NCS000446_SWMP_20201218

I i lV 04
Stormwater Management
Program Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. STORMWATER SYSTEM INFORMATION 1
1.1. Population and Estimated Growth Rate 1
1.2. Jurisdictional Area 1
1.3. Stormwater Conveyance System 1
1.4. Estimated Land Use 1
2. RECEIVING STREAMS 2
2.1. Cape Fear River Basin 2
2.2. Neuse River Basin 2
2.3. TMDL Identification 2
3. EXISTING WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS 4
3.1. Local Programs 4
3.2, Partnerships 6
3.3. State Programs 6
4. POINTS OF CONTACT 7
4.1. Responsible Party Contact 7
4.2. Organizational Chart 7
4.3. Signing Official 7
4.4. Duly Authorized Representative 7
5. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
g
5.1. Public Education and Outreach
g
5.2. Public Involvement and Participation
10
5.3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
12
5.4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
15
5.5. Post -Construction Stormwater Management
16
5.6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
20

1. STORMWATER SYSTEM INFORMATION
1.1. Population Served and Estimated Growth Rate
The population of the Town of Apex (Town) was 46,698 as of March 2016.
By comparison, in February 2010 during the last Phase II permit renewal,
the population was 35,054. The average growth rate for the last five years
(from 2011— 2015) was 4.1%.
1.2. Jurisdictional Area
The corporate limits of Apex have grown by over 5 square miles (miz) since
2010. Today the corporate limits where Apex has complete jurisdiction
total 20.53mi2 and the total ETJ area is currently 15.29 mil.
1.3. Stormwater Conveyance System
The Town's Municipal Separate Storm sewer system (MS4) consists of a
network comprised of approximately 90 miles of pipe and over 750
stormwater outfails. Stormwater from streets, rooftops, parking lots and
other impervious surfaces is generally collected in curb inlets and
conveyed by underground pipe systems to a flared end section that
discharges over an energy dissipater. In some cases stormwater runoff
flows either by grass lined swale, ditch, or sheet flows to the nearest
receiving stream. This conveyance is common in older sections of Town as
well as in new development areas that propose low -density layouts.
In areas of the Town that are covered by riparian buffer programs
regulated by either the State or the Town, stormwater discharges must
attain diffuse flow with a level spreader prior to entry into the buffer.
1.4. Estimated Land Use
Land Use
%
Residential
76/a
Industrial
10%
Open Space
8%
Commercial
6%
TOTAL:
100%
1

2. RECEIVING STREAMS
2.1 Cape Fear River Basin
Receiving Stream
Stream
Water Quality
Use
Water Quality CategorySupport
Name
Segment
Classification
Rating
Issues (Year)
White Oak Creek
16-41-6-(0.3)
WS-VI; NSW
NR
Nutrients --
-White Oak Creek
16-41-6-(0.7)
WS-IV; NSW
NR
Nutrients 2 --
White Oak Creek
18-7-6
C
NR
N/A --
Little White Oak Creek
18-7-7
C
NR
N/A --
Clark Branch
16-41-6-3
WS-IV; NSW
NR
Nutrients 2 --
Reedy Branch
16-41-10-1
WS-IV; NSW
NR
Nutrients 2 --
Beaver Creek
16-41-10-(0.3)
WS-V1; NSW
NR
Nutrients 2 --
Beaver Creek
16-41-10-(0.5)
WS-IV; NSW
NR
Nutrients 2 --
Little Beaver Creek
16-41-11-(1)
WS-IV; NSW
NR
Nutrients 2 --
Big Branch
18-7-6-1
C
NR
N/A --
Big Branch
18-7-8
C
NR
N/A --
Little Branch
1 18-7-6-1-1
C
NR
N/A
1 -Streams previously classified as "C" have now been modified to WS.V per the Jordan lake Wotershed Rules.
2 -Excessive nitrogen and phosphorous loading from point and non -point sources has been
identified as the biggest
issue facing water quality in the
Jordan lake watershed.
-1 9 r.1....— Q7ein
Receiving Stream
Stream
Water Quality
Support
Water Quality
Category
Name
Segment
Classification
Rating
Issues
(Year)
Poor
S
Crabtree Creek
27-33-(1)
C; NSW
impaired
Bioclassification;
(1998)
Nutrients
Poor
4
Williams Creek
27-43-2
WS-ill; NSW
Impaired
Bioclassification;
(2048)
Nutrients)
Poor
4
Swift Creek
27-43-(1)
WS-ill; NSW
Impaired
Bioclassification;
(1998)
Nutrients'
Fair
5
Middle Creek
27-43-15-(1)2
C; NSW
Impaired
Bioclassification;
(2008)
Nutrients'
1- Nutrients from nonpoint sources were identified as the biggest issue facing water quality throughout the Vusrr1.
2 - 2016 Draft 303(d) list identified stream segment 27-43-15-(i)b1 with a Fair rating and benthas the parameter of
interest.
2.3. TMDL Identification
The Town's M54 discharges into three (3) water bodies that are currently
listed as having a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allocation: Neuse
River Estuary, Jordan Lake, and Swift/Williams Creek. The Town was not a
designated community for -the Neuse River Nutrient -Sensitive Waters'
2

stormwater management strategy; however, Apex is subject to the Jordan
Lake and Swift/Williams Creek TMDL.

