IP 2018-2020 to commissions

CHPP 2018-2020 Implementation Plan
Action Agencies Involved1 Issue
Cross train Marine Patrol officers to take note of and report violations of EMC rules and permits in Coastal Waters to
appropriate agencies.DCM, DMF
The Department will seek funding for additional compliance positions in appropriate programs and regulatory
divisions will continue to educate the public on rules and the ecological importance and need for compliance.DEQ
Enhance dependable water quality monitoring by investing in Neuse Estuary MODMON and FerryMon.DEQ
The Department, through the APNEP, will develop a comprehensive monitoring plan for the estuarine system within
the APNEP region.APNEP, DMF M
Investigate development of performance criteria for measuring success of management actions (eg. stormwater
rules, BMPs).
DEMLR, DWR,
DCM, DMF, APNEP M
Conduct outreach to educate citizens about DWR's Neuse and Tar-Pamlico riparian buffer rules and 401 Water
Quality Certification program.DWR, APNEP
Promote habitat conservation by incorporating habitat information into division outreach efforts, including, 1)
creating interactive materials for events highlighting life history, habitat use, and threats of species; 2) setting up fish
habitat aquarium displays for longer events; 3) seeking funding for additional displays
DMF, DCM, Sea
Grant
Educate traditional economic interests (eg. developers) on the impact of stormwater and new options included in
the stormwater design manual; implement workshops for engineers and consultants on stormwater management,
buffers, and 401 Water Quality Certifications.
DWR, DEMLR,
WRRI S
GOAL 1. IMPROVE EFFECTIVE OF EXISTING RULES AND PROGRAMS PROTECTING COASTAL FISH HABITAT
No.
Black= previously existing; Red= new from priority issue; Blue= new not priority issue or revised text. Priority issues: I= Indicator/Metric; O= Oyster restoration; L= Living shoreline; S=
Sedimentation. 1 Lead agency is noted by bold font
Rec. 1.1. Ensure compliance with Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), Environmental Management Commission (EMC), and Marine
Fisheries Commission (MFC) rules and permits.
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.4
Rec. 1.2a. Coordinate and enhance monitoring of water quality, habitat, and fisheries resources (including data management) from
headwaters to the nearshore ocean.
1.2a.1
1.2a.2
Rec. 1.2b. Coordinate and enhance assessment and monitoring of effectiveness of rules established to protect coastal habitats.
1.2b.1
Rec. 1.3. Enhance and expand educational outreach on the value of fish habitat, threats from land use and other activities, and
explanations of management measures and challenges.
Page 1 of 7
CHPP 2018-2020 Implementation Plan
Action Agencies Involved1 IssueNo.
Black= previously existing; Red= new from priority issue; Blue= new not priority issue or revised text. Priority issues: I= Indicator/Metric; O= Oyster restoration; L= Living shoreline; S=
Sedimentation. 1 Lead agency is noted by bold font
Provide information to focus students in K-12 understanding the biodiversity of lakes, streams, and estuaries.DWR, APNEP,
DSWC
The Department will hold quarterly meetings on proposed projects and enforcement cases that are or may be
subject to the permitting or enforcement jurisdiction of the programs of more than one division and invite other
state and federal agencies to participate as appropriate.
DCM, DEQ
Identify any Primary Nursery Areas (PNA) that are not currently designated as High Quality Waters (HQW), and work
to reclassify to HQW. DMF, DWR
Assess invasive SAV in the APNEP region annually and continue to coordinate invasive SAV treatment with DMF and
APNEP.DWR, APNEP, DMF M
Monitor and track invasive catfish through an information cooperative identifying data sources, current research,
and research needs.DMF M
Map SAV on five year cycles. APNEP, DMF M
Establish sentinel sites in the five established SAV regions and monitor annually. APNEP, DMF M
Seek dedicated funding for the state SAV mapping program.DEQ, DMF, APNEP M
Facilitate mapping of deep (>15 ft) estuarine bottoms, starting with lower Neuse River. To do this, seek funding to
hire staff to sidescan key areas in Pamlico Sound and post-process the data.DMF O
Modify shellfish mapping program to establish and monitor sentinel sites for shell bottom habitat condition.
