any development which fails to
comply with the requirements listed below will be subject to a $500 fine for each
violation and other actions or penalties as may be authorized by the Town of Sunset
Beach.
SECTION 8.1 PROTECTION OF COASTAL RESOURCES
A. New developments may not infringe upon surface waters unless the proper
approvals have been obtained from the state.
B. The Town of Sunset Beach will require certification from developers that
are infringing on surface waters that all necessary approvals have been
obtained from the state.
SECTION 8.2 LOW DENSITY DEVELOPMENTS
A. "To be considered "Low Density," a development must have a built -upon
area of 25 percent or less per lot, and must not have an on -site storm
water collection system. Developments that do not meet these
requirements will be considered High Density and will be subject to the
requirements for High Density Developments.
B. Cluster development that has an overall built -upon area of 25 percent may
also be considered Low Density if the proper state approvals are obtained.
In this case, the Town of Sunset Beach will require certification that
developers have obtained state approval.
C. Low Density Developments are not required to include any engineered
storm water controls.
SECTION 8.3 HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENTS
A. High Density Developments that are within one-half mile of waters
classified as SA must meet the following requirements:
(1) Direct outlet channels to SA waters are prohibited unless they are
permitted by the State.
9

(2) Infiltration is the only acceptable method of storm water control for
High Density Developments within one-half mile of SA waters.
Infiltration control systems must be designed to control the runoff
generated by one and one-half inches of rainfall falling in one hour.
(3) Runoff resulting from rainfall in excess of one and one-half inches
falling in one hour must be directed to flow overland through a
vegetative filter with a minimum width of 50 feet measured from
mean high water of SA waters.
B. High Density Developments that are not within one-half mile of waters
classified as SA must meet the following requirements:
(1) Infiltration control systems must be designed to control the runoff
generated by one inch of rainfall falling in one hour.
(2) Wet detention ponds must be designed for 85 percent removal of
total suspended solids in the permanent pool and storage of runoff
from a one -inch rainfall from the site above the permanent pool.
(3) Vegetative filters are required for the overflow and discharge of all
storm water wet detention ponds.
C. Infiltration systems must meet the following current standards:
(1) Infiltration systems shall be a minimum of 30 feet from surface
waters and a minimum of 50 feet from Class SA waters.
(2) The lowest point of infiltration systems must be a minimum of two
feet above the seasonal high water table.
(3) Infiltration systems must be designed such that runoff in excess of
the design volume bypasses the system and does not flush pollutants
through the system.
(4) Soils must have a minimum hydraulic conductivity of 0.52 inches per
hour to be suitable for infiltration.
(5) Infiltration systems may not be sited in or on fill material.
(6) Infiltration systems must be designed to completely draw down to
pre -storm levels within five days.
(7) Infiltration systems must have an observation well to allow for
inspection of the system.
0

(8) The system must be sized for any off -site runoff, or the off -site
runoff must bypass the system.
D. Wet detention ponds may be used as a primary treatment device for storm
water not draining to SA waters, or as a secondary device following an
infiltration system. Current State requirements for wet detention ponds
are as follows:
(1) The design storage volume must be above the permanent pool.
(2) The discharge rate from these systems following the one -inch
rainfall design storm shall be such that the runoff is drawn down to
the permanent pool level in a period not less than two days or more
than five days.
(3) The mean depth shall be a minimum of three feet.
(4) The inlet structure must be designed to minimize turbulence using
baffles or other appropriate design features.
(5) Pretreatment by the use of infiltration swales is encouraged to
minimize sedimentation and eu trophi cation of the detention pond.
E. Vegetative filters must meet the following current State standards:
(1) A distribution device such as a Swale must be used to provide even
distribution of runoff over the length of the vegetative filter.
(2) The slope of the vegetative filter must be determined so as to
provide a non -erosive velocity of flow through the filter for a 10-
year, 24-hour design storm and it must have a slope of five percent
or less.
(3) Vegetation in the filter may be natural vegetation, grasses, or
artificially planted wetland vegetation appropriate for the site
characteristics.
(4) The vegetative filter must have a minimum width of 50 feet
measured from the mean high water mark.
F. The developer must provide a signed and notarized operation and
maintenance plan or manual for storm water systems, indicating 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.
10

G. Roadway drainage systems and storm water control systems must be
designed by a professional engineer licensed in the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 9 MANDATORY STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Construction activities which fail to comply with these regulations will be subject to a
$500 fine for each violation and other actions or penalties as may be authorized by the
Town of Sunset Beach.
A. The Town of Sunset Beach will require developers to furnish copies of all
necessary State certification.
B. Any person conducting a land -disturbing activity must install sedimentation
and erosion control devices that have been designed to retain all sediment
within the boundaries of the site during the 25-year, 24-hour storm.
C. A 50-foot vegetated buffer strip must be retained or established adjacent to
any surface water bordering a land -disturbing activity. If the land -
disturbing activity is water -dependent (eg. bulkheads, piers, marinas, and
bridges) and thus it is not feasible, then the activity may be permitted with
the appropriate approvals from either the state or the local permitting
officer.
D. If runoff from land -disturbing activities is directed to an engineered
infiltration system during construction of the project, the system must be
restored to design specifications after the project is complete and the entire
drainage project area is stabilized.
E. All debris and trash must be contained on -site during construction. All
garbage receptacles must have high sides or covers to prevent the airborne
transport of debris such as plastic and paper. In addition, hazardous
materials used during the construction process must be stored and disposed
of properly to ensure that they do not enter surface waters.
F. During construction, the person or firm responsible for site development is
responsible for maintenance of the erosion and sedimentation control
practices installed. The landowner may also be held responsible. After
construction is complete, all responsibility passes to the landowner.
G. Within 30 days of completion or temporary suspension of land disturbing
activities, the land surface must be left so that it will not erode, using
methods including, but not limited to, revegetation, mulching, or rip -
rapping.
11