3. EXISTING WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS
3.1. Local Programs
• Existing NPDES Phase 11 Permit Program — The Town maintains a current
NPDES Phase 11 permit and over the past eleven (11) years has
implemented the following minimum measures: public education and
outreach, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection
and elimination, construction site runoff controls, post -construction site
runoff controls, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping for
municipal operations.
• Certified 401 Stormwater Management Plan Reviewer — The Town has
been delegated the authority to review and approve stormwater
management plans required for development projects that need 401
Water Quality Certifications from the NC Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ).
• Watershed Protection Overlay Districts —The original intent of the Town's
Watershed Protection Overlay District was to ensure compliance with the
Swift Creek Land Management Plan as well as the State Water Supply
Watershed rules. This ordinance has been revised over the years as new
stormwater and riparian buffer regulations have been promulgated. The
Town's current stormwater ordinance requires all new development and
redevelopment projects (>12% built -upon area) that disturb 1 acre or more
of land to install structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to
retain the first one inch of runoff and slowly discharge it over a period of 2
to 5 days. All structural BMPs must be designed per the latest version of
the DEQ BMP Manual. in addition, the post -development peak runoff rate
shall not exceed that of the pre -development conditions for the 1-yr and
10-yr, 24-hr storm events. This ordinance also requires undisturbed
riparian buffers of 100 feet measured from top of bank on each side of all
perennial streams, and 50 feet from each side of all intermittent streams
Town -wide.
• Delegated Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program — Apex has a
delegated Local Program for enforcement of the State's Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control standards. In several instances the Town's
standards far exceed the minimum State standards. All development
projects that disturb 20,000 square feet (ft') of land must submit and
receive from the Town an approved soil erosion and sedimentation control
plan. No more than 20 acres may be disturbed at any one time during a
project. All sedimentation control devices must be designed using CL25 and
435.6 (ft2) for surface area and 3,600 cubic feet (ft') per -disturbed acre for
volume. Furthermore, the Town is requiring groundcover to be in place
4

within 7 days for slopes steeper than 3:1 and within 14 days for all other
slopes. For sites that disturb less than 20,000 ft2, the land developer is
required to implement and maintain minimum control measures to
restrain erosion and prevent off -site sedimentation.
• Parks, Recreation, Greenways and Open Space Master Plan — In 2001, the
Town adopted a Parks, Recreation, Greenways and Open Space Master
Plan. The Plan has been routinely updated with the most recent revisions
done in February 2016.
• Land Use Plan — In 1989, the Town adopted the 2010 Land Use Plan.
Chapter 8 of this plan, titled "Natural Resources and the Environment",
identified the preservation and protection of the natural environment as
an essential element of the land use plan. The plan further identifies
stream buffering as a protective water quality measure. The Town is
currently involved in the drafting of the 2030 Land Use Plan.
• General Development Standards — An integral part of the Town's
Development Standards section of the Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO) is the establishment of Resource Conservation Areas (RCA). The
ordinance states that the purpose of the RCA is to Protect the Town's
existing natural and cultural resources to preserve the visual and aesthetic
qualities of the Town; to encourage site design techniques that preserve
the natural and cultural environment and enhance the developed
environment; to control erosion, slippage, and sediment runoff into
streams and waterways; to increase slope stability; and to protect wildlife
habitat and migration corridors. The ordinance further requires the total
area in the RCA to be 20 to 25 percent of the site acreage for residential
and non-residential development.
• Delegation of Sewer Permits — The Town has been delegated by the NC
DEQ to issue sewer permits for development projects. This delegation
allows the Town to have an accurate accounting of sewer projects
occurring in the Town and provides the Town with enforcement authority.
• Pretreatment Program —The Town has a pretreatment program to control
the introduction of wastewater pollutants from industrial and commercial
customers to the Town's sewer system. The goal of this program is to
prevent sewer system blockages and upsets at the two receiving
wastewater facilities (Middle Creek Water Reclamation Facility and
Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility) that could result in
the introduction of untreated wastewater into receiving streams.
5

