NORTH WILKESBORO_COMPLETE FILE - HISTORICAL_20110211

.STORMWATER DIVISION CODING SHEET
Municipalities NOT MS4
PERMIT NO.
NCSOOOONV V `
DOC TYPE
❑ COMPLETE FILE -HISTORICAL
i
MOST RECENT
❑ Zo f ! o 2 [ r
DATE
YYYYMMDD

TOWN OF NORTH WILKESBORO
Post Office Box 218
North Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28659
Bus. (336) 667-7.129
Fax [phone]
February 11, 2011
Division of Water Quality
Stormwater and General Permits Unit
Attn: Mike Randall
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1617
Re: NPDES Phase II
Gentlemen:
On January 41h, 2011, the State of North Carolina identified the Town of North Wilkesboro as a candidate
for designation as a regulated Phase 11 community under the National Pollution Discharge Permit
stormwater program. The designation was the result of adjacent impaired waters and a population of
over 3,500.
Based on these criteria for designation, North Wilkesboro deserves strong consideration for being
exempt from the NPDES Permit program due to its limited discharges and other governmental units and
State agencies having a greater impact on the streams of the area. In addition, a great expense would
occur with limited benefit to the waters of the State. Although we feel we should be exempt at this
time, the Town of North Wilkesboro has and will take action for storm runoff mitigation.
Since the Yadkin River is a border between North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, discussions have begun in
creating a shared stormwater program that will hopefully create a comprehensive stormwater
management program with greater effect than one Town going at it alone. Shared resources and
mapping will help reduce future degradation of the Yadkin River. Areas to be addressed individually and
collectively are as follows:
1. Public Education and Outreach.
The Town will work with citizens to educate them on stormwater issues. The Town will begin the
process of developing a Stormwater Master Plan with public meetings. Development of brochures
and telephone numbers for spill reporting will be made available to the public. A program of
tagging stormwater collection areas will begin in the next few years.

The Town operates a very progressive website as well as social networking tools such as Facebook
and Twitter. As well, we incorporate quarterly newsletters into its utility billing system. We feel
that these tools readily lend themselves to our ability to provide an effective educational
campaign. Staff is already in the practice of addressing civic groups and students on relevant
issues and programs that are of interest to the community as a whole.
Our utility department already conducts annual education campaigns via newspaper ad to inform
about the hazards of improperly disposing of fats and oils into the sewer system.
Additionally the Reddies River/Yadkin River Greenway has environmental signage and detention
areas to help in educating our citizens.
2. Public Participation/Involvement
As the Town starts to deveiop the Stormwater Management Plan, the Town will hold public
meetings and form a Stormwater Management Citizens Committee to help develop and
implement the Plan. This committee will help the Town Board in developing pubic information
and suggestions for better stormwater management.
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
The Town will begin working on mapping of their Stormwater system. Since the DOT is the
collector of most of the stormwater runoff, coordination with them is necessary. Periodic
inspection and/or testing will be done to trace any harmful discharges that could adversely affect
the streams.
4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
The Town of North Wilkesboro requires construction sites to meet the State of North Carolina's
Sediment and Erosion Control Regulations. In addition, the Town has greater standards in the
designated watershed areas. These requirements are part of the Town's Zoning Ordinance and
include areas outside the corporate limits. The Town has a twenty-five year land use plan. In the
plan, land slopes were analyzed and classified determining the percentage of buildable acreage in
the Town's jurisdiction.
The Town, .•corking vril.h the N'C Forest Ser-viCe, ;outinely�nionitors ioggiog activities to he:p insu e
that water quality laws are adhered to, thereby minimizing runoff contamination from the logging
activities.
S. Post Construction Runoff Control
The Town has and will be looking for areas that may cause problems with stormwater issues. The
Town has a Building Inspector and reviews of temporary and permanent runoff protection will be
evaluated to maintain their effectiveness. In addition, the Town requires stormwater controls for
all major subdivisions throughout its jurisdiction. Possible new mitigation features will be
explored to enhance existing protections.

