The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutNCS000427_Permit Application SWMP_2016 Stormwater Management Program Narrative TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. STORM DRAIN SYSTEM INFORMATION 1.1. Population Served 1.2. Growth Rate 1.3. Jurisdictional and MS4 Service Areas 1.4. MS4 Conveyance System 1.5. Land Use Composition Estimates 1.6. Estimate Methodology 1.7. TMDL Identification 2. RECEIVING STREAMS 3. EXISTING WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS 3.1. Local Programs 3.2. State programs 4. PERMITTING INFORMATION 4.1. Responsible Party Contact List 4.2. Organizational Chart 4.3. Signing Official 4.4. Duly Authorized Representative 5. CO-PERMITTING INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE) 5.1. Co-Permittees 5.2. Legal Agreements 5.3. Responsible Parties 6. RELIANCE ON OTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITY 6.1. Name of Entity 6.2. Measure Implemented 6.3. Contact Information 6.4. Legal Agreements 7. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 7.1. Public Education And Outreach On Storm Water Impacts 7.2. Public Involvement And Participation 7.3. Illicit Discharge Detection And Elimination 7.4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control 7.5. Post-Construction Storm Water Management In New Development And Redevelopment 7.6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping For Municipal Operations APPENDICES A. Receiving Streams B. BMPs and Measurable Goals C. Stormwater Ordinances Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 1 1. Storm drain System Information 1.1. Population Served: The permanent population is approximately 155,918 per the Town of Cary Planning Department. (Estimated Population for January 1, 2016) 1.2. Growth Rate: The population growth rate for the service area calculated based on the simple analysis of the relative change between the population in 2012 and 2016 stated as a percent change, annualized by dividing the percent change by 5 yields a growth rate of 2.4%. 2012 population was estimated at 141,132; 2016 population was estimated at 155,918. 1.3. Jurisdictional and MS4 Service Areas: The jurisdictional area is approximately 58 square miles. The service area is approximately 58 square miles within the Town of Cary city limits and within the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction. There are approximately 592 miles of storm drain line per our GIS system. 1.4. MS4 Conveyance System: Stormwater is transmitted through a system of closed pipes and open ditches to a network of natural streams and manmade lakes. High density areas have curb and gutter with closed pipes that empty to streams or Stormwater control measures via flared end section pipes. There are few direct pipes to streams. Low density development is served by either curb & gutter or swales and yard inlets which then carry stormwater via closed pipes to natural streams. The maintenance of this stormwater infrastructure is divided into public and private responsibilities. The publicly maintained system is along the road Right of Way (R/W). The Town is responsible for keeping the catch basins along public roads and culverts which carry streams under roads clear of debris so that runoff can flow freely. Infrastructure on private property (generally further than 10 feet from the road) should be maintained by the property owner. Drainage swales and stormwater outfalls should be regularly maintained to remove any accumulated debris. Streams should also be maintained by the homeowner, but in accordance with local, state, and federal rules. Maintenance is performed by the Town's Department of Public Works on an as-needed basis as problems are found usually due to flooding reports and/or citizen complaints. The Town's Department of Water Resources is currently working on a condition assessment program for the Town’s stormwater infrastructure. 1.5. Land Use Composition Estimates: LAND USE ACRES PERCENT Residential 29048 63 Commercial 7128 15 Industrial 2652 6 Open Space 7363 16 1.6. Estimate Methodology: The land use figures are based on existing land use within the Town's planning limits per our GIS system. Residential includes very low, low, medium and high density residential land uses. Commercial includes office/institutional, commercial and mixed uses. Industrial includes office/industrial and utilities, and open space includes vacant properties, agriculture/forest, parks, and lake areas. 1.7. TMDL Identification: Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 2 Jordan Lake – Jordan Lake Rules are in effect. The Town of Cary is currently in Stage 1 phase for reductions from existing development. The buffer rule is currently under review by the Town. Swift Creek – TMDL was finalized and a Water Quality Recovery Plan was approved by NCDEQ-DWR. 2. Receiving Streams Seventy-five percent of the area drains to the Neuse River. The remaining twenty-five percent enters the Cape Fear River through Jordan Lake. The most significant receiving streams are listed in Table 1. Table 1. Receiving Stream Overview Receiving Stream Name River Basin Water Quality Classification Water Quality Issues Crabtree Creek Neuse C-NSW Urban stream Walnut Creek Neuse C-NSW Urban stream Swift Creek Neuse WS-III Biological impairment Middle Creek Neuse C-NSW Urban steam Panther Creek Cape Fear WS-IV Jordan Lake Rules White Oak Creek Cape Fear WS-IV Jordan Lake Rules See Appendix A for an expanded list of receiving streams. 3. Existing Water Quality Programs 3.1. Local Programs: The following are existing water quality programs that have been implemented within the Town of Cary MS4 service area. 3.1.1. Water Supply Watershed Protection There are two water supply watersheds in the Town of Cary jurisdiction, the Swift Creek Watershed and the Jordan Lake Watershed. Development in these areas requires additional protective measures because they drain to water supply reservoirs which provide drinking water to Raleigh and Cary. The North Carolina Water Supply Watershed Protection Rules adopted in 1992 required that all local governments having land use jurisdiction within water supply watersheds adopt and implement water supply watershed protection ordinances, maps, and a management plan. The adopted plans allow development within these watersheds provided that certain conditions are met. The Town administers a locally delegated program for protecting the Jordan Lake Watershed and administers requirements of the Swift Creek Land Management Plan. There are specific requirements for both low and high density development Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 3 projects. There is a 70% built-upon area cap for high density development in both Swift Creek and Jordan Lake watersheds. Specific areas within the Swift Creek watershed are subject to additional restrictions on built-upon area. Other requirements for new development include stream buffer requirements and the installation of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) for the control of stormwater runoff (quality and quantity). The Town of Cary accepts SCMs which are approved by the State for Total Suspended Solids removal. