20171559 Ver 3_Individual-and-Cumulative-Impacts-July 2021_20210707

F)1
Indirect and
Cumulative Impacts
Assessment
Greensboro Randolph Megasite
1-‘'aiiuv1p/I aiiu vwnviu (..ounries, worth Carolina
July 2021
1

Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
For the Greensboro -Randolph Megasite
Liberty, North Carolina
Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 Indirect and Cumulative Impacts Analysis Process 5
1.2 Project Study Area - Randolph County 5
2.0 BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE 6
2.1 Wastewater 6
2.2 Water 7
2.3 Transportation 8
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 9
3.1 Topography 9
3.2 Soils 10
3.3 Land Use and Zoning 15
3.4 Jurisdictional Waters of the United States 17
3.5 Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands 17
3.6 Public Lands and Scenic, Recreational, and State Natural Areas 18
3.7 Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value 18
3.8 Air Quality 19
3.9 Noise Levels 19
3.10 Water Resources 20
3.11 Forest Resources 20
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite July 2021

3.12 Shellfish or Fish and their Habitats 20
3.13 Wildlife and Natural Vegetation 21
3.14 Protected Species (Threatened and Endangered Species) 21
3.15 Introduction of Toxic Substances 22
3.16 Local Goals for Economic Development 23
3.17 Populations Trends and Projections 23
4.0 INDIVIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS RELATED TO PROJECT GROWTH IN
THE AREA 24
4.1 Topography 24
4.2 Soils 24
4.3 Future Land Use 25
4.4 Jurisdictional Waters of the United States 25
4.5 Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands 26
4.6 Public Lands and Scenic, Recreational, and State Natural Areas 26
4.7 Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value 26
4.8 Air Quality 27
4.9 Noise Levels 27
4.10 Water Resources 27
4.11 Forest Resources 28
4.12 Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitats 29
4.13 Wildlife and Natural Vegetation 29
4.14 Protected Species (Threatened and Endangered Species) 30
4.15 Introduction of Toxic Substances 30
5.0 MANAGEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 30
5.1 Summary of Federal and State Regulations and Programs 31
5.2 Local Regulations and Programs (Randolph County) 37
5.3 Local Regulations and Programs (Guilford County) 41
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5.4 Local Regulations and Programs beyond the Study Area 44
6.0 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS INDIVIDUAL
AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 44
7.0 REFERENCES CITED 49
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite July 2021

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 FEMA Designated Floodplains 10
Table 2 Soils 11
Table 3 Land Use by Jurisdiction (Based on Current Zoning) 16
Table 4 County Air Quality Indices 19
Table 5 Federally Listed Species 22
Table 6 Population Trends and Projections 23
Table 7 Summary of Federal and State Regulations and/or Programs 31
Table 8 Summary of Local Ordinances to Address Individual and Cumulative
Impacts in Randolph County 45
Table 9 Summary of Local Ordinances to Address Individual and Cumulative
Impacts in Guilford County 47
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 GRMS Study Area
Figure 2 Transportation Infrastructure
Figure 3 Floodplains
Figure 4 Soils
Figure 5 Land Use
Figure 6 National Wetlands Inventory
Figure 7 Existing Zoning
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Other Local Jurisdiction Regulations
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite July 2021

^ INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR), has retained HDR Engineering, Inc. of the
Carolinas (HDR) to prepare an Indirect and Cumulative Impacts (ICI) in order to assess the
potential impacts associated with ancillary industries/facilities/businesses, such as restaurants,
service stations, supply chain manufacturers, etc., that may result from the construction of an
automotive manufacturing facility at the Greensboro -Randolph Megasite (GRMS) located in
Randolph County, North Carolina.
1.1 Indirect and Cumulative Impacts Analysis Process
This GRMS Indirect and Cumulative Impacts analysis was developed following SEPA
guidelines to assess indirect and cumulative impacts of development within the GRMS site and
a 1.5 mile buffer Study Area around the site.
This qualitative analyses uses available data and literature to determine whether indirect and
cumulative effects are possible or likely as a result of the construction of an automotive
manufacturing facility at the Greensboro -Randolph Megasite and any subsequent public and
private development actions. The ICI analysis time horizon for the identified land use and
transportation plans is 2040. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in predicting future
impacts of development, quantitative analyses were not used.
1.2 Project Study Area - Randolph County
The Study Area for the proposed GRMS, as referenced in this report, encompasses
approximately 13,140 acres located in the northeast corner of Randolph County and the
southeast corner of Guilford County, North Carolina. The Study Area was developed after
reviewing a number of similar automobile manufacturing facilities located within the
southeastern United States. The Study Area was set to a 1.5 mile buffer beyond the GRMS
site.
Jurisdictions within the Study Area include the City of Greensboro, Guilford County, and
Randolph County (Figure 1). The ICI analyzes planning, zoning, and permitting requirements
associated within each of the jurisdictions within the defined GRMS Study Area.
Randolph County, where the GRMS is located, is situated in the Piedmont portion of North
Carolina, a transitional area between the mountainous Appalachian region to the west and the
relatively flat Coastal Plain to the east. Of the state's one hundred counties, Randolph County is
ranked as the 19th highest population size in the state. Nine municipalities are located within the
county. The GRMS is located in a rural area of Randolph County within the Liberty Township. Land
uses are primarily agricultural and residential.
The Study Area is situated in the Southern Outer Piedmont ecoregion, which is part of the larger
Level III Piedmont ecoregion of North Carolina. The Southern Outer Piedmont is characterized by
"lower elevations, less relief, and less precipitation than other areas of the Piedmont" (Griffith et al.
2002). The topography in the vicinity of the Study Area consists of moderate rolling hills typical of
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the region. Land use within the Study Area consists of residential development, maintained rights -
of -way, low intensity commercial development, pasture, agricultural fields, and undeveloped
forested lands.
2.0 BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE
2.1 Wastewater
2.1.1 Existing Wastewater System
The rural Study Area is not currently served by a wastewater treatment plant. Adjacent
residences and small businesses have individual septic systems.
2.1.2 Future Wastewater System
It is the City of Greensboro's primary intent to extend water and sewer services only to
those areas that can be immediately annexed. However, the City has a policy to extend
outside of the service area if a project will provide a significant economic benefit to the
City. The City of Greensboro's Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for infrastructure
projects in Fiscal Years 2019-2028 includes a funded project to extend wastewater and
water lines to the Development Focus Area - Greensboro -Randolph Megasite. The
funding is designated for planning and design expenses.
The City of Greensboro has indicated that an extension of City's wastewater and water
lines will be made to the GRMS in the future. The wastewater system extension is
proposed to parallel Liberty Road (SR 3549) in southeastern Guilford County before
turning southwest at Julian Airport Road (SR 2502) in Randolph County. At the Julian
Airport Road/ US 421 intersection the wastewater line continues southeast along US
421. The line is proposed to terminate south of the GRMS area near the Town of
Liberty.
The City's 2014 Policy for Water and Sewer Services Outside the Corporate Limits lists
steps necessary for service extension outside of municipal limits. The initial steps to
request service extension and receive City approval of the service extension are met
with the inclusion of the project in the CIP. The remaining step is a signed Economic
Development Agreement with Randolph County/GRMS developer on shared
costs/responsibilities as described in Bullet No. 5 and in NC General Statute 158-7.1.
The steps include:
1. The developer submits a request that the City participate in the costs to extend
services to its property, facility, development, etc. that is being developed as an
economic development project.
2. City participation will be in accordance with a contractual agreement between
the City and the developer that covers the explicit details of the portion of the
project that receives public funds. These economic development funds could be
in addition to or in lieu of over sizing water and sewer funds.
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3. The developer will contact the Assistant City Manager for Economic
Development to determine the proximity of existing services to the subject
property and/or development.
4. The City may financially participate funds in the construction of the water and
sewer utilities to the property line of the development. Other applicable laws,
including N.C. G.S. 158-7.1, shall be followed.
5. The City Council may decide to participate in water and sewer extensions to
address an economic development project anywhere inside or outside the water
and sewer service area. The City Council may decide to contribute based upon
the project's ratio of economic development impact to public investment.
6. The City Council may also consider extending water and sewer utilities for
economic development projects in another jurisdiction if sufficient economic
impact can be documented to benefit the City of Greensboro and Guilford
County. This would require an agreement between the City of Greensboro and
the jurisdiction that specifies responsibility for construction cost, water and sewer
rates, revenue sharing or payment in lieu of taxes with the City of Greensboro
and other relevant details.
City of Greensboro Water Resources Department operates one water reclamation plant
and a sewage collection system that collects and transports sewage. The T. Z. Osborne
Water Reclamation Facility is located at 2350 Huffine Mill Road in McLeansville, North
Carolina. T. Z. Osborne Water Reclamation Facility operates under two permits: Permit
Number NC0047384 for water reclamation, and WQCS00006 for sewage collection.
The service is funded almost entirely from user charges.
The facility has a maximum designed capacity of 56 million gallons per day (gpd). In
2018 the facility treated 12.9 billion gallons of wastewater. Currently, the plant treats an
average of 35.3 million gpd.
The City of Greensboro's water reclamation facility is a tertiary treatment plant that
utilizes activated sludge processes. Solid waste (biosolids) generated in these
processes is disposed of by a fluidized bed incinerator.
Upgrades at the T. Z. Osborne facility are currently underway to meet new nutrient
reduction regulations that provide a higher level of treatment. This $115 million four -
phase construction project will be completed in 2020.
2.2 Water
2.2.1 Existing Water System
Currently private wells supply water to residential, business/industrial facilities and
farms within the Study Area.
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2.2.2 Future Water System
Details about the City's requirements for water extension outside the service area are
described in Section 2.1.2. The City of Greensboro's Proposed Southeast Feeder Main
and Liberty Road Sewer Force Main, which would provide water to the southeast corner
of Guilford County, is currently underway. The City of Greensboro would extend a water
line from the Southeast Feeder Main that would follow the wastewater extension route
along Liberty Road to supply water to the GRMS. The line would continue east and
parallel Old 421 Road (SR 1006) and the Norfolk Southern rail corridor along the
northern portion of GRMS. The extension is expected to terminate around the
northeastern corner of the GRMS. At this point, no additional water lines are proposed
or are currently being built in the Study Area.
Greensboro depends upon three surface water sources to supply water: Lake
Townsend, Lake Brandt, and Lake Higgins. These lakes are located in northern
Guilford County in the upper Cape Fear River Basin within a protected watershed.
When full, Greensboro's three water reservoirs hold about eight billion gallons of water.
Water from Lake Brandt is treated at the Mitchell Water Treatment Plant and water from
Lake Townsend is treated at the Townsend Water Treatment Plant. Lake Higgins is
used to refill Lake Brandt as needed. On average, both plants treat and deliver about
32 million gallons per day.
The City of Greensboro has a Water Shortage Response Plan. The Plan includes
procedures for the City to implement based on the percentage of available surface
water storage in the reservoirs at the beginning of each month. Response levels range
from voluntary restrictions at the first stage of water shortage to mandatory restriction
in stages II through VII. Stage III water restrictions state that all industrial,
manufacturing, and commercial enterprises shall reduce consumption to any degree
feasible with a goal of a reduction of at least 25 percent of their usual usage. Stage IV
increases the reduction goal to 50 percent, which remain throughout Stage VII.
2.3 Transportation
2.3.1 Existing Transportation System
US 421 is a southeast to northwest highway that traverses 16 of North Carolina's counties
from the Atlantic Ocean to the Tennessee state line in western North Carolina. Within
Guilford County, US 421 is a 4-lane median divided roadway that interchanges with the
Greensboro Urban Loop, 1-85, and 1-73. Only a short section (approximately 10 miles) of
US 421 cuts across the northeast corner of Randolph County. It is a 4-lane median divided
roadway for this entire portion.
NC 62 provides east -west travel between the major cities of Thomasville, Burlington and
Yanceyville. NC 62 begins at the Virginia state line in Milton, North Carolina. NC 62 enters
Randolph County near Thomasville and crosses into Guilford County near Archdale. From
here NC 62 parallels the Randolph and Guilford County line crossing 1-85, 1-73, and US
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421 before turning northeast near Julian and heading towards the village of Alamance in
Alamance County. The NC 62 and US 421 intesection is a partial cloverleaf interchange.
Liberty Road is a major 2-lane collector beginning within the City of Greensboro. The
north -south roadway parallels US 421 on the east and continues southward to
Randolph County. At the Guilford/Randolph County line Liberty Road changes names
to Old 421 Road. Old 421 Road parallels the northern portion of the GRMS parcels and
the Norfolk Southern rail corridor.
The Norfolk Southern (CF Branch) rail corridor generally runs west to east paralleling NC
62. A grade separated crossing is located at US 421 with the railroad traveling under US
421. The rail line continues southeast with at -grade crossings of S. New Garden Road,
Colonial Trading Path, Old 2nd Street, and Julian Airport Road as it continues eastward
and parallels Old 421 Road. This active single track freight corridor from Greensboro to
Cumnock, NC has nine at -grade crossings in the Study Area.
Southeast Greensboro Airport is a privately owned airport with two runways. The facility is
located north of Monnett Road (SR 3381) on approximately 70 acres between US 421 and
Liberty Road. (Figure 2).
2.3.2 Future Transportation System
Improvements have been proposed for US 421 to accommodate increased traffic volume
at the GRMS in the future. New roadways will provide access into the site from US 421.
Additionally, three at -grade intersections on US 421 will be improved with two grade -
separated interchanges. Construction of these improvements will be prior to industries
beginning operation within GRMS.
One new transportation project is planned approximately one mile southeast of the Study
Area. State Transportation Improvement Project (STIP) Number B-5763 replaces Bridge
Number 750129, crossing a branch of Sandy Creek. The project, currently under
construction, is located on 2-lane Starmount Road immediately west of Herman Husband
Road.
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
This section summarizes the affected environment for the Study Area. The Study Area in this
document in 11,303 acres. The GRMS site is approximately 1,835 acres. The inventory and
evaluation of the existing environment (i.e., physical, human, natural, historic and cultural, and
other resources) provides the necessary baseline from which to determine the potential
individual and cumulative impacts that could occur within the Study Area.
3.1 Topography
The Study Area is in the southeastern portion of Guilford County and the northeastern portion
of Randolph County. These counties lie within the Piedmont physiographic region of North
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Carolina, which is characterized by gently rolling topography in the uplands and moderately
steep slopes along the major drainages.
Floodplains within watersheds greater than one square mile are regulated by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Study Area contains FEMA-designated 100-
year floodplains that are associated with three North Carolina Division of Water Resources
classified streams or stream tributaries and one lake. Table 1 lists these features along with
their associated FEMA Zone. All FEMA floodplains within the Study Area are Zone AE and
have a 1-percent annual risk of flooding. The floodplain associated with Dodson's Lake
parallels US 421 on the southwest portion of the Study Area and crosses Brown's Meadow
Road. Floodplains associated with Sandy Creek and its tributaries begin along streams in
several areas along the southern half of the Study Area and flow towards the center of the
southern boundary, where Sandy Creek exits the Study Area. North Prong Stinking Quarter
Creek and a tributary for South Prong Stinking Quarter Creek both have floodplains that are
located in the northern portion of the Study Area.
Floodplains serve several functions such as surface water storage during large rainfall events,
wildlife corridors and habitat, and water quality and quantity functions. Some of the water
quality functions include infiltration zones and removal or filtration of nutrients, etc. Pockets of
riparian wetlands often exist in the microtopography of these floodplains. Approximately 1.31
square miles of FEMA regulated floodplains are located inside the Study Area; these
floodplains represent 6.4 percent of the Study Area (Figure 3).
TABLE 1 FEMA Designated Floodplains
Stream Watershed Zone Stream Index #
Sandy Creek Cape Fear AE 17-16-1
Dodson's Lake Cape Fear AE 17-16-2
North Prong Stinking
Quarter Creek
South Prong Stinking
Quarter Creek
Cape Fear AE 16-19-8-1
Cape Fear AE 16-19-8-2
AE - Areas subject to a one percent or greater annual chance of flooding in any given year. Base
flood elevations are shown as derived from detailed hydraulic analyses.
3.2 Soils
The Study Area lies in the Piedmont physiographic region of North Carolina. Soils in the Study
Area are generally silty with occasional sand or clay. Local geology consists of primarily silty
soils underlain by varying amounts of saprolite, and then encountering crystalline bedrock at
depths varying from approximately 10 feet below ground surface (bgs) to over 100 feet bgs.
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Topography in the project vicinity is comprised of rolling hills with elevations in the Study Area
ranging from 566 feet (ft.) in the south to 820 feet (ft.) above sea level in the northwest.
The majority of the soils within the Study Area fall within the following General Soil Map Units
(Figure 4):
• Vance sandy loam
• Wynott-Enon complex
• Appling sandy loam
Table 2 includes the detailed soil series mapped within the Study Area by County'.
TABLE 2 Soils in Study Area
Unit
Acres in
Percent of
Hydric
Symbol
Unit Name
Study Area
Study
Area
Group
Guilford County Soils
ApB
Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes
469.3
3.6%
B
ApC
Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
227.0
1.7%
B
CcB
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes
56.1
0.4%
A
CcC
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
52.6
0.4%
A
CeB2
Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
241.E
1.8%
B
CeC2
Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
87.4
0.7%
B
ChA
Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes,
frequently flooded
121.2
°
0.9/°
B/D
CoA
Congaree loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes,
frequently flooded
3.7
0.0%
C
EnB
Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes
41.6
0.3%
C
EnC
Enon fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
122.1
0.9%
C
1 USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Guilford County, North Carolina Survey Area Data: Version 15, Sep 26, 2017Soil Survey Area:
Randolph County, North Carolina Survey Area Data: Version 22, Oct 3, 2017
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 11
July 2021