6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
Wilkes County is the home of Tyson Chicken. In support of this industry, there is a lot of farming
operations for the purpose of poultry livestock production. Our community has long recognized
the potential for water body impairment through the use of current land application activities
throughout the County for chicken manure. Unfortunately, this is a problem that is beyond the
ability of the Town of North Wilkesboro to deal with, but North Wilkesboro, along with the Town
of Wilkesboro and the County of Wilkes, continue to look for alternative disposal options for this
waste. Strong levels of copper have apparently been linked to chicken manure.
The Town has GIS mapping of facilities they maintain. As part of the Stormwater Plan, discharges
and runoff will be explored. Catch basins and piping will be evaluated as to their effectiveness.
The Stormwater Plan will address spill response and mitigation. Parking lots and other facilities
will be evaluated as to any potential impact on stream degradation.
The Town, although no direct point source discharges into streams, realizes that the Yadkin River
and its tributaries are vital to the economic and ecological wellness of our area. Working with the
Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor Committee and Yadkin River Greenway Council, areas will be
explored in looking for ways to further benefit streams and stream quality. Grants for additional
greenways and stream mitigation are being explored at this time. As funding becomes available,
other efforts will be explored to protect ourvital resources and the waters of the State.
As a part of our annual safety training program, in addition to other training provided, we
currently cover spill identification and response training as a part of our mandatory in-house
safety training programs.
Additionally, the Town operates a suction vacuum truck system for street cleaning. North
Wilkesboro also uses another vehicle that has a hose vacuum attachment that is used for catch
basin cleaning.
North Wilkesboro has also installed pet waste elimination bag systems throughout its downtown
for pet owners to use to clean up after their pets in a sanitary fashion.
In conclusion, as previously stated, we request that we be deferred from the permit process at this time.
We are working on ways to improve water quality and currently have no direct discharges to these
streams. With that said, you can see the Town will be taking a proactive approach to finding ways to
improve water quality in our streams. Working with our neighboring governments, Wilkes County and
the Town of Wilkesboro, as well as other State agencies, we can make progress in reducing problems
associated with storm water runoff.
Sincerely,
MA", .I ' .
William H. Perkins, Jr. "Hank"
Town Manager

TOWN OF WILKESBORO
P.O. Box 1056.203 West Main Street
Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28697
www_wilkesboronorthcarolina_com
Phone [phone] - Fax [phone]
Mike Randall
1601 Mail Service Center t r-
Raleigh, NC 27699 _
WkE-.--
wA K
s y
Date: February AL T10thand
, 2011 — n^a,ar"
Re: Lumber and Yadkin Pee -Dee River Stormwater Comments -
Town of Wilkesboro
The Town of Wilkesboro respectfully submits the following comments in relation to the informational request made by the
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on January 12th, 2011. In light of this very
important decision and information gathering process, the Town of Wilkesboro appreciates the opportunity to present a
viewpoint concerning Stormwater management within the Yadkin Pee -Dee river basin.
The Yadkin River has guided the community's growth, and in turn, shaped the quality of life within the region for numerous
generations. In terms of shaping communities, the effects of the river, along with other available water resources, are
immeasurable. Nevertheless, the resource requires stewardship, leaving the responsibility with us all. The Town of
Wilkesboro values the river as a source of community heritage, culture, recreation, and economic development (i.e.,
destination tourism); and is proud to be a consumer and.guardian for the water taken from, and also released back into, the
Yadkin River watershed.
We would like to highlight the following efforts, which we believe will demonstrate the community's commitment to water
quality and environmental responsibility.
1. Cub Creek Stream Restoration Project: Moving downstream from the Kerr Scott Reservoir, Cub Creek is one of
the first major steams feeding into the Yadkin River. The comprehensive restoration of Cub Creek when finalized
will span approximately 4,500 to 5,000 linear feet. Phase One of the project, which addresses the most widely
used portion of the park, is complete. The Town of Wilkesboro is currently in the process of designing Phase Two
and Three. Both Phase Two and Three have been approved for implementation funding through the North
Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR) and also the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund
(CWMTF).
The town not only uses the restored stream for improving water quality, we also use the project as an educational
tool for highlighting the role of nature in managing stormwater runoff; positioning informational kiosks at highly
visited locations within the park accomplishes this goal. In addition, the Cub Creek section associated with the
stream restoration project is stocked annually with trout and thus designated as hatchery supported trout waters.
So far, the project has received positive feedback from the community and has provided the municipality with a
foundation for continued ecological restoration and conservation efforts.
MIKE INSCORE KENNETH D. NOLAND JOSEPHINE CASS COUNCILMEN Mayor Pro Tern
Mayor Town Manager Town Clerk/Finance Officer SAM STROUD NELLIE ARCHIBALD
[e-mail] JIMMY HAYES
GARYJOHNSON