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR) has published a manual that explains design requirements for the different SCM devices that may be used for water quality protection. These protective measures and the design calculations must be supplied during the plan review process. In an effort to ensure that the watershed protection devices will be maintained over the life of the project, the Town of Cary requires that extensive documentation be supplied and filed with Wake County Register of Deeds to ensure compliance. The Town of Cary has a GIS database to track SCMs for compliance. The database has a map of all post construction SCMs, inspection dates, owner information, SCM information and compliance information. Annual inspections are required by a qualified professional and all paperwork is maintained. 3.1.2. Sediment and Erosion Control In 1985 the Town of Cary implemented a local sedimentation and erosion control program. This program is modeled after the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources sedimentation rules and regulations. The Town of Cary's program is more restrictive in some cases. The Town of Cary's Erosion Control Program ensures that developers in Cary's jurisdiction have approved erosion control plans, obtain grading permits prior to any ground disturbing activity and follow their approved erosion control plan. Periodic inspection of construction sites ensure the projects are in compliance. Erosion control plans must be supplied by the Financially Responsible Party of any property that disturbs over 12,000 sq. ft. An erosion control plan consists of erosion control measures sufficient to keep sediment on site. All items on the erosion control check list must be addressed to have a complete erosion control plan. The erosion control plan review is part of the regular plan review process. Single family homes can disturb up to one acre without obtaining a grading permit. However, an erosion control inspection is required prior to any other inspection for single family homes and they are required to control erosion on site. The Town of Cary Sedimentation Erosion Control program was recognized in 1998, 2001 and 2007 by the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission as the annual outstanding Erosion and Sedimentation Control Local Program. 3.1.3. Neuse River Nutrient Sensitive Waters - Urban Stormwater Program Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 4 The Town administers a locally delegated program for urban stormwater management. The Town of Cary Stormwater Management Program for Nitrogen Control was adopted by the State of NC in October 2000. The local program became effective in March 2001.The following summarizes the four program areas required under the Neuse Stormwater Rule. 1. New Development Review/Approval New development must meet the State's 30% total nitrogen (TN) reduction goal by implementing planning considerations and stormwater best management practices. The rule imposes a 3.6 pounds per acre per year (lb/ac/yr) nitrogen loading limit on new development. In some cases, Nitrogen load from new developments that exceeds this performance standard may be offset by payment of a fee to the Division of Mitigation Services. In addition, new development must control peak runoff from each site. And, 50 and 100 foot stream buffers must be preserved. 2. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) The Town will establish a program to prevent, identify and remove illicit discharges. Illicit discharges are flows into the stormwater collection systems that are not associated with stormwater runoff or an allowable discharge. Illicit discharges enter the system through either direct connections (e.g., wastewater piping either mistakenly or deliberately connected to the storm drains) or indirect connections (e.g. broken sanitary systems, spills collected by drain outlets, or paint or used oil dumped directly into a drain). The result is untreated discharges that contribute high levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, toxics, oil and grease, solvents, nutrients, viruses, and bacteria to receiving waterbodies. Pollutant levels from these illicit discharges have been shown in EPA studies to be high enough to significantly degrade receiving water quality and threaten aquatic life, wildlife, and human health. 3. Retrofit Locations Each year the Town of Cary must identify 4 potential sites for retrofitting existing development to reduce total nitrogen loads. In urban areas, much of the development took place prior to water quality rules requiring quantity or quality controls for the reduction of stormwater impacts. Therefore, the Town of Cary will conduct an annual review of potential sites for implementing SCMs to reduce water quality impacts from developed areas. A list of potential sites will be provided annually to the State. 4. Public Education The Neuse Stormwater Rule requires the Town of Cary to develop an environmental education program to address stormwater quality impacts including nitrogen-loading issues. The public education action plan consists of activities including local advertising, participation in a mass media campaign, public workshops, brochures, participation in public events, and storm drain labeling. 3.1.4. Jordan Lake Nutrient Sensitive Waters – Stormwater Program Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 5 In August 2009, the State of NC adopted the Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategy for the Cape Fear River Basin. The State requires a stage 1 managem ent plan for exiting development (outreach and education, public participation, IDDE program, retrofit program), a riparian buffer ordinance, a management plan for new development (nitrogen and phosphorus reduction), rules for agriculture and forestry. 