Unit
Symbol
Unit Name
Acres in
Study Area
Percent of
Study
Area
Hydric
Group
EnD
Enon fine sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes
50.5
0.4%
C
HeC
Helena sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
186.8
1.4%
D
HhB
Helena-Sedgefield complex, 0 to 6 percent
slopes
410.7
3.1%
D
IrB
Iredell fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes
15.6
0.1%
C/D
MaC
Madison sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
38.1
0.3%
B
MaD
Madison sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes
9.7
0.1%
B
MaE
Madison sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes
25.6
0.2%
B
McC2
Madison clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
2.1
0.0%
B
MhB2
Mecklenburg sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent
slopes, moderately eroded
4.6
0.0 ° /°
C
VaB
Vance sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes
880.9
6.7%
C
VaC
Vance sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
472.2
3.6%
C
VaD
Vance sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes
120.0
0.9%
C
VuB
Vance -Urban land complex, 2 to 10 percent
slopes
7.9
°
0.1/°
C
W
Water
38.9
0.3%
WhA
Wehadkee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes,
frequently flooded
84.3
°
0.6 /°
B/D
WkE
Wilkes-Poindexter-Wynott complex, 15 to 45
percent slopes
0.2
0.0%
D
Subtotals for Soil Survey Area
3,770.7
28.7%
Randolph County Soils
ApB
Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes
305.9
2.3%
B
ApC
Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
141.0
1.1%
B
BaB
Badin-Tarrus complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes
5.3
0.0%
C
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 12
July 2021

Unit
Symbol
Unit Name
Acres in
Study Area
Percent of
Study
Area
Hydric
Group
BtB2
Badin-Tarrus complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
9 5
0.1%
C
CaB
Callison-Lignum complex, 2 to 6 percent
slopes
7.6
°
0.1/°
C/D
CbC
Callison-Misenheimer complex, 6 to 10
percent slopes
25.4
0.2%
C/D
CcB
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes
102.0
0.8%
B
CcC
Cecil sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
164.6
1.3%
A
CeB2
Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
508.1
3.9%
B
ChA
Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes,
frequently flooded
80.3
°
0.6/°
B/D
CmA
Chewacla and Wehadkee soils, 0 to 2 percent
slopes, frequently flooded
238.8
1 8%
B/D
CnB2
Coronaca clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
45.9
°
0.3 /°
B
DoB
Dorian sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes,
occasionally flooded
24.6
0.2%
C
GaB
Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes
32.6
0.2%
B
GbC
Georgeville silt loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes,
extremely stony
0.4
0.0%
B
GeB2
Georgeville silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, moderately eroded
74.9
0.6 ° /°
B
GeC2
Georgeville silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, moderately eroded
1.4
0.0%
B
HeB
Helena sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes
390.1
3.0%
D
HeC
Helena sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes
246.9
1.9%
D
MaC
Mecklenburg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
270.9
2.1%
C
MaD
Mecklenburg loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes
1.8
0.0%
C
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July 2021

Unit
Symbol
Unit Name
Acres in
Study Area
Percent of
Study
Area
Hydric
Group
MeB2
Mecklenburg clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
405.4
3.1%
C
MeC2
Mecklenburg clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, moderately eroded
115.4
0.9 ° /°
C
PaC
Pacolet fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes
307.7
2.3° /°
B
PaD
Pacolet fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent
slopes
290.4
2.2° /°
B
RnC
Rion loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes
86.2
0.7%
B
RnD
Rion loamy sand, 15 to 25 percent slopes
11.4
0.1%
B
RvA
Riverview sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes,
frequently flooded
55.6
0.4%
B
VaB
Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes
1,079.3
8.2%
C
VaC
Vance sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
323.1
2.5%
C
W
Water
100.3
0.8%
WpC
Wilkes-Poindexter-Wynott complex, 8 to 15
percent slopes
579.6
4.4%
C
WpE
Wilkes-Poindexter-Wynott complex, 15 to 25
percent slopes
133.0
1.0%
D
WtB
Wynott-Enon complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes
708.2
5.4%
D
WtC
Wynott-Enon complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes
519.8
4.0%
D
WtD
Wynott-Enon complex, 15 to 25 percent
slopes
11.8
0.1%
D
WvB2
Wynott-Enon complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
1,294.3
9.9%
D
WvC2
Wynott-Enon complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes,
moderately eroded
603.5
4.6%
D
WzB
Wynott-Wilkes-Poindexter complex, 2 to 8
percent slopes
66.7
°
0.5 /o
D
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July 2021

Unit
Symbol
Unit Name
Acres in
Study Area
Percent of
Study
Area
Hydric
Group
Subtotals for Soil Survey Area
9,369.6
71.3%
Totals for Area of Interest
13,140.2
100.0%
Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential. Soils are assigned to one of
four groups according to the rate of water infiltration when the soils are not protected by
vegetation, are thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long -duration storms.
The soils in the United States are assigned to four groups (A, B, C, and D) and three dual classes
(A/D, B/D, and C/D). The groups are defined as follows:
Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low runoff potential) when thoroughly wet.
These consist mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or gravelly sands.
These soils have a high rate of water transmission.
Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist
chiefly of moderately deep/deep, moderately well drained/well drained soils that have
moderately fine texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have a moderate rate of
water transmission.
Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of
soils having a layer that impedes the downward movement of water or soils of moderately
fine texture or fine texture. These soils have a slow rate of water transmission.
Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate (high runoff potential) when thoroughly
wet. These consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink -swell potential, soils that have a
high water table, soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and soils
that are shallow over nearly impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of water
transmission.
If a soil is assigned to a dual hydrologic group (A/D, B/D, or C/D), the first letter is for drained
areas and the second is for undrained areas. Only the soils that in their natural condition are in
group D are assigned to dual classes.
3.3 Land Use and Zoning
Randolph County planning, zoning, and public policy development decisions are based on a
formally adopted Growth Management Plan. The Plan prepares broad policy statements that will,
when combined with designated Growth Management Areas, form an overall growth
management philosophy for Randolph County. The plan identifies growth areas (Primary and
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 15 July 2021

Secondary) of Randolph County where a higher density of various types of development is
anticipated based on existing and future public infrastructure needed to support growth.
The plan also identifies critical, important, and sensitive growth areas of Randolph County, which
includes watersheds, wetlands, flood plains, active farmlands, and similar land resources (Rural
Growth Area). The goal of the Growth Management Plan (the Plan) is not to stop growth, but to
channel the more intense growth to areas where public infrastructure allows growth to be
sustained over the long term. The Plan also provides development options for those properties
located in environmentally sensitive or otherwise remote rural areas of Randolph County.
Guilford County's guidance on land use zoning is detailed in their Unified Development Ordinance
and their Comprehensive Plan. The goal of the Unified Development Ordinance is to promote the
health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents of Guilford County. The
Comprehensive Plan has a goal to accommodate new growth and redevelopment that is efficient
and cost-effective; improve quality of life for residents; enhance economic vitality; respect citizen
based Areas Plans; support creativity and innovative design; and protect and preserve the
natural, historic, and cultural resources and assets of Guilford County.
These documents try to outline and protect areas from incompatible development. Requests for
rezoning must show that the proposed rezoning would be compatible with the area.
The Board of Commissioners for Randolph County and Guilford County have zoning in place
within Study Area. The GRMS itself is zoned as a "Heavy Industrial Conditional District," which
allows industrial parks including automotive, truck, and heavy equipment manufacturing and
assembly. The 1.5-mile zoning "buffer" permits rural industrial/commercial facilities that would
support a major manufacturer, low -density residential development, and agriculture. High -density
residential development is not allowed.
Figure 5 shows the Guilford and Randolph County land use information available for the Study
Area. The current land use within the Study Area is primarily zoned Agricultural within Guilford
County's portion and Residential Agricultural in Randolph County's portion, as indicated in Table
3 and shown on Figure 7.
TABLE 3 Land Use by Jurisdiction (Based on CurrentZoning)
ZONING DESIGNATION
AREA (acres)
3407
10
16
269
1916
6
6641
775
Agricultural
Industrial
Commercial
Residential — Single Family
Industrial
Commercial
Residential Agricultural
Residential (all other districts)
The GRMS is currently zoned a Heavy Industrial -Conditional District. The Heavy Industrial
District is designed to accommodate those industries whose normal operations include dust,
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 16
July 2021

noise, odor, or other emissions which may be deemed objectionable. Site plans and
individualized development conditions are imposed only upon petition of all the owners of the
land to be included in the Conditional District. Specific conditions applicable to these districts
may be proposed by the petitioner or the County or its agencies, but only those conditions
mutually approved by the county and the petitioner may be incorporated into the zoning
regulations or permit requirements. Conditions and site -specific standards imposed in a
conditional district shall be limited to those that address the conformance of the development
and use of the site to County ordinances and an officially adopted comprehensive or other plan
and those that address the impacts reasonably expected to be generated by the development
or use of the site.
3.4 Jurisdictional Waters of the United States
Jurisdictional waters of the United States include wetlands and streams under the authority of
the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 enforced by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
The Clean Water Act defines wetlands as "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface
or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil
conditions." In general, wetlands share three key characteristics: wetland hydrology, hydric soils,
and hydrophytic vegetation. Wetlands are valuable because they often provide wildlife habitat
and corridors, provide natural open spaces, protect water quality, control erosion, and limit flood
damage. Wetlands within the Study Area are generally located in riparian areas and floodplains
associated with intermittent and perennial streams. This is typical for the Piedmont Region of
North Carolina.
Waters of the US, as classified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands
Inventory (NWI), within the Study Area are primarily freshwater forested/shrub wetlands totaling
176.44 acres (- 1.3% of Study Area). In addition, NWI maps showed 4.48 acres (-0.0003%) of
freshwater emergent wetland, 51.57 acres of lake (Dodson's Lake) (-0.4%), and 109.44 acres
(-0.8%) as freshwater ponds (Figure 6).
Within the Study Area, wetlands typically existing adjacent to streams or rivers consist primarily
of forested floodplain wetlands. These areas are characterized by having strong hydric soil
indicators, such as low soil matrix chroma (less than 2) and saturation. They also support
vegetation suitable for hydric conditions such as red maple (Acer rubrum), river birch (Betula
nigra), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), boxelder (Acer negundo), silky dogwood (Corpus
amomum), tag alder (Alnus serrulata), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), yellow flag iris (Iris
pseudacorus), and Juncus spp. Open water ponds have been created along many of the streams
within the Study Area. Small areas of emergent wetlands are also present along some ponds.
3.5 Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands
The Natural Resources Conservation Service document "Important Farmlands of North Carolina"
was reviewed to determine the presence of soils that have potential for agriculture (USDA 1998).
This list includes all farmland which is categorized as prime, unique, or of statewide importance.
Criteria used for determining the prime and unique categories were published in the Federal
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Register on January 31, 1978, and amended on June 17, 1994. The criteria for statewide
important farmland were developed in 1988 by the North Carolina NRCS State Soils Staff.
Prime farmland (PFL) includes, in general, all soils with slopes between 0 and 8 percent. Under certain
conditions, soils that flood and are at least somewhat poorly drained, poorly drained, and very poorly
drained can meet the requirements for PFL. Unique farmland includes soils that have a special set of
properties that are unique for producing certain high value crops. For example, blueberries are
considered a high value crop in North Carolina and are produced on Leon, Lynn Haven, and Murville
soils.
Within the Randolph County portion of the Study Area, the following soils are considered prime
farmland: GaB, HeB, ApB, MeB2, CeB2, GeB2, DoB, CcB, and VaB. Also, ChA, CmA, and RvA.
Randolph County does not have soils classified as Unique.
Within the Guilford County portion of the Study Area, the following soils are considered prime
farmland: VaB, CeB2, EnB, HhB, MhB2, CcB, and ApB. Also, CoA and ChA are considered
prime farmland if drained and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the
growing season. Guilford County does not have soils classified as Unique.
Voluntary Agriculture Districts (VAD's) are areas where a landowner has made a commitment
to the county to keep a certain amount of land in agriculture for a set amount of time (10+ years).
These commitments are used by counties in planning and zoning processes. The Study Area
contains 875 acres (- 6.7% of Study Area) of VAD's; 243 acres in Guilford County and 632 acres
in Randolph County.
Currently, approximately 40.9 percent of the Study Area is in agricultural use, as discussed in
Section 3.3. Agricultural lands are located throughout the Study Area and include pockets of
both cultivated row crops and pasture areas.
3.6 Public Lands and Scenic, Recreational, and State Natural Areas
According to available mapping, no County, State, or Federal recreational areas exist within the
Study Area. There is one North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services Conservation Easement
within the Study Area. The easement is located in a parcel owned by Koopman Dairies Inc. that
lies on the southern boundary of the Study Area. Also, one North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program Natural Area exists within the Study Area. The Natural Area is located along Sandy
Creek and crosses just within the southern boundary of the Study Area.
3.7 Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value
SEPA requires the conservation and protection of the state's natural resources and preservation
of "the important historic and cultural elements of our common inheritance." Authorized under
the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)
houses the formal repository of information pertaining to historic structures and districts worth
preservation. A database search of the National Register does not list any historic
structures/areas within the Study Area. In addition to the NRHP search, State Historic
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Year Good Moderate
Preservation Office (SHPO) data was queried for the Study Area (October 10, 2019). The search
confirmed there are no recognized National or State historic properties in the Study Area.
The NC Office of State Archaeology (OSA) maintains records of archaeological resources
identified within the state in order to protect them. The ability to research these resources is
available by making an appointment and visiting the OSA office. The potential exists for
archaeological sites to be within the Study Area; however, because not all archaeological sites
are known, site specific surveys may be needed to determine if a location is considered a
significant site. If impacts are anticipated to a significant site then mitigation may be needed
which could include avoidance, site preservation, or partial or total data recovery.
3.8 Air Quality
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to report
ambient air quality conditions with AQI ranges from good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive
groups, unhealthy, and very unhealthy. Data from the US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) AQI for Guilford County can be found in Table 4. Randolph County data is not available
for the last 5 years. In the past five years there have been no unhealthy or very unhealthy air
quality conditions documented. Less than 1 % (7 days) of the days have been logged as
unhealthy for sensitive groups over the past five years.
TABLE 4 Guilford Air Quality Index
Number of Recorded Days (Percent of Recorded Days)
Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups
Unhealthy
Very
Unhealthy
Guilford County AQI
2019* 175 (83) 37 (17) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)
2018 280 (79) 74 (21) 1 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)
2017 289 (79) 75 (21) 1 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)
2016 272 (74) 90 (25) 4 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0)
2015 287 (79) 76 (21) 1 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)
3.9 Noise Levels
Elevated noise levels have been documented as negatively affecting human health and
welfare. Wildlife behavior patterns such as migration, breeding, hunting and predator
avoidance have also been documented as being disrupted by human induced noises. The
existing sources of noise pollution of the Study Area include traffic along the roadways and
other ambient day-to-day noise representative of the residential, forested, and agricultural land
uses.
The noise within the Study Area includes the human induced noise associated with rural
residential, forested, and agricultural activities. Typical sources of residential noise include
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 19 July 2021