Develop shell bottom metrics to monitor. DMF M
GOAL 2. IDENTIFY AND DELINEATE STRATEGIC COASTAL HABITATS
Recommendation 2.1b. Support assessments to classify habitat value and condition by selectively monitoring the condition and status
of those habitats.
2.1b.1
2.1b.2
1.3.5
Rec. 1.4. Continue to coordinate among commissions and agencies on coastal habitat management issues.
2.1a.2
2.1a.3
1.4.1
Rec. 1.6. Enhance management of invasive species with existing programs. Monitor and track status in affected waterbodies.
1.6.1*
*
Rec. 2.1a. Support assessments to classify habitat value and condition by coordinating, completing, and maintaining baseline habitat
mapping (including seagrass, shell bottom, shoreline, and other bottom types) using the most appropriate technology.
2.1a.1
1.4.2
1.6.2
Page 2 of 7
CHPP 2018-2020 Implementation Plan
Action Agencies Involved1 IssueNo.
Black= previously existing; Red= new from priority issue; Blue= new not priority issue or revised text. Priority issues: I= Indicator/Metric; O= Oyster restoration; L= Living shoreline; S=
Sedimentation. 1 Lead agency is noted by bold font
Develop indicator metrics for the six fish habitats; data to be used to establish habitat thresholds and conduct
habitat assessments.
DMF, APNEP,
DWR, DCM M
Develop a coastwide sampling protocol to collect metric data and seek funding to accomplish it. DMF, APNEP,
DWR, DCM M
Implement data collection of habitat metrics. DMF, APNEP,
DWR, DCM M
Work with agencies to include strategic coastal habitat (SHA) priorities within DMS local watershed plans, and other
restoration programs.DMF, DMS, DEQ
Conduct fish and habitat sampling in SHA Region 3 to validate SHA selections and develop indicators. DMF M
Complete SHA Region 4 analysis DMF M
Identify the size and number of sanctuaries needed, and whether constructed intertidal reefs should be incorporated
into the sanctuary network. DMF O
Continue expanding the oyster sanctuary program. DMF O
Establish a long-term monitoring program (oyster survival, growth, condition, recruitment) of oyster sanctuaries and
cultch planting sites to assist with future siting, design, and management decisions. DMF O
Identify alternative substrates for cultch and oyster sanctuary projects that are appropriate for larval settlement at
intertidal and subtidal sites; compare the costs and benefits of them. DMF O
Cooperate with university researchers on new siting tools (eg. larval distribution and transport models) and
monitoring protocols to maximize oyster restoration success. DMF O
GOAL 3. ENHANCE AND PROTECT HABITATS FROM ADVERSE PHYSICAL IMPACTS
3.1a.2
3.1a.4
3.1a.5
3.1a.3
2.2.2
2.2.3
Recommendation 3.1a. Expand habitat restoration in accordance with restoration plan goals, including increasing subtidal and
intertidal oyster habitat through restoration.
3.1a.1
2.1b.4
2.1b.5
Recommendation 2.2. Continue to identify and field groundtruth strategic coastal habitats.
2.2.1
2.1b.3
Page 3 of 7
CHPP 2018-2020 Implementation Plan
Action Agencies Involved1 IssueNo.
Black= previously existing; Red= new from priority issue; Blue= new not priority issue or revised text. Priority issues: I= Indicator/Metric; O= Oyster restoration; L= Living shoreline; S=
Sedimentation. 1 Lead agency is noted by bold font
Work with university researchers to monitor fish/invertebrate use of oyster sanctuaries and effect of oysters on local
water quality.DMF O
Encourage local SWCDs to include strategic coastal habitat areas and other CHPP priorities in local priority ranking
system for the Agriculture Cost Share Program, Community Conservation Assistance Program and Conservation
Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).
DMF, DSWC S
Work with the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Transportation on innovative mitigation projects and an
appropriate crediting system for them under the DMS. Such projects may include the protection and restoration of
SAV and oyster beds, and the removal of certain dams and other aquatic organism barriers, and enhancing wetlands
through construction of living shorelines.
DMS, DEQ, DMF,
DCM, DWR O, L
Obtain funding to restore streams and associated wetlands designated as anadromous fish spawning areas in the
Albemarle Sound area as implementation steps for the River Herring Fishery Management Plan.
