NCS000395_MeckCo FY2019 SWMP_20181026

Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan
Permit No. NCS000395
(Revised January 26, 2010; August 20, 2010; June 5, 2012; August 14, 2012;
November 2, 2012; March 2014; August 2015; April 2016; August 2017;
October 2018)

Prepared by:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
Mecklenburg County Water Quality Program
2154 Suttle Avenue
Charlotte, N.C. 28208-5237

Prepared for:
NPDES Phase II Storm Water Permit (NCS000395) Renewal Application
Requirements for Mecklenburg County; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools; Central
Piedmont Community College; and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson,
Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville
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Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
Section 2: Funding ........................................................................................................................... 3
Section 3: Public Education and Outreach ...................................................................................... 5
3.1 Program Goals and Objectives ....................................................................................... 5
3.2 BMP Summary Table ..................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Targeted Pollutants and Pollutant Sources ..................................................................... 7
3.4 Targeted Audience ......................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Storm Water Helpline ..................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Outreach Program ........................................................................................................... 9
3.6.1 Utility Bill Inserts ....................................................................................................... 9
3.6.2 Brochures, Environmental Notices and Newsletters ................................................ 10
3.6.3 Print Ads ................................................................................................................... 10
3.6.4 Media Campaign ....................................................................................................... 11
3.6.5 Social Media ............................................................................................................. 11
3.6.6 Workshops and Video Taped Messages ................................................................... 11
3.6.7 Web Pages ................................................................................................................. 12
3.6.8 Educational Presentations and Public Events ........................................................... 12
3.7 Decision Process ........................................................................................................... 12
3.8 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................... 13
Section 4: Public Involvement and Participation .......................................................................... 14
4.1 Program Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................... 14
4.2 BMP Summary Table ................................................................................................... 14
4.3 Targeted Audience ....................................................................................................... 15
4.4 Mechanisms for Public Involvement and Participation ............................................... 15
4.4.1 Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) ...................... 16
4.4.2 Public Meetings ........................................................................................................ 16
4.4.3 Adopt-A-Stream Program ......................................................................................... 16
4.4.4 Storm Drain Marking Program ................................................................................. 17
4.4.5 Surface Water Clean Up ........................................................................................... 17
4.4.6 Tree Planting Events ................................................................................................. 18
4.4.7 Volunteer Monitoring ............................................................................................... 18
4.4.8 Volunteer Appreciation Event .................................................................................. 18
4.5 Decision Process ........................................................................................................... 18
4.6 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................... 19
Section 5: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination ................................................................. 20
5.1 Program Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................... 20
5.2 BMP Summary Table ................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Storm Sewer System Mapping ..................................................................................... 22
5.4 Pollution Control Ordinance ........................................................................................ 24
5.5 Enforcement ................................................................................................................. 24
5.6 Detection and Elimination ............................................................................................ 24
5.6.1 Identifying Priority Areas ......................................................................................... 25
5.6.1.1 Citizen Requests for Service .................................................................. 25
5.6.1.2 Routine Water Quality Monitoring Activities ........................................ 26
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5.6.1.3 Volunteer Activities ............................................................................... 29
5.6.1.4 GIS Mapping .......................................................................................... 30
5.6.2 Confirming the Presence of an Illicit Discharge ....................................................... 30
5.6.2.1 Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP) ....................................... 30
5.6.2.2 Short Term Monitoring .......................................................................... 31
5.6.2.3 Hot Spot Investigations .......................................................................... 32
5.6.2.4 Stream Walks ......................................................................................... 32
5.6.2.5 Facility Inspections ................................................................................ 32
5.6.2.6 Dry Weather Flow Investigations .......................................................... 33
5.6.3 Tracking the Source of an Illicit Discharge .............................................................. 33
5.6.3.1 Record Reviews...................................................................................... 33
5.6.3.2 Inspections .............................................................................................. 34
5.6.3.3 Monitoring .............................................................................................. 34
5.6.4 Procedures for Removing the Source of the Illicit Discharge .................................. 34
5.6.5 Documentation .......................................................................................................... 34
5.7 Incidental Non-Storm Water Discharges ..................................................................... 36
5.8 Non-Storm Water Discharges ...................................................................................... 36
5.9 Outreach ....................................................................................................................... 36
5.10 Decision Process ........................................................................................................... 37
5.11 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................... 38
Section 6: Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control ........................................................... 39
6.1 Program Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................... 39
6.2 BMP Summary Table ................................................................................................... 39
6.3 Erosion Control Ordinance ........................................................................................... 40
6.4 Erosion Control Plan Reviews ..................................................................................... 41
6.5 Enforcement ................................................................................................................. 41
6.6 Inspections .................................................................................................................... 42
6.7 Erosion Control Hotline ............................................................................................... 42
6.8 Erosion Control Education ........................................................................................... 42
6.9 Government Projects .................................................................................................... 43
6.10 Decision Process ........................................................................................................... 43
6.11 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................... 43
Section 7: Post-Construction Site Runoff Control ........................................................................ 44
7.1 Program Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................... 44
7.2 BMP Summary Table ................................................................................................... 44
7.3 Post-Construction Storm Water Ordinances ................................................................ 45
7.4 Compliance by Co-Permittees with Post-Construction Ordinance Requirements ....... 46
7.5 Requirements for Non-Structural BMPs ...................................................................... 47
7.6 Requirements for Structural BMPs .............................................................................. 48
7.7 Natural Resource Protection ......................................................................................... 49
7.8 Open Space Protection ................................................................................................. 49
7.9 Tree Preservation .......................................................................................................... 49
7.10 Redevelopment ............................................................................................................. 49
7.11 Green Infrastructure Practices ...................................................................................... 50
7.12 Operation and Maintenance .......................................................................................... 50
7.13 Decision Process ........................................................................................................... 52
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7.14 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................... 52
Section 8: Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations ......................... 54
8.1 Program Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................... 54
8.2 BMP Summary Table ................................................................................................... 54
8.3 Inventory of Municipally Owned or Operated Facilities ............................................. 56
8.4 Training ........................................................................................................................ 59
8.5 Operation and Maintenance Programs, Spill Prevention, and Spill Response ............. 60
8.6 Minimizing Pollution from Municipally-Owned Streets, Roads, and Parking Lots .... 62
8.7 Operation and Maintenance of Municipally Owned Storm Sewer System .................. 63
8.8 Management of Pesticide, Herbicide and Fertilizer Application ................................. 64
8.9 Preventing or Minimizing Pollution from Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning Areas ... 66
8.10 Waste Disposal ............................................................................................................. 66
8.11 Flood Management Projects ......................................................................................... 66
8.12 Decision Process ........................................................................................................... 67
8.13 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................... 67
Section 9: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) ....................................................................... 69
9.1 Program Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................... 69
9.2 BMP Summary Table ................................................................................................... 69
9.3 Approved TMDLs Applicable to Mecklenburg County .............................................. 70
9.4 Coordination Between Phase I and Phase II Jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County .... 71
9.5 TMDL Pollutants of Concern ....................................................................................... 74
9.5.1 Fecal Coliform TMDLs ............................................................................................ 74
9.5.2 Chlorophyll-a TMDL ................................................................................................ 74
9.5.3 Mercury TMDL ........................................................................................................ 75
9.6 Watershed Characteristics ............................................................................................ 75
9.6.1 Rocky River Watershed ............................................................................................ 75
9.6.2 Goose Creek Watershed ............................................................................................ 80
9.6.3 Lake Wylie Watershed .............................................................................................. 84
9.7 Public Information and Notification ............................................................................. 89
9.8 Implementation Team ................................................................................................... 89
9.9 MS4 Major Storm Water Outfalls in the TMDL Watersheds ...................................... 89
9.10 Existing BMP Measures .............................................................................................. 90
9.10.1 Public Education & Outreach ............................................................................... 90
9.10.2 Fats, Oils and Grease Program .............................................................................. 90
9.10.3 Public Involvement and Participation ................................................................... 91
9.10.4 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) ............................................ 91
9.10.5 Sewer Use Ordinance ............................................................................................ 91
9.10.6 Sanitary Sewer System Inspections and Maintenance .......................................... 91
9.10.7 SSO Rapid Response ............................................................................................ 92
9.10.8 Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control.................................................... 92
9.10.9 Post-Construction Site Runoff Control ................................................................. 92
9.10.10 Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping ..................................................... 93
9.11 Water Quality Monitoring and Data Assessment ........................................................ 93
9.11.1 Fecal Coliform Monitoring and Data Assessment for the Rocky River ............... 93
9.11.2 Fecal Coliform Monitoring and Data Assessment for Goose Creek .................... 94
9.11.3 Chlorophyll-A Monitoring and Data Assessment for Lake Wylie ....................... 94
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9.11.4 Mercury Monitoring and Data Assessment Statewide .......................................... 95
9.12 Additional BMP Measures .......................................................................................... 95
9.12.1 Additional BMP Measures in the Rocky River Watershed .................................. 95
9.12.2 Additional BMP Measures in the Goose Creek Watershed .................................. 96
9.12.3 Additional BMP Measures in the Lake Wylie Watershed .................................... 99
9.13 Tracking and Reporting Success ............................................................................... 100
9.14 Reporting ................................................................................................................... 100
Section 10: Documentation, Review and Reporting .............................................................. 101
10.1 Documentation ........................................................................................................... 101
10.2 Storm Water Plan Review and Modification ............................................................. 101
10.3 Reports to NCDEQ ..................................................................................................... 101
10.3.1 Annual Reports ................................................................................................... 101
10.3.2 Twenty-Four Hour Reporting ............................................................................. 102

List of Tables:

Table 1: Phase II Storm Water Plan Cost Breakdown by Jurisdiction/Entity ................................ 4
Table 2: BMP Summary Table for the Public Education and Outreach Program .......................... 5
Table 3: Targeted Pollutant, Pollutant Sources, Audience and Contributing Issues ...................... 7
Table 4: BMP Summary Table for the Public Involvement and Participation Program .............. 14
Table 5: BMP Summary Table for the IDDE Program ................................................................ 21
Table 6: BMP Summary Table for the Construction Site Storm Water Control Program ........... 39
Table 7: BMP Summary Table for the Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Program. ........... 44
Table 8: Non-Structural BMPs Required by Post-Construction Ordinances ................................ 47
Table 9: Structural BMPs Contained in the Post-Construction Ordinances ................................. 48
Table 10: BMP Summary Table for the Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program ..... 54
Table 11: Municipal Operations Owned and/or Operated by the County and Towns .................. 57
Table 12: Municipal Operations Owned and/or Operated by CMS ............................................. 58
Table 13: Municipal Operations Owned and/or Operated by CPCC ............................................ 59
Table 14: Municipal Operations that have been Issued Storm Water Permits ............................. 59
Table 15: Annual Treatment Area Thresholds.............................................................................. 64
Table 16: Limits on Pesticide Applications in the Goose Creek Watershed ................................ 65
Table 17: BMP Summary Table for the TMDL Program............................................................. 69
Table 18: Approved TMDLs for Mecklenburg County’s Phase I and Phase II Jurisdictions ...... 71
Table 19: New TMDL Requirements ........................................................................................... 72
Table 20: Information Regarding the Rocky River Watershed in Mecklenburg County ............. 75
Table 21: Information Regarding the Goose Creek Watershed in Mecklenburg County ............. 80
Table 22: Information Regarding the Lake Wylie Watershed in Mecklenburg County ............... 84
Table 23: Number of Outfalls in each TMDL Watershed ............................................................ 90
Table 24: Annual Analysis of the Rocky River Watershed for the Monitoring Plan ................... 94

List of Figures:

Figure 1: Utility Bill Insert ............................................................................................................. 9
Figure 2: Printed Brochure............................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3: Storm Drain Marker ...................................................................................................... 17
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Figure 4: Computer Screen Shot of Storm Drain Inlets, Outlets, and Receiving Streams ........... 23
Figure 5: Stream Monitoring Sites ................................................................................................ 27
Figure 6: Stream Use Support Index (SUSI) Map (January through March 2017) ...................... 29
Figure 7: GIS Map Available Through Cityworks for Prioritizing Areas for Illicit Discharges .. 31
Figure 8: Notices of Violation Issued from 1995 through 2017 ................................................... 35
Figure 9: Hidden Valley Project in Charlotte ............................................................................... 67
Figure 10: Surface Waters in Phase II Jurisdictions with Approved TMDLs .............................. 73
Figure 11: Location of the Rocky River Watershed in Relation to Mecklenburg County ........... 77
Figure 12: TMDL Waters, Outfalls and Monitoring Sites in the Rocky River Watershed in
Mecklenburg County .................................................................................................... 78
Figure 13: Landuses in the Rocky River TMDL Watershed in Mecklenburg County ................. 79
Figure 14: Location of the Goose Creek Watershed in Mecklenburg .......................................... 81
Figure 15: TMDL Waters, Outfalls and Monitoring Sites in the Goose Creek Watershed in
Mecklenburg County .................................................................................................... 82
Figure 16: Landuses in the Goose Creek TMDL Watershed in Mecklenburg County ................ 83
Figure 17: Location of Lake Wylie Watershed in Mecklenburg County ..................................... 86
Figure 18: TMDL Waters, Outfalls and Monitoring Sites in the Lake Wylie Watershed in
Mecklenburg County .................................................................................................... 87
Figure 19: Landuses in the Lake Wylie TMDL Watershed in Mecklenburg County .................. 88

Appendices:

Appendix A: BMP Summary Table ............................................................................................ 103
Appendix B: Organizational Chart ............................................................................................. 112
Appendix C: Post-Construction Policy for Transportation Projects ........................................... 114
Appendix D: Phase II Municipal Facility Inventory Procedures ................................................ 117
Appendix E: Storm Water Inspection Checklist for Municipal Facilities .................................. 125

Acronyms:

BMP: Best Management Practice
CMS: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
CPCC: Central Piedmont Community College
CMSWS: Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services – County Water Quality Program
EDMS: Environmental Data Management System
FY: Fiscal Year
GIS: Geographic Information System
GPS: Global Positioning System
IDDE: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
LUESA: Land Use and Environmental Services Agency
MEP: Maximum Extent Practicable
MOA: Memorandum of Agreement
MS4: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
NCAC: North Carolina Administrative Code
NCDEQ: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
NPDES: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
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SWAC: Storm Water Advisory Committee
S.W.I.M.: Surface Water Improvement and Management
SWMP: Storm Water Management Program
TMDL: Total Maximum Daily Load
TSS: Total Suspended Solids
WLA: Waste Load Allocation
WQRP: Water Quality Recovery Program

Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
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Section 1: Introduction

The Phase II Permit requires the development and implementation of a Storm Water Quality
Management Program for the purpose of complying with permit requirements. A written Storm
Water Plan is required for the purpose of describing the various control measures and activities
the permittee will undertake to implement the Storm Water Quality Management Program. The
Storm Water Plan also provides a description of all programs and best management practices
(BMPs) implemented and enforced to comply with the permit, as well as provides a list of
ordinances and other regulatory mechanisms used to provide the legal authority necessary to
ensure permit compliance. The Storm Water Plan serves to document how Mecklenburg County
and its co-permittees are in compliance with permit requirements. Implementation of the best
management practices (BMPs) specified in the Storm Water Plan constitutes compliance with the
permit provision for reducing pollutants to the maximum extent practicable (MEP). The
provisions of the Storm Water Plan are incorporated by reference into the Phase II Permit and are
thereby enforceable through the permit. The overall objectives of the Storm Water Plan are to:
• Reduce the discharge of pollutants from the municipally separate storm sewer system
(MS4) to the MEP;
• Protect water quality; and
• Satisfy permit requirements.