3.1.5. Urban Transition Buffer Protection On July 27, 2000, the Cary Town Council approved an ordinance requiring riparian buffers within the Town’s jurisdiction and ETJ. The buffer rules were developed in response to the Neuse River Basin NSW rules for nitrogen control and riparian buffer protection. In 2012, the riparian buffer protection rules also included the Jordan Lake watershed in response to the Jordan Lake NSW riparian buffer rules. To protect its finite natural resources, Cary has a requirement to protect an additional 50 feet beyond the state mandated riparian buffer rules for all channels indicated on the USGS quadrangle. In 2008, the additional 50’ of buffer protection was modified and renamed an “Urban Transition Buffer” (UTB). Urban Transition Buffers (UTBs or “buffers”) provide a transition from waterbodies and environmentally sensitive areas associated with waterbodies to areas which are less fragile and appropriate for more intense uses and development. Some of the benefits of UTBs are reducing the potential for increased nutrient loading by limiting intense uses adjacent to waterbodies and environmentally sensitive areas associated with waterbodies, minimizing danger to lives and properties from flooding, preserving the water carrying capacity of the waterbodies, providing open spaces, and maintaining the aesthetic qualities and appearance of the Town. 3.1.6. Floodplain Management The Town of Cary has an adopted a floodplain management program since 1972 and is part of the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP). The Town requires sites to not encroach the floodplain and for subdivisions to not plat lots within the floodplain. The Town also requires the lowest floor for a building be elevated two feet above the base flood elevation. 3.1.7. Master Planning Effective stormwater programs include a comprehensive planning process that addresses water quality at the local level. Cary has begun incorporating stormwater planning into its land use planning processes as needed to address specific issues. 3.2. State Programs: In July 1997, the State of NC adopted riparian buffer regulations for the Neuse River Basin. The State requires 50 foot protected buffers on either side of streams as indicated by the USGS or County Soil Survey map. The Town reviews site plans and individual building permits for consistency with the State buffer rules. Any variance from the State rules must be accomplished through negotiations between the applicant and the State. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 6 4. Permitting Information. 4.1. Responsible Party Contact List: Name TITLE Responsibility PHONE # FAX # Steve Brown Director of Water Resources Administration 919-469-4030 919-469-4092 Jamie Revels Director of utilities Good Housekeeping 919-469-4303 919-469-4304 Scott Hecht Director of Public Works Good Housekeeping / Facility Management 919-469-4093 919-469-4304 Billy E. Lee Stormwater Engineering Manager Administration / Contact Person 919-462-3932 919-460-4935 Charles Brown Stormwater Program Analyst Administration / Regulatory Issues / Illicit Discharge / Post Construction 919-469-4038 919-460-4935 Matt Flynn Stormwater Field Services Administrator Plan Review (Pre and Post Construction) / Erosion Control 919-469-4030 919-460-4935 Eric Kulz Environmental Specialist Permitting and Riparian Buffer/UTB Program 919-469-3931 919-460-4935 Dan Clinton Stormwater Engineer Citizen Concerns / FEMA Floodplain Management 919-380-2773 919-460-4935 Jan Patterson Stormwater Engineer Citizen Concerns 919-460-4930 919-460-4935 Todd Hoefler Lead Stormwater Engineering Technician Erosion Control Inspections / SCM Compliance 919-460-4934 919-460-4935 Kirk Stafford Stormwater Engineering Technician Erosion Control Inspections / SCM Compliance 919-462-3886 919-460-4935 Jeff Hall Stormwater Engineering Technician Erosion Control Inspections / SCM Compliance 919-380-2759 919-460-4935 Larry Dempsey Facilities Division Manager Good housekeeping 919-469-4361 919-469-4304 Carolyn Lewis Stormwater Facilities Specialist Good housekeeping / Post Construction (Town) 919-469-4362 919-469-4304 Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 7 4.2. Organizational Chart: Mike Bajorek Interim Town Manager Scott Hecht Public Works Director Larry Dempsey Facilities Division Manager Carolyn Lewis Stormwater Facilities Specialist Jamie Revels Utilities Director Tim Bailey Assistant Town Manager Steve Brown Director of Water Resources Marie Cefalo Water Resources Outreach SupervisorBilly E Lee Stormwater Engineering Manager Dan Clinton Stormwater Engineer Jan Patterson Stormwater Engineer Charles Brown Stormwater Program Analyst Eric Kulz Environmental Specaiist Matt Flynn Storwater Field Services Supervisor Todd Hoefler Senior Strmwater Engineering Technician Kirk Stafford Stormwater Engineering Technician Jeff Hall Stormwater Engineering Technician Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 8 4.3. Signing Official: Name: Michael Bajorek Position: Interim Town Manager Authority: Mr. Bajorek is responsible for overseeing all departments within the Town. Since success depends on actions from multiple departments including Water Resources, Public Works, Utilities, Planning and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, it is imperative that final authority come from a position overseeing all departments. 5. Co-Permitting Information - not applicable 6. Reliance on other government entity to satisfy one or more permit obligations - not applicable Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 9 7. Stormwater Management Program Plan The Town of Cary will develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater management program (SWMP) designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from Cary to the maximum extent practicable (MEP), to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. The SWMP will be updated to comply with the issued NPDES stormwater permit. 7.1. Public Education and Outreach on Storm Water Impacts: The Town of Cary will implement a public education program to distribute educational materials to the community and/or conduct equivalent outreach activities about the impacts of stormwater discharges on water bodies and the steps that the public can take to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff. 7.1.1. BMP Summary Table (see Appendix B) 7.1.2. Target Audience: The target audiences for the public education program include those entities within Cary that may impact water quality conditions. Efforts will be made to produce program ads and printed materials to accommodate the large Hispanic population. General Public: The general public has been targeted for educational program based on potential impacts they can have on water quality conditions including dumping oil and other wastes into storm drains, improper disposal of yard wastes along creek banks, and improper application of pesticides and herbicides on lawns. Also, other activities such as vehicle washing, failure to clean up pet wastes and improper clean up from home improvement projects have been targeted. Commercial: Commercial facilities have been targeted for the educational program based on potential impacts form improper handling and disposing of wastes, making illicit connections to the storm drain system and practicing poor housekeeping at their facilities. Some commercial facilities have a history of water quality problems and will be specifically targeted through mailings, brochures and presentations including: Carpet Cleaning Companies – Targeted for illegal dumping of wastewater into storm drains. Restaurants – Targeted for improper handling of grease resulting in discharges to storm drains. Automotive Repair Facilities – Targeted for improper handling of used oil and other waste automotive fluids resulting in discharges to storm drains. Car Dealerships- Targeted for improper vehicle washing practices. Lawn Care Companies – Targeted for improper application of fertilizers and herbicides resulting in discharges to storm drains. 