DMF, APNEP,
DMS, WRC
Work with researchers to establish methods to restore SAV.DMF, APNEP,
DMS, DWR
Implement the beach and inlet management plan, and continue to require minimum criteria for monitoring beach
nourishment projects to evaluate ecological effects. DCM
Evaluate through the FMP process the need for further restrictions of bottom-disturbing gear.DMF O
Recommendation 3.3. Protect habitat from adverse fishing gear effects through improved compliance.
3.3.1
Recommendation 3.4. Improve management of estuarine and public trust shorelines and shallow water habitats by revising shoreline
stabilization rules to include consideration of site specific conditions and advocate for alternatives to vertical shoreline stabilization
structures.
3.1b.2
3.1b.3
Recommendation 3.1c. Expand habitat restoration in accordance with restoration plan goals, including restoring SAV habitat and
shallow soft bottom nurseries.
3.1c.1
Recommendation 3.2. Sustain healthy barrier island systems by maintaining and enhancing ecologically sound policies for ocean and
inlet shorelines and implement a comprehensive beach and inlet management plan that provides ecologically based guidelines to
protect fish habitat and address socio-economic concerns.
3.2.1
Recommendation 3.1b. Expand habitat restoration in accordance with restoration plan goals, including re-establishing of riparian
wetlands and stream hydrology.
3.1b.1
3.1a.6
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CHPP 2018-2020 Implementation Plan
Action Agencies Involved1 IssueNo.
Black= previously existing; Red= new from priority issue; Blue= new not priority issue or revised text. Priority issues: I= Indicator/Metric; O= Oyster restoration; L= Living shoreline; S=
Sedimentation. 1 Lead agency is noted by bold font
Encourage waterfront property owners to utilize the shoreline stabilization technique recommended for their
shoreline type.DCM, DWR L
Encourage alternatives to vertical shoreline stabilization methods through permit requirements, fees, and process
simplification, including but not limited to refining rule 15A NCAC 07H .2700 GP for Marsh Sills and coordinating
permit process changes with the Corps of Engineers (USACOE).
DCM, DWR L
Promote efforts to educate the public and waterfront property owners on living shoreline benefits by 1) seeking
funding and partnerships to increase the number of highly visible demonstration projects; 2) developing case studies
as guidance for property owners; 3) engaging with contractors, realtors, and Homeowners Associations regarding
design and benefits of living shorelines; and 4) enhance marketing and education initiatives to build public demand
for living shorelines.
DCM L
Promote research and monitoring of living shorelines to 1) examine effectiveness of natural and other materials of
erosion control and ecosystem enhancement; 2) examine long-term stability of living shorelines and vertical
structures, particularly after storm events; 3) map areas where living shorelines would be suitable for erosion
control; and 4) investigate use of living shorelines as a BMP or mitigation option.
DCM, DWR, DMF L
Update maps of shoreline structures in the CAMA counties. DCM L, M
Promote the appropriate use of oyster shells to facilitate habitat enhancement in living shoreline structures. DCM L, O
Work with NOAA’s Technical Advisory Committee members in their sponsored research program "Ecological Effects
of Sea Level Rise" to develop information/tools to better forecast and manage landscape res ponses of critical
natural resources relative to sea level rise.
DCM
Continue to study the feasibility and benefits of dam and barrier removal in general and for mitigation.DMF, WRC, DWR,
DMS
Encourage research to determine the minimum acceptable culvert dimensions and characteristics that will allow
passage of river herring and whether there are other causes inhibiting river herring from migrating upstream past
culverts.
DMF, APNEP, DOT,
WRC
Recommendation 3.5b. Protect and restore habitat for migratory fishes by restoring fish passage through elimination or modification of
stream obstructions, such as dams and culverts.
3.5b.1
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.4.6
3.4.7
Recommendation 3.5a. Protect and restore habitat for migratory fishes by incorporating the water quality and quantity needs of fish in
water use planning and management.
3.5a.1
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
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CHPP 2018-2020 Implementation Plan
Action Agencies Involved1 IssueNo.