This document contains the Storm Water Plan that describes how the following jurisdictions/
entities in Mecklenburg County are in compliance with the requirements of NPDES Phase II
Permit Number NCS000395 and with the provisions of the Clean Water Act:
• Mecklenburg County (unincorporated)
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)
• Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC)
• Town of Cornelius
• Town of Davidson
• Town of Huntersville
• Town of Matthews
• Town of Mint Hill
• Town of Pineville

This Storm Water Plan contains the following information regarding the compliance measures
identified in the aforementioned permit:
• Narrative description of the programs implemented to comply with the measures.
• Table that identifies the BMPs included in the programs.
• Frequency of the BMPs.
• Measurable goals for the BMPs.
• Implementation schedule for the BMPs.
• Position responsible for BMP implementation.

In addition, Section 2 of this Storm Water Plan includes a description of the funding mechanism
for the development and implementation of the Storm Water Plan, including all associated
BMPs. Appendix A provides a summary of all the BMPs included in the Storm Water Plan.

Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
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Staff of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, Water Quality Program (CMSWS) are
responsible for developing, implementing, managing and overseeing the Storm Water Plan under
the direction of Mecklenburg County’s Water Quality Program Manager. Appendix B provides
an organizational chart that shows where the responsible parties fit into the structure of CMSWS.
The specific tasks, deadlines and assigned staff for fulfillment of the Storm Water Plan are
described in an annual Work Plan. A copy of this Work Plan is available upon request to
Mecklenburg County’s Water Quality Program Manager. As specified in the Phase II Permit,
each co-permittee is responsible for compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit for
storm water activities and permit requirements applicable to their jurisdictional area. The permit
further specifies that the State can administer and enforce the permit requirements with respect to
individual co-permittees found in non-compliance with the permit. The Storm Water
Management Program Interlocal Agreements entered into between Mecklenburg County and all
the co-permittees provides further clarification by stating that each co-permittee is responsible
for taking the actions necessary within their respective jurisdictions/entities as described by
CMSWS staff to ensure compliance with permit requirements. For example, CMSWS staff is
responsible for inspecting municipal facilities under the Pollution Prevention and Good
Housekeeping Program (see Section 8) and providing written notification to the responsible
jurisdiction/entity regarding inspection results, including all deficiencies. The jurisdiction/entity
and not CMSWS is responsible for implementing the actions necessary to correct all
deficiencies. Each co-permittee is responsible for performing all activities related to the
maintenance and repair of their property and infrastructure for compliance with permit
requirements, including facility maintenance as well as inlet, pipe, parking lot, and street
cleaning.
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
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Section 2: Funding

CMSWS’s costs for the development and implementation of this Storm Water Plan are shared by
all the co-permittees. The annual budget for the completion of all activities by CMSWS for
implementation of the Storm Water Plan is estimated at $1,009,213.40 with approximately 89%
associated with personnel costs and the remaining 11% associated with laboratory and equipment
costs for water quality monitoring activities. Over 70% of the funding for the program comes
from revenue generated by storm water fees received by Mecklenburg County and the Towns
with the remaining 30% coming from land development revenue that funds plan reviews and
erosion control at approximately 25% and revenue received from CMS and CPCC at
approximately 5%. For Mecklenburg County and the Towns, costs associated with the
development and implementation of the Storm Water Plan are shared based on what is referred
to as a “Shared Program Multiplier” that is calculated by averaging the percentages of
impervious cover and stream miles located within the jurisdictions. The percentage of
impervious cover is used as a component of the multiplier because it is an indicator of each
jurisdiction’s contribution to the storm water pollution problems in the Phase II area. It also
determines the amount of storm water revenue received by each jurisdiction. The percentage of
stream miles is used in the multiplier because it is an indicator of the jurisdiction’s level of
responsibility for the protection of water quality. Since CMS and CPCC do not receive revenue
from storm water fees, a Shared Program Multiplier is not used in calculating their cost; instead
their cost share is based on staff time for completion of activities required by the Storm Water
Plan.

CMSWS tracks staff time devoted to the development and implementation of the Storm Water
Plan, including over 50 individual program elements. Personnel costs are established by
multiplying this time by a set billing rate that covers CMSWS’s staff salaries and fringes but
does not cover the associated operating and administrative overhead costs. CMSWS also tracks
the laboratory costs associated with the implementation of the Storm Water Plan. The Shared
Program Multiplier for each jurisdiction is applied to the personnel and laboratory costs to
calculate each jurisdiction’s cost share, which is invoiced quarterly by CMSWS. The time and
cost associated with completing Storm Water Plan activities for CMS and CPCC is tracked
separately from the Towns and County and quarterly invoices are issued by CMSWS to cover
personnel costs using the established billing rate. Monitoring is not performed for CMS and
CPCC; therefore, no laboratory costs are included. Despite the cost sharing, over 43% of the
costs for implementation of the Storm Water Plan are covered by CMSWS, which includes land
development fees at approximately 25%. Table 1 below provides an estimate of the FY2019 cost
for each co-permittee for the implementation of the Storm Water Plan.

The process discussed above is described in detail in a document entitled the “Mecklenburg
County Water Quality Program Funding Strategy” that was approved by all the co-permittees
and implemented effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2019. All costs are incorporated into
an annual Work Plan, which is provided to each co-permittee for review and comment prior to
the beginning of each new fiscal year. A copy of this Funding Strategy and Work Plan is
available upon request to Mecklenburg County’s Water Quality Program Manager.

Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
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Table 1: Phase II Storm Water Plan Cost Breakdown by Jurisdiction/Entity
Jurisdiction/Entity Estimated Cost % of Total
Cornelius $45,093.25 4.47%
Davidson $18,261.37 1.81%
Huntersville $136,629.55 13.54%
Matthews $62,772.53 6.22%
Mint Hill $60,895.69 6.03%
Pineville $30,212.13 2.99%
Mecklenburg County $610,443.67 60.49%
CMS $32,106.95 3.18%
CPCC $12,798.26 1.27%
Totals $1,009,213.40 100.00%

The activities performed by the co-permittees to maintain and repair property and infrastructure
in compliance with permit requirements is not covered by CMSWS’s annual Work Plan and is
therefore not included in the annual cost described above. The funding for these activities
typically comes from storm water fees in the case of Mecklenburg County and the Towns and
from the annual budgets for CMS and CPCC.
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
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Section 3: Public Education and Outreach

A Public Education and Outreach Program has been developed and is currently being
implemented for Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdictions/entities to inform the community
of the physical attributes of storm water runoff, including the pollutants typically contained in
runoff and their likely sources, as well as the impacts of these pollutants on surface water quality.
The Program also describes the steps that the public can take to reduce pollutants in storm water
runoff and protect water quality. The program is administered by CMSWS’s Water Quality
Program as described in the following Sections.

3.1 Program Goals and Objectives

The goals of the Public Education and Outreach Program are as follows:
1. Change public behaviors to reduce sources of water pollution and improve water quality.
2. Promote participation in activities aimed at restoring water quality conditions.

The objectives of the Public Education and Outreach Program are as follows:
1. Develop and distribute educational materials to the community and conduct outreach
activities to inform the public of the negative impacts that storm water discharges have on
water quality by promoting the following concepts:
• All storm drains flow directly to creeks and lakes without treatment.
• Storm drains are only for rain.
• Anything other than rain that enters a storm drain becomes storm water
pollution.
• Buffers around lakes and streams act to filter pollutants and are important for
protecting water quality.
2. Develop and distribute public education and outreach materials to inform the public of
the steps they can take to reduce the negative impacts from storm water discharges and
restore water quality conditions by promoting the following concepts:
• Do not pour anything down a storm drain or in a creek or lake.
• Volunteer to mark storm drains, adopt streams and participate in the annual Big
Spring Clean event (formerly Big Sweep).
• Become a “Water Watcher” and report pollution to 311, through the Storm
Water Services web page, or through the Water Watchers mobile application.
• Maintain a vegetated buffer around lakes and streams.

3.2 BMP Summary Table

Table 2 describes the BMPs implemented as part of the Public Education and Outreach Program.

Table 2: BMP Summary Table for the Public Education and Outreach Program
# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
PE-9 Evaluate
Effectiveness
of Public
Education
Evaluate the effectiveness of the storm
water education/outreach program at
meeting established goals and objectives.
Include in this evaluation an estimate of
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
6

# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
and Outreach
Program
the extent of exposure for the media
campaign and a comparison to previous
years. Modify program activities as
necessary to enhance its overall
effectiveness at meeting established goals
and objectives.
PE-
10(c)
Develop &
Distribute
Pollution
Prevention
Brochures &
Educational
Materials
Develop and distribute educational
brochures and storm water pollution
prevention awareness information to the
appropriate target audiences described in
Section 3.4 through responses to citizen
requests for service, special events,
workshops, and other appropriate venues.
Include information regarding the impacts
of storm water discharges on water bodies
and the steps that the public can take to
reduce pollution, including participating
in volunteer programs and reporting
suspected pollution problems.
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
PE-
10(d)
Distribute
Newsletters
Distribute newsletters designed to reach
the targeted audience described in Section
3.4. Include information regarding the
impacts of storm water discharges on
water bodies and the steps that the public
can take to reduce pollution, including
participating in volunteer programs.
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
PE-
10(e)
Conduct
Media
Campaign &
Maintain
Website
Develop and implement a media
campaign designed to reach the targeted
audience described in Section 3.4.
Promote the 311 helpline, the Storm
Water Services web page, and the Water
Watchers app as the mechanisms for
reporting suspected pollution problems.
Promote and maintain informational
pages on CMSWS’s website that contain
information on current water quality
conditions, storm water pollutants and
ways to minimize them, and municipal
storm water projects/activities as well as
provide a means to register for various
volunteer initiatives discussed in Section
4. Also provide contacts for reporting
pollution problems/concerns and
submitting questions to staff.
X X X X X Ken Friday (Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
PE-
10(f)
Conduct
Presentations
for Schools/
Teachers
Develop age-specific educational
information for use in schools and for
presentations to school age children.
Present information in appropriate format.
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
PE-
10(g)
Conduct
Outreach
Program for
Commercial/
Industrial
Conduct an educational campaign to
inform commercial/industrial facilities of
the sources of pollutants and actions they
can take to improve water quality.
X X X X X Ken Friday
(Environmental
Specialist)
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
7

# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
Facilities

3.3 Targeted Pollutants and Pollutant Sources

Table 3 provides the targeted pollutants, their associated sources and the issues contributing to
these sources as well as the audiences targeted for addressing these issues. This table serves as a
guide for the development and implementation of the Public Education and Outreach Program.
A more detailed description of the targeted audiences and why they were selected is provided in
Section 3.4. The various outreach mechanisms used to reach these targeted audiences to
eliminate pollution sources are described in Section 3.6. Additional detail regarding the Public
Education and Outreach Program is provided in a document referred to as the “Umbrella” Plan
developed and implemented by CMSWS to coordinate public education efforts between the
Phase I and Phase II jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County. The Umbrella Plan is updated
regularly to meet the changing needs of the community. A copy of this plan is available upon
request to Mecklenburg County’s Water Quality Program Manager.