7.1.3. Target Pollutant Sources: Public education will target residential, commercial and industrial property owners since these together total 82% of land use in Cary. The remaining land use is primarily undeveloped property. Increased runoff from new development is the most serious source of stream impairment - impacts include pollutant and debris transport, sediment transport, streambank erosion and localized flooding. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 10 7.1.4. Outreach Program: The Town Public Education and Participation Program is a measure required under the NPDES Phase II Program. The Town’s outreach strategy is based on established Town public information opportunities including the Town’s web site, quarterly ads in the local newspaper, The Cary News, quarterly tips in the Cary utility bill insert, “BUD”. Additional outreach activities are planned annually such as participation in Town festivals/events and conducting workshops. 7.1.5. Decision Process: The stormwater education program was developed in response to the Neuse River Urban Stormwater Rules. The program will emphasize impacts of urban runoff, prevention of illegal discharges, and management of stream corridors. 7.1.6. Evaluation: EDUCATION/OUTREACH FOR COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES • The number of educational materials that were distributed to business owners and operators. EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS, PAMPHLETS, BOOKLETS, AND "BUD" INSERTS • List compiled of target audiences and possible activities for each. • The number of materials distributed. • The number of events attended with displays. • The estimate of the number of people at an event who saw the display or took a pamphlet/booklet. PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAYS • The number of items given out. • The number of events attended (to give out items). • The number of block leaders who delivered items. USING THE MEDIA • The number of public service announcements made on radio and TV. • The number of storm-water-related press releases. • The number of storm-water-related articles published. 7.2. Public Involvement and Participation: Staff will make a presentation to the Town Council and the general public summarizing the content of the permit. Public comments will be accepted. 7.2.1. BMP Summary Table (see Appendix B) 7.2.2. Target Audience: The target audience for the Public Involvement and Participation Program includes all age, ethnic and economic groups in the Town of Cary. The Program will actively involve all potentially effected stakeholder groups, including commercial and industrial facilities, trade associations, environmental groups, homeowners associations, civic groups and educational organizations. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 11 7.2.3. Participation Program: EPA recommends that the public be included in developing, implementing, and reviewing the stormwater management program, and that the public participation process should make efforts to reach out and engage all economic and ethnic groups. Cary provides activities for public participation in stormwater management and opportunities for public involvement / review of the stormwater program. Activities/public participation • Storm drain labeling • Stream cleanup • Adopt-A-Spot program • Block leader program Involvement/public opinion • Hold public hearings on stormwater issues including ordinance revisions • Facilitate public meetings as needed on specific topics • Survey citizens as needed for research and targeted for education program • Environmental Advisory Board 7.2.4. Decision Process: The core of the public involvement program already exists. Storm drain labeling was begun in response to Neuse River Stormwater requirements. The Town established its program prior to adopting its stormwater ordinance. The Block Leader program was established by the Water Conservation program in order to get environmental information to the citizens. This program was expanded to include stormwater information. The Recycling Program already sponsors litter clean-up activities and will lead to future litter control programs such as "Adopt a Spot”. Ordinances are always adopted through public form as part of the Town Council meetings. Stormwater ordinances and management plans will go to Town Council for review and approval and will be available for public review and comment. Additional efforts to gather public input may include public meetings and citizen surveys. The Town does not plan to establish a stormwater stakeholders group. The Town has an Environmental Advisory Board formed in 2008 to discuss issues concerning stormwater and other environmental issues needed. 7.2.5. Evaluation COMMUNITY HOTLINES/REPORTING FORM • A phone number has been posted on the website for people to contact concerning stormwater issues. The Town has created a reporting form on the website for people to report stormwater issues. • The number of calls/reports received. • The number of problems/incidents remedied. BLOCK LEADERS • Expand the block leader program. • The number of new volunteers trained. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 12 • The number of items handed out. LITTER PROGRAMS • Establish litter program (Big Sweep) • Track the number of participants. • The quantity of trash and debris removed by volunteers. PUBLIC MEETINGS • The number of meetings held. • The number of attendees. • Actions taken as a result of stakeholder meetings. STORM DRAIN LABEL ING • The number or proportion of drains labeled. • The number of labeling volunteers. STREAM CLEANUP • The number of stream cleanups. • The number of cleanup participants. • The quantity of waste collected as a result of cleanup efforts. • The number of stream miles cleaned. 