• Open Space and Water Resources Preservation — The Town's ordinance
requires that every person who develops land for residential purposes
agree to dedicate a portion of the land being developed for the purpose of
providing parks recreation or open space for the future residents of the
area. If it is not feasible to dedicate land for this purpose within the
development, the developer may in some cases dedicate land in another
location. The Town has accepted many such land dedications, and has
successfully partnered with the Clean Water Management Trust Fund
(CWMTF) and Wake County's Open Space to preserve land for open space
and parks.
• Lower Neuse Basin Association — The Town is an active member of the
Lower Neuse Basin Association (LNBA). The mission of the LNBA is to
preserve the waters of the Neuse River through innovative and cost-
effective wastewater treatment and reduction strategies.
3.2. Partnerships
The Town is a current partner in the Clean Water Education Partnership
(CWEP). Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) oversees and
administers the program to help NPDES Phase II communities satisfy their
public education and outreach responsibilities. An official agreement was
established with TJCOG in 2004 and a copy is on file with the Town. The
contact information for TJCOG has been provided on the NPDES
Stormwater Permit Application Form.
3.3 State Programs
• Neuse Rules - Approximately 27% of the Town's current corporate limits is
located in the Neuse River Basin. However, the Town was not a named
community for stormwater controls nor did the Town request delegation
of the Neuse riparian buffer rules. The Town's Watershed Protection
Overlay Districts Ordinance is actually more restrictive than the State's
rules for buffer widths and allowable uses within the buffer zones.
• Jordan Lake Rules — Approximately 55% of Apex's corporate limits is
contained within the Jordan Lake watershed. The Town is a named
community in the Jordan Lake Rules and has submitted a Stage I Adaptive
Management Program to DEQ. Nutrient reduction for stormwater runoff
will be incorporated into Town code once required by the NC General
Assembly.
6

4. POINTS OF CONTACT
4.1. Responsible Party Contact
Mike Deaton, Environmental Programs Manager, is the contact
responsible for the implementation of all of the measurable goals for the
Town.
4.2. Organizational Chart
Drew Havens
Town Manager
David Hughes, PE
Public Works and Utilities Director
Mike Deaton, PE
Environmental Programs Manager
Jessica Bolin, PE
Storm water/Utility Engineer
ct.4.�
4.3. Signing Official
The permit renewal application has been signed by Mr. Drew Havens, Apex
Town Manager. Mr. Havens is the principal executive officer for the Town.
4.4. Duly Authorized Representative
The Town is not delegating permit responsibility to someone other than
the signing official.
7

S. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
5.1. Public Education and outreach
5.1.1 SummaryTable
nnenr -A nn­­,kl. r-nic fnr Oiikiir PAiratinn nnrl noitrParh
BMP
Ongoing Measurable Goals
Continue to distribute the annual Public works and Utilities
newsletter through billing inserts. include one article in each
Distribute annual newsletter
newsletter that targets a specific stormwater problem and how
citizens and businesses can reduce their impacts.
Continue to distribute brochures through event displays and utility
bill inserts. Include information on steps to reduce pollution
Distribute pollution prevention
sources including proper disposal of used oil and toxic materials,
brochures
public reporting of illicit discharges and awareness of nutrient and
feca.'coliform issues.
Maintain a stormwater information page for the existing Town
website. Post newsletters and brochures and provide information
Informational website
on water qua'ity, stormwater pollutants and ways to minimize
them, mun,cipal stormwater projects ai.d activities. Continue to
update contacts for reporting and questions as they may change.
Update information on composting and fertilizer application on
Promote the use of compost and
the Town website, in newsletters, and in seasonal newspaper
appropriate use of fertilizer
articles. Continue to seli compost bins to residents at cost.
Update age -specific educationa3 information for use in schools and
Educational materials/Presentations
for presentations to school children. Continue to present
far schools
information in appropriate forums.
Maintain an educational campaign through the Town's
Pretreatment Program to inform businesses on illicit discharges,
Business outreach program
reporting, and improper waste disposal, sources of nutrient and
fecal coliform and ways to minimize them.
5.1.2 Target Pollutant Sources
Sediment and nutrients have been identified as the main pollutants
of concern in the receiving waters of the Town's MS4. These
pollutants affect the ability of the receiving stream to support
biological communities.
5.1.3 Target Audience
The Town's education program is designed to target various groups
within the MS4 area. Restaurant and industrial groups are targeted
to inform them of the impacts of grease and hazardous materials
entering the MS4. Homeowners and landscaping companies are
informed of the proper use and handling of yard wastes and
fertilizer application rates to minimize nutrient loading in the
receiving streams. Homeowners are also informed of Town
programs for recycling. programs are aimed A teaching school
93