Table 3: Targeted Pollutant, Pollutant Sources, Audience and Contributing Issues
Targeted
Pollutant
Targeted
Pollutant Source
Targeted
Audience Issues Contributing to the Pollutant Source
Bacteria (fecal
coliform
bacteria is the
indicator)

Human Waste Residential &
Commercial
1. Illicit connections to surface waters and storm drains.
2. Illegal dumping, spills and leaks.
3. Discharges from sewer collection and treatment
systems.
Pet Waste

Residential &
Commercial
4. Failure to collect and properly dispose of pet waste.
5. Discharges from kennels and other commercial pet
facilities.
Turbidity Sediment Residential &
Commercial
6. Improper erosion control measures at land
development sites.
7. Inadequate post-construction storm water controls.
8. Inadequate buffers and unstable stream channels.
Phosphorus,
Nitrogen and
Organics
Fertilizers,
Pesticides and
Yard Waste
Residential,
Commercial &
Institutional
9. Improper application, handling and storage of lawn
care products.
10. Improper disposal of grass clippings and leaves.
11. Use of non-native vegetation.
Surfactants Waste from Car
Washing,
Pressure Washing
and Other
Cleaning
Activities
Residential &
Commercial
12. Mobile car wash discharges.
13. Discharges from car lots and other commercial
automotive activities.
14. Discharges from cleaning buildings, sidewalks, etc.
15. Illicit connections to surface waters and storm
drains.
Hydrocarbons
and Chemicals
Used Oil and
Other Automobile
Fluids
Residential,
Commercial&
Institutional
16. Illicit connections to surface waters and storm
drains.
17. Illegal dumping, spills and leaks.
18. Poor housekeeping at commercial and institutional
facilities.
pH and Toxic
Compounds
Chemicals &
Hazardous Waste
Residential,
Commercial &
Institutional
19. Illegal dumping, spills and leaks.
20. Poor housekeeping at commercial and institutional
facilities.

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3.4 Targeted Audience

Provided below is a description of the targeted audiences selected for the Public Education and
Outreach Program followed by an explanation as to why they were selected. The process for
selecting these targeted audiences began with the identification of the problem pollutants in
Mecklenburg County based on an analysis of water quality data and staff experience. Secondly,
staff identified the major sources of these pollutants. Thirdly, the issues contributing to these
pollutant sources were identified. Lastly, the targeted audiences were identified based on their
potential to positively impact the contributing issues thus resulting in reduced pollutant sources
and improved water quality. In addition, the list of targeted audiences was developed based on
those groups in Mecklenburg County that have the ability to expand our volunteer programs for
protecting and restoring water quality conditions.

Residential: This group has the ability to positively impact all 20 of the issues contributing to
the pollutant sources identified in Table 3 above. They also have a significant potential to
increase participation in volunteer programs for protecting and restoring water quality
conditions. This is a large targeted audience composed of many subsets, including but not
limited to homeowners, renters, pet owners, community groups, scout troops, etc. CMSWS has
developed educational materials for reaching these different subsets and will develop and
implement outreach initiatives on an as needed basis to address specific water quality issues as
they arise.

Commercial: This group, like the residential group, has a significant potential to positively
impact water quality and has several subsets, including landscapers, grading contractors, building
maintenance companies, mobile washers, automotive repair shops, etc. CMSWS has developed
educational materials for reaching these subsets and will develop and implement outreach
initiatives on an as needed basis to address specific water quality issues as they arise.

Institutional: This group predominantly includes schools, colleges and universities and their
related facilities. These institutions have a significant potential to aid in the reduction of
pollution sources as well as to expand volunteer programs. CMSWS conducts water quality
educational presentations in school classrooms and many schools, colleges and universities have
become involved in the volunteer programs.

3.5 Storm Water Helpline

Charlotte-Mecklenburg maintains a phone helpline at 311 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through
Friday except recognized holidays. The 311 storm water helpline receives citizen requests for
service that are forwarded to CMSWS for response, provides general water quality information,
and promotes public involvement and participation in volunteer programs. To ensure
effectiveness, CMSWS has provided the staff at 311 with a “key word” index that is used to
trigger select responses to water quality related questions and requests. For example, if a caller
uses the key word “Stream Cleanup” 311 staff has been provided with a select response that
refers the caller to the appropriate staff contact at CMSWS for more information. Various
media, including television, radio, print ads, brochures, social media, etc., have been used to
promote 311 as the number to contact to report suspected pollution problems and sign-up for
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volunteer programs. 311 has been in use since September 8, 2008 and has proven to be an
effective helpline service, resulting in CMSWS receiving an average of 600 reports of potential
water quality problems annually as well as numerous requests to participate in volunteer
programs. CMSWS maintains a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week response status for all water
quality problems, spills, emergencies, etc. by working in close cooperation with 311 as well as
the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire and Police Departments, including all the Towns. Emergency
spill response services are available through 911. Residents can also request services through the
Storm Water Services webpage online and through the use of the Water Watchers app.

3.6 Outreach Program

The outreach strategy for the Mecklenburg County Phase II jurisdictions/entities includes the
mechanisms described in this section, which are estimated to result in over 6,600,000 contacts
for the protection and restoration of water quality conditions in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area
during the five (5) year permit term. Contacts outside the Phase II jurisdictions are included in
this calculation, which is unavoidable due to the manner in which the program is administered.
For each media, event or activity included in the outreach program, the extent of exposure is
estimated and recorded.

3.6.1 Utility Bill Inserts

Utility Bill Inserts (UBIs) with educational storm water topics are placed inside utility bills
(water, sewer, and storm water) seven (7) times per year and issued to 255,000 customers
throughout Mecklenburg County. This outreach mechanism involves the development and
placement of an insert into this utility bill that results in the storm water/water quality message
being delivered to over 2,200,000 customers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg during the five (5) year
permit term. These inserts reach the entire target audience described in Section 3.4 with general
water quality messages such as how to report suspected pollution problems and measures for
reducing storm water pollution, as well as messages associated with targeted pollutant sources
and volunteer opportunities. Figure 1 is the utility bill insert distributed in June 2017.
Figure 1: Utility Bill Insert
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Figure 2: Printed Brochure
3.6.2 Brochures, Environmental Notices and
Newsletters

This outreach mechanism involves the development
and distribution of printed brochures,
Environmental Notices, and Newsletters to select
members of the targeted audience described in
Section 3.4, including but not limited to adults,
homeowners, pet owners, non-English speaking
residents, businesses, and industries. This outreach
includes general water quality messages regarding
pollution prevention, reporting and regulatory
compliance as well as messages associated with
specific pollution sources from Table 3 and
information regarding water quality volunteer
opportunities. Printed brochures are distributed
during responses to citizen requests for service,
inspections and at event displays. Figure 2 is a
brochure in the form of a “door hanger” that was
developed to convey pollution prevention measures
to the general population. Environmental Notices
containing specific information for protection of
water quality and compliance with water quality
regulations are typically distributed during
responses to citizen requests for service and
inspections for identifying and eliminating
pollution sources. For those jurisdictions that do
not utilize social media as described in Section
3.6.5, newsletter articles are sent to residents to
inform them of the measures they should take to
eliminate pollution sources. The printed brochures,
Environmental Notices and Newsletters are
anticipated to reach a minimum of 100,000
residents in Charlotte-Mecklenburg during the five
(5) year permit term.

3.6.3 Print Ads

This outreach mechanism involves the development
and publication of printed ads in local newspapers,
newsletters, or magazines distributed in the Phase II jurisdiction, including but not limited to the
Charlotte Observer, The Recycler, and Hola magazine. These ads will reach the targeted
audience described in Section 3.4 regarding the impacts of storm water discharges on water
bodies and the steps they can take to reduce pollution, including participating in volunteer
programs and special events as well as reporting suspected pollution problems. The ads are
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anticipated to reach a minimum of 100,000 residents in Charlotte-Mecklenburg during the five
(5) year permit term.

3.6.4 Media Campaign

This outreach mechanism involves the use of radio and television ads to reach the entire targeted
audience described in Section 3.4 with messages regarding the measures that can be taken to
reduce storm water pollution as well as messages associated with specific pollutant sources.
This outreach mechanism is also used to promote participation in water quality volunteer
activities. TV and radio ads run throughout the fiscal year with a very wide circulation. Based
on distribution estimates from FY2016, the ads reached an estimated 6,010,980 residents with a
frequency of 34 times during the year at an estimated cost of $8.38 per thousand. Based on these
estimates, the TV and radio ads could reach over 30,000,000 residents during the five (5) year
permit term.

3.6.5 Social Media

This outreach method includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to engage
citizens in activities for protecting and restoring water quality conditions in Mecklenburg
County. By the conclusion of FY2017, Facebook had 5,105 Fans; Twitter had 734 Followers;
and Instagram had 380 Followers. Posts included a variety of storm water-related topics. All of
the social media outreach methods continue to increase in popularity. In addition, a “Water
Watchers” mobile application is maintained by CMSWS that allows citizens to report water
quality programs, including geolocating the problem and attaching photos. The application was
downloaded 141 times in FY2017 and 64 pollution issues were submitted using the application

3.6.6 Workshops and Video Taped Messages

This outreach mechanism involves the use of workshops and/or video taped messages to reach a
wide segment of the targeted audience described in Section 3.4. At least two (2) workshops
and/or video taped messages will be provided during the five (5) year permit term reaching an
estimated 1,500 persons. To date, several video taped messages have been developed and are
available on the website at http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Surface Water Quality,”
select “Pollution Prevention”, Select “Pollution Prevention Videos”), including Pollution
Prevention Video, Pollution Prevention Around the Home, Keep Yard Waste out of the Storm
Drains and Creeks, and Water Watchers Video. In 2015, CMSWS developed a video entitled
“Water Pollution: What to Do?” that describes sources of water pollution, the importance of
clean water to the community and the impacts of water pollution as well as how to detect and
report illicit discharges. Each of the Phase II jurisdictions/entities is responsible for ensuring that
its staff watches this video if as part of their normal job responsibilities they may come into
contact with or otherwise observe an illicit discharge or illicit connection to the storm sewer.
This video is available on the County’s “Meck Edu” website. During the five (5) year permit
term, over 1,000 media contacts are anticipated through the use of videos.

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3.6.7 Web Pages

This outreach mechanism involves the use of web pages focused on specific water quality topics
maintained on the CMSWS website located at http://storm water.charmeck.org. Web pages
describe the specific actions necessary to prevent water pollution and instructions for reporting
suspected pollution sources. The web pages also target specific business sectors with best
management practices relating to pollution prevention. In addition, the web pages include a
description of all the volunteer programs with instructions on how to register for participation.
Web pages are also available that describe water quality monitoring activities in Mecklenburg
County and general water quality conditions. This website is promoted through utility bill
inserts, print ads, brochures, Environmental Notices, Newsletters, media campaign, social media
and workshops. The website also appears on all emails generated by staff with the Water
Quality Program as well as appears on their business cards. The website is also available
through a link to Mecklenburg County’s main website. In addition, each co-permittee has a link
to this website via their home web page. Data provided by Google Analytics showed that for
FY2017 the Storm Water Services’ web pages had 239,012 unique pageviews. This represents a
slight decrease in the page views reported for FY2015 and FY2016 at 274,129 and 288,432,
respectively. It is anticipated that visits to the site will exceed 1,000,000 during the five (5) year
permit term.

3.6.8 Educational Presentations and Public Events

This outreach mechanism involves the combination of educational presentations, displays,
educational materials, handouts, and/or promotional items to reach a very select segment of the
targeted audience described in Section 3.4, including adults, dog owners, civic groups, students,
landscapers, realtors, and land developers. The messages focus on controlling one or more of the
pollutant sources in Table 3 as well as promoting volunteerism. These activities occur
throughout the year. During FY2017, CMSWS conducted 21 educational presentations with
1,407 attendees covering storm water pollution prevention and reporting, permitting and
compliance, buffers/vegetation, monitoring, structural BMP maintenance, volunteering, etc.
CMSWS staff also attended 22 events during FY2017 involving 4,103 participants. In addition,
CMSWS has develop age-specific educational information for use in schools and for
presentations to school age children. During FY2017, 23 school presentations were conducted
that were attended by 864 students. During the five (5) year permit term, it is estimated that over
330 presentations and events will be conducted/attended by CMSWS reaching over 30,000
residents.

3.7 Decision Process

The targeted audience for the Public Education Program for the Mecklenburg County Phase II
jurisdictions/entities include a wide range of age, ethnic and economic groups. These groups
rely on varying mechanisms for receiving information; therefore, a multifaceted educational
program was designed to achieve effective communication. The individual BMPs identified in
Table 2 reflect this approach as do the measurable goals associated with each BMP. Emails,
utility bill inserts, Environmental Notices, brochures, Newsletters, and newspaper ads use the
printed word to disseminate information and focus on specific pollutants as well as general water
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quality issues. This information can be distributed to a broad audience via mailings as well as
handed out to individuals when responding to citizen requests for service, conducting
inspections, or attending public events. Web pages will provide a variety of specific information
to a broad audience including the general public, commercial and industrial facilities.
Workshops and presentations focus on a relatively small audience but are an effective tool for
addressing specific pollution sources and gaining volunteer participation. Television, radio, and
social media campaigns broaden the approach to a wide audience and typically convey a more
general pollution prevention message. The staff responsible for conducting this public education
program for the Mecklenburg County Phase II jurisdictions/entities as identified in Table 2 were
selected for their expertise in the development and implementation of a multifaceted public
outreach campaign.

3.8 Program Evaluation

The measurable goals for each BMP are described in Table 2. Other measures of success for the
Public Education and Outreach Program are described below.
• Documentation of Storm Water Program Activities – As a baseline measure of success,
CMSWS staff will document the completion of Work Plan activities annually that
demonstrate achievement of each of the measurable goals for the BMPs associated with
this program. All activities will be documented within CMSWS’s Environmental Data
Management System (EDMS).
• Raising Awareness – Storm Water Public Opinion Surveys are conducted annually of the
general public to measure their awareness of water quality issues as well as their level of
concern/interest. The measure of success for the Public Education and Outreach Program
will be a minimum of 50% of survey respondents indicating they are aware that water
flowing into storm drains goes directly to creeks and lakes.
• Increasing Number of Contacts and Distribution Estimates – CMSWS estimates and
records the extent of exposure from its Public Education and Outreach Program. In
addition, the media campaign includes distribution estimates. This information will be
compiled and tracked with the measure of success being to meet or exceed the number of
contacts and estimated distribution rate for the previous fiscal year.