7.3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination: The Town of Cary has developed and implemented a program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges 7.3.1. BMP Summary Table (see Appendix B) 7.3.2. Storm Drain System Map: The Town initiated a stormwater infrastructure inventory in 2002 to comply with the Neuse River Stormwater Rules. The field crews will visit all stormwater structures, collect data describing each structure and determine the x, y, z coordinates to survey grade. The Town has finished the inventory and adds additional infrastructure when as-builts are submitted. We require them to be survey grade to ensure they are placed into the system through our CAD techs. 7.3.3. Regulatory Mechanism In March 2001, the Town of Cary's Illicit Discharge Ordinance became effective. This ordinance provides the Town with the basic legal tools to conduct investigations, determine sources of illicit discharges and enforce the termination of illicit discharges up to, and including, fines. This ordinance was developed to comply with the Neuse River Stormwater Rules. 7.3.4. Enforcement Town staff will be cross-trained to recognize and report illegal discharges. Staff to be trained includes code enforcement officers, inspectors and police & fire personnel. 7.3.5. Detection and Elimination 7.3.5.1. Locating Problem Areas Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 13 Illegal discharges and illicit connections to the Town’s separate storm drain system will be identified using the following techniques: • Town employees will be trained to observe and report possible illegal discharges. Training of Water Resources, Public Works, Utilities, Building & Inspection Services to also be observant for illicit connections during their daily job functions will be conducted annually. • Dry weather field screening of outfalls will be conducted annually. Dry weather is defined as periods where there has not been precipitation or snow melt for 2 days. The location screened will be located on the community map of the storm drain system. • Outfalls potentially discharging polluting material during dry weather periods will be tested based on visual observations in the stream for odor, color, clarity, etc. Field screening tests will also indicate a problem if issues are not noted by visual observations. Field screen tests are for pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and conductivity. • The complaint system will be enhanced in cooperation with the existing efforts to encourage reporting of suspicious discharges. Cary will enhance the complaint system to log complaints, assign them for follow up and document results of investigations. 7.3.5.2. Finding the Source • Prioritization of sources that are discharging polluting material will be as follows: • Complaints related to the discharge of polluting materials will be investigated as they are reported. Currently, calls relating to discharging of improper materials into the separate storm drain system are reported to Water Resources or to the Utilities Department and then forwarded to Water Resources. The complaints are investigated. • Water sampling and testing for pH, DO and conductivity will be conducted as necessary to locate the source of the illicit discharge. • Investigation of suspicious discharges will be made by visual inspection and/or testing of discharges within the storm drainage system upstream of the suspicious discharge. Other options that will be considered in locating illicit connections or discharges include televising the storm drain or dye testing premises in the area where there is a discharge. Letters may be sent to residents and businesses alerting them to the problem that is under investigation to solicit their assistance in finding the source. 7.3.5.3. Removing/Correcting Illicit Connections • The Town of Cary has developed a map identifying outfalls to waters of the state under Cary jurisdiction • Existing ordinances will be used to address illicit discharges and connections. Assistance may be requested from the Wake County Department of Environmental Health or the NC Division of Water Resources Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 14 to obtain correction. If an ordinance change is needed to correct illicit discharges, the changes will be presented to the Town Council after it is determined that existing ordinances are inadequate to require correction. • The Town of Cary Water Resources Department Stormwater Division will manage the Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Program. Cary’s Stormwater Engineering Manager or his designee will be responsible for implementing the plan. 7.3.6. Non Stormwater Discharges The following categories of non-stormwater discharges or flows (i.e., illicit discharges) will be examined. a) Water line flushing, dechlorinated swimming pool discharges, and street wash water will be investigated and efforts made to reduce their impact on surface water quality. b) Discharges from potable water sources, irrigation water, lawn watering, and individual residential car washing will be managed via the public education program and monitored by the water conservation program. c) Air conditioning condensation will be investigated on a case by case basis. 7.3.7. General Prevention • The Town of Cary inspects installation of all new storm drains in the R/W and sanitary sewers. • All activities will be tracked on the Town of Cary’s Geographical Information System (GIS). 7.3.8. Decision Process The stormwater Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program was developed in response to the Neuse River Urban Stormwater Rules. The program will emphasize prevention of illegal discharges through regulation and education. The ordinance will be enforced as needed but the emphasis when a discharge is found will be education and elimination of the discharge. Limited field screening will take place in targeted areas. Approximately 21 percent of the Town is commercial / industrial so field screening will target those areas mainly. The inventory will provide the first inspection. Efforts will be made at cross training Town staff in recognition of illegal discharges so that Stormwater staff can focus on follow-up. 7.3.9. Evaluation Dry Weather Screening and Reporting • A summary report of complaints received, investigated and the results of the investigation will be prepared. • Suspicious outfalls that had a dry weather flow during visual screening will be tested for suspected pollutants. • A summary report of premises found to be improperly connected to the storm drain or sanitary sewer will be prepared. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 15 • A list of outfalls screened will be prepared. 7.4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control: The Town of Cary currently manages a program to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction activities that result in a land disturbance of greater than or equal to 12,000 square feet. The Town complies with the State Erosion and Sediment Control Program for a locally delegated program. 