children in the Town the importance of water conservation and
protection of natural water systems from litter and pollutants.
Contractors and developers in the area are targeted by the local
soil erosion and sedimentation control program workgroup to
educate on the effects of increased sediment loads on the receiving
streams.
5.1.4 Outreach Program
The Town uses annual newsletters, seasonal newspaper articles
and the Town's website to educate residents about water
conservation, recycling opportunities, household hazardous waste
(HHW) disposal, and the correct use of fertilizers. The Town
involves HOAs in distributing information to residents through
neighborhood newsletters.
Commercial and industrial communities are educated on the
impact of grease and hazardous materials such as oil and fuel on
the M54. These communities will be reached through the current
dialogue that is in place through the Town's Pretreatment Program.
Presentations are periodically made at area schools to involve the
children in the preservation of the natural water systems.
Handouts are also made available for distribution at various Town
festivals and events.
5.1.5 Watershed Protection
The Swift Creek watershed in the northeast section of Apex has
been identified with a TMDL and as such focused stormwater
pollution prevention efforts have been implemented here by the
Town. The Town of Apex website has a page devoted to
homeowner education and specifically how to slow the flow of
runoff and promote healthy streambanks. This includes
instructions on rain garden installation and downspout
disconnection, and an NC Cooperative Extension publication on
Small -Scale Solutions for Repairing Eroded Streambanks.
5.1.6 Evaluation
The success of this minimum measure can be evaluated in a
number of ways based on the specific BMP. The distribution of
stormwater information will be evaluated based on the feedback
that is received from the newsletter and the website and on the
number of brochures delivered to residents.
9

information on composting and water conservation is maintained
on the Town's website as well. Response can be evaluated on the
number of rain barrels and compost bins that are sold. The Town
also solicits stormwater feedback of any kind on the website.
Educational materials and presentations for schools will be
evaluated on the number of presentations that are given to schools
and the amount of informational materials that are distributed at
various functions.
All new storm drain covers and manholes are embossed with
information signifying that water that enters the structure drains
to the waterways. Having this information embossed directly on
the drainage structure helps educate the public on the fate of the
water entering the M54.
A business outreach program will be developed to inform
businesses about illicit discharges, improper waste disposal, and
sources of nutrient and fecal coli form loading. Response will be
evaluated based on the number of businesses included in the
program and those that have implemented an in-house policy for
the protection of water quality including the installation and
proper maintenance of grease traps and oil water separators.
5.2 Public Involvement and Participation
5.2.1 SummaryTable
QnnoA Umncitrnhla f;nalc fnr Piihlir lnvnlvprnpnt and Particioation
BMP
Ongoing Measurable Goals
Continue to advertise and manage community groups to clean up
Stream Clean-up Events
along waterways and around storm drains.
Continue to involve school groups and other volunteers in storm
drain marking events to raise awareness and promote ownership
Storm Drain Marking Program
in the stormwater program and to protect the water quality of the
receiving streams.
Continue to provide notice of public meetings to recruit citizens to
Public Meetings / Citizen Panel
serve on a panel to gather ideas for the stormwater program and
to organize community efforts to protect our water.
Conduct regular surveys to determine citizen interest in
Attitude Surveys
stormwater problems and to gauge changes in attitudes/behaviors
after education activaies are held.
5.2.2 Target Audience
The Town's public involvement program is designed to target
- various economic—and---ethnic—groups within —the M54--area.
10

Homeowners will also be encouraged to get involved in Town
programs for stormwater protection. Programs will also be aimed
at teaching school children in the Town the importance of water
conservation and protection of natural water systems from litter
and pollutants and encouraging them to get involved in activities
such as storm drain marking events and clean sweeps.
5.2.3 Participation Program
The Town originally involved the public in the stormwater
management program through public hearings on the adoption of
the Town's UDO which includes general development standards
that require RCA, riparian buffers, and structural BMPs.
5.2.4 Decision Process
The public involvement/participation program for the Town is
designed to focus on the target audiences and encourage
involvement and participation in the stormwater management
program.
The purpose of the public involvement/participation program is to
involve community groups and individuals in activities that
promote awareness of the importance of protection of
stormwater. The primary focus of this program is to provide
information to the public and encourage participation and
involvement through public meetings, newsletters and the Town's
website.
Final authority for all programs rests with the Town Manager and
Town Council.
The Environmental Programs Manager and Stormwater/Utility
Engineer have primary responsibility for protection of water quality
in the Town, including the preparation of newsletters and press
releases, maintenance of the stormwater website information, and
public education for businesses and schools in the area.
5.2.5 Evaluation
The success of this minimum measure can be evaluated by the
success of each individual BMP.
The community stream clean sweeps are evaluated based on the
number of clean sweep events held, the number of participants
involved, and the number of stream miles cleaned. The quantity of
waste collected as a result of the cleanup efforts will provide a
11