On an annual basis, CMSWS staff will evaluate the BMPs for this program and assess progress
toward achieving the measurable goals from Table 2 and the measures of success described
above. Recommendations for improvement will be made as necessary. During the following
fiscal year, program activities and BMPs will be modified as necessary based on the results of
this evaluation in order to ensure that the specific goals and objectives of the Public Education
and Outreach Program and Storm Water Plan are being effectively and efficiently fulfilled. Staff
will also evaluate the continued relevance of Table 3 and the effectiveness of the targeted
audience as part of this process.
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Section 4: Public Involvement and Participation

A Public Involvement and Participation Program has been developed and is currently being
implemented for Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdictions/entities to engage the community
in program development and implementation. The program is administered by CMSWS’s Water
Quality Program as described in the following Sections.

4.1 Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Public Involvement and Participation Program is to create opportunities for the
public to participate in Phase II program development and implementation, as well as to get
involved in activities aimed at protecting and restoring water quality conditions. The objectives
of the program are as follows:
1. Make a minimum of one (1) presentation annually to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm
Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) to describe the activities performed to comply with
Phase II permit requirements and receive feedback. All SWAC meetings are open to the
public. A minimum of one (1) of these presentations during the five (5) year permit term
will be advertised for public comment.
2. Develop and implement volunteer programs to involve the public in activities aimed at
protecting and restoring water quality conditions.

4.2 BMP Summary Table

Table 4 describes the BMPs implemented as part of the Public Involvement and Participation
Program.

Table 4: BMP Summary Table for the Public Involvement and Participation Program
# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
PI-1 Conduct
Phase II
Public
Meeting
Meet with SWAC in a public forum to
provide information regarding activities
performed to comply with Phase II
requirements and to receive input
regarding storm water issues and
compliance efforts.
X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle
(Water Quality
Program Manager)
PI-2 Implement
Adopt-A-
Stream
Program
Implement an Adopt-A-Stream Program
for the Phase II jurisdictions/entities.
This program will include the adoption
of stream sections by the general public,
businesses and institutions. These
stream sections will be walked twice a
year by the adoption group, pollution
sources will be identified and
eliminated, and trash removed. One-time
cleanups are also conducted.
X X X X X Ashley Smith
(Environmental
Specialist)
PI-3 Implement
Storm Drain
Marking
Program
Implement a Storm Drain Marking
Program for the Phase II jurisdictions/
entities. This program will include the
placement of markers on storm drain
inlets with the message “Do Not Dump –
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
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# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
Drains To Creek.”
PI-4 &
PE-I(4)
Conduct The
Big Spring
Clean event
Conduct annual cleanup event aimed at
removing trash and debris from lakes
and streams and identifying pollutant
sources.
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
VM Implement
Volunteer
Monitoring
Program
Implement a Volunteer Monitoring
Program in the Phase II jurisdictions/
entities. This program will include the
use of volunteers to monitor and report
general water quality conditions in
streams.
X X X X X Ken Friday
(Environmental
Specialist)
Tree
Planting
Implement
Tree
Planting
Program
Implement tree planting events in
conjunction with Creek ReLeaf in the
Phase II jurisdictions/entities. This
program will include planting trees in
buffers to enhance stream stability,
improve water quality, and restore
habitat. This program will include the
use of volunteers to adopt and conduct
routine maintenance on Creek ReLeaf
sites, where applicable.
X Ashley Smith
(Environmental
Specialist)
PI-5 &
PE-I(14)
Conduct
Annual
Volunteer
Appreciation
Event
Conduct annual volunteer appreciation
event. The purpose of the event will be
to recognize volunteer efforts for
protecting water quality.
X X X X X Ashley Smith
(Environmental
Specialist)
PI-6 Evaluate
Effectiveness
of Public
Involvement
and
Participation
Program
Evaluate the effectiveness of the public
involvement and participation program
at meeting established goals and
objectives. Include in this evaluation the
number of volunteers participating in
each of the programs compared to
previous years. Modify program
activities as necessary to enhance its
overall effectiveness at meeting
established goals and objectives.
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)

4.3 Targeted Audience

The targeted audience for the Public Involvement and Participation Program includes all age,
ethnic and economic groups in Mecklenburg County as described in Section 3.4. Participation in
the Program will be promoted through the Public Education and Outreach Program described in
Section 3. Volunteer opportunities will be made available to all stakeholder groups, including
commercial and industrial facilities, environmental groups, homeowners’ associations, civic
groups, educational organizations, and interested citizens.

4.4 Mechanisms for Public Involvement and Participation

The Mecklenburg County Phase II jurisdictions/entities utilize the Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm
Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) to provide and promote a mechanism for public
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involvement, including receiving input on storm water issues and the development and
implementation of the Storm Water Plan. The public is also actively involved in ongoing efforts
to restore water quality conditions through volunteer participation in a variety of events,
including Adopt-A-Stream, Storm Drain Marking, Volunteer Monitoring, The Big Spring Clean,
and tree planting. The following sections provide additional information concerning these
mechanisms for public involvement and participation.

4.4.1 Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee (SWAC)

The City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the six (6) Towns established SWAC as its local
storm water management panel in 1994 with the development of their storm water utility
(Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services). SWAC reviews storm water management
policies and long-range plans and budgets to make recommendations or offer comments to
elected officials. The advisory committee also hears appeals and decides on water quality
penalties, service charges, credits, and adjustments. SWAC members are appointed by the
Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, Charlotte City Council, Charlotte Mayor and
Town Boards. SWAC includes representation from all the Phase II jurisdictions in Mecklenburg
County. All SWAC meetings are open to the public. Effective January 1, 2003, SWAC began
serving as the mechanism for public involvement for the Phase II Permit in Mecklenburg
County.

4.4.2 Public Meetings

An advertised public meeting is held before SWAC prior to the submittal of the Permit renewal
application every five (5) years. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public with an
opportunity to review and provide comments regarding the Permit application and Storm Water
Plan. On March 17, 2016, a public meeting was held for the submittal of the application for the
Permit term from November 11, 2016 to November 10, 2021. This public meeting was
advertised in the Charlotte Observer on February 26, 2016. During the meeting, a presentation
was given by CMSWS staff describing the measures implemented to control storm water
pollutant sources in the Phase II jurisdictions/entities and the various activities performed to
fulfill Phase II Permit requirements as described in the Storm Water Plan. Staff informed SWAC
that no substantial changes were planned for the new Permit or Storm Water Plan. The Permit
application and Storm Water Plan received SWAC support via unanimous vote. No member of
the general public provided comments. In addition, a minimum of one unadvertised public
meeting is held before SWAC each year to discuss Water Quality Program activities.

4.4.3 Adopt-A-Stream Program

Mecklenburg County developed a countywide Adopt-A-Stream Program as part of the
Surface Water Improvement and Management (S.W.I.M.) initiative beginning in 1998. This
program was significantly expanded with the implementation of the Phase I and Phase II Storm
Water Programs by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, respectfully. The Adopt-A-
Stream Program engages volunteers in removing trash and locating pollutant sources in
Mecklenburg County streams. Adoption groups include Boy/Girl Scout troops, environmental
interest groups, homeowners’ associations, schools, families, garden clubs, businesses,
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industries, etc. Training is offered to Adopt-A-Stream groups upon request. The purpose of this
training is to familiarize the volunteers with methods for detecting common water quality
problems, proper stream walk techniques, and important safety measures. Typically, volunteer
groups will adopt a one (1) mile long stream segment. Groups walk their assigned stream
segment at least twice a year. The groups are also encouraged to clean their stream segment
during The Big Spring Clean event. The groups keep records of their Adopt-A-Stream activities.
These records are submitted to CMSWS following the completion of stream cleanup activities.
All records are input by staff into the Volunteer Database, which is maintained as part of EDMS.
CMSWS follows up on identified pollution problems to ensure that they are eliminated and water
quality is restored as well as coordinates the proper disposal of all trash and debris removed from
streams by adoption groups.

4.4.4 Storm Drain Marking Program

Mecklenburg County developed a countywide Storm Drain Marking Program as part of the
S.W.I.M. initiative beginning in 1998. This program was significantly expanded with the
implementation of the Phase I and Phase II Storm Water Programs by the City of Charlotte and
Mecklenburg County, respectfully. The Storm Drain Marking Program uses volunteers to place
decals on storm drains with the
message “Do Not Dump – Drains to
Creek” (see Figure 3). Volunteer
groups include Boy/Girl Scout
troops, environmental interest
groups, homeowners’ associations,
schools, garden clubs, families,
businesses, industries, etc.
Typically, volunteer groups will
select several streets within a
neighborhood for marking. CMSWS
provides the groups with decals,
adhesive, safety vests, gloves, and
information forms. Following the completion of storm drain marking activities, the groups
submit a completed information form to CMSWS that includes the street names and number of
drains that were marked as well as information concerning the condition of storm drains and
whether any pollutants were detected. All information is input by staff into the Volunteer
Database, which is maintained as part of EDMS. CMSWS follows up to ensure the elimination
of illegal dumping activities and maintains records of storm drains that have been marked.

4.4.5 Surface Water Clean Up

From 1993 through 2014, CMSWS held an annual surface water cleanup day working in
cooperation with N.C. Big Sweep. In March 2015, N. C. Big Sweep was dissolved as a non-
profit organization. CMSWS partnered with Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful in late 2015 to
conduct a new event called The Big Spring Clean, which takes place annually on the second
Saturday in May in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup. The purpose of the event is
to use volunteers to remove trash and debris from streams and lakes. During the event, Adopt-A-
Figure 3: Storm Drain Marker
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Stream groups are encouraged to clean up their assigned stream segments and additional
volunteers are used to expand the effort to include un-adopted stream segments and the shoreline
of lakes. The event is advertised and volunteers are solicited through the various media outlets
previously listed. Records are kept concerning the number of volunteers and tons of trash and
recycling removed. The event is coordinated county-wide by CMSWS.

4.4.6 Tree Planting Events

Creek ReLeaf is a collaborative effort of CMSWS, the Charlotte Public Tree Fund, Central
Piedmont Community College Center for Sustainability, the Sierra Club Central Piedmont
Group, and a number of volunteer groups to plant trees in riparian areas (floodplains and stream
buffers) throughout Mecklenburg County, including the Phase II jurisdictions but also including
the City of Charlotte. Creek ReLeaf seeks to reforest areas adjacent to streams to enhance
stream stability, improve water quality, and restore habitat. A minimum of one (1) volunteer
event is held annually that attracts in excess of 500 volunteers that plant, on average, 1,000 trees.
Tree planting events rotate between the City of Charlotte and the Towns based on planting site
availability. A minimum of one (1) event will occur in the Phase II jurisdictions during the five
(5) year Permit term.

4.4.7 Volunteer Monitoring

CMSWS maintains a volunteer monitoring program to assess general water quality conditions in
streams located in the Phase II jurisdictions. Data is also used to identify potential water quality
problems that are referred to staff for follow up action. Volunteer groups are assigned a stream
segment to monitor for a one (1) year period with the option to renew the agreement annually. A
monitoring kit and training is provided to each volunteer group by CMSWS. All data is input by
staff into an Excel spreadsheet.

4.4.8 Volunteer Appreciation Event

An annual appreciation event is held to acknowledge the achievements of volunteers toward
restoring the quality and usability of Mecklenburg County’s surface water resources.

4.5 Decision Process

Mecklenburg County’s public involvement and participation program focuses on the use of
multiple mechanisms for getting the public involved in efforts to restore the quality of
Mecklenburg County’s surface water resources. The rationale for the development of such a
program is that multiple approaches are needed in order to involve all age, ethnic and economic
groups in Mecklenburg County. Some individuals will prefer more passive involvement through
participation in public meetings whereas others may elect to become more actively involved
through participation in the Adopt-A-Stream, Storm Drain Marking and Volunteer Monitoring
Programs. The Adopt-A-Stream Program is more physically challenging and is popular among
the age group ranging from 15 to 50 years of age. The Storm Drain Marking Program appeals to
volunteers who are not interested in walking streams but who are willing to place markers on
storm drains in their neighborhoods. This is particularly popular among volunteers greater than
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50 years of age. Volunteer Monitoring is typically performed by schools whereas tree planting
events and The Big Spring Clean appeal to all age groups and is a popular volunteer event for
families and large groups. The individual BMPs identified in Table 4 reflect this approach as do
the measurable goals associated with each BMP.

4.6 Program Evaluation

The measurable goals for each BMP are described in Table 4. Other measures of success for the
Public Involvement and Participation Program are described below.
• Documentation of Storm Water Program Activities – As a baseline measure of success,
staff will document completion of Work Plan activities that demonstrate successful
fulfillment of the BMPs associated with this program. All activities will be documented
within Cityworks.
• Number of Volunteers – CMSWS estimates and records participation in all its volunteer
programs. This information will be compiled and tracked as a measure of program
effectiveness. Data is maintained in a Volunteer Database, which is a component of as
well as Excel spreadsheets. Data is included in each annual report for this Phase II
Permit. The target for a successful Public Involvement and Participation Program is
participation by a minimum of 3,659 volunteers annually. This includes volunteers
involved in Adopt-A-Stream, Storm Drain Marking, Volunteer Monitoring, The Big
Spring Clean, and tree planting events.