lawn mowers, leaf blowers, playing children and pets. Typical sources of agricultural activities
include farm equipment.
3.10 Water Resources
The Study Area is located in the Cape Fear River basin and has portions within the Haw River
Subbasin (Hydrologic Unit Number 03030002) and the Deep River Subbasin (Hydrologic Unit
Number 03030003). Four North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) designated watersheds
intersect the Study Area; these are Upper Big Alamance Creek, South Prong Stinking Quarter
Creek, Stinking Quarter Creek, and Upper Sandy Creek. Two of these are part of watersheds
classified as water supply watersheds. Upper Sandy Creek is classified as Protected Water Supply
III (WS-III) waters. Big Alamance Creek is classified as Protected Water Supply IV (WS-IV) waters
and Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW). The southern portion of the GRMS contains Dodson's Lake.
WS-III and WS-IV streams are a source of water supply for drinking, culinary, or food -
processing purposes for those users where a more protective classification is not feasible (15A
NCAC 02B .0215).
Jordan Lake Buffer Protections apply to Upper Big Alamance Creek, South Prong Stinking Quarter
Creek, and Stinking Quarter Creek.
303(d)-Listed Streams
303(d) listed streams are those that suffer from water quality or aquatic habitat stresses. As of
2018, Sandy Creek from the source to SR 2495 (Mulberry Academy Street) in Randolph County
has an assessment of Exceeding Criteria. The Parameter of Interest is Chlorophyll a. Randolph
County's Watershed Ordinance addresses water quality and limits impervious areas and post -
construction stormwater runoff as described in Section 5.
3.11 Forest Resources
Aerial photography analysis indicate land use within the Study Area is primarily forested,
agricultural, and low density residential. Many areas within the Study Area show signs of
disturbance related to residential growth or agriculture. The National Land Cover Database
indicates that 41.3% of the Study Area is currently forested.
3.12 Shellfish or Fish and their Habitats
The named streams within the Study Area are perennial second or third order streams which
can provide habitat for shellfish and fish if the water quality is sufficient to support the species.
These streams provide free -flowing, warm -water habitats with moderate gradients, generally
alternating pools and riffles, and substrates consisting mainly of rocks, gravel, sand, and silt.
Numerous ponds within the Study Area also provide warm -water habitat. Typical fish species
caught within the streams and lakes include catfish, suckers, bass, crappie, and sunfish. Larger
perennial tributaries of these streams may also provide aquatic habitat for smaller species of
fish. The intermittent streams along the project corridor flowing into these streams have little
or no flow during the summer months, which limits the aquatic life within those streams
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primarily to aquatic invertebrates. There are no NCDEQ sampling points on any stream
segments within the Study Area. However, a fish sampling point and a benthic monitoring site
are located several miles downstream of the Study Area on Sandy Creek. The fish community
sampling point yielded a North Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity (NCIBI) of good. The bethic
monitoring site was given a bioclassification of excellent.
3.13 Wildlife and Natural Vegetation
Terrestrial communities in the Study Area are typical of those found in the piedmont of North
Carolina and include areas of forested habitats, human disturbed land, and agricultural areas that
may support a diverse number of wildlife species. Representative mammal, bird, reptile, and
amphibian species that commonly occur in these habitats are listed below.
Mammal species that commonly occur in these habitats include eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus
floridanus); gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis); white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus); raccoon
(Procyon lotor); and various rat, and mice species. Bird species that commonly use these habitats
include American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis),
mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), and northern
mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). Predatory birds may include red -shouldered hawk (Buteo
lineatus), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), owl species, and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).
Reptile species that may use these terrestrial communities include the eastern corn snake
(Pantherophis guttatus), copperhead (Agkistrodon conttortrix), eastern box turtle (Terrapene
carolina carolina), and brown water snake (Nerodia taxispilota).
Natural vegetation within the area consists of several different forest types. In using the
Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990), the
most dominate communities within the Study Area are likely Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forests, Basic
Mesic Forests, Dry-Mesic Oak —Hickory Forests, Bottomland Hardwood Forests, Alluvial Forests,
Piedmont Bottomland Forest, Dry Mesic Oak -Hickory Forest, and Dry Oak —Hickory Forests.
3.14 Protected Species (Threatened and Endangered Species)
Under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 as amended, any action
likely to adversely affect a species classified as federally protected is subject to review by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Plants and animals with Federal
classifications of Threatened or Endangered are protected under the provisions of Sections 7
and 9 of the ESA. Federal Species of Concern (FSC) are also a priority of the USFWS but are
not protected under the ESA. Species listed as Endangered or Threatened by the State (North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program) are afforded limited State protection under the North
Carolina State Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant Protection and
Conservation Act of 1979.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) and the USFWS databases were
reviewed for known occurrences of protected species in Guilford and Randolph Counties
(Table 5). There are three federally listed Endangered species listed in the Counties and one
federally listed Threatened species. In addition, there are three At Risk Species (ARS) listed
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for the Counties and one Candidate species. The Bald eagle is listed for Guilford County.
Habitat may occur for several of these species within the Study Area.
TABLE 5 Federally Listed Species (For Guilford and Randolph Counties)
Scientific Name
Federal County
Common Name County Name Status Status
Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle
Guilford
BGPA Current
Notropis mekistocholas
Cape Fear shiner
Range by Basin
Guilford,
Randolph
E Current
Alasmidonta varicose
Brook floater Randolph ARS Current
Fusconaia masoni
Atlantic pigtoe
Range by Basin
Guilford,
Randolph
ARS Current
Toxolasma pullus
Savannah lilliput Randolph ARS Current
Helianthus schweinitzii
Schweinitz's Guilford,
sunflower Randolph
E Current
Isotria medeoloides
Small whorled
pogonia
Guilford
T Current
Symphyotrichum
georgianum
Georgia aster Randolph C Current
BGPA= Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
E= Endangered
T= Threatened
C= Candidate
ARS= At Risk Species. These species are Petitioned, Candidates or Proposed for Listing under the ESA.
3.15 Introduction of Toxic Substances
Toxic substances and their cleanup are regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (CERCLA). The goals of these programs are to eliminate or reduce toxic waste; clean up
waste that has been leaked, spilled, or improperly disposed; and protect people from harmful
waste. There are no Superfund sites within the GRMS Study Area. There are no Hazard
Substance Disposal Sites (determined by the NC Division of Waste Management, CERCLA
Information System (CERCLIS), the National Priorities List, the State Inactive Hazardous Sites
List, and the Sites Priority List) located in the Randolph or Guilford county portions of the GRMS
Study Area.
Potential sources of toxic substances present in the source basin Study Area may include
agriculture -related substances such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Additional toxic
substances such as glues, solvents, and paints are employed in the construction of homes and
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commercial buildings. Typical household hazardous wastes include oils, cleaners, solvents,
paints, herbicides, and fertilizers. Industrial areas also provide potential for toxic substance
releases but are required to have spill prevention plans in place should an incident occur.
3.16 Local Goals for Economic Development
Both counties of the Study Area have goals for economic growth. Guilford has six countywide
goals which reflect the County's vision and mission. The goal related to economic development
is to: Enhance Guilford County's quality of life and promote desired growth.
The Randolph County Strategic Plan (2016) lists four goals for economic development. The
goals are to:
• Enhance the economic well-being of our county's residents and communities by
actively investing in a dynamic and diversified local economy, including support of
existing industries and businesses.
• Expand the county's portfolio of available, shovel -ready industrial sites.
• Develop and coordinate a communications and marketing approach that is innovative
and consistently aligned to promote our area and attract new people and businesses
by highlighting the county's strengths, assets, and high quality of life.
• Build a highly -skilled workforce.
3.17 Populations Trends and Projections
Table 6 presents a summary of the population changes in the region between 1990 and 2010,
along with projected population in 2038. The time horizon for this ICI analysis is 2040,
population projections are available only through 2038. It is assumed that growth trends
predicted through 2038 will continue through 2040.
TABLE 6 Population Trends and Projections
Jurisdiction
Population
Growth
Annual
Growth
Rate
Estimated and Projected
Population
1990
2000
2010
1990-
2000
2000-
2010
1990-
2010
2000-
2010
2019
2038
Guilford
County
347,431
422,459
488,418
75,028
65,959
140,987
1.56%
538,851
656,912
Randolph
County
106,546
131,004
141,801
24,458
10,797
35,255
0.82%
144,125
148,270
North
Carolina
6,632,448
8,081,986
9,535,721
1,449,538
1,453,735
2,903,273
1.79%
10,524,548
12,803,172
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Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 23
July 2021

According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, population in Guilford
and Randolph counties is expected to continue to grow. Between 2010 and 2038, population
is projected to grow annually by about 1.23 percent in Guilford County and 0.16 percent in
Randolph County. The projected statewide growth rate for the same period is about 1.22
percent annually.
4.0 INDIVIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS RELATED TO
PROJECT GROWTH IN THE AREA
This section outlines the individual and cumulative impacts to the natural resources and environment
that may result from future development within the Study Area. These impacts are treated in a
general manner, due to the uncertainty involved in predicting future growth. This development may
occur with or without planned infrastructure improvements such as Greensboro's upgraded
wastewater treatment facility. Although mitigation of these impacts are addressed in the next section,
current federal, state, and local ordinances already being implemented are included in this
assessment. These measures are an integral part of the development process directly affecting the
design and construction of planned developments, and therefore altering the impacts of future
development.
4.1 Topography
Clearing and grading of undeveloped lands can change the topography within the Study Area if
the disturbed ground is not returned to its pre -construction grades. Development within the
floodplain can reduce its overall water storage and function, and therefore affect downstream
resources. Intact floodplains serve as critical habitats for wildlife and can support rich
ecosystems. Disconnection from stream channels results in channel entrenchment and lateral
bank erosion.
Randolph County has optional vegetative buffer levels designed to provide flexibility in providing
additional protective measures to exposed areas vulnerable to accelerated erosion and
stormwater runoff that could damage adjoining properties, streams, and other water resources.
Randolph County's buffer standards and riparian buffer ordinances are also described in Section
6.
The Guilford County Development Ordinance sets forth specific rules and regulations to manage
development within special flood hazard areas. Guilford County's environmental regulations are
described in Section 5.
4.2 Soils
Land development can result in soil disturbance. In development areas, soils can be displaced,
removed, and replaced as a result of clearing and grading activities which may alter the soil types
shown on the soil surveys. The use of heavy equipment could compact soils or some soils may be
eroded prior to vegetation being established on a site during clearing and grading. These impacts
would be minimized through implementation of each County's subdivision and watershed protection
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ordinances as well as compliance with the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act and other BMPs
required for development in the counties.
4.3 Future Land Use
Future development in Randolph County is anticipated to be confined to areas adjacent to
major transportation corridors, such as US 421, and areas where public water and sewer
services are provided, such as municipalities. If the GRMS is developed as a prime economic
development site as identified in the Randolph County Strategic Plan, and water is extended
from the City of Greensboro into northern Randolph County, the land uses could change from
rural residential to others, such as industrial, commercial, or multifamily. Areas where land use
changes such as these could occur would be required to go through the rezoning process
beforehand.
Guilford County's Comprehensive Plan (2006) provides guidance for future land use
designations, transportation, housing, governmental coordination, and natural, historic, and
cultural resources. Community -based area plans are a cornerstone for future land use and
policy decisions in the County. Local plans are updated to reflect current jurisdictional
boundaries, roadway improvements, and emerging commercial areas.
The area east of US 421 and north of the Randolph County line includes a mixture of zoning
districts including residential, agricultural, and highway. The Liberty Road/Woody Mill Road
Vicinity Small Area Plan (adopted 2011) encourages mixed -use development in an area
bounded on the west by US 421, on the east by Liberty Road, on the north by Chapparal Road,
and on the south by Big Alamance Creek on approximately 275 acres. This area of Guilford
County is proposed to be developed with an integrated mix of uses, including commercial (retail
and services), office/employment, institutional, and residential. Redevelopment of vacant and
underutilized sites is encouraged. The area is located in the Liberty Road Woody Mill Road
Vicinity Overlay District. Overlay District Requirements are described in Section 5.
On Guilford County's 2025 Generalized Future Land Use Map the area south of 1-85, east of
US 421, west of Alamance Church Road, and north of Monnette Road is proposed as Interim
Residential land uses. Mixed use nodes are identified at Liberty Road/ Williams Dairy Road
and at Liberty Road/Woody Mill Road.
4.4 Jurisdictional Waters of the United States
Wetlands in the Study Area are typically located within the riparian zones and floodplains
adjacent to stream channels and ponds. Development must avoid and minimize impacts to
these resources where possible. Road and utility crossings of jurisdictional resources may be
required on sites where access is limited. Continued maintenance of the utility corridors causes
secondary impacts to wetlands adjacent to the sewer lines. This is taken into account during
the permitting process as the USACE requires mitigation for these impacts. Wetlands play an
essential role in water retention, regulating stream flows, filtering pollutants and fertilizers, and
providing habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The loss of wetland functions
can have adverse impacts on wildlife by reducing habitat and biodiversity.
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As discussed in Section 3, some wetlands within the Study Area may be also protected by the
floodplain regulations. The Clean Water Act requires developers to obtain permits for any impacts
to streams or wetlands, regardless of the size of impact. This process ensures that the least amount
of impact occurs on a given site since all development would have to provide evidence of
avoidance and minimization of impacts. Compensatory mitigation would be required for all but
minimal impacts, in order to ensure no net loss of wetland functions. In addition, each County's
watershed protection ordinance would further protect these resources by limiting development
within the riparian areas, where a majority of wetlands are located. These programs are described
in Section 5.
Wetland functions may also be decreased from stormwater runoff. This runoff may increase
sediment loading, nutrient enrichment, and surface water pollutants that could impact aquatic
and amphibious organisms inhabiting jurisdictional waters. The overall quality of wetlands may
be decreased by individual and cumulative impacts in the Study Area. However, these impacts
would be minimized by federal regulations on jurisdictional waters, and stream buffers and
stormwater controls implemented through each County's watershed protection ordinance
(Section 5).
4.5 Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands
Future impacts to Prime Farmlands and Farmlands of Statewide Importance may be attributed
to land conversion for residential and/or commercial uses. Guilford and Randolph Counties have
growth management policies and regulations to preserve key heritage farms and areas of prime
farmland, including, Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural
Districts. These programs are discussed in Section 5.
As the area develops, the values of the farmland can rise which can sometimes force farmers
out of business due to increased property taxes or as new residential growth occurs farming
businesses may move away. Vandalism of crops may also occur, and the use of farm equipment
on public roads becomes undesirable and more dangerous with the increased traffic.
4.6 Public Lands and Scenic, Recreational, and State Natural Areas
Growth in the Study Area should have limited impact on scenic and recreational areas. Few of
these resources are present within the Study Area. These areas may become more valued by
the community if open spaces are converted to other land uses. The County's recognize the
value of open space and implement open space requirements through their zoning processes.
4.7 Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value
Archaeological and historical areas may be impacted by future projects. No historic properties
are listed on the National Register within the Study Area. Unknown sites or sites eligible but not
listed may exist within the Study Area. Some loss of these resources could inadvertently occur
with development. However, projects requiring Section 404/401 Permits must undergo a review
by the State Historic Preservation Office for clearance as well as any federal undertakings.
Federal undertakings also include activities sponsored by state or local governments or private
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entities if they are licensed, permitted, approved, or funded (wholly or in part) by the federal
government.
4.8 Air Quality
The cumulative impacts of a growing population may impact air quality. Levels of air pollution
may rise due to increased vehicle emissions from additional traffic and industrial emissions.
Even without the proposed infrastructure, population within the area is likely to increase and
contribute to higher levels of air pollution.
The EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants considered
harmful to public health and the environment. These standards include both primary and
secondary standards. Primary standards protect public health, while secondary standards
protect public welfare (such as protecting property and vegetation from the effects of air
pollution). The national standards have been adopted by the State of North Carolina as the
official ambient air quality standards.
If a stationary emission source is to be installed in the Study Area, it would have to obtain the
appropriate air emissions construction and operating permits under North Carolina and federal
rules.
4.9 Noise Levels
Projected growth may have an effect on the amount of noise in the Study Area especially as
rural portions of Randolph and Guilford County are developed. A change in land use to industrial
and commercial development would produce a greater amount of noise from vehicles traveling
on local roadways, daily business operations, and overall domestic noise. Increasing noise
levels can also impact human health and potentially impact wildlife behavior. Randolph County
regulates excessive noise by limiting excessive noise to certain zoning districts, compliance
monitoring for rezoning approval, and vegetative buffers. Neither Randolph nor Guilford County
have a specific noise ordinance.
4.10 Water Resources
Surface Water
With the addition of either planned infrastructure improvements or septic systems, population
density is likely to increase potentially impacting surface water resources within the Study Area.
Impervious surfaces within the Study Area would increase resulting in an increase in
stormwater runoff. Pollutant loads and scouring would increase without practices to control the
stormwater runoff. Typical stormwater pollutants include sediment, nutrients (nitrogen,
phosphorus), bacteria (fecal coliform), and potential toxicants (metals, oil and grease,
hydrocarbons, and pesticides). The increase in runoff could cause a decline in water quality
and create subsequent impacts on aquatic habitat, wetlands, and sensitive aquatic and
amphibian species. The County's Watershed Protection Ordinance reduces these potential
impacts through implementation of impervious surface limits and stormwater control
requirements for development.
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 27 July 2021