means to gauge the effectiveness of the overall stormwater
program. As educational efforts and community participation
expand the amounts of waste collected from the clean sweep
events will hopefully decrease.
The storm drain marking program is evaluated on the number or
percentage of drains marked and the number of volunteers
participating in the project.
Attitude surveys are conducted to determine citizen interest in
stormwater issues and to gauge changes in attitudes and behaviors
as a result of educational activities. The first stormwater survey
was completed Town -wide in 2013 and plans are to repeat the
survey every few years to gauge changes in stormwater awareness
and behavior. This BMP can be evaluated on the number of surveys
sent out to the public and the number of completed surveys that
are returned to the Town.
5.3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
5.3.1 Summary Table
BMPs and Measurable t30als Tor uncre uiscn
BMP
MS4 Map
Household Hazardous Waste Program
Illicit Discharge Ordinance
Illicit Discharge Detection and
Elimination
Training for Municipal Employees
5.3.2 MS4 Map
Town staff have completed digital mapping of the Town's MS4 and
sanitary sewer systems. The locations of all storm sewer drains,
manholes, curb inlets, culverts, outfalls, and structural BMPs have
been mapped. Apex personnel utilized existing construction
drawings and as -built data for given areas and collected various
features using GPS instrumentation. This digital information has
12

been downloaded into GIS and used to create the Town's MS4
maps. As new development occurs Town staff will continue to
collect location data and update the MS4 maps accordingly.
5.3.3 Regulatory Mechanism
In 2008, the Town adopted an Illicit Discharge Detection and
Elimination (IDDE) ordinance to prohibit illicit discharges to the
MS4.
5.3.4 Enforcement
Section 12-207 of the Town's IDDE ordinance explains the
enforcement procedures which includes any or all of the following:
the issuance of Notice of Violations, installation of testing
equipment, elimination of illicit discharge or connection,
abatement or remedy the pollution or contamination hazards and
restore affected property, and payment of civil penalties.
5.3.5 Detection and Elimination
Because both the sanitary sewer system and the MS4 have been
mapped digitally, the two systems are easily compared to identify
priority areas. Priority areas have been identified and are outlined
in the Town's IDDE standard operation procedures.
Dry weather flow inspections of stormwater outfalls are currently
being conducted (as staff are available) to locate potential non-
stormwater flows. After potential illicit discharges have been
identified from the dry weather flow inspections, potential sources
will be identified. A systematic field investigation is conducted to
identify the actual source of the illicit discharge. The investigation
of the potential sources could entail site inspections, chemical
analysis, site specific flow monitoring, and dye or smoke testing.
Once the source of an illicit discharge has been identified,
enforcement action(s) will be undertaken to have the source
removed. The enforcement action process is detailed in the IDDE
Ordinance. Records of all illicit discharge complaints, investigations
and enforcement actions are maintained in the files. These records
are used in conjunction with the MS4 map to track trends in non-
compliance and to identify additional priority areas for
investigation and increased educational efforts.
The IDDE program is routinely evaluated by considering the
number of complaints received through the hotline, discharges and
13

quantities of flow eliminated and the number of investigation
conducted by Town staff.
5.3.6 Non-Stormwater Discharges
Section 12-202 of the Town's IDDE ordinance lists the non-
stormwater discharges that are allowable into the Town's MS4.
5.3.7 Outreach
In an effort to aid with the prevention and removal of illicit
discharges the Town will contact businesses that, by nature of their
operation, have the potential to be a likely source of illicit
discharges. Additionally, information on the hazards associated
with illicit discharges and the improper disposal of waste is posted
on the Town's website and distributed to the public in the annual
NewsPeak newsletter. Municipal employees are informed of the
hazards through training, employee newsletters and postings in
various departments throughout the Town.
The Town also has a hotline for reporting suspected illicit
discharges. The hotline number is the same as the Public Works
and Utilities phone number.
5.3.8 Staff Training
Town Environmental Programs staff has received extensive IDDE
training from DEQ and NC State Cooperative Extension Service.
IDDE training classes are conducted in-house for all Public Works
and Utilities staff. Environmental Programs staff will continue to
routinely train other Town departments (Building Inspections and
Parks and Recreation) who are most likely to encounter an illicit
discharge.
5.3.9 Evaluation
The success of the IDDE program is evaluated on the success of the
individual BMPs.
Successful completion of the M54 map was instrumental to the
success of the IDDE program. This map identifies all stormwater
structures, lines and outfalls for the entire MS4. The MS4 map is
compared to the Town's wastewater system map and zoning maps
to identify possible septic tank discharges or illegal connections as
well as areas of potential discharge from industrial operations.
The HauSehold Hazardous Waste (HHW) program has been in
effect in Town with a permanent means of disposal of HHW
14