On an annual basis, CMSWS staff will evaluate the BMPs assigned to this program and assess
progress toward achieving the measurable goals from Table 4 and the measures of success
described above. Recommendations for improvement will be made as necessary. During the
following fiscal year, program activities and BMPs will be modified as necessary based on the
results of this evaluation in order to ensure that the specific goals and objectives of the Public
Involvement and Participation Program and Storm Water Plan are being effectively and
efficiently fulfilled.

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Section 5: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

An Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program has been developed and is
currently being implemented in Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdictions/entities for the
purpose of detecting and eliminating illicit discharges into the MS4. The program is
administered by CMSWS’s Water Quality Program as described in the following Sections.

5.1 Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the IDDE Program is to detect and eliminate illicit discharges into the MS4, which
are defined in 40 CFR 122.26(b)(2)) as discharges that are not composed entirely of storm water
except discharges pursuant to a NPDES permit (other than the NPDES permit for discharges
from the municipal separate storm sewer) and discharges resulting from firefighting activities as
well as incidental non-storm water discharges or flows that are not significant contributors of
pollutants as described in Section 5.7 of this document. The details regarding this program are
described in CMSWS’s “Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Policies and Procedures”
available at the following website: http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Regulations”, select
“Mecklenburg County”, select “Manuals & Guidelines”, select “Illicit Discharge Detection &
Elimination Policies and Procedures”). The objectives of the program are as follows:
1. Develop, implement and enforce a program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges into
the MS4, including appropriate policies, procedures, form letters and enforcement
guidance.
2. Maintain a storm sewer system map, showing the location of all major outfalls and the
names and location of all waters of the United States that receive discharges from those
outfalls;
3. Prohibit, through ordinances, or other regulatory mechanisms, non-storm water
discharges except incidental non-storm water discharges or flows that are not significant
contributors of pollutants as described in Section 5.7 and implement appropriate
enforcement procedures and actions;
4. Implement a plan to detect and address non-storm water discharges, including illegal
dumping, to the MS4;
5. Inform public employees, businesses, and the general public of hazards associated with
illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste; and
6. Address the following categories of non-storm water discharges or flows (i.e., illicit
discharges) only if identified as significant contributors of pollutants to the MS4: water
line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, rising ground waters,
uncontaminated ground water infiltration, uncontaminated pumped ground water,
discharges from potable water sources, foundation drains, air conditioning condensation,
irrigation water, springs, water from crawl space pumps, footing drains, lawn watering,
individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands,
dechlorinated swimming pool discharges, and street wash water (discharges or flows
from firefighting activities are excluded from the effective prohibition against non-storm
water and need only be addressed where they are identified as significant sources of
pollutants to waters of the United States).

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5.2 BMP Summary Table

Table 5 describes the BMPs implemented as part of the IDDE Program.

Table 5: BMP Summary Table for the IDDE Program
# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
ID-1 Maintain
Storm Sewer
System
Maps
Maintain and update as necessary maps of
the storm sewer systems serving all Phase II
jurisdictions/entities in Mecklenburg
County showing the locations of inlets,
outlets and receiving waters.
X X X X X Josh DeMaury
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
ID-2 Conduct
Field
Screening
for Non-
Storm Water
Flows
Conduct field investigations for identifying
non-storm water (dry weather) flows to the
storm sewer system, including sampling and
elimination of identified pollution sources.
Written procedures are contained in the
IDDE Policies and Procedures Manual.
X X X X X John McCulloch
(Environmental
Supervisor)
ID-3 Maintain an
IDDE
Program &
Adequate
Legal
Authorities
Prohibit non-storm water discharges in
accordance with IDDE Policies and
Procedures through the enforcement of the
surface water pollution control ordinances,
except those discharges specifically allowed
by the ordinances. Track all investigations
and document the date(s) illicit discharges
are observed, the results of investigations,
follow up actions conducted, and the dates
investigations are closed. Also, track the
issuance of all notices of violation and
enforcement actions, including identifying
chronic violators for instituting actions to
reduce noncompliance. At least annually,
assess the effectiveness of these ordinances
at prohibiting illicit connections and
discharges and update/revise as necessary.
X X X X X John McCulloch
(Environmental
Supervisor)
ID-4 Implement
Water
Quality
Monitoring
Program
Conduct water quality monitoring activities
and follow up as necessary to identify and
eliminate illicit discharges to the storm
sewer system and surface waters in
accordance with IDDE procedures.
X X X X X Olivia Edwards
(Environmental
Supervisor)
ID-5 Public
Outreach
Program for
Illicit
Discharges
& Improper
Waste
Disposal
Develop and implement a program to
inform the general public, businesses,
industries, and public employees (including
municipal staff, who, as part of their normal
job responsibilities, may come into contact
with or otherwise observe an illicit
discharge or illicit connection to the storm
sewer system), of the hazards associated
with illegal discharges and improper
disposal of waste as well as the mechanism
for reporting. This will be incorporated into
activities conducted for the Public
Education and Outreach Program.
X X X X X Deania Russo
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
ID-6 Conduct
Follow up
Respond to citizen requests for service and
emergency situations as well as conduct
X X X X X John McCulloch,
David Caldwell,
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# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
Inspections
and Respond
to Citizen
Requests and
Emergencies
follow up inspections as necessary to
identify and eliminate pollution problems
and restore water quality conditions in
accordance with IDDE Policies and
Procedures.
Richard Farmer,
and Olivia
Edwards
(Environmental
Supervisors)
ID-8 Stream
Walk/Outfall
Inventory &
Inspection/
Dry Weather
Flow Analysis
Conduct stream walk activities, inventory
and inspect storm drain outfalls and identify
dry weather flows as well as identify and
eliminate illegal discharges and other
pollution sources in accordance with IDDE
Policies and Procedures.
X X X X X Josh DeMaury
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
ID-9 Illicit
Discharge
Elimination
Program
(IDEP)
Investigate and monitor select locations on
a regular, recurring schedule for the
identification and elimination of pollution
problems using physical observations in
accordance with IDDE Policies and
Procedures.
X X X X X Andrew
DeCristofaro
(Environmental
Specialist)
ID-U Conduct
Inspections of
Vehicle
Maintenance
Facilities
Conducting inspections of vehicle
maintenance facilities to ensure the proper
implementation of good housekeeping
measures to prevent the discharge of
pollutants from the facilities.
X X X X X Chad Broadway
(Environmental
Specialist)
ID-10 Evaluate
Effectiveness
of IDDE
Program
Maintain and evaluate annually written
procedures for conducting investigations of
illicit discharges as well as the effectiveness
of the IDDE program in general and
update/revise as necessary. Include in this
assessment a review of the written IDDE
Policies and Procedures.
X X X X X John McCulloch
(Environmental
Supervisor)

5.3 Storm Sewer System Mapping

On August 31, 2006, CMSWS completed the storm sewer maps for all the Phase II jurisdictions
in Mecklenburg County. These maps show the locations of inlets, outlets and receiving waters
as well as identify the corresponding six-square mile drainage areas. As part of this mapping
program, CMSWS also identified dry weather flows to the storm sewer system and initiated the
measures necessary to eliminate pollution sources. The source of information for the
development of these storm sewer maps was 2002 digital aerial photography (1 foot per pixel
resolution .tif images, compressed 50:1 into .sid format) provided by Mecklenburg County
Mapping/GIS Services. The aerial photography was loaded into Hewlett-Packard iPAQ
handheld computers that were equipped with both ESRI ArcPad 6.0.3 GIS software and Trimble
GPS Correct. This mapping software package was configured to store important information
relevant to the storm sewer system and the water quality conditions observed. A Trimble
Pathfinder Pocket GPS unit was connected to the handheld computer in order to geo-reference all
data collected. CMSWS staff conducted field inspections to locate all storm sewer system inlets,
outlets and receiving streams using the aerial photos loaded into the handheld computer as a
reference. Once located, a geo-referenced position for the inlets and outlets was determined
using the Trimble GPS unit. Other field data was also collected during the inspections including
the general condition of the storm drain, the name of the receiving stream and whether dry
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weather flow or other potential pollution problems were observed. If such problems were
detected, the following additional information was collected:
• Estimated flow rate;
• Odors; and
• Coloration.
All observed dry weather flows were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria, surfactants, fluoride,
and oil and grease. Follow up field investigations were performed to identify and eliminate all
pollution sources. All follow up activities were documented in a report maintained in CMSWS’s
computer database. Following the field inspections, the digital data was downloaded by
CMSWS staff and stored in an ESRI shapefile format (with attributes). CMSWS staff post-
processed the data to include the corresponding six-mile sub-basin identification number as an
added attribute. After the inventory was completed, storm sewer system maps were created for
use in the implementation of the IDDE Program. These maps are available to staff in the form of
a GIS layer in Cityworks as illustrated in Figure 4.

Staff with CMSWS conduct field investigations to identify dry weather flows to the storm sewer
system during responses to citizen requests for service and while conducting stream walks and
various inspection activities. The necessary follow up actions are performed to identify and
eliminate pollution sources as described in Section 5.6. All data collected is input into
Cityworks and tied to the storm sewer asset. As new development occurs, the storm sewer
system map is updated with new inlets, outlets and receiving streams. This data is collected by
staff from the Permitting and Compliance Program while performing inspections of the storm
drainage system following construction. Data regarding structural and nonstructural BMPs is
also collected at this time. All data is maintained in a GIS database and is available for use by
staff in the identification and elimination of illicit discharges through the Cityworks database
(see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Computer Screen Shot of Storm Drain Inlets, Outlets, and Receiving Streams
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5.4 Pollution Control Ordinance

In April 2004, the Town of Davidson adopted a “Surface Water Pollution Control Ordinance”
that prohibits illicit discharges, illicit connections and improper disposal to surface waters and
storm sewers within their corporate limits as authorized by North Carolina General Statute
(NCGS) 160A-174. On May 5, 2004, Mecklenburg County adopted the same ordinance for the
unincorporated areas of the county as authorized by NCGS 153A-121. A separate ordinance was
required for the Town of Davidson because they have jurisdiction in Iredell County where the
Mecklenburg County ordinance would not be applicable. On June 8, 2004, the Town of
Pineville adopted a resolution allowing Mecklenburg County to enforce its ordinance within their
corporate limits as authorized by NCGS 153A-122. On June 21, 2004, the Towns of Cornelius
and Huntersville adopted the same resolution followed by the Town of Mint Hill on June 24,
2004. The Town of Matthews had adopted a separate Storm Water Pollution Control Ordinance
on November 27, 2000. CMSWS has been delegated the authority to enforce these ordinances in
cooperation with the respective jurisdictions. This regulatory mechanism was chosen for
prohibiting illicit discharges to storm sewers and surface waters in the Phase II area due to the
success of a similar ordinance in effect in the Phase I area in the City of Charlotte since
November 25, 1995. Copies of the above ordinances are available on the following website:
http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Regulations”, select jurisdiction, select “Storm water
Pollution Control”). These ordinances prohibit illicit discharges, illicit connections and improper
disposal to the storm drain system except for the insignificant contributors of pollution described
in Section 5.7 below.

CMSWS reviews the above described surface water pollution control ordinances each fiscal
year, and modifies them as necessary to ensure that adequate legal authority is maintained to
prohibit illicit connections and discharges, and to properly enforce the provisions of the IDDE
Program. The latest review of these ordinances was performed in July 2017. The ordinance for
the Town of Matthews was identified for revision and efforts were initiated for beginning this
process.

5.5 Enforcement

Enforcement guidance and procedures were developed and became effective at the same time as
the ordinances described in Section 5.4. These procedures include guidelines on when a notice
of violation is to be issued and the proper sections of the ordinance to cite. The procedures also
provide guidance on the assessment of penalties. All appeals to the ordinances are heard by
SWAC except in the Town of Matthews where appeals are heard by their Environment
Committee. Further information regarding the implementation of the ordinances and
enforcement actions is contained in CMSWS’s IDDE Policies and Procedures” available at the
following website: http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Regulations”, select “Mecklenburg
County”, select “Manuals & Guidelines”, select “Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
Policies and Procedures”).

5.6 Detection and Elimination

CMSWS’s IDDE Policies and Procedures describes in detail the actions taken to identify and
eliminate illicit discharges, which includes the following four (4) primary steps:
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1. Identify priority areas likely to have illicit discharges;
2. Confirm the presence of an illicit discharge;
3. Track the discharge to its source; and
4. Eliminate the source.

The following subsections briefly describe these four (4) components of the IDDE Program.
More detailed information is provided in Sections 3, 4 and 5 of CMSWS’s IDDE Policies and
Procedures.

5.6.1 Identifying Priority Areas

Priority areas with a higher likelihood of illicit discharges are typically identified through:
1. Citizen requests for service regarding potential water quality problems;
2. Routine water quality monitoring activities;
3. Volunteer activities; and
4. GIS mapping.

5.6.1.1 Citizen Requests for Service

CMSWS has an ongoing public education campaign focusing on illicit discharges and
connections for the purpose of increasing public awareness and reports from citizens of
suspected problems. This campaign informs residents how to identify illicit discharges and
connections, how they negatively impact their quality of life and what they can do to eliminate
them, including proper reporting to the 311 storm water helpline. A broad range of media outlets
has been utilized in this campaign, including television, radio and print. Efforts have been highly
successful as indicated by the increase in the number of reports received from citizens regarding
suspected illicit discharges. In FY97-98, which is the year before the campaign began, 520
citizen requests for service were received and by FY06-07 the number of reports had increased
over 28% to 668. The educational campaign has continued over the years, but the number of
service requests received has leveled off and in FY16-17 it was 667. CMSWS considers its
responses to these citizen reports or service requests to be of the utmost importance not only
from a customer service standpoint, but also because this is how most illicit discharges and
connections are identified. All staff members receive annual training regarding responses to
service requests and proper customer service.