7.4.1. Erosion Control Ordinance The Town of Cary operates a local sedimentation program that is regulated by the State of North Carolina under the State Sedimentation Erosion Control Rules and Laws. A copy of our ordinance is attached. 7.4.2. Plan Review All projects that disturb 12,000 square feet or more require an erosion control plan and grading permit. This review is part of the overall Town of Cary Site/Subdivision plan submittal process. The review will include water quality reviews for total suspended solids in drinking water supply watersheds and nutrient removal review in the town's jurisdiction. Before a grading permit is issued on a project in the Town of Cary jurisdiction a pre-construction meeting is held to review erosion control and water quality issues. 7.4.3. Enforcement The Town of Cary follows the State of North Carolina rules for enforcement relative to the Sedimentation Erosion Control laws. Fines of up to $5,000 per day can and are imposed if compliance is not achieved. The Town of Cary also uses other methods such as holding permits and certificates of Occupancies to ensure compliance with water quality issues. 7.4.4. Inspections Each Stormwater Engineering Technician is responsible for all the projects located in their area of responsibility. The technician prioritizes projects depending on the phase of construction, history of the site and project complexity. The Stormwater Engineering Technician makes observations of the site and writes a report noting corrections required to bring the site into compliance. A reasonable amount of time is allowed to correct violations. If compliance is not achieved the project will be placed under violation until corrections are made. 7.4.5. Public Information Any public complaints received for a specific project are investigated and addressed relative to the complaint. 7.4.6. Decision Process: Construction site stormwater runoff control plans are submitted and designed by professional engineers based on the Land Development Ordinance and Standards and Specifications of the Town of Cary. If insufficient or incorrect data is submitted then comments are returned to the applicant and corrections are made. This process continues until an acceptable plan is developed and at that point a grading permit can be issued. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 16 7.4.7. Evaluation Monthly reports are submitted to Wake County and the NC Division of Land Quality. The monthly report to Wake County summarizes new permits issued by the Town. The following items are reported m onthly to the State, 1. Number of new sedimentation control projects 2. Number of plans reviewed 3. Number of permits issued 4. Number of site inspections conducted 5. Number of Single Family Residence inspections 6. Number of Notices of Violation issued 7. Number of Cases referred for enforcement 8. Total Disturbed Area A summary report is also maintained within the Water Resources Department. 7.5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment: The current program was developed to comply with the State's Watershed Water Supply Protection requirements, Neuse NSW requirements for urban stormwater, NPDES Phase 2 permit and the Jordan Lake NSW requirements for stormwater. The current program addresses stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment projects that disturb greater than or equal to 12,000 square feet. All subject projects must control peak flow and meet designated nitrogen and/or phosphorus targets. The current stormwater ordinances are included in Appendix C. The Town of Cary shall amend its stormwater ordinances as needed to meet the requirements of the State's Phase II rules for post-construction. And, the Town will partner with the State as needed to develop and implement area specific watershed plans which may have alternate strategies for preventing or minimizing water quality impacts using structural and non-structural SCMs. The ordinances meet the following requirements: Low density option 1) Less than 24% built-upon area Jordan Lake and other watersheds and 12% within certain areas of the Swift Creek Watershed. 2) Stormwater runoff from the development shall be transported from the development by vegetated conveyances to the maximum extent practicable: High density option Projects exceeding the low density threshold (established above in low density section) shall implement stormwater control measures that: 1) Control and treat the difference in stormwater runoff volume leaving the project site between the pre and post development conditions for the 1 year 24 hour storm. Runoff volume drawdown time shall be a minimum of 24 hours, but not more than 120 hours; 2) All structural stormwater treatment systems used to meet the requirements of the program shall be designed to have an 85% average annual removal for Total Suspended Solids: Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 17 3) General Engineering Design Criteria for all projects shall be in accordance with the State of NC BMP Design Manual and state rules; Urban Transition Buffers The Town's local buffer ordinance adds an additional buffer on top of the riparian buffer that the State of NC regulates. 7.5.1. BMP Operations and Maintenance The Town's program includes an operation and maintenance component that ensures the adequate long-term operation of the structural SCM’s required by the program. These SCMs are privately owned and operated. The Town requires an annual SCM maintenance inspection report on each structural SCM. Staff corresponds with the SCM owners to facilitate the inspection and maintenance or corrective actions. 7.5.2. On-Site Wastewater Systems The Town of Cary does not evaluate permit applications or inspect installation of on-site wastewater disposal systems (OSWW), also referred to as septic systems. These functions are conducted by the Wake County Environmental Health Department or, in the case of large discharges NC Department of Environmental Health. The Town will coordinate its illegal discharges from OSWW with the Wake County EHD to assist in mitigating problems with seeping OSDS. In the past, the Town has had a history of extending sanitary sewers to service areas of failing OSDS when funds are available. The Town does not encourage the use of OSDS for new development and requires the project proponent to be responsible for such infrastructure improvements. Sanitary sewer systems operated by The Town of Cary are designed to service the lowest floor levels (basements) of buildings in the community. Sanitary sewers are required to be 18 inches below storm drains thus minimizing the potential for an illicit connection emanating from a separate sanitary sewer. OSWW found to be experiencing problems or failing will be referred to the Wake County Environmental Health Department. If sanitary sewers are not available, short and long term solutions for sewage disposal must then be devised. • If overflows of sanitary sewer manholes or cross connections to a storm drain are detected, they will be addressed as part of the Town's sewer maintenance program. If an immediate solution is not practical, a plan will be developed to solve the problem. • For additions to existing facilities which have existing OSWW, Cary will require an evaluation of the septic system by the Wake County EHD. This will be required prior to the Town signing off for the building permit. 