through Wake County at the South Wake Convenience Center
location in Holly Springs. Wake County accepts HHW from county
residents at no charge Monday through Saturday. By various
education efforts, HHW participation has increased significantly
and is the main reason why Wake County decided to increase the
frequency of drop-off availability.
The detection and elimination of illicit discharges is a priority for
the Town's stormwater management program. The success of this
BMP can be evaluated by the number of illicit connections that are
removed from the system, the number of field tests performed as
a result of dry weather flow inspections, and the number of reports
of illicit discharges incidents received on the hotline. This data is
reported on an annual basis through DEQs reporting mechanism.
5.4 Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
The Town relies on its locally delegated soil erosion and sedimentation
control program and the DEQ general stormwater permit for construction
activities to satisfy the requirements of this minimum measure. The
ordinance in place states the following:
• Performance guarantees of $2,500 per disturbed acre are required
prior to obtaining a letter of plan approval. These guarantees are
given back to the financially responsible party once a certificate of
completion has been granted by the Town.
• All development projects that disturb 20,000 ft' of land shall
provide a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan.
• The Town requires groundcover to be in place within 7 days for
slopes steeper than 3:1 and within 14 days for all other slopes.
• The minimum design criteria for sedimentation collection devices
must be based on Q25 and 435.6 (ft2) for surface area and 3,600
cubic feet (ft3) per disturbed acre for volume.
• Grading of sites less than 20,000 ft2 are required to implement and
maintain minimum control measures to restrain erosion and
prevent off -site sedimentation.
• 20-acre maximum disturbed area at any one time during the
project.
15

5.5 Post -Construction Stormwater Management
5.5.1 Summary Table
BMPs and Measurable Goals for Post -Construction Stormwater Management
BMP
Ongoing Measurable Goals
Implement an ordinance to control post-
Develop and implement an ordinance to manage post -
construction stormwater runoff
construction Stormwater discharges to the M54.
Develop and implement a program to require 100 foot
Require undisturbed riparian buffers for all
buffers on all perennial streams and 50 foot buffers on all
perennial and intermittent streams
intermittent streams Town -wide.
Requ:Fe structural BMPs to capture the first 1 inch of
runoff from deveiopment and redevelopment projects that
Require structural BMPs
disturb 1 acre or more of land and exceeds 12% built -upon
area.
5.5.2 Regulatory Mechanism
Town UDO Section 6.1 Watershed Protection Overlay Districts
provides the Town legal authority to require structural BMPs on all
development and redevelopment projects that disturb greater
than or equal to one (1) acre, including projects less than 1 acre
that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale, that
discharge into the M54.
5.5.3 Operation and Maintenance
Town UDO Section 6.1.12(D, G, and H) requires structural BMP
owners to execute an operation and maintenance agreement that
is recorded at the Wake County Register of Deeds office and
referenced on the final plat. Also, a maintenance and defects
guarantee is required prior to a certificate of occupancy (with
respect to a site plan) or final plat (with respect to a subdivision).
Furthermore, an annual BMP inspection conducted by a NC
professional engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect.
5.5.4 Structural BMP Final Inspection and Approval
Section 1.06(c) of the Town Standard Details and Standard
Specifications manual requires as -built plans to be submitted to the
Town along with a certification from the designer certifying the
structural BMP was constructed in accordance with the approved
plans. The Environmental Programs Manager conducts final
inspection prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy (with
respect to a site plan) or final plat (with respect to a subdivision).
5.5.5 Fecal Coliform Control
The Town requires all new development and redevelopment
projects within the Town corporate limits to be connected to the
16