All service requests are forwarded to Supervisors immediately following receipt. To ensure an
effective and efficient response, Supervisors place all service requests into one of the following
three (3) categories based on the type of response required:
• Category 1: Health / Safety Threat
• Category 2: Spill / Illegal Discharge / Water Quality Violation
• Category 3: Request for Assistance / Information (non-emergency)

Category 1 service requests are considered a threat to the health and safety of the public and are
given the highest priority. They are always responded to within four (4) hours of receipt and
often include involvement by a Supervisor working closely with field staff. Examples of
Category 1 service requests are as follows:
1. Sewage or other pollutant discharge to a known swimming area.
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2. Sewage or other pollutant discharge to a playground or other areas where people could
easily come in contact with pollutants.
3. Discharge of pollutant near a drinking water intake.

Category 2 service requests include spills, illegal discharges and water quality violations and are
also considered to be a high priority. They too are responded to within four (4) hours of receipt
since they may easily progress to a Category 1. Examples of Category 2 service requests are as
follows:
1. Any active discharge of pollutants such as sewage and fuel spills.
2. Numerous dead fish in creek.
3. Someone currently in the act of violating a water quality regulation.
4. Request from Fire or Police to respond.

Category 3 service requests include requests for assistance and information that are non-
emergency in nature and do not require immediate attention. These service requests are
responded to as soon as possible, but never any later than two (2) work days from the receipt of
the request. Examples of Category 3 service requests are as follows:
1. Erosion control measure in poor condition.
2. Disturbance has occurred in a stream buffer.
3. Someone has routinely dumped oil on ground.
4. XYZ Company may be disposing of waste illegally.

For all responses to citizen requests for service, staff ensure that all pollution sources are
eliminated, negatively impacted areas are restored and the necessary actions taken to prevent
recurrence, including the distribution of educational information. If violations of water quality
ordinances are observed, notices of violation are issued within two (2) days of detection and a
compliance deadline is established. Staff follow up to ensure compliance by this deadline. In
many cases, the violator is required to submit written notification of the actions undertaken to
achieve compliance and prevent recurrence. Responses to citizen requests for service are
overseen by Supervisors and documented in Cityworks. All documentation is reviewed and
approved by Supervisors prior to closing.

More information regarding responses to citizen requests for service is provided in the Illicit
Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Policies and Procedures located at the following
website: http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Regulations”, select “Mecklenburg County”,
select “Manuals & Guidelines”, select “Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Policies and
Procedures”).

5.6.1.2 Routine Water Quality Monitoring Activities

The monitoring activities performed by CMSWS for identifying priority areas for illicit
discharges include fixed interval monitoring and the use of a Continuous Monitoring and Alert
Notification Network (CMANN). Samples for fixed interval monitoring are collected by hand
(grab samples) on the second Tuesday of each month at 34 designated stream monitoring sites as
shown in Figure 5. A minimum of one (1) monthly sampling run a quarter is conducted under
ambient (base flow) conditions to better facilitate the identification of illicit discharges. The
following field parameters are measured at the time of sample collection: Temperature,
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Dissolved Oxygen, pH, and Conductivity. In addition, samples are collected and analyzed by a
certified laboratory for the following parameters: Fecal Coliform bacteria, E-Coli bacteria,
Ammonia Nitrogen (N-NH3), Nitrate + Nitrite (NO2+NO3), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN),
Total Phosphorus (TP), Suspended Solids (TSS), USGS Suspended Sediment Test (SSC),
Turbidity, Hardness, Copper (Dissolved), Zinc (Dissolved), Lead (Dissolved), Chromium
(Total), and Nickel (Total). The primary purpose of the fixed interval monitoring program is to
assess the general water quality conditions of the streams and to identify potential pollution
problems at the watershed scale. CMANN data is collected on a fixed time interval (usually
every hour) using automated equipment set-up at 28 designated stream monitoring sites as shown
in Figure 5, excluding MC45B, MC36, MC40C, MC2, MY14, and MY15. CMANN is used to
measure turbidity, pH, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. All data is stored in a
data logger and transmitted via a wireless modem for display on the CMANN website at
http://sutronwin.com/mecklenburg. The primary purpose of the CMANN monitoring program is
to assess water quality conditions for overall watershed health and identify pollution problems.

Figure 5: Stream Monitoring Sites

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All data from the above monitoring activities is delivered electronically to a Quality Assurance
and Quality Control (QA/QC) Officer with CMSWS, who is responsible for the compilation,
review, verification, validation, and warehousing of all water quality monitoring data products.
Immediately upon receipt of this data, the QA/QC Officer identifies all exceedances of local
Watch/Action Levels and State water quality standards. Within one work day from receipt of the
data, the QA/QC Officer reports all observed exceedances to Supervisors who establish the area
upstream of the sample location as a priority for the identification of illicit discharges. The
Supervisor assigns all priority areas to staff for the initiation of immediate follow up actions for
the purpose of identifying and eliminating pollution sources and restoring water quality
conditions.

In addition to exceedances of local Watch/Action Levels and State water quality standards,
CMSWS uses an index of water quality conditions referred to as the Stream Use Support Index
or SUSI to identify areas with negatively impacted water quality conditions and a high likelihood
of illicit discharges. These are areas where water quality conditions are on the decline but may
not be degraded enough to trigger a follow up for an Action or Watch Level exceedance as
described above. SUSI includes five (5) broad categories of parameters that were determined to
be the most important indicators of pollution in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. These five (5)
categories, which are called sub-indices, are as follows:
1. Bacteria (Fecal Coliform Bacteria)
2. Metals (Copper, Zinc, Lead and Chromium)
3. Biological (Macroinvertebrate and Habitat)
4. Physical (Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, and pH)
5. Nutrients (Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll a)

SUSI also incorporates data collected over three (3) time horizons, including short term (data
from the current month), middle term (data from the past 10 to 12 months) and long term (data
from the past 1 to 2 years). SUSI rates water quality conditions across Mecklenburg County
using data collected over these time horizons and displays these conditions in a color-coded map
as either Supporting, Partially Supporting, Impaired or Degraded (see Figure 6). The QA/QC
Officer previously described generates SUSI maps quarterly and provides them to the
Supervisors who consider areas identified with Impaired and Degraded conditions as priority
areas for illicit discharges or other pollution problems. The Supervisors consider other data and
information available to them in assigning these priority areas to staff for the initiation of follow
up actions for the purpose of identifying and eliminating pollution sources and restoring water
quality conditions.

Additional detail regarding water quality monitoring activities is available on CMSWS’s
website: http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Surface Water Quality”, select
“Monitoring”).
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Figure 6: Stream Use Support Index (SUSI) Map (January through March 2017)

5.6.1.3 Volunteer Activities

CMSWS has three (3) volunteer programs that contribute toward the identification of priority
areas with a higher likelihood of illicit discharges, including Adopt-A-Stream, Storm Drain
Marking and Volunteer Monitoring. The objective of these programs is to engage the citizens of
Charlotte-Mecklenburg in activities for protecting and restoring surface water resources,
including the identification illicit discharges. Typically, volunteers will report to the volunteer
coordinator the potential presence of an illicit discharge. This report is forwarded to a
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Supervisor who will schedule staff activities to confirm the presence of an illicit discharge as
described in Section 5.6.2.

5.6.1.4 GIS Mapping

CMSWS utilizes GIS mapping capabilities to identify priority areas for illicit discharges.
CMSWS maintains all its water quality data and information, including Work Plan assignments,
activity/inspection reports, asset information, etc., in EDMS. EDMS includes multiple
databases; however, the database used for activity/inspection reports and GIS mapping is called
Cityworks. Cityworks is a work management tool built around the use of ESRI’s GIS
environment, which tracks activities based on identified features referred to as assets. CMSWS
has incorporated numerous GIS asset layers into Cityworks that are useful in prioritizing areas
for illicit discharges. Figure 7 provides a screen shot from Cityworks with the GIS asset layers
activated for the storm sewer inventory, facility inspections and notices of violation issued. The
blue circle in the center of Figure 7 illustrates the location of a suspected water quality problem
reported through the receipt of a citizen request for service that staff has geocoded into
Cityworks. Staff can access GIS asset layers using the “Legend” tab in Cityworks, which is
extremely useful in prioritizing specific locations for illicit discharges. This is one of the many
techniques available to staff for identifying pollution sources through the use of GIS.

5.6.2 Confirming the Presence of an Illicit Discharge

Once a priority area for an illicit discharge source is identified as described in Section 5.6.1,
standardized follow up field screening activities are performed to confirm the presence of an
illicit discharge, including but not limited to:
• Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP);
• Short Term Monitoring;
• Hot Spot Investigations;
• Stream Walks;
• Facility Inspections (including conducting inspections of vehicle maintenance facilities as
described in ID-U in Table 5); and
• Dry Weather Flow Investigations.

For all these field screening activities described below, staff ensure that pollution sources are
eliminated, negatively impacted areas are restored, and the necessary actions are taken to prevent
recurrence, including the distribution of educational information. If violations of water quality
ordinances are observed, notices of violation are issued within two (2) days of detection and a
compliance deadline is established. Staff follow up to ensure compliance by this deadline. In
many cases, the violator is required to submit written notification of the actions undertaken to
achieve compliance and prevent recurrence. All activities are overseen by Supervisors and
documented in Cityworks. All documentation is reviewed and approved by the Supervisor prior
to closing.

5.6.2.1 Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP)

IDEP involves investigating select locations in identified priority areas to confirm illicit
discharges using visual observations. An example is as follows: A Supervisor identifies a
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priority area for an illicit discharge from the receipt of a citizen request for service and assigns to
staff for follow up action. Staff’s investigation does not reveal a pollution problem; however,
based on information provided by the citizen staff is convinced that the problem is associated
with an intermittent discharge. One option available to the Supervisor for confirming the
discharge is to establish an IDEP run in the area. This is accomplished by assigning staff to
perform visual observations at specific intervals in the area, such as bridge crossings, on a short
term, frequent schedule to confirm the presence of a discharge. This is particularly effective for
discharges that are detectable using human senses such as a sewer overflow. Once the discharge
is confirmed and the source identified, the IDEP activities are discontinued.

Figure 7: GIS Map Available Through Cityworks for Prioritizing Areas for Illicit Discharges

5.6.2.2 Short Term Monitoring

Short term monitoring involves select parameters at specific stream locations and/or storm water
outfalls in identified priority areas to confirm illicit discharges. An example is as follows: A
Supervisor identifies a section of stream as a priority area for illicit discharges as a result of an
Action Level exceedance from a fixed interval monitoring run. One option available to the
Supervisor is to establish Short Term Monitoring along the stream section to confirm the
presence of a discharge. This is accomplished by identifying sample collection locations along
the stream reach and assigning staff to monitor these locations for select parameter(s) using field
and/or laboratory analyses on a short term, frequent schedule. This is particularly effective for
Location of citizen request for service.
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discharges that are typically not detectable using human senses such as discharges of organics or
metals. Once the discharge is confirmed and the source identified, the monitoring activities are
discontinued.

5.6.2.3 Hot Spot Investigations

Hot spot investigations are performed at a select stream location, storm water outfall, sewer
manhole, lift station, etc. with a history of problems in priority areas to confirm illicit discharges
using visual observations. Hot spot investigations are similar to IDEP runs except they involve
investigations of a single location as opposed to IDEP which usually incorporates multiple
locations.

5.6.2.4 Stream Walks

This activity involves walking an entire stream reach in identified priority areas to confirm illicit
discharges using visual observations and monitoring activities. Streams walks differ from IDEP
and hot spot investigations because the entire stream reach is inspected as opposed to select
locations along the reach. In addition, hot spot and IDEP investigations can involve locations
other than streams such as a parking lot. CMSWS is on a schedule to walk all perennial streams
in the Phase II jurisdictions in a fixed time frame. Hot spot stream segments are walked on a
more frequent basis.

5.6.2.5 Facility Inspections

Facility inspections in a priority area can oftentimes confirm the presence of an illicit discharge
based on visual observations and water quality monitoring results. One such priority area is
multi-family residential complexes with private sewer collection systems where there is a history
of poor maintenance and sewer spills. CMSWS conducts inspections of these systems on a
regular basis to identify and eliminate sewer discharges and ensure proper system maintenance.
The complex is thoroughly inspected for active sewer discharges and signs of previous overflow
problems such as limed areas, toilet paper, etc. Corrective actions are implemented as necessary
to ensure that all problems are corrected and the system is properly maintained to prevent
recurrence. Staff at the complex are informed of measures necessary to ensure compliance with
15A NCAC 02T .0403, including (but not limited to):
1. The sewer system is effectively maintained and operated at all times to prevent discharge
to land or surface waters, and to prevent any contravention of groundwater standards or
surface water standards.
2. A map of the sewer system has been developed and is actively maintained.
3. An operation and maintenance plan including pump station inspection frequency,
preventative maintenance schedule, spare parts inventory, and overflow response has
been developed and implemented.
4. Pump stations that are not connected to a telemetry system (i.e., remote alarm system) are
inspected by the permittee or its representative every day (i.e., 365 days per year). Pump
stations that are connected to a telemetry system are inspected at least once per week.
5. High-priority sewers are inspected by the permittee or its representative at least once
every six-months and inspections are documented.
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6. A general observation by the permittee or its representative of the entire sewer system is
conducted at least once per year.
7. Overflows and bypasses are reported to the appropriate Division regional office in
accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0506(a), and public notice is provided as required by
G.S. 143-215.1C. (See details below)
8. A Grease Control Program is in place that includes the biannual distribution of
educational materials for both commercial and residential users and the legal means to
require grease interceptors for new construction and retrofit, if necessary, of grease
interceptors at existing establishments.
9. Right-of-ways and easements are maintained in the full easement width for personnel and
equipment accessibility.
10. Documentation shall be kept for (1) through (9) above for a minimum of three (3) years
with exception of the map, which shall be maintained for the life of the system.