Increases in impervious surface could increase the rate of runoff and impact stream baseflows,
which may also impact stream stability, stream channel sinuosity, streambank slopes,
floodplain dynamics, and hydrologic flow rates. The construction of sewer lines, water lines,
and roads may also impact water quality and aquatic habitat, particularly where they cross
streams although the proper use of erosion and sediment controls help minimize sediment
impacts within the riparian zones. Randolph Watershed Ordinance and Guilford County's
Unified Development Ordinance watershed protections contain riparian buffer protections
which limit disturbance adjacent to stream channels. In addition, the Clean Water Act
requirement of avoiding and minimizing impacts reduces the amount of crossings associated
with development to those necessary for each site.
Groundwater
As water and sewer services are expanded into the Study Area, fewer residents would rely on
groundwater as a public water supply source. Also, a number of septic tank/ground absorption
systems serving residences may be eliminated. These are positive secondary impacts to the
groundwater resources of the Study Area by reducing the demand for groundwater as a source for
drinking water and the public health risk of groundwater contamination from leaking or failing septic
tanks. Conditions set by the City of Greensboro to have water or sewer services extended outside
of service areas are detailed in Section 2.1.
Future development may degrade groundwater quality if contaminants common to urban
activities reach the groundwater. These include fertilizers, petroleum products, semi -volatile
and volatile organic compounds, and metals and nutrients from stormwater runoff. A general
increase in impervious surfaces may also impede groundwater recharge and groundwater's
ability to maintain base flow during drought conditions.
4.11 Forest Resources
Portions of forested land within the Study Area could be converted to other uses. As the
population increases the land would most likely be replaced with low density residential
development, in accordance with the Growth Management Plan. The majority of the forested
land within the project area consists of mid -successional hardwoods. Sustainable silviculture
practices are not suitable due to amount of disturbance from residential growth and agricultural
activities. A decrease in forested areas may have an impact on air quality and temperature due
to their ability to filter air and provide shade to cool air temperatures.
Forest resources are likely to remain primarily along the stream channels and adjacent
floodplains. Forested wildlife habitat could be reduced within the Study Area and may become
more fragmented. The Growth Management Plan, Unified Development Ordinance and other
ordinances described in Section 5 would help to limit some of the impacts to forest resources.
The stream buffers would provide some protection to these resources. Open space
requirements, along with floodplain and buffer preservation, would allow the potential for a
network of natural corridors along stream channels within the Study Area. This would allow
migration of wildlife from one area to another while limiting exposure to human infrastructure.
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4.12 Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitats
Degradation of water quality and aquatic habitats described above may impact aquatic
resources and fish communities. Sources of degradation include increasing erosion of stream
channels, sedimentation from construction activities, changed hydrology from increased
impervious surfaces, and increased stormwater runoff containing high levels of nonpoint
source pollutants. These impacts may affect a fish community by altering species diversity by
eliminating the less tolerant of habitat/pollutant stress species or reducing the number of
individuals within a community. This may occur without the quantity of fish present changing,
or a community may lose both diversity and population. Insectivorous fish species dependent
on healthy benthic macroinvertebrate communities may be impacted by a loss or change in
their food source. Fish species dependent on riffle habitats may disappear with habitat impacts.
Another factor that may change a fish community includes replacement of sensitive fish
species by pollutant -tolerant exotic species.
The construction of sewer lines, water lines, and roads may also impact water quality and
aquatic habitat, particularly where they cross streams. Although the proper use of erosion and
sediment controls helps minimize these sediment impacts within the riparian zones. In addition,
where culverts are used for road crossings and not sufficiently buried, a natural substrate would
no longer exist to provide aquatic habitat or a corridor for movement.
The potential impacts described in this section are generally related to impacts associated with
other resources such as soils (sedimentation), land use (stormwater runoff), and water
resources (stream degradation). Therefore, the measures currently in place to address these
other resources would also apply to the aquatic habitats described above.
4.13 Wildlife and Natural Vegetation
Urbanization within the Study Area may impact wildlife resources through the degradation of
wildlife habitat. The conversion of land, wetlands, streams, and forested areas could result in
habitat loss and fragmentation of sensitive and non -sensitive aquatic and terrestrial species.
Ultimately, terrestrial species diversity could decline as a result of habitat loss from land use
changes. Cumulatively, land use changes fragment the landscape making wildlife movement
more difficult. As wildlife corridors become fragmented and decrease in area, the abundance
and diversity of wildlife species may decline.
Without proper protective measures in place, changes in land use can impact aquatic species
and their habitats. These changes can result in increased pollutant loading, sedimentation,
reduction in streambank stability, and other channel modifications. Impacts to fish communities
and forested areas and habitats were discussed in the previous sections.
Natural vegetation within the Study Area is typical of Piedmont upland and bottomland
communities. As forested lands are converted to other uses, natural communities would decrease
in size and wildlife habitat is lost or fragmented. Rare communities may run the risk of being lost if
adequate protection is not afforded to them. Loss of natural vegetation is likely in disturbed areas
where non-native exotic species may out -compete the native vegetation and alter community
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 29 July 2021

structure. Major tracts of natural vegetation may be limited to riparian zones protected by
undisturbed buffer zones. These areas could provide a corridor for wildlife passage due to their
association with stream channels and floodplains. In addition, clearing land for residential and
commercial development can result in reductions in water storage capacity and surface water
infiltration.
4.14 Protected Species (Threatened and Endangered Species)
While the Endangered Species Act protects threatened and endangered species from takings,
impacts to a species' habitat over time may reduce the number of individuals of a species. Table 5
presents a list of Federally -listed species that could occur within the Study Area. This list is based
on the presence of habitat and observations of the species within the Study Area counties at some
point in time. Habitat for several of the species could occur within the Study Area. Most likely to
occur would be those species which rely on open woods and roadsides such as Schweinitz's
sunflower and Georgia aster. The streams in the Study Area are large enough to support several
of the species listed; however, a portion of the streams in the Study Area are impaired as noted in
Section 3.10 and unlikely to provide suitable habitat for these listed species.
4.15 Introduction of Toxic Substances
As urbanization continues in the Study Area, the potential for release of toxic substances from
residential and commercial sources increases. Improper disposal of these substances could
impact groundwater and surface water quality and potentially impact human health through
drinking water supplies, fish consumption, and other means. As the amount of traffic and urban
uses increase, stormwater runoff would contain increasing levels of water pollutants such as
sediment and silt, nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers, oils and greases, rubber
deposits, toxic chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, and road salts. Unless contained and
treated before entering surface waters, this urban stormwater could impact the water quality
and sensitive species living within the receiving basin. The long-term impact of toxic discharges
to the surface and groundwater from urban stormwater, landfill leachate, and accidental and/or
intentional spill of household and industrial chemicals in the receiving basin could lead to
declines in water quality without proper protective measures in place. This could contribute to
the potential loss of wildlife and their habitats.
The County's Watershed Protection Ordinance implements stormwater controls and best
management practices that help to alleviate these potential impacts. BMPs that remove
nutrients and sediment from stormwater also control toxic substances to varying degrees,
depending on the specific BMP.
5.0 MANAGEMENT NDIVIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE
IMPACTS
This section is provided as a summary of the measures previously described in relation to
impacts to each resource. The summary includes federal and state programs (Section 5.1), as
well as the local programs and ordinances applicable to the Study Area (Sections 5.2 and 5.3).
Each County has a plan in place to address environmental concerns related to open space,
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water, wastewater, transportation, and stormwater. The ordinances and conditional use
processes preserve open space, protect floodplain and riparian buffers, and maintain water
quality through erosion and sediment control and stormwater programs.
5.1 Summary of Federal and State Regulations and Programs
There are several Federal and State regulations and programs that will assist with mitigation
of Individual and Cumulative Impacts. These include: the ESA, the Clean Water Act, National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), stormwater regulations, archaeological protection through
various laws and programs, and the Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act. Table 7
summarizes these programs and gives a reference to review the entire Act or program. In
depth descriptions of these regulations are not included in this document to avoid
repetitiveness and to allow focus on the local programs within the Study Area. The local
programs are discussed in depth to provide an understanding of the local government's
ordinances in relation to the possible Individual and Cumulative Impacts that could occur
within the Study Area.
TABLE 7 Summary of Federal and State Regulations and/or Programs
Act or Program
Key Points of Act / Program
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
Federal action and State programs
(16 U.S.C. 1531- 1544)
https://www.fws.gov/international/la
ws-treaties-ag reements/us-
conservation-laws/endangered-
species-act.html
• Authorizes the determination and listing of species as endangered and threatened.
• Prohibits unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species.
• Provides authority to acquire land for the conservation of listed species, using land and water
conservation funds.
• Authorizes establishment of cooperative agreements and grants-in-aid to States that establish
and maintain active and adequate programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants.
• Authorizes the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the Act or regulations.
• Requires Federal agencies to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by them is
not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or modify their critical habitat.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
COORDINATION ACT
16 U.S.C. §§ 661-667e, March 10,
1934, as amended 1946, 1958,
1978 and 1995.
http://www.fws.gov/laws/laws_dige
st//fwcoord.html
• Requires consultation with the USFWS, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the lead
state wildlife agency whenever the waters or channel of a body of water are modified by a
department or agency of the U.S.
• The purpose of this Act is to prevent or minimize impacts to wildlife resources and habitat due
to water or land alterations. When modifications occur, provisions must be made for the
conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources and habitat in accordance
with a plan developed with the wildlife protection agencies listed above.
• Provides that land, water and interests may be acquired by federal construction agencies for wildlife
conservation and development. In addition, real property under jurisdiction or control of a federal
agency and no longer required by that agency can be utilized for wildlife conservation by the state
agency exercising administration over wildlife resources upon that property.
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SECTION 303(D) OF CLEAN
WATER ACT
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/s
tandards/303.htm
• Requires states to identify waters that do not support their classified uses. These waters must
be prioritized, and a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) must subsequently be developed.
• As part of the TMDL development process, the sources of the pollutant must be identified, and
the allowable amount of pollutant must be allocated among the various sources within the
watershed.
SECTIONS 404/401 OF THE
CLEAN WATER ACT
https://www.usace.army.mil/Mission
s/Civil-Works/Reg ulatory-Prog ram-
and-Permi is/Obtai n-a-Perm it/
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/
water-resou rces/water-resou rces-
permits/wastewater-branch/401-
wetlands-buffer-permits/401-401-
isolated-wetlands-waters-prog ram
Two Federal regulatory programs from the Clean Water Act currently regulate impacts to
jurisdictional waters. Section 404 administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
regulates dredge and fill activities and Section 401 Certification that a project does not violate the
State's water quality standards is administered by NCDEQ. All private and public construction
activities over a specific acreage that affect jurisdictional waters are required to obtain certifications
and permits from NCDEQ and USACE.
A common problem in the adequate protection of jurisdictional waters is inadequate personnel at
both State and Federal levels to enforce the regulations. Effective March 1999, NCDEQ stepped up
the enforcement of regulations for wetlands protection, particularly those related to hydrologic
conditions necessary to support wetlands function (15A N CAC 2B.0231(b)(5)) and biological integrity
(15A NCAC 2B.0231(b)(6)). NCDEQ is joined in this initiative by the North Carolina Division of Land
Resources (DLR), which will also be looking at possible violations of the State Sedimentation
Pollution Control Act.
PROTECTION OF WETLANDS,
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11990
https://www.fema.g ov/executive-
order-11990-protection-wetlands-
1977
The Protection of Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) was set into place to avoid adverse impacts
associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands and to avoid new construction in wetlands
wherever a practicable alternative exists. Every Federal agency should provide leadership and shall
take action to minimize the destruction, loss, and degradation of wetlands.
ISOLATED WETLAND
PROTECTION
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/
water-resou rces/water-resou rces-
permits/wastewater-branch/401-
wetlands-buffer-permits/401-401-
isolated-wetlands-waters-prog ram
Isolated wetlands are described as having no visible connection to surface waters. Because they
lack this connection, they are not regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act; however,
NCDEQ has jurisdiction over isolated wetlands within the state's boundaries requires permitting and
mitigative measures for these resources. NCDEQ states that any activity that results in the loss of
wetland function including filling, excavating, draining, and flooding shall be considered a wetland
impact.
SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) protects public health by regulating the nation's drinking water
supply and applies to every public water system in the United States. SDWA authorizes the USEPA
to set national health standards for drinking water to protect against naturally -occurring and man-
made contaminants that may be found in drinking water. The USEPA is responsible for assessing,
protecting drinking water sources, and ensuring the integrity of water delivery systems and informing
the public of the quality of their drinking water supply.
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CLEAN AIR ACT
http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/
https://deq.nc.gov/about/di
visions/air-quality
In April 2004, the USEPA designated ozone nonattainment areas. These nonattainment areas either
violated the national 8-hour ozone standard or have contributed to the violation of the national 8-
hour ozone standard.
In North Carolina, the Division of Air Quality has also implemented an Air Awareness Education
Program that includes daily reports on the ozone forecasts by meteorologists, television,
newspapers, and radio. The public has become very informed of ozone issues and steps they can
take to reduce ozone emissions.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT,
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11988
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands
Floodplain Management (Exec. Order 11988) addresses the adverse impacts associated with the
occupancy and modification of floodplains and to avoid support of floodplain development wherever
there is a practicable alternative. Federal agencies shall provide leadership and take action to reduce
the risk of flood loss and flood impacts on human safety, health, and welfare. Agencies are also
responsible for restoring and preserving the natural and beneficial values of a floodplain.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE
PROGRAM
https://www.fema.gov/national-
flood-insurance-prog ram
The National Flood Insurance Program is a Federal non -regulatory program that affords limited
protection to stream riparian areas and wetlands by restricting floodplain development. FEMA
manages this program, which has three components: Flood Insurance, Floodplain Management, and
Flood Hazard Mapping. Floodplain management under the NFIP is a program of corrective and
preventive measures for reducing flood damage. It includes emergency preparedness plans, flood
control works, and floodplain management regulations. Protection of wetlands and riparian areas is
provided through restrictions on development within floodplains.
NPDES STORMWATER
REGULATIONS
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/
water-resources/water-resou rces-
rules/npdes-regulations
Enforced by the NCDEQ, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program
was established under the authority of the Clean Water Act. Phase I of the NPDES program was
established in 1990 and regulates all major discharges of stormwater to surface waters. NPDES
permits are designed to require the development and implementation of stormwater management
measures. These measures reduce or eliminate pollutants in stormwater runoff from certain
municipal storm sewer systems and industrial activities. The NPDES stormwater permitting system
is being implemented in two phases. Phase I was implemented in 1991 and applied to six municipal
separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) in North Carolina with populations exceeding 100,000.
USEPA's Phase II rules were finalized on October 29, 1999, and published in the Federal Register
on December 8,1999.
WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT
https://www.rivers.gov/wsr-act.php
Provides protection of selected rivers of the nation that possess remarkable scenic, recreational,
geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values. No Wild and Scenic rivers exist
in Guilford or Randolph Counties.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
PROTECTION
https://www.nps.gov/archeology/to
ols/laws/ARPA.htm
Archaeological resources are protected on private and public lands through the following federal
and state acts and programs:
FEDERAL
• Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, Public Law 96-95
• Department of Transportation Act, Public Law89-670
• National Environmental Policy Act, Public Law91-190
• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 , Public Law 89-665
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Public Law 101-601
• Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment , Executive Order 11593
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 33 July 2021