2. Cub Creek Watershed Study: The Town of Wilkesboro has recently completed a watershed study addressing the
Cub Creek Watershed within the town's jurisdiction. Inventorying stormwater infrastructure and pollution sources
within the watershed will allow the town to plan for future improvements along the creek, and will further build
upon the stream restoration currently taking place. When implemented, the recommended best management
practices will provide invaluable stormwater management along the watershed, and more specifically, will address
an unnamed tributary which handles parking lot stormwater runoff associated with the Tyson industrial complex
located on River Street.
3. stormwater Management for New Development: Even though the Town of Wilkesboro currently requires
stormwater studies and improvements for larger projects, mostly along the Hwy 421 corridor, the Town of
Wilkesboro staff and elected officials are considering a commercial development stormwater management
ordinance for the town's jurisdiction (both Town limits and Extra Territorial Jurisdiction). The Planning
Department is working to develop a draft ordinance, during calendar 2011, which will address stormwater plan
requirements for medium and large scale commercial developments. The Town Manager's Office and the Planning
Department anticipate presenting the draft ordinance to the Wilkesboro Town Council in late 2011 or early 2012.
4. Watershed Protected and Critical Area Overlay Ordinance: The Wilkesboro Planning Department currently
maintains and facilitates the Watershed Protection Overlay for the Watershed IV Protected Area (WS-IV-PA) and
the Watershed IV Critical Area (WS-IV-CA) associated with the Public Water Intake located near the confluence of
the Yadkin River and Moravian Creek. To review the Watershed Protection Ordinance and/or the Wilkesboro
Zoning Ordinance, please visit: htt media.wilkesboronorthcarolina.com documents Wilkesboro-Zonin -
Ordinance-updated.pdf
5. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Mapping: During 2009 and 2010, the Town of Wilkesboro enlisted
consulting services for the purpose of inventorying water and wastewater infrastructure within the town limits.
The project identified aging sewer and water infrastructure and included the location and identification of both
sewer and water lines and all associated appurtenances (e.g., manholes, pipe material and size, valves, meters,
etc.) that make up the town's system. In addition, the project identified areas of the distribution and collection
system that are in need of repair, upgrades and/or maintenance to facilitate the system's ability to serve existing
and future customers. The project will prevent overflows and allow system repairs and upgrades to be planned
instead of creating emergency situations, which can undoubtedly lead to more cost and increased environmental
degradation.
Furthermore, the Town of Wilkesboro in conjunction with the Town of North Wilkesboro is currently discussing
feasibility and funding options for jointly mapping the stormwater infrastructure within both towns. A joint
mapping project will unify the two towns in their approach to stormwater management, and will in turn, provide a
platform for managing/prioritizing improvements, system maintenance and multi -jurisdictional projects.
5. Chicken Litter Field Applications: Through discussions with local water resource officials and personnel from the
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the town has learned that Copper plays a
major role in water resource impairment within the region. Considering the significance of the poultry industry
within Wilkes County, and also realizing that the industry produces large amounts of chicken litter — a source of
Copper pollution — a more concentrated effort for mitigating pollution associated with chicken litter field
applications should be developed. If designated as a Phase II stormwater community, Wilkesboro and other
surrounding communities will still experience large amounts of pollution resulting from the abundant agricultural
and hatchery operations within the Yadkin River Basin.