In addition to the above, a downstream inspection is performed at all complexes adjacent to
streams.

5.6.2.6 Dry Weather Flow Investigations

Dry weather flow investigations involve inspecting storm water outfalls after a minimum of 72
hours of no measurable rainfall and identifying dry weather flows. The sources of such flows are
typically either groundwater infiltration into the storm drain pipe, lawn watering, air conditioning
condensate or an illicit discharge. CMSWS utilizes various data and information to identify
areas where there is a high potential for illicit discharges. Staff are assigned to perform outfall
inspections in these areas. During these inspections, data is collected and recorded in a GIS
application in accordance with established procedures. Immediately following the identification
of dry weather flows, efforts are undertaken by CMSWS to confirm an illicit discharge. Staff
will physically observe the discharge for pollutant indicators such as discoloration, odor, solids,
etc. and perform water quality monitoring for select parameters, including temperature, dissolved
oxygen, conductivity, pH, fecal coliform bacteria, total phosphorus, and flow. Follow up actions
are implemented as necessary to ensure that all pollution sources are eliminated and recurrence
prevented.

5.6.3 Tracking the Source of an Illicit Discharge

Once an illicit discharge has been confirmed, standardized follow up procedures are performed
to track the discharge to its source, including but not limited to:
• Record Reviews;
• Inspections; and
• Monitoring

5.6.3.1 Record Reviews

CMSWS staff reviews available records and information to assist in the identification of
potential pollution sources, including digital information available through EDMS and the
Mecklenburg County Property Ownership Land Records Information System (POLARIS) as
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well as other available data sources. The GIS capabilities of EDMS are a valuable component of
this review process.

5.6.3.2 Inspections

An on-site inspection is conducted of the area, including upstream and upstream of the
confirmed illicit discharge to identify the source. During these inspections, visible observations
are often the best technique for source confirmation. In some cases, visual observations will
isolate the discharge to a storm drain or sanitary sewer system. It is then necessary to inspect
these systems to identify the specific source of the discharge. Standardized methods for source
identification are often employed during these inspections, including but not limited to dye
testing, smoke testing, and pipe videos.

5.6.3.3 Monitoring

If inspections and visual observations are unsuccessful at identifying the pollution source, water
quality monitoring techniques are typically employed. Staff typically use field monitoring
equipment such as a YSI Multiprobe to perform this monitoring provided the pollutant can be
tracked with a parameter measured by the unit, including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and
conductivity. The instantaneous data provided by the unit is much more useful when tracking
pollution problems than the delayed data provided by a laboratory. If laboratory analyses are
required to identify the pollution source, the parameters selected are dependent on the suspected
source, including fecal coliform bacteria for a suspected sewer discharge, total petroleum
hydrocarbons (TPH) for a fuel leak, and toxic metals and organics for an industrial discharge.
Whether the YSI Multiprobe unit is used or laboratory samples collected, the objective with
short term monitoring is to continually narrow the search area until the source is confirmed.

5.6.4 Procedures for Removing the Source of the Illicit Discharge

Once the source of an illicit discharge has been confirmed, a standardized process is followed by
CMSWS staff for eliminating the source and stopping the discharge. This process includes the
issuance of a written notice of the violation for the applicable Storm Water Pollution Control
Ordinance (see Section 5.4) to the party responsible for the discharge. The notice requires that
the responsible party discontinue the discharge, take action to prevent recurrence, and restore all
impacted areas. Staff conducts follow up activities to ensure compliance. Failure to comply
could result in the assessment of civil penalties. The use of form letters and shell documents are
included in the process.

5.6.5 Documentation

CMSWS uses Cityworks’ Service Request and/or Activity Report forms to track all
investigations and document the following:
1. Date(s) the illicit discharge was observed;
2. Results of the investigation
3. Notices of violation issued and enforcement actions taken;
4. Chronic violators for initiation of actions to reduce noncompliance;
5. Storm sewers inspected and dry weather flows identified;
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6. Follow-up investigations; and
7. Date the investigation was closed.

All documentation is reviewed and approved by a Supervisor prior to being closed in the system.
GIS is integrated into the Cityworks database thus adding a very useful spatial component to data
entry and retrieval. This is illustrated in Figure 8, which is a screen shot from Cityworks
showing the locations of the notices of violation issued across Mecklenburg County from 1995
through 2017. Prior to the issuance of a notice of violation, staff geocode the location into
Cityworks and activate the “history record” search engine for a specified radius. Cityworks
produces a list of all the notices of violation issued as well as service requests received and
inspections conducted within this radius, including a link to the report that provides all the
detailed information for use in identifying repeat offenders. Mobile capabilities are under
development for the use of Cityworks, which will further enhance its capabilities for identifying
and eliminating pollution sources.

Figure 8: Notices of Violation Issued from 1995 through 2017

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5.7 Incidental Non-Storm Water Discharges

CMSWS very infrequently detects water quality problems associated with the following
incidental non-storm water discharges or flows (i.e., illicit discharges) and has therefore
determined that they are not significant contributors of pollutants and will not be regulated by the
Phase II Storm Water Pollution Control Ordinances pursuant to Section D(1)(f) of NPDES
Permit Number NCS000395:
• water line and fire hydrant flushing;
• landscape irrigation;
• diverted stream flows;
• rising ground waters;
• uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined at 40 CFR 35.2005(20));
• uncontaminated pumped ground water;
• discharges from uncontaminated potable water sources;
• foundation drains;
• air conditioning condensation;
• irrigation water;
• springs;
• water from crawl space pumps;
• footing drains;
• lawn watering;
• individual residential and charity car washing (Note: Designated vehicle wash areas at
multi-family residential complexes are not allowed if they connect, directly or indirectly
to the storm water system or surface waters. Charity vehicle washing performed by the
same organization or at the same location on a routine basis (more than one time in a
thirty-day period) is also not allowed.);
• flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
• dechlorinated swimming pool discharges;
• street wash water; and
• flows from firefighting activities.

5.8 Non-Storm Water Discharges

All non-storm water discharges not listed in Section 5.7 are considered significant contributors of
pollutants and are prohibited by the Storm Water Pollution Control Ordinances described in
Section 5.4 with the exception of permitted NPDES discharges, which are regulated by the State.

5.9 Outreach

CMSWS has developed and implemented a public outreach program to inform public
employees, businesses, industries and the general public of the hazards associated with illicit
discharges and improper disposal of wastes. This outreach campaign includes instructions for
properly reporting these problems to CMSWS. Television and radio ads, as well as social media,
handouts and brochures are the primary outreach mechanisms. Handouts and brochures have
been developed and are typically distributed during the performance of facility inspections, when
responding to citizen request for service, and at event displays. This public outreach campaign
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for the IDDE Program is conducted by a Senior Environmental Specialist with CMSWS and is
included as a component of the Outreach Program described in Section 3.6.

Problem businesses and industries that have a history of illicit discharges are informed of the
threat to the environment from these discharges as well as the requirements of the Storm Water
Pollution Control Ordinance(s) through the use of “Environmental Notices.” These notices are
distributed by staff when responding to citizen requests for service, conducting facility
inspections and performing other field activities.

At a minimum of once during each five (5) year permit term, CMSWS provides training to
appropriate municipal staff, who, as part of their normal job responsibilities, may come into
contact with or otherwise observe an illicit discharge or illicit connection to the storm sewer
system. This training informs staff of the threat to the environment from these discharges and
the proper reporting process as well as the requirements of the Storm Water Pollution Control
Ordinances. By September 30, 2015, field staff in the following Mecklenburg County programs
completed this training: Air Quality, Code Enforcement, Solid Waste, Environmental Health,
Social Services, Parks and Recreation, and the Sheriff’s Office. The following employees at the
Towns, CPCC and CMS also completed this training: maintenance workers, firefighters,
policemen, public works and utility workers, and parks and recreation. This satisfied the IDDE
municipal staff training requirement for the permit term ending November 10, 2016. The second
round of training will be completed prior to end of the next permit term on February 16, 2022.

5.10 Decision Process

The IDDE Program for the Mecklenburg County Phase II jurisdictions/entities relies primarily
on public involvement and participation as well as data collected through water quality
monitoring activities and field investigations to identify priority areas for illicit discharges.
Standardized follow up field screening activities are employed in these identified priority areas
to confirm pollution sources, which are eliminated through the enforcement of the local Storm
Water Pollution Control Ordinances. The decision process followed in the development of this
approach included an examination of techniques used successfully in the past by CMSWS for the
identification and elimination of pollution sources as part of the City of Charlotte’s Phase I
Program. Public involvement has always played a key role in the identification of problem
areas. The outreach campaign included as part of the program is designed to increase public
awareness of water quality issues and inform them of the correct process for reporting suspected
pollution problems.

CMSWS water quality monitoring activities have been performed in the Phase II jurisdictions for
over 25 years and they have proven successful at identifying water quality problem areas. This
ongoing monitoring effort was expanded for the Phase II Permit. This expanded monitoring
program includes the use of continuous automated water quality monitoring equipment. Water
quality monitoring data is summarized using the Stream Use Support Index or SUSI at least
quarterly and is used by CMSWS staff to target/direct pollution control activities.

Another tool that has proven effective in the implementation of Charlotte’s Phase I Program and
thus has been applied in the Phase II Program areas is the enforcement of local Storm Water
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Pollution Control Ordinances. CMSWS has found these ordinances to be an effective tool for
the elimination of pollution sources and also for deterring future violations.

The storm sewer mapping effort has assisted in the implementation of the IDDE Program by
providing a thorough examination of the inlets and outlets to the MS4s as well as identifying dry
weather flows, both of which have led to the elimination of pollution sources. The availability of
storm sewer maps and other data in GIS through the Cityworks database has facilitated the
tracking of discharges to their source.

The selection of CMSWS staff for the execution of the measurable goals associated with the
IDDE Program was based on their familiarity with the identification and elimination of pollution
problems as well as their expertise in the enforcement of pollution control ordinances. The
selection of the Senior Environmental Specialist to implement the Public Outreach component of
the program was based on that positions experience and expertise at the development and
implementation of media campaigns and other public outreach and community involvement
efforts.

5.11 Program Evaluation

The measurable goals for each BMP are described in Table 5. Other measures of success for the
IDDE Program are described below.
• Documentation of Storm Water Program Activities – As a baseline measure of success,
staff will document the completion of Work Plan activities that demonstrate the
successful fulfillment of the BMPs associated with this program element. All activities
will be documented in Cityworks.
• Increase in Pollution Problems Identified – CMSWS will track the ratio of the number of
notices of violation issued and resolved to the number of IDDE inspections conducted
with an increase indicating a measure of success at identifying pollution problems, which
is the goal of the IDDE Program.

On an annual basis, CMSWS staff will evaluate the BMPs assigned to this program and assess
progress toward achieving the measurable goals from Table 5 and the measures of success
described above. Recommendations for improvement will be made as necessary. During the
following fiscal year, program activities and BMPs will be modified as necessary based on the
results of this evaluation in order to ensure that the specific goals and objectives of the IDDE
Program and Storm Water Plan are being effectively and efficiently fulfilled.

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Section 6: Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control

A Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Program has been developed and is currently
being implemented for addressing the discharge of sediment and other pollutants from
construction sites in Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdictions. This is a delegated program
under NCGS 113A-60. The program is administered by CMSWS’s Permitting and Compliance
Program as described in the following Sections.

6.1 Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Program is to reduce pollutants in
storm water runoff from construction activities that result in a land disturbance of greater than or
equal to one acre. Construction activities disturbing less than one acre are included in the
program if they are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that would disturb one
acre or more. The objectives of the program are as follows:
1. Implement and enforce a program to ensure the proper permitting, installation and
maintenance of erosion control measures in compliance with local ordinances as well as
the N.C. Sediment Pollution Control Act of 1973 and Chapter 4 of Title 15A of the North
Carolina Administrative Code.
2. Ensure the proper control of waste at construction sites to prevent illicit discharges and
negative impacts to surface water quality, including but not limited to discarded building
materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary waste.
3. Provide and promote a means for the public to notify the Permitting and Compliance
Program of observed erosion and sedimentation problems.
4. Educate contractors, developers and others engaged in land disturbing activities in the
proper methods for installing and maintaining erosion control measures and preventing
pollutants from discharging from construction sites.

6.2 BMP Summary Table

Table 6 describes the BMPs implemented as part of the Construction Site Storm Water Runoff
Control Program.