https://archaeology.nalcr.gov/
STATE
• Archaeological Resources Protection Act, Chapter 70, Article 2
• North Carolina Archaeological Record Program, Chapter 70, Article 4
• North Carolina Environmental Policy Act , Chapter 113A, Article 1
• Protection and Enhancement of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of North Carolina,
Executive Order XVI
• Protection of Properties in the National Register, Chapter 121-12(a)
• Unmarked Human Burial and Human Skeletal Remains Protection Act, Chapter 70, Article 3
• Cemetery Protection, G.S. 14, G.S.65
These laws are only applicable to projects that are State or Federally approved, permitted, funded,
or exist on State or Federal lands. This often exempts many private development projects; however,
the USACE require archaeological reviews for any project that needs a Section 404 permit.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT
https://www.nps.gov/archeology/to
ols/laws/ahpa.htm
The Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 provides preservation of historical and
archeological data (including relics and specimens) which might be otherwise be irreparably lost or
destroyed as the result of:
• Flooding
• Building of access roads
• Erection of workmen's communities
• Relocation of highways and railroads
• Alterations of terrain caused by the construction of dams (by the U.S. government and
private persons or corporations)
• Any alteration of terrain caused as a result of any Federal construction project or any
federally licensed activity orprogram.
If any Federal agency finds that a federally supported project may cause irreparable loss or
destruction of scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archaeological data, the agency must notify
the Department of the Interior so it may undertake recovery, protection, and preservation of
the data.
NATIONAL HISTORIC
PRESERVATION ACT
https://www.nps.gov/history/local-
law/nhpa1966.htm
The National Historic Preservation Act is the central act that establishes historic preservation law.
The act sets the policy for the U.S. government to promote conditions in which historic properties
can be preserved in harmony with modern society. The Act authorizes the Department of the Interior
to establish, maintain, and expand the National Register of Historic Places. State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO) responsibilities are established by the Act, and it levees them with the
responsibility to develop a statewide plan for preservation, surveying historic properties, nominating
properties to the National Register, providing technical assistance to Federal, State, and local
agencies, as well as undertaking the review of Federal activities that affect historic properties.
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PROTECTION AND
ENHANCEMENT OF THE
CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT,
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11593
https://www.archives.gov/federa
l-register/codification/executive-
order/11593.html
This Order requires the federal government to provide leadership in preserving, restoring, and
maintaining the historic and cultural environment of the nation. Federal agencies shall:
• Administer the cultural properties under their control in a spirit of stewardship and trusteeship
for future generations,
• Initiate measures necessary to direct their policies, plans and programs in such a way that
federally owned sites, structures, and objects of historical, architectural or archaeological
significance are preserved, restored, and maintained for the inspiration and benefit of the
people, and
• In consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, institute procedures to
assure that Federal plans and programs contribute to the preservation and enhancement of
non -federally owned sites, structures and objects of historical, architectural or archaeological
significance.
FARMLAND PROTECTION
POLICY ACT
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/port
al/nrcs/detail/?cid=nrcs143_008275
Administered by the USDA, the purpose of the Farmland Protection Policy Act is to minimize the
impact that Federal programs contribute to unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to
nonagricultural uses. The Act assures that Federal programs are administered in such a manner to
be compatible with State, local governments, and private programs to protect farmland.
N.C. SEDIMENTATION
POLLUTION CONTROL ACT OF
1973
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/
energy-mineral-land-
resources/erosion-sediment-
control/laws
The NC Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources administers programs to control erosion
and sedimentation caused by land disturbing activities on one or more acres of land. Control
measures must be planned, designed, and constructed to protect from the calculated peak rate of
runoff from a 10-year storm. Enforcement of the program is at the State level, but may be delegated
to local governments with certified erosion control programs. In May 2019 proposed rules re -adopting
the current rules were distributed for public comment and hearing.
NORTH CAROLINA CLEAN
WATER MANAGEMENT TRUST
FUND
https://cwmtf.nc.gov/
The Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) was created by the 1996 Legislature to help finance
projects that specifically address water pollution problems. It is a nonregulatory program that focuses its
efforts on enhancing or restoring degraded waters, protecting unpolluted waters, and contributes toward a
network of riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational and recreational benefits. Grants
are issued to local governments, state agencies, and conservation non -profits.
NORTH CAROLINA MITIGATION
SERVICES
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/mi
tigation-services
The Division of Mitigation Services is a state DEQ initiative that restores and protects wetlands and
streams while offsetting unavoidable environmental damage from economic development. DMS
offers four In -Lieu Fee mitigation programs designed to assist private and public developers in
meeting state and federal compensatory mitigation requirements for streams, wetlands, riparian
buffers, and nutrients. DMS utilizes receipts from these programs to restore streams, wetlands, and
forested buffers by working with state and local partners, including willing landowners to concentrate
mitigation resources in areas where they will have the greatest watershed benefit. The NC
Department of Transportation and other entities voluntarily elect to use DMS to move their
development projects forward in a timely and affordable manner.
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
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GROUNDWATER PROTECTION
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/
water-resources/water-q ual ity-
regional-operations/groundwater-
protection
The NCDEQ is responsible for protecting and preserving the high quality of North Carolina's
groundwater resources. This is accomplished by implementing both groundwater and surface water
pollution prevention strategies, compliance assessments and abatement programs. Several
regulations and programs exist at the State and local levels that protect groundwater from urban
growth:
• Injection wells (Underground Injection Control Program)
• Geothermal heating and cooling
• In situ remediation
• Monitoring, recovery, and other wells
• Aquifer storage and recovery
The Groundwater Protection Programs provide hydrogeological support to other Division of Water
Resources programs regulating activities that may affect groundwater resources.
These programs afford some protection to groundwater wells from the most common forms of
groundwater pollution —point sources such as chemical manufacturing facilities, underground
storage tanks, and accidental spills.
MISCELLANEOUS INCENTIVE
PROGRAMS
Other voluntary strategies exist at Federal and State levels that provide incentives to protect natural
lands, wetlands, agricultural lands, and sensitive species habitat and forest lands from development.
These approaches include providing tax credits for donating lands to specific organizations (usually
land trusts) and offering funding for various grants and trust funds to purchase or protect
undeveloped lands.
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
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52 Local Regulations and Programs (Randolph County)
Randolph County has a Growth Management Plan and several existing ordinances which
apply to the key issues identified in this ICI. The Randolph County Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) consists of the Randolph County Zoning Ordinance, the Randolph County
Subdivision Ordinance, the Watershed Protection Ordinance, and the Randolph County Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance. Each of these ordinances is discussed below in relation to
potential ICI in Section 4. The ordinances are detailed under each section of the Randolph
County Ordinances, Policies and Procedures webpage, which can be reviewed at:
http://www.randolphcountync.gov/Your-Government/Orwaterdinances and is summarized
below.
The Randolph County Growth Management Plan (Plan) is a long-range guide for public policy
decisions concerning the overall growth and development of the Randolph County community.
The Plan focuses on the physical growth and development of Randolph County, but also
addresses quality of life issues such as the preservation of heritage assets in an increasingly
fragile rural environment. The Plan is not a development ordinance and does not carry the
force of law, it can, however, serve as a very effective guide for zoning and growth -related
decisions in Randolph County.
The following are relevant issues from the Unified Development Ordinance and Randolph
County programs:
5.2.1 Zoning Ordinance (UDO Chapter II)
The zoning ordinance applies restrictions on development by land use classification
according to each property's zoning. It is the tool used by County planners to implement
initiatives from their land use plans by placing restrictions on individual properties that
are rezoned, or by allowing conditional use districts and permits. The Randolph County
is divided into thirty-seven (37) zoning districts (Figure 7). The ordinance also contains
a table of permitted uses permitted in the major zoning designations. As described in
Section 3.3 of the ICI, the GRMS Study Area is zoned as Heavy Industrial Conditional
District (HI -CD).
Reasonable evidence must be provided to the Planning Board by residential
developers that any water course or dry branch of any type running through or within
150 feet of property proposed for subdivision will not be flooded. Lots located in flood
plains shall not be sold for residential purposes.
Subdivisions with perennial streams are required to provide for a 50-foot buffer of
vegetation on both sides of the stream to retard rapid water runoff and soil erosion. The
fifty (50) foot buffer shall be measured on a horizontal plane from the bank of the
stream. The buffer zone must be included in calculating the lot size.
Streets, roadways, railroads and driveways are permitted in the stream buffer, but shall
be constructed to cross the buffer as near to perpendicular as possible. Utility lines,
greenways and greenway type recreation facilities are permitted within the buffer but
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shall be designed to have minimal impact. If the vegetative cover must be removed or
disturbed, it shall be restored as soon as possible.
5.2.2 Subdivision Ordinance (UDO Chapter III)
The subdivision ordinance governs the platting and recording of any subdivision of land
lying within Randolph County and outside the subdivision regulation jurisdiction of any
municipality. The ordinance defines the approval process and submittal requirements
that new major and minor residential developments must undergo. Approvals for major
subdivisions include:
a. Completed Preliminary Plan/Subdivision application
b. In -office review of the application by the Planning staff
c. Technical Review Committee review and recommendations to the
development
d. Planning staff meeting with developer and surveyor on site
e. New plat and application for property rezoning
f. Neighborhood Information Meeting
g.
Technical Review Committee reviews comments from Neighborhood
Information Meeting
h. Planning Board Public Meeting
i. Board of Commissioners Public Hearing
j. Improvements and Certificates completed and signed
k. Recordation in the Office of Register of Deeds
Minor subdivisions are defined by Randolph County as a subdivision not involving
development or extension of a new public or private street with all lots having
access to an existing state maintained road. The approval process for minor
subdivisions includes:
a. Submission of a plat
b. Planning staff review
c. Issuance of a Certificate of Approval for Recording
It is the sub -divider's responsibility to comply with the North Carolina Sedimentation
and Pollution Control Act. The county planning department will advise the developer to
contact the appropriate state agency responsible for technical assistance and
enforcement of the Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act.
5.2.3 Watershed Protection Ordinance (UDO Chapter IV):
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 38 July 2021

The Study Area is located within the Sandy Creek Watershed, further identified as in
Water Supply III (WS-III) a Protected Area classification. A Protected Area is the area
within a designated water supply watershed that is adjoining and upstream of the critical
areas of a WS-IV watershed where the risk of water supply pollution is greater than the
surrounding areas. The boundaries of the protected area are defined within five miles
of and draining to the normal pool elevation of a reservoir or to the ridge line of the
watershed; or within ten miles upstream and draining to the intake located directly in the
stream or river or the ridge line of the watershed.
The following summarizes development specific to the Sandy Creek Watershed:
• The intent of this classification is to maintain a low to moderate land use intensity
pattern with two single family dwellings per acre.
• In the absence of public sewer, all waste treatment must be permitted by the
County Health Department, in which case the minimum lot size is 40,000 square
feet per dwelling unit.
• All other residential and non-residential development shall be allowed a
maximum of 24 percent built -upon area.
• Non-residential uses may occupy 10 percent of the watershed with a 70 percent
built -upon area when approved as a special nonresidential intensity allocation
(SNIA). For the purpose of calculating built -upon area, total project area shall
include total acreage in the tract on which the project is to be developed. The
Planning Director is authorized to approve SNIAs consistent with the provisions
of the Ordinance. Projects must minimize built -upon surface areas, direct
stormwater away from surface waters, and incorporate Best Management
Practices to minimize water quality impacts.
• Permitted uses within the Sandy Creek watershed include all uses in the
underlying zoning districts where the watershed is located.
Open space zoning is based on the technique of "clustering" development. The basic
principle of cluster development is to group new homes into part of a development parcel
so that the remainder of the land can be preserved as unbuilt open space and heritage
preservation areas. Cluster development is allowed in the Sandy Creek watershed areas
with conditions. The three conditions for cluster development are (1) total number of lots
shall not exceed the number of lots allowed for single family detached developments, (2)
stormwater is minimized, and (3) areas not built upon shall remain in a vegetated or natural
state.
A minimum 50-foot undisturbed buffer area is required on all sides of surface waters.
The Randolph County Planning Director is the Watershed Administrator with the duties
to administer and enforce the provisions of the Watershed Ordinance. The Board of
Adjustment, which is comprised of the same individuals as the Planning Board, shall
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 39 July 2021

hear and decide appeals from any decision or determination made by the Planning
Director in the enforcement of the Ordinance. The Board of Adjustment shall have the
power to authorize, in specific cases, variances from the terms of the Ordinance.
5.2.4 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (UDO Chapter V)
The ordinance applies to all Special Flood Hazard Areas within the jurisdiction,
including Extra -Territorial Jurisdictions (ETJs) if applicable, of Randolph County. The
Special Flood Hazard Areas are those identified under the Cooperating Technical State
(CTS) agreement between the State of North Carolina and FEMA in its Flood Insurance
Study (FTS) and its accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Randolph
County. The Study Area is identified as being flood hazard zone AE and X. The
ordinance requires that an application be submitted to the Planning Director for a
Floodplain Development Permit prior to any development activities located within
Special Flood Hazard Areas. Requirements for construction in flood -prone areas
include a county -issued elevation certificate and flood -proofing certificate. In Zone AE
recreational vehicles, temporary structures and accessory structures less than 150
square feet are exempt from elevation/flood proofing certificate requirements.
5.2.5 Historic Landmark Preservation Commission
The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission consists of nine members and one
alternate appointed by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Membership
consist of one member from each of the five county commissioner districts, three at -
large members, the Randolph County Library Director, and one at -large member
having voting power in the absence of a regular member.
It is the general responsibility of the Commission to: prepare and adopt principles and
guidelines for landmarks; inventory and report to the NC Office of Archives and History
proposed properties of historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance;
recommend to the Randolph County Board of Commissioners or the governing board
of a participating municipality, any individual structures, buildings, sites, areas, or
objects proposed to be designated by ordinance as landmarks; and review and act
upon proposals for alteration or demolition of designated landmarks, or issue a
Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction on properties designated as
landmarks; and designate Local Cultural Heritage Sites.
As part of the review procedures for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission may
view the premises and seek the advice of the Department of Cultural Resources or other
such expert advice, as it may deem necessary under the circumstances. The Commission
may hold a public hearing on any application when deemed necessary. All decisions of the
Commission must be supported by specific findings of fact indicating the extent to which
the application is, or is not, congruous with the special character of the landmark.
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 40 July 2021