Town's sanitary sewer system. The Town works with the Wake
County Health Department on septic systems that still exist in the
older parts of Town. The number of septic systems still in operation
in the Town is low.
5.5.6 Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Stormwater from the Town's M54 drains to nutrient sensitive
waters (Neuse River Basin and Jordan Lake Watershed). the Town
requires, by ordinance, measures to reduce nutrient loading to the
receiving streams. LIDO section 6.1.11 requires undisturbed
riparian buffers of 100 feet along each side of all perennial streams
and 50 feet along each side of all intermittent streams. Structural
BMPs required by UDO Section 6.1 also effectively remove
nutrients from stormwater runoff.
The Jordan Lake watershed rules will require the Town to address
nutrients from new development as well as existing development.
The Town will implement these once required by the NC General
Assembly.
As discussed under the Public Education and Outreach section of
this report, the Town promotes proper application, handling, and
disposal of fertilizer to reduce nutrient loading in runoff. This
information is distributed through CWEP, newsletters, billing
inserts, brochures and the Town's website.
5.5.7 Non -Structural BMPs
The Town's stringent RCA requirements require developers to set
aside at least 20 to 25 percent of their project for conservation. The
Town does not have a policy or ordinance to encourage infill
development in high density areas.
Section 6.1.8(B) of the Town LIDO states for clustering of
development, built -upon areas shall be designed and sited to
minimize stormwater runoff volume and velocity and the overall
impact of stormwater runoff on receiving streams.
The Town has a great working relationship with the NCSLI
Cooperative Extension team and has hosted a variety of low -impact
development workshops for the development community.
5.5.8 Structural BMPs
The Town has adopted ±ham DEQ BMP (manual as its official BMP
design guidance document and every required BMP must be
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designed in accordance with this document. Also, DEQ BMP
Supplement Forms must be submitted with all calculations.
5.5.9 Natural Resource Protection
As described throughout this document the Town has RCA and
riparian buffer requirements that help protect natural resources
and critical habitats from future development. Twenty to twenty-
five percent of each development is required to be set aside as RCA.
RCA locations are encouraged to connect with other RCA to provide
connectivity of wildlife habitat.
Riparian buffers of 100 feet on perennial streams and 50 feet on
intermittent streams are required Town -wide. The Town currently
has a three -zone buffer system with similar allowable uses as the
Neuse Buffer Rules.
The 2025 Land Use Plan calls for Very Low Density Residential (1-5
acre lot size) in the areas closest to the Jordan Lake Watershed.
5.5.10 Open Space Protection
As noted in section 1.5 of this report, approximately 8 percent of
the Town's corporate limits is defined as open space by the Town's
Planning Department. The Town's RCA requirements ensures that
20 to 25 percent of each development project is set aside as
conservation areas.
5.5.11 Tree Preservation
The Town Planning Department requires tree removal permits
prior to tree removal on a site. Failure to get a tree removal permit
results in a delay in development permits for 3 to 5 years.
Trees are required to be planted on every site —in buffers, RCA, and
vehicular use areas. Tree save areas can count toward RCA
requirements. Tree protection fencing is required to be placed at
the drip line (1 foot away from the trunk for each 1-inch caliper) to
protect the root zone of all saved trees.
5.5.12 Redevelopment Incentives
Redevelopment is encouraged by way of fewer requirements (e.g.
no requirement for RCA or landscape buffers on exempt plans) and
by incentives (fa4ade grants in Central Business District). Also, the
Town does not proactively rezone property so it is easier to develop
on exiting sites that have the proper zoning (it's harder to do a
project on a greenfield that needs to be rezoned prior to site plan
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because the Town Council has discretion on the rezoning and can
turn it down for any reason).
5.5.13 Growth Direction
On the 2025 land Use Plan, the highest density/intensity of uses is
located near the existing corporate limits with the lowest density
closest to the Jordan Lake Watershed.
5.5.14 Street Design
The Town's local street standard is a 22 foot road with 2.5 foot curb
and gutter on each side. The 11 foot lanes minimize the roadway
width while accommodating traffic. Residential streets require 5
foot sidewalk on one side of the roadway and collector streets and
thoroughfares require 5 foot sidewalk on both sides of the road.
Major roadways allow for the reduction in travel lane width to 11
feet where marked bicycle facilities are provided. Additionally, all
thoroughfares include wide outside lanes to accommodate and
encourage cyclists. These measures encourage active
transportation which can reduce congestion and general demand
for parking.
The Town allows driveways to be shared. The Town allows
California driveways (two concrete strips with grass in between).
The Town allows rear garages and alleys.
5.5.15 Green Infrastructure Practices
The Town will allow development to implement green stormwater
practices provided it meets the requirements set forth in the DEQ
BMP Manual and complies with the Town's Standard Specifications
and Standard Details Manual.
5.5.16 Reduced Parking Requirements
The Town's UDO allows for a 5 to 20 percent reduction in the
number of parking spaces required on a site if the reduction will
preserve existing healthy trees. The Planning Director may also
reduce the required number of parking spaces on a site by ten
percent in order to protect surrounding neighborhoods and
promote good urban design.
5.5.17 Stormwater Minimization
Trees are required to be planted on every site —in buffers, RCA, and
vehicular use areas (VUA). VUA require a tree to be located so that
any portion of the VUA is no further than 40 feat from the trunk of
a large type tree (20 feet from the trunk of a small type tree) and
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has an evergreen shrub screen around the perimeter (42 inches in
height at maturity).
5.5.18 Evaluation
The Town's Watershed Protection Overlay District ordinance
includes stringent RCA and riparian buffer requirements which
have successfully protected a variety of natural resources and
critical habitats from the pressures of new development.
The State Water Supply Watershed Rules along with the Swift
Creek Land Management Plan required structural BMPs