SECTION 10 MANDATORY STANDARDS FOR Pum.IC EDUCATION
A. The Town of Sunset Beach will promote, encourage, and facilitate public
education programs on storm water 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 Administrator. Serious violations may be reported to
the Department of Health 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.)
D. Any brochures printed by the Town must also be made available on audio
tape for the handicapped.
SECTION 11 INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS
The Town of Sunset Beach shall have the power- to conduct inspections and
investigations as it may reasonably deem necessary to carry out its duties as prescribed in
this ordinance. The Town may enter at reasonable times upon any property, public or
private, for the purposes of investigation and inspection. No person shall refuse entry or
access to any authorized representative or agent of the Town of Sunset Beach who
requests entry for the purposes of inspection, and who presents appropriate credentials,
nor shall any person obstruct, hamper, or interfere with any such representative while in
the process of carrying out his or her official duties.
SECTION 12 APPEALS
If it is determined that a person has failed to comply with this ordinance, a notice of
violation shall be served upon that person by registered or certified mail or other
reasonable means to give actual notice. The notice shall set forth the measures
necessary to achieve compliance with the plan and specify a reasonable time period
within which such measures must be completed. The notice will warn that failure to
correct the violation within the time period will result in the assessment of a civil penalty
or other enforcement action. If the person in violation of this ordinance fails to comply
within the time specified, enforcement action will be initiated.
12

SECTION 13 PENALTIES
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the
appropriate stated fine. No penalty shall be assessed until the person alleged to be in
violation has been notified of the violation by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested or other reasonable means to give actual notice.
SECTION 14 INTJUNCTi« RELIEF
A. Whenever the governing body has reasonable cause to believe that any
person is violating or threatening to violate this ordinance, it may institute
a civil action in the name or the Town of Sunset Beach for injunctive relief
to restrain the violation or threatened violation. The action shall be
brought in the superior court of Brunswick County.
B. Upon a finding by the court that an alleged violation is occurring or is
threatened, it shall enter such orders or judgements as are necessary to
abate the violations or to prevent the threatened violation. The institution
of an action for injunctive relief under this section shall not relieve any
party to such proceedings from any civil or criminal penalty prescribed for
violations of this ordinance.
SECTION 15 SEVERABILTTY
If any section or sections or this ordinance is/are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all
other sections shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect.
SECTION 16 EFFECTn'E DATE
This ordinance shall be in effect at the time of passage by the Town Council.
13

APPENTDTX A: A CITIZEN's GUIDE TO IDENTIFYING AND REPORTING POLLITTION PROBLEMS
It is very important for you, as a citizen of the Town of Sunset Beach, to report
problems when observed so that the appropriate government agency can take immediate
action. Public reporting of pollution problems allows us to more efficiently keep our
community clean and environmentally safe.
Be on the lookout for these common pollution problems:
1. Unprotected areas of bare soil on a construction site or on any other site.
Construction sites must have erosion control structures such as siltation 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.
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 fi-om pines 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.
6. Degraded water. Some things to look for include bright green algal growth,
unusual odors, and dead aquatic life.
To report pollution problems:
1. If you see a pollution violation such as illegal dumping 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
Administrator at 579-6297. At your request, the Town Administrator will
maintain your confidentiality.
A-1

3. If the violation is of a very serious nature, you may report problems directly to the
NC Department of Environment, Health, 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.
A-2

APPENDIX B: A CI'fIZEN's GUIDE TO IMPROVING NN�ATER.QUAurY AT SUNSET BEACH
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 Sunset Beach.
By practicing these suggestions, you will be doing your part for a cleaner and healthier
environment.
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 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 landfilled.
- When removing mildew front your house or roof, use the most dilute 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).
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:
- 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 not 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.

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. Sommerset's Radiator and Body Shop in Shallotte will take 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.
Estimating Septic Tank Inspection and
Pumping Frequency in Years
Tank Size Dumber- of People Using the System
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 'Emimated Scptic Tank Pumping Frequency" by Karen Mand, 1984, loumal of
Environmental Engineering. Volume 110.

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, highly compacted gravel, crushed shell, coquina, and covered decks.
Boats:
Recreational boaters use a variety of cleaners, finishes, and antifouling 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 or 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
antifouling.
Animal Waste:
Animal wastes are high in nutrients and bacteria which can contribute to excessive plant
growth in waterways as well as closure of shellfishing beds and swimming areas. To help:
- Clean up after pets and dispose of wastes in the trash or toilet.
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Management. Thank you. .