5.3 Local Regulations and Programs (Guilford County)
Guilford County has a Development Ordinance (Ordinance) which applies to the key issues
identified in this ICI. The Ordinance governs the development and use of land and structures
except for those areas within incorporated municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The Ordinance is currently under revision. The renamed Unified Development ordinance
(UDO) is scheduled for a September 2019 public hearing and subsequent adoption by the
County Commissioner's.
The draft UDO will combine traditional zoning and subdivision regulations with design
guidelines, sign regulations, and floodplain and stormwater management. Articles of the
Development Ordinance are discussed below in relation to potential ICI described in
Section 4. The current Development Ordinance can be reviewed at:
https://library.municode.com/nc/Quilford county/codes/development ordinances?nodeld=
LAND DEVELOPMENT ORD.
5.3.1 Ordinance Article IV -Zoning
The Liberty Road/ Woody Mill Road Vicinity Overlay District includes the land area
bounded on the west by US 421, on the east by Liberty Road, on the north by Chapparal
Road, and on the south by Big Alamance Creek. The following general requirements
apply to this district:
• All uses are permitted in the underlying zoning districts and applicable scenic
corridor.
• Architectural standards including building height, exterior materials, roof
materials, building elevations and landscaping are specified for new non-
residential, attached single-family, and multi -family residential structures.
• Vegetative buffer is required along US 421 and a minimum 100-foot setback.
• Protection and preservation of significant tree canopy is encouraged, especially
adjacent to US 421 and Liberty Road.
• Landscaping requirements apply to all building additions or parking expansions,
which cumulatively exceed 3,000 square feet.
• Signage and lighting requirements.
• Location and spacing of driveway access is regulated.
• Pedestrian improvements.
The Scenic Corridor Overlay District (US 421 South) extends for a distance of fifteen
hundred (1,500) feet on either side of the centerline of US 421 South, beginning at the
Greensboro city limits and extending south to the Guilford/Randolph County line.
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 41 July 2021

• All uses are permitted in the underlying zoning districts except manufactured
dwellings.
• Uses with outside storage materials, process or assembly operations or truck
parking must be completely screened.
5.3.2 Ordinance Article V- Subdivisions
The subdivision Article governs the platting and recording of any subdivision of land
lying within Guilford County and outside the subdivision regulation jurisdiction of any
municipality. Article V defines the approval process and submittal requirements that
new major and minor residential developments must undergo. For on -site or off -site
sewage treatment systems the Guilford County Environmental Health Division or a soil
scientist must evaluate and approve the system prior to Final Plat approval. Sewage
treatment systems are evaluated in accordance with the Public Health Law of North
Carolina as described in NC General Statute 130A. Community sewage treatment
systems are approved by the Guilford County Environmental Health Division or
NCDEQ.
Any approved soil erosion and sedimentation control device(s) may be installed prior
to approval of street and utility construction plans.
All building lots are required to lie or be filled to an elevation at least one (1) foot above
the 100-year flood elevation.
Credits may be made to satisfy tree requirements of planting areas for the preservation
of existing trees.
5.3.3 Ordinance Article VII- Environmental Regulations
5.3.3.1 Stormwater Management/Watershed Protection Districts
Two overlay districts cover the unincorporated areas of Guilford County. They are the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the Water Supply
Watershed overlays. The Water Supply Watershed area is further divided into the
Watershed Critical Area (WCA) and the General Watershed Area (GWA). The WCA
covers the portion of the watershed adjacent to a water supply intake or reservoir. The
GWA covers the rest of the watershed draining to the reservoir or intake. The area of
Guilford County covered by this ICI is in the non -water supply GWA overlay district. A
Stormwater Management/Watershed Development plan is required for development and
must be approved by the enforcement officer.
Riparian buffer protection is required for lands within the Sandy Creek watershed. A stream
buffer shall be maintained along all perennial and intermittent streams. No new
development is allowed in the buffer except for water dependent structures, structures
which result in only small increases in impervious area, and public projects such as road
crossings and greenways where no practical alternative exists. These activities shall
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 42 July 2021

minimize built -upon surface area, direct run-off away from the surface waters and maximize
the utilization of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs).
The NPDES district covers all the territory encompassed in Guilford County except for those
areas within incorporated municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdiction, and property
owned by the Piedmont Triad International Airport. All developments located in the NPDES
non -water supply district shall be limited to the maximum density and minimum lot size
based upon the development's current zoning.
All developments in the GWA, not utilizing public sewer, are limited to the maximum density
of one (1) dwelling unit to one (1) acre and minimum lot size based on the development's
current zoning. Developments using public sewer are limited to a maximum density and
minimum lot size as described in Article VII. Runoff control is required for high density
development.
GWA includes two (2) watershed classifications in southern Guilford County. In the vicinity
of US 421 and NC 62 the watershed classification is WS-III. Development shall not exceed
fifty (50) percent built -upon area. The remaining portion of the Guilford County project Study
Area is located in Lake Mackintosh WS IV- Big Alamance Creek. Development shall not
exceed seventy (70) percent maximum built -upon area.
As discussed in ICI Section 4.10, the County's Watershed Protection/Stormwater
Management program is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the
provisions of the stormwater management regulations in Article VII of the Development
Ordinances. The Environmental Review Board is designated to approve minor
stormwater management and watershed variances. The Environmental Review Board
may recommend approval to the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC)
for a major variance.
5.3.3.2 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
An erosion control plan is required for land disturbing activity that exceeds one (1)
uncovered acre. The Guilford Soil and Water Conservation District reviews the plan and
submits its comments and recommendations to the Jurisdiction.
Land disturbing activity design standards include buffer zones, graded slopes and fills,
and ground cover. Soil erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures, and
devices shall be planned, designed, and constructed to provide protection from the
calculated maximum peak rate of runoff from the ten-year storm.
5.3.3.3 Flood Damage Prevention
This section of the Development Ordinance applies to all Special Flood Hazard Areas
within unincorporated Guilford County. The Special Flood Hazard Areas are those
identified under the Cooperating Technical State (CTS) agreement between the State
of North Carolina and FEMA in its Flood Insurance Study (FTS) and its accompanying
Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Guilford County.
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 43 July 2021

FRIS mapping indicates that parcels surrounding North Prong Stinking Quarter Creek,
South Little Alamance Creek (Stream No. 71), and Big Alamance Creek are all located
in the Special Flood Hazard Area designated as flood zone AE. The designation AE
indicates areas at high risk with a one (1) percent or higher annual chance of flooding.
North Prong Stinking Quarter Creek and South Little Alamance Creek are bridged on
Liberty Road. Big Alamance Creek is bridged on US 421.
The Development Ordinance requires that an application for a Floodplain Development
Permit be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator prior to any development activities
within Special Flood Hazard Areas. Additional requirements may include an elevation
certificate, floodproofing certificate, or foundation certificate. The Board of Adjustment,
as established by Guilford County shall hear and decide requests for variances from the
requirements of this Ordinance.
5.3.3.4 Historic Preservation Commission
The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission consists of at least seven (7)
members. Membership consist of one member from each of the historic districts. The
remaining membership is composed of persons who have an interest in preservation
of historic structures, architectural history or archaeology.
It is the general responsibility of the Commission, among other duties, to: inventory and
report to the Planning Board proposed historic districts and individual properties of
historical, prehistorical, architectural, archaeological, and/or cultural significance; and
grant/deny the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, acquire, restore, preserve,
and operate historic properties.
5.4 Local Regulations and Programs beyond the Study Area
Although the Study Area was defined as 1.5 miles from the GRMS property, it is assumed
that there could be economic benefits to nearby jurisdictions such as the Town of Liberty,
Alamance County, or Chatham County. The potential growth impact resulting in physical
changes to the environment cannot be assessed on these areas as our research on
existing facilities did not show growth tied to a facility extending to those reaches.
However, Appendix A includes local ordinances, programs, and plans for each of those
jurisdictions to illustrate potential mitigative measure in place for growth.
6.0 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS
INDIVIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Tables 8 and 9 summarize the assessment of impacts and proposed mitigation for each
resource. Additional information is described in Sections 4 and 5. Although many of the
Federal and State programs described in the previous sections provide mitigation for ICI, these
tables are limited to those ordinances under the control of Randolph and Guilford Counties.
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 44 July 2021

TABLE 8 Summary of Local Ordinances to Address Individual and Cumulative Impacts in Randolph County
Resource
Action
Effect
Local Ordinance
Section Reference
Topography
Soils
Land Use
Jurisdictional
Waters
Prime Agricultural
Lands
Archaeological /
Historical Sites
Air Quality
Noise
Water Resources
Forests
Aquatic Habitat
Clearing, grading,
fill in floodplain
Direct impact from
land disturbing
activity
Conversion /
Rezoning
Direct impact from
development, road
& utility crossings;
Increased
stormwater flow
Conversion to
residential
Direct impacts
from development
in removal of
structures or fill /
grading of
archaeological
sites
Increased
vehicles, some
increase in
dischargers
Increased traffic,
receptors
Increased
impervious area,
runoff, erosion
Clearing / land
conversion
Decreased water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
erosion
Decreased flood
storage, habitat;
increased flow &
erosion
Decreased flood
storage, habitat;
increased flow &
erosion
Decreased
agriculture & forest
land
Direct fill; Change in
hydrology;
Fragmentation;
Decreased aquatic
function, habitat,
biodiversity
Loss of agriculture;
Increased
noise/traffic
Removal of
structures or
disturbance of
archaeological sites
Decrease air quality;
Increased particulate
matter
Minimal effect on
wildlife behavior &
quality of life
Decrease water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
sedimentation
Decreased air &
water quality
Decreased diversity
& habitat
Flood Damage
Prevention
Subdivisions, Soil
Erosion and
Sedimentation
Control
Zoning
Zoning, Subdivision,
Watershed
Protection, Flood
Damage Prevention
Zoning
5.2.4
5.2.2, 5.2.3.2
5.2.1
5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4
5.2.1
Historic Landmark 5.2.5
Preservation
Commission review
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Zoning, Watershed 5.2.1, 5.2.3
Protection
Zoning, Subdivision, 5.2.1, 5.2.2,
Watershed Protection
Watershed
Protection
5.2.3
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 45 July 2021

Wildlife /
Vegetation
Protected
Species
Toxic
Substances
Clearing/land
conversion
See
wildlife/vegetation
Increased
chance of
release,
pollutants in
stormwater
Decreased diversity, Watershed Protection 5.2.3
abundance, habitat;
Increased
fragmentation
Limited - lack of See Wildlife /
habitat Vegetation
Decreased water
quality, aquatic
habitat
See Wildlife / Vegetation
Watershed Protection 5.2.3
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 46 July 2021

TABLE 9 Summary of Local Ordinances to Address Individual and Cumulativelmpacts in Guilford County
Resource
Action
Effect
Local Ordinance Section Reference
Topography
Soils
Land Use
Jurisdictional
Waters
Prime Agricultural
Lands
Archaeological /
Historical Sites
Air Quality
Noise
Water Resources
Forests
Clearing, grading,
fill in floodplain
Direct impact from
land disturbing
activity
Conversion /
rezoning
Direct impact from
development, road
& utility crossings;
Increased
stormwater flow
Conversion to
residential
Direct impacts
from development
in removal of
structures or fill /
grading of
archaeological
sites
Increased
vehicles, some
increase in
dischargers
Increased traffic,
receptors
Increased
impervious area,
runoff, erosion
Clearing / land
conversion
Decreased flood
storage, habitat;
increased flow &
erosion
Decreased flood
storage, habitat;
increased flow &
erosion
Decreased
agriculture & forest
land
Direct fill; Change in
hydrology;
Fragmentation;
Decreased aquatic
function, habitat,
biodiversity
Loss of agriculture;
Increased
noise/traffic
Removal of
structures or
disturbance of
archaeological sites
Decrease air quality;
Increased particulate
matter
Minimal effect on
wildlife behavior &
quality of life
Decrease water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
sedimentation
Decreased air &
water quality
Flood Damage
Prevention
Subdivisions, Soil
Erosion and
Sedimentation
Control
Zoning
Zoning, Subdivision,
Stormwater
Management/
Watershed
Protection, Flood
Damage Prevention
Zoning
Historic Preservation
Commission review
N/A
N/A
Zoning, Stormwater
Management/
Watershed
Protection, Soil
Erosion and
Sedimentation
Zoning, Subdivision,
Stormwater
Management/
Watershed Protection
5.3.3.3
5.3.2, 5.3.3.2
5.3.1
5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3.1,
5.3.3.2, 5.3.3.3
5.3.1
5.3.3.4
N/A
N/A
5.3.1, 5.3.3.1, 5.3.3.2
5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3.1
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 47 July 2021

Aquatic Habitat
Wildlife /
Vegetation
Protected
Species
Toxic
Substances
Decreased water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
erosion
Clearing/land
conversion
See
wildlife/vegetation
Increased
chance of
release,
pollutants in
stormwater
Decreased diversity
& habitat
Decreased diversity,
abundance, habitat;
Increased
fragmentation
Limited - lack of
habitat
Decreased water
quality, aquatic
habitat
Stormwater
Management/
Watershed
Protection
Stormwater
Management/
Watershed Protection
See Wildlife /
Vegetation
Stormwater
Management/
Watershed Protection
5.3.3.1
5.3.3.1
See Wildlife / Vegetation
5.3.3.1
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 48 July 2021

7.0 REFERENCES CITED
City of Greensboro Maps and Apps webpage. Available URL: https://gis.greensboro-
nc.gov/gsomapgallery/. [Accessed August 7, 2019].
City of Greensboro Water/Sewer Development Process. Available URL:
https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/planning/learn-more-
about/development-plan-review/water-sewer-development-process. [Accessed
August 6, 2019].
City of Greensboro Water Resources Department webpage. Available URL:
https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/water-resources. [Accessed August 6,
2019].
City of Greensboro. 2019. Water Shortage Response Plan. Available URL:
https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/home/showdocument?id=42338. [Accessed July 29,
2019].
Guilford County Comprehensive Plan. 2006. Available URL
https://www.quilfordcountync.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=1252. [Accessed
August 1, 2019].
Guilford County Development Ordinances. Available URL:
https://library.municode.com/nc/quilford county/codes/development ordinances?no
deld=LAND DEVELOPMENT ORD. [Accessed August 1, 2019].
Guilford County Unified Development Ordinances webpage. 2019. Available URL:
https://www.quilfordudoupdate.com/community-input. [Accessed August 2, 2019].
Hagan -Stone Park website. Available URL: https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-
county/county-parks/hagan-stone-park. [Accessed August 1, 2019].
Liberty Road/Woody Mill Road Small Area Plan. 2011. Available URL:
https://www.quilfordcountync.gov/our-county/planning-development/planning-
zoning/long-range-plans/area-plans. [Accessed August 1, 2019].'t
National Register of Historic Places webpage. Available URL:
https://nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/nc/quilford/state.html. [Accessed August
2, 2019].
North Carolina Department of `Environmental Quality 2018 303(d) list webpage. Available
URL: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/TMDL/303d/2018/2018-
NC-303-d--List-Final.pdf. [Accessed August 1, 2019].
North Carolina Division of Waste Management. Inactive Hazardous Sites webpage.
Available URL: http://ncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Embed/index.html. [Accessed
July 29, 2019].
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 49 July 2021