7.5.3. Nutrient Sensitive Waters The Town of Cary service area drains to Nutrient Sensitive waters in both the Neuse and Cape Fear River Basins. A Department approved NSW Urban Stormwater Management Program became effective in March 2001 and its provisions shall fulfill the requirement for reducing nutrient loading. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 18 The Town developed and implemented comprehensive watershed protection plans to meet part, or all, of the requirements for Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development. 7.5.4. BMP Summary Table (see Appendix B) SCM INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE • The frequency of inspection and maintenance of SCMs. • The number of failed stormwater SCMs. • The number of sites reported to be in need of repair. • Inventory of inspection and maintenance activities was created and is regularly maintained. 7.5.5. Non-Structural SCMs The Town of Cary directs growth to identified areas, protects sensitive areas such as wetlands and riparian areas, maintains and/or increases open space provides buffers along sensitive water bodies, and minimizes disturbance of soils and vegetation through adopted land use plans and by policy or ordinance. a) Land Use Plans - Growth is directed to specific areas through land use plans that are developed with public input and adopted by the Town Council. These plans provide guidance for the development community. b) local riparian buffer ordinance c) Urban Transition Buffer d) streetscape buffer requirements e) open space program with dedicated funding from utility billing f) greenway program g) tree preservation ordinance h) Minimize soil and vegetation loses - In addition to the erosion control program, the Town developed a steep slope ordinance. 7.5.5.1. Policies or ordinances that encourage infill development in higher density urban areas, and areas with existing storm drain infrastructure; (I) Town Center Area Plan to encourage infill development downtown (II) Land use plans to concentrate high density growth (III) Master planning 7.5.5.2. Education programs for developers and the public about project designs that minimize water quality impacts (I) Contractor training for grading contractors (II) Workshops as needed to train engineers and architects on new ordinances 7.5.5.3. Other measures such as minimization of the percentage of impervious area after development, use of measures to minimize directly connected impervious areas, and source control measures often thought of as good housekeeping, preventive maintenance and spill prevention. (I) Will be addressed through specific area plans Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 19 7.5.6. Structural SCMs The Town allows the use of structural SCMs as approved by the State of NC. a) Wet ponds and extended-detention outlet structures are approved structural SCMs for stormwater use b) Filtration practices such as grassed swales, bioretention cells, sand filters and filter strips are approved structural SCMs for stormwater treatment 7.5.7. Regulatory Mechanism: Post-construction runoff is addressed through a local ordinance 7.5.8. Operation and Maintenance Long-term operation and maintenance (O&M) of on-site SCMs is ensured through legal documentation filed with the Wake County Register of Deeds and through financial bonds which must be posted to the Town for each project. 7.5.9. Decision Process The development of a post-construction stormwater management program was done in response to State regulations for Water Supply Watershed Protection and the NSW rules for protection of the Neuse River. Your rationale statement must address your overall post-construction stormwater management program and the individual SCMs, measurable goals, and responsible persons for your program. The rational statement must include the following information, at a minimum: 7.5.9.1. Your program to address stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment projects. Include in this description any specific priority areas for this program. 7.5.9.2. How your program will be specifically tailored for your local community, minimize water quality impacts, and attempt to maintain pre- development runoff conditions. 7.5.10. Evaluation A spreadsheet is maintained for each project which includes pre- and post- loading conditions. An annual report is submitted to the Division of Water Quality each year summarizing new development including nitrogen loading. 7.6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations: The Town of Cary will develop and implement an operations and maintenance program that includes a training component and has the ultimate goal of preventing or reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations including the Town-owned or operated portion of the stormwater conveyance system. Using training materials that are available from EPA, State, Tribe, or other organizations, the Town will train employees to prevent and reduce stormwater pollution from activities such as park and open space maintenance, fleet and building maintenance, new construction and land disturbances, and stormwater system maintenance. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 20 7.6.1. BMP Summary Table (see Appendix B) 7.6.2. Affected Operations The following municipal facilities and operations are impacted by this operation and maintenance program. These programs will be evaluated and revised to ensure that the programs minimize pollutant loading. Facilities will be inspected to identify and eliminate exposure to stormwater. Corrective actions will be taken or BMPs installed as needed. Programs • park and open space maintenance (PW ) • buildings and grounds maintenance (PW ) • fleet maintenance (PW ) • stormwater system maintenance (PW) • sanitary sewer and water line maintenance procedures (UT) • solid waste collection procedures (PW ) • street cleaning (PW) • yard waste and leaf collection procedures (PW ) • new construction and land disturbances (WR) • road construction and maintenance practices (WR) Facilities • North Cary Water Reclamation Facility - Permit # NC0048879 • South Cary Water Reclamation Facility - Permit # NC0065102 • Western Wake Water Reclamation Facility – Permit # NC0088846 • Fleet Maintenance Facility • Dixon Citizen Convenience Center • Bond Park • USA Baseball Complex • State Capital Soccer (Wake Med) • Operations Center • Middle Creek 7.6.3. Training Employee training programs will be developed for preventing and reducing stormwater pollution from activities including: • park and open space maintenance (PW ) • fleet and building maintenance (PW ) • stormwater system maintenance (PW) • sanitary sewer and water line maintenance procedures (UT) • solid waste collection procedures (PW ) • street cleaning (PW) • yard waste and leaf collection procedures (PW ) • new construction and land disturbances (WR) • road construction and maintenance practices (WR) 7.6.4. Maintenance and Inspections Maintenance of stormwater structures within the road right of way (R/W) is conducted as needed by the Town's Department of Public Works. Problems are found usually due to flooding problems and/or citizen complaints. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 21 The Town is developing a condition assessment program for stormwater, wastewater and drinking water structures within the R/W. 7.6.5. Vehicular Operations The Town has a non-exposure permit at this facility with the intent of implementing controls for reducing or eliminating the discharge of pollutants from municipal parking lots, maintenance and storage yards, waste transfer stations, fleet or maintenance shops with outdoor storage areas, and salt/sand storage locations and snow disposal areas as needed. Currently, stormwater is caught and filtered through drain guards and directed into a detention pond and constructed wetland at the Town's fleet and maintenance shops. Waste Disposal MS4 Conveyance System Maintenance of stormwater structures within the road R/W is conducted as needed. Inlets and outlets are cleared to ensure free flowing conditions. Blocked catch basins, pipes and other man-made structures within the R/W are cleaned with jet-vac equipment or by hand. Floatables are collected and removed to landfill. Other material is off loaded at a drop off site and drained to a settling basin. Once dried, material is disposed of according to State and Federal regulations. Operations Center All stormwater flows to a retention pond or constructed wetland at the Operations Center on James Jackson Avenue. Monthly vegetation is mowed and floatables collected and removed to landfill. The ponds are inspected on an annual basis. Recycling Material Transfer Yard Litter and trash are picked up and yard maintained by attendant. Bond Park Maintenance Facility Litter is collected on a weekly basis and disposed of in the landfill. Street Sweepers Residential streets are cleaned five times per year, major streets are cleaned monthly. Downtown streets are cleaned weekly. Collected material is off loaded at a drop-off area connected to a settling basin. Once dried, material is disposed of according to State and Federal regulations. Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 22 7.6.6. Flood Management Projects Lakes used for flood control in the Crabtree Creek Watershed are managed by Wake County. The Town of Cary has Policy 35 & 146 which offer assistance to private property owners with flooding issues. Policy 35 is a cost share program for homeowners and Policy 146 assists with flooding issues from town maintained storm drain structures. 7.6.7. Existing ordinances Stormwater ordinances are reviewed and revised as needed. Currently, we are making revisions twice per year as the program develops and situations arise. Relevant ordinances include, 7.6.8. Other evaluations If other aspects of your municipal operation were evaluated, please describe the program feature and the results of the evaluation. • Oil recycling program • Spill response procedures • Hazardous waste inventory Cary collects and has oil recycling done by a contractor. Spill response plans were designed and in place for municipal operations. 7.6.9. Decision Process The development of a pollution prevention/good housekeeping program for municipal operations is required to minimize pollutant loading from Town operations or facilities. By training staff and evaluating programs and facilities annually, Cary can minimize pollutant loading to the maximum extent practical. • 3.12 Development in Flood Hazard Area • 3.13 Grading Permits • 4.4.6 Watershed Protection • 7.2.14 Urban Transition Buffer • 7.3 Stormwater Management • 7.4 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control • 7.5 Flood Damage Prevention • 8.1.4 Subdivision & Site Plan GP Storm Drainage • 11 Enforcement Town of Cary NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Narrative 23 7.6.10. Evaluation FLEET MAINTENANCE • The number of employees trained in preventing pollution from fleet maintenance activities. MATERIALS MANAGEMENT • The number of facilities storing hazardous materials. • The frequency of inspection and maintenance visits to storage facilities. • The number of personnel trained in hazardous material handling and storage. • Whether or not an inventory of hazardous materials was created for each storage facility. PARKING LOT AND STREET CLEANING • Whether or not roads and parking lots were inventoried and prioritized for cleaning. • The number of scheduled road cleanings. • The pounds of debris collected from street sweeping. ROAD SALT APPLICATION AND STORAGE • The number of storage facilities included in a regular inspection and maintenance program. • The number storage facilities repaired. • The number of employees trained in road salt application. • The quantity of salt applied to roadways. • The quantity of alternative products used. SPILL RESPONSE AND PREVENTION • Whether or not an inventory of municipal facilities at risk for spills was created. • The number of leak detection devices installed at municipal facilities. • The number of preventative maintenance procedures performed on tanks, valves, pumps, pipes, and other equipment. • Whether or not a spill response plan was developed for municipal facilities. • The number of personnel trained in spill response. • The number of regularly inspected high-risk facilities. STORM DRAIN SYSTEM CLEANING • The number of catch basins & culverts cleaned annually • The amount of trash, sediment, and other pollutants removed during cleaning. USED OIL RECYCLING • The number of gallons of used oil collected from municipal operations. • The number of recycling facilities that collect oil from municipal operations. • The number of educational materials distributed to municipal employees. VEHICLE WASHING • The number and locations of designated washing areas.