throughout portions of the Town since the early 1990s. The older
BMPs were designed mainly for peak runoff control and removal of
suspended sediments. However, the newer regulations require
removal of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous as well.
DEQ plans to require monitoring in all the arms of the Jordan Lake
watershed.
5.6 Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
5.6.1 Summary Table
BMPs and Measurable Goals for Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping
BMp ongoing Measurable Goals
Continue to recycle all used oil from municipal vehicle
Used Oil (and Oil Filter) Recycling maintenance operations. Maintain a collection site for
residential used oil.
Maintain a program and a schedule for the cleaning of storm
drain lines and catch basins. Continue to contract for street
Street and Storm Drain Cleaning sweeping services to remove debris from streets and
municipal parking lots.
Continue to implement a training program for municipal
Training for Municipal Employees employees on pollution prevention and good housekeeping
measures to protect stormwater.
5.6.2
Affected Operations
The pollution prevention program will mainly affect the Public
Works and Utilities Department and vehicle maintenance
operations. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Department handles the application and disposal of fertilizer for
their maintenance of greenway trails and parks as well as minimal
vehicle maintenance and storage of materials. The Fire
Department and EMS perform routine vehicle cleaning. The
Town's Facility and Fleet Services Department handles the vehicle
maintenance and siorage of materials [or the other departments in
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the town. The Town's Middle Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
is the only industrial facility owned and operated by the Town that
is subject to an NPDES permit. The facility is covered under general
permit NCG110000.
5.6.3 Training
Information on the effects of municipal operations on stormwater
quality will be included in employee newsletters and will be posted
in various departments throughout the municipal operations.
Annual refresher training is held annually to re-emphasize the
importance of good housekeeping procedures. Training materials
for the Public Works and Utilities Department will focus on sanitary
and storm sewer system cleaning operations, street sweeping and
catch basin cleaning, litter collection and curbside collection of yard
waste and solid waste. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Resources Department will receive training on the proper
application and disposal of fertilizer for their maintenance of
greenway trails and parks. The Facility and Fleet Services
Department handles the vehicle maintenance and storage of
materials for the other departments in the town. They receive
training on the proper handling and disposal of used motor oil.
5.6.4 Maintenance and Inspections
The Town routinely collects yard waste from the curb using a
vacuum truck. This trunk cleans storm drain grates on a weekly
basis as part of its normal route. As stormwater lines are
discovered that need flushing to remove sediments, the Town's jet
truck is used to clean the lines.
As part of the IDDE ordinance, a standard storm drainage catch
basin cleanout schedule and maintenance program was required
to be established in order to ensure that water quality in Town is
adequately protected.
5.6.5 Vehicular Operations
The Town has contracted with a company for street sweeping
services. Downtown Apex is swept every 2 weeks, twenty Town
parking lots are swept monthly, main thoroughfares (including
NCDOT streets) are also swept monthly, and all residential
neighborhoods are swept on a quarterly basis. Any residential
areas within the Swift Creek watershed are swept on a monthly
basis instead of quarterly to help improve conditions that led to a
TMDL.
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All used oil from Town vehicle maintenance is placed in an above
ground tank that is located inside a building in a dedicated room
with secondary containment. New shipments of motor oil are
stored in another tank in the same room to protect against spills.
Another above ground tank located near the Public Works
warehouse is used for the collection of used oil from Town
residents at no charge. The tank is doubled -walled.
5.6.6 Waste Disposal
Waste collected from the M54 in the form of floatables debris is
hauled to the South Wake Solid Waste Handling Facility. When
accumulated sediments are removed from the MS4 they are either
hauled to a nearby C&D landfill or used as fill for municipal
operations if they are suitable for the purpose.
5.6.7 Flood Management Projects
The Town does not have any flood management projects.
Ordinances prohibit new development in the 100-year floodplain.
5.6.8 Existing Ordinances
Many of the Towns existing ordinances recognize the importance
of the protection of natural resources and water quality. One of
the particular purposes of the Town's UDO is to prevent the
adverse impacts of development on natural resources and features
and the availability of water, water quality, and floodplains.
5.6.9 Other Evaluations
Evaluations of all of the municipal operations have been discussed
in this section of the report.
5.6.10 Decision Process
This program was developed to focus on removing sources of
pollutants from municipal operations. The oil recycling program
not only benefits the Town's municipal operations but benefits the
residents of the Town. The availability of this free service is meant
to redirect illicit discharges of used oil from the MS4.
Regular cleaning of the streets, catch basins and storm drains is
intended to prevent clogs and remove potential floatables from the
system. The regular collection of yard waste and municipal solid
waste is intended to reduce illegal dumping of these wastes.
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Recurring employee training emphasizes the importance of good
housekeeping procedures in protecting water quality.
5.6.11 Evaluation
To evaluate the program, the amount of recycled oil collected will
be tracked to document anticipated increases as the popularity of
the program grows. The amount of yard waste collected from the
roadside will also serve as measures of the success of this program.
The amount of sand/dirt, yard waste, and trash is tracked on a
monthly basis.
The Town's MS4 map is used to track the cleaning of catch basins
and storm sewer lines that have been cleaned.
While the Town's employees are already aware of the importance
of water quality, the training program will continue to reinforce the
fact with helpful information and tips on how to protect the
environment and improve water quality.
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