North Carolina Flood Risk Information System (FRIS) mapping. Available URL:
https://fris.nc.gov/fris/Index.aspx?FIPS=151 &ST=NC&user=Advanced [Accessed
August 6, 2019].
North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) website. Available URL:
https://www.osbm.nc.gov/demog/county-projections. [Accessed July 30, 2019].
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office website. Available URL:
http://gis.ncdcr.gov/hpoweb/. [Accessed August 2 2019].
Piedmont Land Conservancy website. Available URL: https://www.piedmontland.org/what-
we-do/protected-places/. [Accessed August 1, 2019].
Quarry, Sean. 2018. GeoEnvironmental Planning Report for Greensboro Randolph
Megasite-US 421 Upgrades.
Randolph County Citizen's Guide to Land Development. 2019. Available URL:
http://www.randolphcountync.gov/Portals/0/PZ/CitizensGuidetoLandDevelopment.pd
f?ver=2019-07-09-120252-823. [Accessed July 29, 2019].
Randolph County Growth Management Plan 2009. Available URL:
http://www.randolphcountync.gov/Portals/0/PZ/2009GrowthManagementPlan.pdf
[Accessed July 25, 2019].
Randolph County Strategic Plan. 2016. Available URL:
http://www.randolphcountync.gov/Portals/0/Downloads/StrategicPlanFinalMay2016.
pdf?ver=2016-11-21-114254-360. [Accessed July 30, 2019].
Southeast Greensboro Airport Information webpage. Available URL: http://www.airport-
data.com/airport/3A4/. [Accessed August 1, 2019].
Southern Area Plan. 2016. Available URL: https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-
county/planning-development/planning-zoning/long-range-plans/area-plans.
[Accessed August 1, 2019].
USDA. Important Farmlands of North Carolina. Available URL:
https://www.nres.usda.gov/Internet/FSE DOCUMENTS/nreseprd1338623.html
[Accessed July 29, 2019].
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Air Quality Index Report. Available URL:
https://www.epa.gov/outdoor-air-quality-data/air-quality-index-report [Accessed
October 9, 2019].
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2019. National Wetlands Inventory webpage. Available URL:
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html. [Accessed August 2, 2019].
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal
Species of Concern, and Candidate Species by County. Available URL:
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 50 July 2021

https://www.fws.Qov/raleidh/species/cntylist/nc counties.html [Accessed July 25,
2019].
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts
Greensboro Randolph Megasite- Randolph County 51 July 2021

Figures

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INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
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INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE MAP
FIGURE 2

Legend
1 Megasite Boundary
_ _I ICI Analysis Study Area
Flood Hazard Zone AE
0 et 3,000
Winston-
Salem
F�2
Greensboro
INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
FEMA FLOODPLAIN MAP
FIGURE 3
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Legend
•
P
Megasite Boundary
ICI Analysis Study Area
Appling sandy loam
Riverview sandy loam
Wehadkee loam
Vance sandy loam
Coronaca clay loam
Helena sandy loam
Water
Pacolet fine sandy loam
Rion loamy sand
Congaree loam
Iredell fine sandy loam
Chewacla loam
Dorian sandy loam
Madison sandy loam
Wynott-Enon complex
Cecil sandy loam
Enon fine sandy loam
Winston-
Salem
Salisbury
L
0
Greensboro
High Point
PIED M 0 ,N
1154ft Ahieboro
I
Miles 30
F�2
J
Mecklenburg sandy clay loam, moderately eroded
Mecklenburg clay loam, moderately eroded
Wilkes-Poindexter-Wynott complex
Madison clay loam, moderately eroded
Georgeville silty clay loam, moderately eroded
Badin-Tarrus complex, moderately eroded
Wynott-Enon complex, moderately eroded
Wynott-Wilkes-Poindexter complex
Georgeville silt loam, extremely stony
Chewacla and Wehadkee soils
Callison-Misenheimer complex
Helena-Sedgefield complex
Callison-Lignum complex
Vance -Urban land complex
Georgeville silt loam
Mecklenburg loam
Badin-Tarrus complex
Cecil sandy clay loam
Feet
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INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
NRCS SOILS MAP
FIGURE 4

1
1
M
Legend
I Megasite Boundary
ICI Analysis Study Area
•
NLCD
1
r.
C
Open Water
Developed, Open Space
Developed, Low Intensity
Developed, Medium Intensity
Developed, High Intensity
Barren Land
Deciduous Forest
Evergreen Forest
Mixed Forest
Shrub/Scrub
Grassland/Herbaceous
Pasture/Hay
Cultivated Crops
Woody Wetlands
Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands
0 Feet 3,000
Winston-
Salem
Greensboro
High Point
0
P I E D M O N T
1154 ft Asheboro
Miles 30
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11
,Liberty
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INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
LAND USE MAP
FIGURE 5
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�.t
Legend
1 Megasite Boundary
_ _I ICI Analysis Study Area
NWI Features
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
Freshwater Pond
Ek Lake
0 Feet 3,000 A
Winston-
Salem
F�2
Greensboro
INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
NATIONAL WETLANDS INVENTORY MAP
FIGURE 6
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pihromminit-Asilm`7
Legend
LJ Megasite Boundary
— — I ICI Analysis Study Area
Guilford County Zoning Districts
Agricultural
Commercial
Industrial
Residential -Single Family
Randolph County Zoning Districts
Commercial
Industrial
Residential Agricultural
Residential (all other districts
0 Feet 31,000
Winston-
Salem
Greensboro
High Point
P 1 E D M O N
1 5d ft Asheboro
Miles 30
F�2
Old 421 Rd
•
•
14.
INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
COUNTY ZONING MAP
FIGURE 7
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Appendix A
Other Local Regulations and Programs

ALAMANCE COUNTY
Local Regulations and Programs
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
The Flood Damage Prevention regulations in Alamance County require a Flood Development Permit for
any development activities proposed within special flood hazard areas (SFHAs). All encroachments to
SFHAs (including fill material or structures) must be located at least twenty feet away from the top of the
bank or five times the width of the stream, whichever is greater.
Subdivision Ordinance
The 1972 Ordinance requires a fifty (50') foot buffer of vegetation be maintained on both sides of all
perennial streams at all times to retard rapid water runoff and soil erosion. If the vegetative cover must
be removed or disturbed, it shall be restored as soon as possible. The fifty (50') foot buffer shall be
measured on a horizontal plane from the bank of the stream. The buffer zone may be included in
calculating the lot size.
Subdividers are required to submit erosion and sediment control plans for all land disturbing activities
covering more than one (1) acre to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
Connection to public sewer shall be required if available. Within the BOW the minimum lot size for
residential and non-residential lots with septic system/well or public water/sewer is one (1) acre.
Heavy Industrial Development Ordinance
The Alamance County Heavy Industrial Development Ordinance (2011) establishes criteria relating to
industrial development and associated land uses. The Ordinance establishes classes of regulated land uses
and exceptions. The Ordinance includes regulations and standards for minimum lot size, building height,
land use spacing, operations and stream setbacks for each land use classification.
Manufactured Home Park Ordinance
The 2015 Ordinance requires manufactured home parks located in the BOW to have a minimum
manufactured home space size of one (1) acre. Clustering of spaces within manufactured home parks is
not permitted.
Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance
The Alamance County Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance (2006) describes the preservation
process. If the landowner and County desire to restrict only development rights, a conservation easement
restricting the owners' right to develop the land may be purchased by the County. The covenant not to
develop shall run with the land. A 2009 Amendment to the ordinance modifies the time period for the
covenant to run with the land in perpetuity.
Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance
This Ordinance establishes benefits for participating farmers in voluntary agricultural districts (VADs)
within the County. The Ordinance describes the process to apply for VAD designation and establishes a
process to inform non -farming neighbors and potential land purchasers of participating farms. The Board
of Commissioners established a seven -member Agricultural Advisory Board to implement the provisions
of this program.
2

Non -farm use or development of land in a VAD is restricted for a period of at least ten years, except for
the creation of not more than three lots that meet applicable County watershed and subdivision
regulations. A landowner may revoke the agreement or the Advisory Board may revoke the agreement
based on non-compliance.
Historic Properties Commission Ordinance
The 2016 Ordinance authorizes an appointed Commission to review demolition or destruction of a
building, site, or structure determined by the State Historic Preservation Office to have statewide
significance and the alteration of designated historic districts and landmarks. A Certificate of
Appropriateness is required authorizing alteration of exterior features.
Noise Ordinance
The 2019 Ordinance prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, an unnecessary noises in all unincorporated
areas of Alamance County. The Ordinance establishes the time of day when loud noises are prohibited.
Watershed Protection Ordinance
The southwestern corner of Alamance County is identified as being in the Balance of Watershed (BOW) for the
Rocky River. The BOW is the entire land area contributing surface drainage to a specific point, the public water
supply intake, minus the watershed critical area. A Watershed Protection Permit, issued by the County
Watershed Administrator, is required before any change in land use or issuance of a building permit.
The Alamance County Watershed Protection Ordinance (amended 2014), lists allowed and prohibited
development uses including density and built -upon limits for the BOW area and describes the Board of
Adjustment appeal process for decisions/ determinations made by the Watershed Administrator. The
Ordinance also provides guidance for a Special Non -Residential Intensity Allocation (SNIA). A SNIA is the
procedure used for Alamance County Commissioners to grant institutional uses in the BOW.
In the BOW, single family residential development shall not exceed one (1) dwelling unit per acre, unless
in a cluster development with an overall project density no greater than one dwelling per acre. Cluster
development is only allowed in BOW areas. Multi -family residential and non-residential development
requires a minimum area of forty thousand square feet (40,000 sq. ft.) for each dwelling unit or non-
residential development use, when more than one unit or use is to be sited on a lot. Development cannot
exceed twelve percent (12%) built -upon area except for expansion of existing development.
For an approved SNIA, an individual industrial use project can be developed up to seventy percent (70%) in a
built -upon area. Up to ten percent (10%) of the balance of any designated watershed may be developed with
this special allocation. The maximum SNIA acres available in the Rocky River watershed are 554 acres'.
The riparian buffer protection rules of 15A NCAC 02B .0267 and .0268 and Section 6.(g) of Session Law
2009-216, found in Section 7.(b) of Session Law 2009-484 (Jordan Water Supply Nutrient Strategy) apply
to all lands regulated by this Ordinance.
A hazardous materials inventory and spill containment plans required for new above ground storage tanks
will be kept in the Alamance County Emergency Management Office.
'As of the Amended Ordinance dated April 21, 2014.
3

Resource Action Effect Local Ordinance
Topography Clearing, grading,
fill in floodplain
Decreased flood
storage, habitat;
increased flow &
erosion
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Soils
N/A
N/A
N/A
Land Use
Conversion/
rezoning;
Direct
impacts from
development
Decreased
agriculture & forest
land;
Objectionable
impacts
Subdivision Ordinance
Heavy Industrial Development Ordinance
Manufactured Home Park Ordinance
Jurisdictional
Waters
Direct impact from
development, road
& utility crossings;
Increased
stormwater flow
Direct fill; Change in
hydrology;
Fragmentation;
Decreased aquatic
function, habitat,
biodiversity
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Prime Agricultural Conversion to
Lands residential
Loss of agriculture;
Increased
noise/traffic
Farmland Preservation Ordinance
Farmland Preservation Program
Ordinance Amendment
Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program
Ordinance
Public Lands
N/A
N/A
N/A
Archaeological /
Historical Sites
Direct impacts
from development
in removal of
structures or fill /
grading of
archaeological
sites
Removal of
structures or
disturbance of
archaeological sites
Historic Properties Commission Ordinance
Air Quality
Increased
vehicles, some
increase in
dischargers
Decrease air quality; N/A
Increased particulate
matter
Noise
Increased traffic,
receptors
Minimal effect on
wildlife behavior &
quality of life
Noise Ordinance
Water Resources Increased
impervious area,
runoff, erosion
Decrease water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
sedimentation
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Forests
Clearing / land
conversion
Decreased air &
water quality
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Aquatic Habitat
Decreased water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
erosion
Decreased diversity
& habitat
Watershed Protection Ordinance
4

Wildlife / Clearing/land Decreased diversity, Watershed Protection Ordinance
Vegetation conversion abundance, habitat;
Increased
fragmentation
Protected
Species
See Limited - lack of
wildlife/vegetation habitat
See Wildlife / Vegetation
Toxic Increased Decreased water Watershed Protection Ordinance
Substances chance of quality, aquatic
release, habitat
pollutants in
stormwater
Alamance County Land Development Plan (2007)
The Alamance County Land Development Plan is a guide for making strategic decisions about the orderly
growth and development of the unincorporated areas in Alamance County over the twenty year planning
period from 2006 to 2026. Southwestern Alamance County is identified as being in Township 1 —
Patterson. The growth strategy for this area is Conservation Overlay. The purpose of this land classification
is to preserve the natural, recreational and scenic resources of the County and environmentally sensitive
areas to enhance quality of life and promote recreational and tourism opportunities. Public water or
sewer service would be limited or not provided in the area. Development density in this area would consist
of limited residential development and very low intensity open space, recreational or greenway uses.
Notes
The County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
A majority of Alamance County is considered high quality farmland.
Except for the southwestern corner of Alamance County, the remainder of the County is identified as
being in the Jordan Lake watershed and subject to the Jordan Lake Nutrient Strategy.
5

CHATHAM COUNTY
Local Regulations/ Programs/ Plans
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, revised in 2018, contains regulations to control development
activities that may increase erosion, provisions for flood hazard reduction, responsibilities of the local
administrator, and corrective procedures of violations. A Floodplain Development Permit, issued by the
local administrator, is required prior to any development activities located within Special Flood Hazard
Areas. The applicant is required to show conformance with the provisions of the Ordinance, including
proof of an Elevation Certificate. Special Flood Hazard Areas are identified under the Cooperating
Technical State (CTS) agreement between the State of North Carolina and Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) in its Flood Insurance Study dated October 19, 2018 for Chatham County
and associated Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) panels.
Zoning Ordinance
The Chatham County Zoning Ordinance (amended 2019) identifies ten (10) general use districts for the
unincorporated portions of the County. The Ordinance also lists general environmental performance
standards. The northwest corner of Chatham County contains two designated residential districts; R1 and
R5. The R1 district is primarily for low to moderate density residential development within the residential -
agricultural areas of the jurisdiction. The R5 district is primarily for very low density residential
developments along the County's rivers and streams which are compatible with protecting the water
quality of the rivers and streams. Minimum lot sizes for new residential lots are 40,000 square feet and
three (3) acres, respectively.
Subdivision Regulations (revised 2018)
Unlike zoning ordinances, which address whether specific uses are permitted, subdivision regulations
specify how development will actually occur and exactly what form it will take. In Chatham County
residential developers have the choice to design conventionally, or present a conservation design with
Low Impact Development (LID) and Best Management Practice (BMP) features. During the concept
review, the County mandates developers to have meetings with neighbors/ community to share goals of
the development and gather information from neighbors about any concerns about the land, the goal
being to achieve a balance for the environment, neighborhood/community and applicant.
Depending on the number of proposed lots, the developer is required to submit either general
environmental documentation or an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA, required of
subdivisions consisting of 50 or more lots, discusses the potential environmental impact of the proposed
project and the methods proposed to mitigate or avoid significant adverse environmental impacts.
Resource topics and project impacts are required for: geography, soils and prime farmland, land use,
existing and natural resources, public lands, scenic, recreational and state natural areas, areas of
archaeological or historical value, air quality, noise levels, light levels, surface and groundwater resources
and watershed area, fish and aquatic habitats, wildlife and natural vegetation, and hazardous materials.
The developer is required to notify the Chatham County Historical Association of the presence of any
historical structures or cemeteries on or adjacent to the property. The developer is also required to submit
a copy the State and Federal reports regarding wetlands and stream delineations and the County report
regarding riparian buffer delineations.
6