7. Drought Restrictions: It is undoubted that the current regional climate trend is moving toward more severe
and/or extreme seasons. In recent years, the hotter summer months have generated lower than average water
retention and have subsequently led to drought conditions throughout the state. During the severe droughts of
2007 and 2008, the Town of Wilkesboro voluntarily requested water conservation measures from both residents
and businesses. Even though the Wilkesboro community was in much better shape, in terms of available water,
the town staff and elected officials still choose to educate citizens and advocate water conservation.
8. Water Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant: It is important to note that the Water Plant for the Town of
Wilkesboro has never received a violation notice. All wastewater produced by the facility is routed to the
Wastewater Treatment Plant for further processing prior to reinserting back in into the Yadkin River system. In
addition, the Water Plant voluntarily disposes of all Alum Sludge associated with facility operations at the Wilkes
County Landfill; above and beyond what is required by NC State Law.
Similarly, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has not received a violation notice for operations or discharge
at the facility in the last decade. This accomplishment has been recognized on the local level and should also be
recognized and taken into consideration at the regional/state level. The Wilkesboro WWTP is located at the
confluence of Cub Creek and the Yadkin River, and is positioned on approximately 75 acres of beautiful riverside
landscape. The WWTP facility is used as community campgrounds, serving as the location for MerleFest camping,
as well as river access for fishing and hiking.
9. Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor (YVHC): As mentioned in the second paragraph of this letter, the Town of
Wilkesboro views the Yadkin River as a source of economic development in terms of destination tourism. In 2005,
the counties of Caldwell, Wilkes, Surry, and Yadkin began meeting to discuss a collaborative effort to preserve,
promote, enhance, and sustain the natural, cultural, recreational and historical assets along the Yadkin River for
sustainable tourism development in the region. The goal of the Partnership is to serve as an umbrella organization
that promotes and facilitates regional collaborative leadership among local governments, public/private
partnerships and organizations seeking to preserve, protect, and promote the Assets of the upper Yadkin Valley
region. The Wilkesboro Planning Department is currently working within the Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor
partnership to promote the mission and goal of the organization. The partnership website can be located at the
following address: http://www.Vadkinvalleycorridor.com/
10. Partnership with Tyson Foods: Tyson Foods is the Town's largest pre-treatment permit holder. We have worked
in partnership with them to capture all parking lot runoff in and around their receiving docks and live -haul facility
where it is then pre-treated and sent to the town's wastewater plant for further treatment. Tyson has also put
into operation sock -filters at all high -risk storm drain entrances to further protect the environment from
contamination. Our partnership with Tyson Foods has even extended to our restoration efforts along the Cub
Creek drainage basin where they have adopted an unnamed tributary that feeds into Cub Creek just above Cub
Creek Park.
With many federal and state funding sources cutting back on spending, the level of assistance will likely continue to lesson
over the next few years. Even though we consider ourselves responsible stewards of the environment, we also respect the
capacity of your small town resources. Rather than requiring small towns to participate in a program designed for larger
communities, why not continue providing the much needed funding and partnership opportunities needed by small town
communities across the state? Offering grants and creating partnerships with clearly defined goals will in turn facilitate
responsible stormwater management and environmental responsibility. Working as a team has always outperformed top
down mandates and/or requests. Again, the Town of Wilkesboro appreciates this opportunity. If you or anyone in your

organization has any questions or concerns related to the items presented in this letter, please do not hesitate in calling or
emailing.
In public service,
Andrew Carlton
Director of planning
203 West Main Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Ph; 336-838-3951
[e-mail]