Black= previously existing; Red= new from priority issue; Blue= new not priority issue or revised text. Priority issues: I= Indicator/Metric; O= Oyster restoration; L= Living shoreline; S=
Sedimentation. 1 Lead agency is noted by bold font
Survey previously identified Albemarle Sound river herring spawning areas to estimate current condition and
spawning function, identify stream obstructions on river herring spawning streams, and prioritize obstructions for
herring-friendly replacement.
DMF, WRC M
The Department, through the DWR and the DMS will pursue dam removal projects where appropriate.DWR, DMS
Direct outreach to local governments on sea level rise to allow coastal communities to assess needs and implement
strategies to minimize hazard risk and increase environmental resiliency.DCM L
Identify research priorities regarding impacts of endocrine-disruptors and other chemicals to blue crabs and oysters.DMF, DWR
Actively seek research of innovative technology to remove stormwater outfalls with 319 grant funding.DWR, DEMLR S
Implement new stormwater BMPs and Low Impact Development (LID) program to reduce runoff.DEMLR S
Partner with NCDOT to retrofit road ditches that discharge to shellfish waters.DEMLR, DWR,
DMF, DOT S
Pursue funding for the Community Conservation Assistance Program with emphasis on CHPP stormwater priorities in
coastal counties DSWC, DEQ S,L
Encourage development of effective local erosion control programs to maintain compliance and reduce sediment
from reaching surface waters.DEMLR S
Provide education and financial/technical support (funding, training, equipment) for local and state programs to
better manage sediment control measures from all land disturbing activities and enhance monitoring capabilities (ie
purchase turbidity meters).
DEMLR, DWR S
GOAL 4. ENHANCE AND PROTECT WATER QUALITY
4.4.3
Recommendation 4.3c. Prevent additional shellfish closures and swimming advisories by continuing to phase-out existing outfalls by
implementing alternative stormwater management strategies.
4.3c.1
4.3c.2
Recommendation 4.4. Enhance coordination with, and provide financial/technical support for, local government/private actions to
effectively manage stormwater, stormwater runoff, and wastewater.
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.3a.1
Recommendation 3.8. Develop coordinated policies including management adaptations and guidelines to increase resiliency of fish
habitat to ecosystem changes.
3.8.1
Recommendation 4.1a. Reduce point source pollution discharges by increasing inspections of wastewater discharges, treatment
facilities, collection infrastructure, and disposal sites.
4.1a.1
3.5b.2
3.5b.3
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CHPP 2018-2020 Implementation Plan
Action Agencies Involved1 IssueNo.
Black= previously existing; Red= new from priority issue; Blue= new not priority issue or revised text. Priority issues: I= Indicator/Metric; O= Oyster restoration; L= Living shoreline; S=
Sedimentation. 1 Lead agency is noted by bold font
Continue to educate the public, developers, contractors, and farmers on the need for sediment erosion control
measures and techniques for effective sediment control. DEMLR, DWR S
Provide outreach to the public and government agencies on stormwater BMP techniques by holding workshops that
include visiting project demonstration sites.DEMLR, DCM S
Assess if coastal stormwater rules are effectively reducing non-point runoff.DEMLR, DWR S, M
Investigate management needed to maintain open shellfish waters; encourage aquaculture that will enhance or
minimize impacts to water quality that affect public trust uses.
DMF, DWR,
DEMLR, DCM S
Improve wastewater/stormwater management at coastal marinas.DWR, DCM
Implement environmentally superior alternatives to animal waste lagoon and spray field systems. DEQ, DWR
Recommendation 4.7. Maintain adequate water quality conducive to the support of present and future mariculture in public trust
waters.
4.7.1
4.7.2
Recommendation 4.8a. Reduce nonpoint source pollution from large-scale animal operations by ensuring proper oversight and
management of animal waste management systems.
4.8a.1
Recommendation 4.6. Maintain effective regulatory strategies throughout the river basins to reduce nonpoint pollution and minimize
cumulative losses of fish habitat, including use of vegetated buffers and established stormwater controls.
4.6.1
4.4.4
Recommendation 4.5a. Continue to improve strategies throughout the river basins to reduce nonpoint pollution and minimize
cumulative losses of fish habitat through voluntary actions, assistance, and incentives, including improved methods to reduce pollution
from construction sites, agriculture, and forestry.
4.5a.1
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