The minimum lot size for residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial use is determined by the
County based on the type of water supply and sewage disposal services, soil characteristics,
improvements, and relation to the street system.
As an alternative to conventional layouts, Chatham County encourages the preservation of large,
contiguous blocks of land, herein referred to as Conservation Space. Conservation Space consists of Open
Space and Natural Space. When a developer voluntarily preserves Conservation Space a project can
increase the number of units that would be allowed on the overall property by ten (10) percent. A
minimum of 40 percent of the project area shall be retained as Conservation Space for a conservation
subdivision design. Land required to be protected under other regulatory provisions, such as riparian
buffers and floodplain, are permitted to be included in the Conservation Space calculation. A maximum
of 20% of the required Conservation Space shall be Open Space and a minimum of 80% of such
Conservation Space shall be Natural Space. Conservation Space proposed for a conservation subdivision
is protected in perpetuity by a recorded, binding legal document.
Mobile Home Ordinance
The Ordinance, amended in 2006, contains procedures for the review of plans for mobile home parks
containing three or more dwelling units. Where new roads are proposed a drainage/ erosion control plan
is required in addition to utility plans and a topographic map with contours. Land subject to flood shall
not be raised for fill to accommodate dwelling units. Water hazard setbacks prohibiting buildings and
septic systems are 100 feet on both sides of the Rocky River. Along tributaries of the Rocky River and other
continuously flowing streams, and intermittent streams for a distance of 2,500 feet from the specified
rivers, the water hazard setback shall extend fifty (50) feet landward from the edge of the bank.
The minimum size of mobile home park lots are 65,430 square feet when individual wells and septic
systems are used to serve each lot. The minimum lot size may be reduced to forty thousand (40,000)
square feet when public water is used to serve all lots within the mobile home park. The Ordinance
requires an adequate storm drainage system and cover on exposed ground surfaces to prevent soil
erosion and dust.
Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance
This 2019 Ordinance establishes benefits for participating farmers in voluntary agricultural districts (VADs)
within the county. The Ordinance describes the process to apply for VAD designation and establishes a
process to inform non -farming neighbors and potential land purchasers of participating farms. The Board
of Commissioners established a nine -member Agricultural Advisory Board to implement the provisions of
the Ordinance.
Non -farm use or development of land in a VAD is restricted for a period of at least ten years, except for
the creation of not more than three lots that meet applicable County zoning and subdivision regulations.
A landowner may transfer or revoke the agreement or the Advisory Board may revoke the agreement
based on non-compliance.
If the County designates "growth corridors" VAD's will not be permitted to be added in those growth
corridors without the approval of the Board of Commissioners. VADs already in "growth corridors" may
remain but cannot be expanded without the approval of the Board of Commissioners.
Noise Regulations
7

The 2019 Ordinance prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, an unnecessary noises in all unincorporated
areas of Chatham County. The Ordinance establishes the time of day when loud noises are prohibited.
Watershed Protection Ordinance
The northwestern corner of Chatham County is classified as being in water supply watershed WS-III BW
(Balance of Watershed) and River Corridor Special Area (RCSA) on the Watershed Protection Map of Chatham
County, North Carolina. The WS III-BW is the area of land draining to the Siler City municipal water system
intake on the Rocky River.
The Watershed Protection Ordinance, revised in 2016, regulates allowed uses, density, built upon limits and
prohibited uses for land in watershed areas. In both the WS III BW and RCSA designated areas, single family
residential development shall not exceed one (1) dwelling unit per acre, except within conservation
subdivisions that shall not exceed two (2) dwelling units per acre. No residential lots shall be less than 40,000
square feet or 65,340 square feet for lots with individual wells and individual wastewater disposal systems. All
other residential and non-residential development shall not exceed twenty-four percent (24%) built upon area
except when approved as a special non-residential intensity allocation. Chatham County requires riparian
buffers in all watershed within its jurisdiction.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
This 2016 Ordinance requires that a stormwater plan be submitted for projects that will exceed 20,000 square
feet of land disturbances. This requirement applies to all new development and redevelopment within County
jurisdiction, including private, public, state, and federal development not covered by a separate National
Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit. A Stormwater Permit is also required.
Hazardous Waste Management Ordinance
This 1982 Ordinance regulates the location, operation, and care of waste management facilities dealing with
the storage, transfer, treatment or disposal of hazardous and low-level radioactive waste within Chatham
County. The Ordinance describes the permitting process and specific conditions for a permit.
Moratorium Ordinance
The Ordinance, amended in 2007, establishes criteria for moratoria for any development approval required by
law within the County's territorial jurisdiction. The Ordinance applies to any land development ordinance or
regulation.
Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Ordinance
This Ordinance, amended in 2018, requires a Land Disturbing Permit to regulate certain land -disturbing activity
to control accelerated erosion and sedimentation.
Resource Action Effect Local Ordinance
Topography Clearing, grading, Decreased flood
fill in floodplain storage, habitat;
increased flow &
erosion
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Subdivision Ordinance
8

Soils
Clearing, grading;
decreased water
quality, increased
erosion
Decreased aquatic
function, habitat,
biodiversity;
Decrease water
quality, Increased
sedimentation
Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Ordinance
Land Use
Conversion/
rezoning;
Direct
impacts from
development
Decreased
agriculture & forest
land;
Objectionable
impacts
Zoning Ordinance
Subdivision Ordinance
Mobile Home Ordinance
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance
Jurisdictional
Waters
Direct impact from
development, road
& utility crossings;
Increased
stormwater flow
Direct fill; Change in
hydrology;
Fragmentation;
Decreased aquatic
function, habitat,
biodiversity
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Prime Agricultural Conversion to
Lands residential
Loss of agriculture;
Increased
noise/traffic
Subdivision Ordinance
Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance
Public Lands
N/A
N/A
Subdivision Ordinance
Archaeological /
Historical Sites
Direct impacts
from development
in removal of
structures or fill /
grading of
archaeological
sites
Removal of
structures or
disturbance of
archaeological sites
Subdivision Ordinance
Air Quality
Increased
vehicles, some
increase in
dischargers
Decrease air quality; Subdivision Ordinance
Increased particulate Mobile Home Ordinance
matter
Noise
Increased traffic,
receptors
Minimal effect on
wildlife behavior &
quality of life
Subdivision Ordinance
Noise Regulations
Water Resources Increased
impervious area,
runoff, erosion
Decrease water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
sedimentation
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Mobile Home Ordinance
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Ordinance
Forests
Clearing / land
conversion
Decreased air &
water quality
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
9

Aquatic Habitat
Decreased water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
erosion
Decreased diversity
& habitat
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Ordinance
Wildlife /
Vegetation
Clearing/land
conversion
Decreased diversity,
abundance, habitat;
Increased
fragmentation
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Protected
Species
See Limited - lack of
wildlife/vegetation habitat
Subdivision Ordinance
Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Ordinance
Toxic
Substances
Increased
chance of
release,
pollutants in
stormwater
Decreased water
quality, aquatic
habitat
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Hazardous Waste Management Ordinance
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Plan Chatham - Comprehensive Plan (2017)
The Comprehensive Plan for Chatham County, Plan Chatham, provides a 25-year strategic guide for future
decisions to address the most pressing needs of the County and improve the quality of life. The Plan
outlines policies, strategies, short term and long term priorities for addressing key goals. The
Comprehensive Plan includes the companion Land Use and Conservation Plan, a map graphically
depicting the vision for the future of Chatham County. Together the written guidance and visual map
provide a framework for future decisions and action.
Plan Chatham identifies the northwestern corner of the County as protected lands or conservation design
land uses. Limited or low impact development land uses is encouraged. Conservation subdivisions should
protect natural resources while not disrupting agricultural practices.
Notes
The Piedmont Land Conservancy manages a 71.86 acre conservation easement, of multiple parcels, in the
northwest corner of Chatham County that is bounded by Alamance and Randolph Counties. The
conservation easement is attached to the deed of the property to ensure that the property is restricted
to agricultural use for all future owners of the property.
Two megasites are proposed for areas in Chatham County (Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing
(CAM) Site and the Moncure megasite). The County's Comprehensive Plan includes strategies to
encourage quality development of megasites including recruiting complimentary use in proximity to
megasites, education for employees, providing transit service to megasites (long-term), and partnering
with municipalities to provide water and wastewater service. These strategies may also be applicable to
the GRMS immediately outside of Chatham County.
10

TOWN OF LIBERTY
Local Regulations/ Programs/ Plans
General Water and Sewer Provisions (1981)
The entire cost of extending a water or sewer line to serve property outside the town shall be borne by
the property owner requesting the extension, subject to the town's reimbursement policy. Discharge of
surface waters or listed, prohibited materials into the sanitary sewer system is prohibited and subject to
a fine. The town may enter into special agreement with any person for wastes of unusual strength or
character to be admitted into the sanitary sewers for treatment by the town, subject to appropriate
payments to the town to cover the extra costs associated with treatment of the wastes. A permit is
required for discharge of industrial waste.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (2007)
The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance contains regulations to control development activities that may
increase erosion, provisions for flood hazard reduction, responsibilities of the local administrator, and
corrective procedures of violations. A Floodplain Development Permit, issued by the local administrator,
is required prior to any development activities located within special flood hazard areas. The applicant is
required to show conformance with the provisions of the Ordinance, including proof of an Elevation
Certificate. Special Flood Hazard Areas are identified under the Cooperating Technical State (CTS)
agreement between the State of North Carolina and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in
its Flood Insurance Study (FIS) dated January 2, 2008 for Randolph County and accompanying flood
insurance rate maps (FIRM).
Zoning Ordinance (2004)
The Zoning Ordinance lists sixteen (16) districts of land use, with a description and purpose of each zoning
district. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required before a building or structure is used or occupied.
General development standards such as lot size, setbacks, signs and landscaping are defined in the
Ordinance. Storage of hazardous materials within Balance of Watershed is described with the application
process to store materials. The Ordinance also describes the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment and
their duties and responsibilities.
Subdivision Ordinance (1997)
The Town Manager is responsible for administering the Ordinance. Each individual subdivision plat of land
must be approved. Connection to either water and /or sewerage systems, operated by the town and
within the territorial jurisdiction, must also be approved. Private water distribution and/or sewerage
disposal system within the extraterritorial area must be approved by the Randolph County or appropriate
county or state agency and the Town Manager. Storm water drainage collectors will be adequately sized
and placed to carry the flow of 10-year frequency. Cross drainage pipes and bridges will be adequately
sized and placed to carry the flow of a flood of 25-year frequency. Erosion control plans are required when
the construction area exceeds one (1) acre.
Historic Preservation Commission (1998)
The seven (7) member Commission, appointed by the Town Council, has the power to recommends areas/
structures to be preserved, revoked, removed or preserved. Additionally the Commission can Review and
act upon proposals for alterations, demolitions or new construction within historic districts, or for the
alteration or demolition of designated landmarks pursuant to G.S. Ch. 160A, Article 19, Part 3C. A
Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any exterior modification. A certificate is required to be
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issued by the Commission prior to the issuance of a zoning permit, building permit or other permit granted
for the purposes of constructing, altering, moving or demolishing structures within a historic district or of
designated landmarks. Failure to comply with a certificate shall be a violation of the Town of Liberty Zoning
Chapter. An application for a certificate of appropriateness authorizing the demolition, removal or
destruction of a designated landmark or a building, structure or site within a historic district may not be
denied unless the structure/ site is determined by the State Historic Preservation Officer as having
statewide significance and that the owner would suffer extreme hardship.
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Two public water supply watersheds designated by the NC Environmental Commission and the Liberty
Town Council are located within the corporate limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Liberty. Both
the Rocky River watershed and Sandy Creek watershed are classified as WS-III-BW (Balance of Watershed
or BOW) and are protected waters. The watersheds supply the Randleman Lake watershed in the Cape
Fear River basin.
WS-III waters are generally in low to moderately developed watersheds. The BOW is the entire land area
contributing surface drainage to a specific point, the public water supply intake, minus the watershed
critical area. To provide additional protection, watershed overlay districts are established by Liberty for
both watersheds. Cluster development is allowed with conditions. Depending on development density, a
minimum 50 or 100-foot vegetative buffer is required for all new development activities. Situations that
may pose a threat to water quality are referred by the Watershed Administrator (Town Manager) to the
Board of Adjustment, acting as the Watershed Review Board. The Board of Adjustment shall hear and
decide appeals from any decision or determination made by the Town Manager.
No building or built -upon area can be erected, moved, enlarged or structurally altered, and a building
permit cannot be issued until a watershed protection permit has been issued by the Town Manager. A
watershed protection occupancy permit, issued by the Town Manager, is required to certify that all
requirements of the ordinance have been met prior to the occupancy or use of a building.
The Watershed Protection Ordinance regulates allowed uses, density, built upon limits and prohibited uses for
land in watershed areas. In both WS III BW designated areas, single family residential development shall not
exceed two (2) dwelling units per acre. In the absence of public sewer, the minimum lot size is 40,000 square
feet. All other residential and non-residential development shall not exceed twenty-four percent (24%) built
upon area. Non-residential uses may occupy 10% of each watershed with 70% built -upon area when approved
as a special non-residential intensity allocation.
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Resource Action Effect Local Ordinance
Topography Clearing, grading,
fill in floodplain
Decreased flood
storage, habitat;
increased flow &
erosion
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Subdivision Ordinance
Soils
Clearing, grading;
decreased water
quality, increased
erosion
Decreased aquatic N/A
function, habitat,
biodiversity;
Decrease water
quality, Increased
sedimentation
Land Use
Conversion/
rezoning;
Direct
impacts from
development
Decreased
agriculture & forest
land;
Objectionable
impacts
Zoning Ordinance
Subdivision Ordinance
Jurisdictional
Waters
Direct impact from
development, road
& utility crossings;
Increased
stormwater flow
Direct fill; Change in
hydrology;
Fragmentation;
Decreased aquatic
function, habitat,
biodiversity
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Prime Agricultural Conversion to
Lands residential
Loss of agriculture;
Increased
noise/traffic
N/A
Public Lands
N/A
N/A
N/A
Archaeological /
Historical Sites
Direct impacts
from development
in removal of
structures or fill /
grading of
archaeological
sites
Removal of
structures or
disturbance of
archaeological sites
Historic Preservation Commission
Air Quality
Increased
vehicles, some
increase in
dischargers
Decrease air quality; N/A
Increased particulate
matter
Noise
Increased traffic,
receptors
Minimal effect on N/A
wildlife behavior &
quality of life
Water Resources Increased
impervious area,
runoff, erosion
Decrease water
quality, stream
stability; Increased
sedimentation
Subdivision Ordinance
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Forests
Clearing / land
conversion
Decreased air &
water quality
N/A
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Aquatic Habitat Decreased water Decreased diversity Watershed Protection Ordinance
quality, stream & habitat
stability; Increased
erosion
Wildlife / Clearing/land Decreased diversity,
Vegetation conversion abundance, habitat;
Increased
fragmentation
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Protected
Species
See Limited - lack of
wildlife/vegetation habitat
N/A
Toxic Increased Decreased water
Substances chance of quality, aquatic
release, habitat
pollutants in
stormwater
Watershed Protection Ordinance
Zoning Ordinance
Town of Liberty, NC Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System 2018 Annual Report
Liberty is permitted (Permit No. WQ0003090) through the State of North Carolina to operate a spray
irrigation wastewater treatment facility and operate the wastewater collection system. The permit was
set to expire on April 30, 2019. A permit renewal was under development at the time of the Annual Report.
The wastewater treatment facility is located at 7178 East Highfill Avenue. The Town is permitted for
550,000 gallons per day of sewage. The average daily use is approximately 220,000 gallons2. The collection
system consists of approximately 25 miles of sewer lines and 8 lift stations.
2 Liberty Wastewater Department webpage.
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