Table 6: BMP Summary Table for the Construction Site Storm Water Control Program
# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
CS-1 Enforce
Erosion
Control
Ordinances
Enforce erosion and sedimentation control
ordinances for the Phase II jurisdictions by
permitting and controlling development
activities disturbing one or more acres of
land surface and those activities less than
one acre that are part of a larger common
plan of development as authorized under the
Sediment Pollution Control Act of 1973.
The Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Policies and
Procedures that are contained in a separate
document available upon request describe
the best management practices that will be
X X X X X Jason Klingler
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
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# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
used, the frequency of the BMP, the
measurable goals for each BMP, the
implementation schedule, and the
responsible person or position for
implementation.
CS-2 Erosion
Control
Education
Develop and implement an outreach
program to educate contractors and land
developers regarding proper erosion control.
X X X X X Jason Klingler
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)
CS-3 Evaluate
Effectiveness
of Erosion
Control
Program
Evaluate the effectiveness of the program
and modify as necessary. Include in this
assessment a review of written policies and
procedures.
X X X X X Jason Klingler
(Senior
Environmental
Specialist)

6.3 Erosion Control Ordinance

Mecklenburg County has a delegated Sediment and Erosion Control Program and is therefore
responsible for compliance with the Sediment Pollution Control Act of 1973 and Chapter 4 of
Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code. The delegated Sediment and Erosion
Control Program effectively meets the MEP standard for Construction Site Runoff Controls by
permitting and controlling development activities disturbing one or more acres of land surface
and those activities less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development as
authorized under the Sediment Pollution Control Act of 1973 and Chapter 4 of Title 15A of the
North Carolina Administrative Code. The regulatory mechanism established for this program is
the Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance effective October
21, 1974 and amended 14 times as follows: March 5, 1979, June 16, 1980, April 2, 1984,
October 7, 1985, February 27, 1986, April 21, 1987, December 7, 1987, February 4, 1991, May
10, 1993, February 7, 1995, June 3, 1997, September 6, 2000, May 21, 2002, and October 7,
2008. The County’s ordinance is currently enforced by the Permitting and Compliance Program
in the Towns of Cornelius, Huntersville, Pineville and Matthews. The Towns of Davidson and
Mint Hill have their own sediment and erosion control ordinances, which are very similar to
Mecklenburg County’s and are also enforced by the Permitting and Compliance Program. These
ordinances require an approved Erosion Control Plan for construction activities that result in the
disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre of land. The ordinances further require that all
construction site operators implement appropriate erosion and sediment control BMPs, including
those sites that disturb less than an acre. Copies of the ordinances are available at the following
website: http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Regulations”, select jurisdiction, select “Soil
Erosion and Sedimentation Control”). The Surface Water Pollution Control Ordinances (see
Section 5) are used to regulate pollutants other than sediment that are generated from
construction sites and have the potential to negatively impact water quality such as discarded
building material, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary waste. Staff inspecting
for compliance with soil erosion and sediment control ordinance also inspect for compliance
with the pollution control ordinance.

The Phase II jurisdictions chose local over State regulation of erosion and sediment control
measures because they desired an increased level of inspection and enforcement activity that
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could not be provided by the State. The Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Policies and Procedures describe how the local program is implemented and enforced,
including inspection procedures, record keeping requirements, form letters for notices of
violation, and enforcement guidance. A copy of these policies and procedures is available upon
request to Mecklenburg County’s Water Quality Program Manager.

6.4 Erosion Control Plan Reviews

Section 6(b) of the Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
requires an approved Erosion Control Plan for construction activities that result in the
disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre of land. Erosion control inspectors conduct a site
plan review and on-site inspection prior to plan approval. Section 10 of the ordinance specifies
the content of the plan, which includes all BMPs planned for the control of erosion and
sedimentation. County staff reviews all Erosion Control Plans for the Phase II jurisdictions in
Mecklenburg County, except for government projects which are reviewed by the N.C.
Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). Mecklenburg County’s reviews are typically
completed within 30 days of submittal and the person submitting the plan is notified as to
whether the plan is approved, approved with modifications, approved with performance
reservations, or disapproved. The applicant has the right to appeal the disapproval before the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory Committee. Plan approval is considered void if
land disturbing activities do not commence within three (3) years of the approval date. The
Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Policies and Procedures describe
the process for site plan review, which incorporates consideration of potential water quality
impacts.

6.5 Enforcement

Section 13 of the Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinance specifies that any person who violates any of the provisions of the ordinance is
subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $5,000 per day for each day the violation
continues. The Permitting and Compliance Program has established guidance in its policies and
procedures for setting penalty amounts for different types of violations. For example, a $4,000
to $5,000/day penalty is recommended for grading without a permit unless a hardship or
extenuating circumstances are known to exist in which case the penalty may be reduced to
between $2,500 to $4,000/day. For the first offense of sedimentation in a wetland, lake, or
watercourse, a penalty of $1,000 to $3,000/day is recommended. No adjustment is made for
land-disturbing activities that damage protected waters or wetlands, including 303(d) listed
streams and other waters with special State or local designation. Second offenses typically result
in a $5,000/day fine without adjustment. The Permitting and Compliance Program uses a Storm
Water Advisory Committee (SWAC) to assist in hearing appeals to enforcement actions. The
Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Policies and Procedures describe
the enforcement process, including procedures for issuing notices of violation, assessing
penalties and handling appeals.

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6.6 Inspections

All erosion and sedimentation control inspections in the Phase II jurisdictions are performed by
staff of the Permitting and Compliance Program, except for government projects which are
inspected by NCDEQ staff. Following plan approval and issuance of the NPDES Permit
(NCG010000), but prior to initiating land disturbing activities and issuance of a local grading
permit, staff conducts a pre-construction meeting involving all parties associated with the land
disturbing activity to ensure that everyone is familiar with the approved Erosion Control Plan
and ordinance requirements. The construction site is evaluated during this pre-construction
meeting and a checklist completed. Following the pre-construction meeting, erosion control
measures are installed by the contractor after which the Permitting and Compliance Program
conducts an inspection to confirm proper installation in accordance with the approved Erosion
Control Plan and ordinance requirements. Following this confirmation, the inspector issues a
local grading permit authorizing grading of the site. Once grading activities commence, staff
perform compliance inspections on a routine interval based on an established prioritization
scheme. If inspections reveal noncompliance with the approved Plan or other ordinance
violations, a written or verbal notice of violation is issued identifying the violation(s) and
specifying the specific action(s) needed to ensure compliance. Follow up inspections are
conducted to verify compliance after which penalties may be assessed depending on the nature of
the violation and effectiveness of the response. The Mecklenburg County Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Policies and Procedures describe the inspection process and include
inspection logs and checklists.

6.7 Erosion Control Hotline

Mecklenburg County provides a means for the public to notify the Permitting and Compliance
Program of observed erosion and sedimentation control problems in the Phase II jurisdictions
through contacting the 311 helpline as described in Section 3.5. This reporting mechanism is
promoted through the media campaign conducted as part of the Public Education and Outreach
Program. Staff conducts follow up investigations on reported problems and initiates the actions
necessary to ensure proper erosion and sedimentation control and the protection of water quality.

6.8 Erosion Control Education

The Permitting and Compliance Program provides erosion control education through its
“Charlotte Mecklenburg Certified Site Inspector” (CMCSI) course, which includes six (6) hours
of training on proper erosion and sedimentation control and a written test. Courses are held a
minimum of twice a year. Section 8(f) of the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinances for Mecklenburg County and the Towns of Davidson and Mint Hill requires that
persons conducting land-disturbing activity or their agent perform inspections of all erosion and
sedimentation control measures at least once a week and within 24 hours after any storm event of
greater than 0.5 inch of rain per 24-hour period. The Permitting and Compliance Program’s
policies and procedures state that the person performing these inspections must be certified and
technically competent and that a self-inspection log must be maintained. Satisfactorily
completing the CMCSI training qualifies a person to perform these activities.
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6.9 Government Projects

All government projects within the Phase II jurisdictions are regulated by NCDEQ’s Erosion and
Sediment Control Program, which conducts plan reviews, inspections and enforcement activities.
This includes construction activities performed directly by the Phase II entity or by a company
under contract with the entity.

6.10 Decision Process

Construction site pollutants have been successfully controlled in the Phase II jurisdictions
through a locally delegated program for almost 40 years. The Phase II jurisdictions have elected
to continue their reliance on this local program due to its past successes and the improvements
recently brought about through program modifications.

6.11 Program Evaluation

The measurable goals for each BMP are described in Table 6. Other measures of success for the
Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Program are described below.
• Documentation of Storm Water Program Activities: As a baseline measure of success,
staff will document completion of Work Plan program activities annually that
demonstrate successful fulfillment of BMPs associated with this program element. All
activities will be documented within Cityworks.
• Improved Compliance: CMSWS will track the ratio of the number of notices of violation
issued to erosion control inspections conducted with a decrease indicating a measure of
success at improving compliance, which is a goal of the program.

On an annual basis, the Permitting and Compliance Program will evaluate the BMPs assigned to
this program and assess progress toward achieving the measurable goals from Table 6 and the
measures of success described above. Recommendations for improvement will be made as
necessary. During the following fiscal year, program activities and BMPs will be modified as
necessary based on the results of this evaluation in order to ensure that the specific goals and
objectives of the Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Program and Storm Water Plan
are being effectively and efficiently fulfilled.
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Section 7: Post-Construction Site Runoff Control

A Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Program has been developed and is currently being
implemented for addressing post-construction storm water runoff from new development and
redevelopment projects in Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdictions. The program is
administered by CMSWS’s Water Quality and Permitting and Compliance Programs as
described in the following Sections.

7.1 Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Program is to prevent or minimize
negative water quality impacts during post-construction conditions at new developments and
redevelopments, including public transportation maintained by the permittee. The objectives of
the program are as follows:
1. Implement and enforce a program to address storm water runoff from new development
and redevelopment projects, including public transportation maintained by the permittee,
that disturb greater than or equal to one (1) acre, including projects disturbing less than
one (1) acre that discharge to the storm sewer system.
2. Implement strategies which include a combination of structural and/or non-structural
BMPs appropriate for the community.
3. Use an ordinance or other regulatory mechanism to address post-construction runoff from
new development and redevelopment projects.
4. Ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of BMPs.

7.2 BMP Summary Table

Table 7 describes the BMPs implemented as part of the Post-Construction Site Runoff Control
Program.

Table 7: BMP Summary Table for the Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Program.
# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff 1 2 3 4 5
PC-1 Implement
Post-Const.
Ordinances
Implement the post-construction ordinances
adopted in the Phase II areas.

X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle
(Program Manager)
PC-2 Implement
BMP
Inspections
Conduct site inspections of structural storm
water controls installed for compliance with
ordinance requirements.
X X X X X Corey Priddy
(Environmental
Supervisor)
PC-3 Implement a
Program to
Educate and
Assist
Developers
Implement a program to educate the
development community and the general
public concerning the post-construction
storm water management requirements.
X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle
(Program Manager)
PC-5 Evaluate
Effectiveness
of Post-
Construction
Program
Evaluate the effectiveness of the program
and modify as necessary. Include in this
assessment a review of written policies and
procedures.
X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle
(Program Manager)
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7.3 Post-Construction Storm Water Ordinances

The post-construction storm water ordinances developed by the Phase II jurisdictions were
reviewed and approved by the State and subsequently adopted effective June 30, 2007. These
regulations meet or exceed the minimum requirements for the control of post-construction storm
water runoff specified by 40 Code of Federal Regulations 122.34(b)(5) (1 July 2003 Edition).
These regulations meet the objectives of the Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Program and
provide the authority to:
1. Review designs and proposals for new development and redevelopment to determine
whether adequate storm water control measures will be installed, implemented, and
maintained.
2. Request information such as storm water plans, inspection reports, monitoring results,
and other information deemed necessary to evaluate compliance with the Post-
Construction Storm water Management Program.
3. Enter private property for the purpose of inspecting at reasonable times any facilities,
equipment, practices, or operations related to storm water discharges to determine
whether there is compliance the Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Program.

Administrative and BMP Manuals have been developed and are being maintained by CMSWS
to guide the implementation and enforcement of ordinance requirements. The Administrative
Manual includes application requirements, forms, submission schedules, fee schedules,
maintenance plans and agreements, criteria for mitigation approval, criteria for recordation of
documents, inspection report forms, requirements for submittal of bonds, and other information
and forms used in the administration of the post-construction ordinances. The BMP Manual
includes the designs for structural storm water controls as well as methods for calculating built-
upon area and other information used in the construction of BMPs required by the ordinances.
Copies of the ordinances as well as the Administrative and Design Manuals are available at the
following website: http://storm water.charmeck.org (select “Regulations”, select jurisdiction).

Mecklenburg County works cooperatively with the Towns to ensure the proper enforcement of
the post-construction storm water ordinances. This includes the review and approval of Storm
Water Plans and Maintenance Covenants for structural BMPs. In addition, CMSWS’s Water
Quality Program Manager serves as the Storm Water Administrator responsible for the
implementation and enforcement of the post-construction ordinances for the Towns and County
except for the Town of Cornelius, which uses its Planning Director to fulfill this role. All
appeals and variances are heard by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Advisory
Committee (SWAC) very similar to the process used for the Sediment and Erosion Control
Program described in Section 6. The only exceptions are that the Towns of Cornelius and
Huntersville use their Boards of Adjustment to hear all appeals and variances.

Implementation of the post-construction ordinances consists of the following activities:
• Maintaining and updating the ordinances as necessary.
• Providing interpretations regarding the applicability of ordinance requirements to new
developments and redevelopments.
• Maintaining and updating the Charlotte-Mecklenburg BMP Design Manual as necessary.
• Maintaining and updating the Administrative Manual as necessary.
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• Performing site plan reviews of all new development and redevelopment projects that
disturb greater than or equal to one acre (including sites that disturb less than one acre
that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale) and performing reviews
on new development and redevelopment that disturb less than an acre as required by
specific ordinance requirements. The site plan review addresses how the project meets
the performance standards and how the project will ensure long-term maintenance.
• Conducting site inspections during construction to ensure compliance with approved
plans and all ordinance requirements.
• Conducting a post-construction inspection before issuing a certificate of occupancy to
verify that performance standards have been met or a bond is in place to guarantee
completion.
• Maintaining an inventory of public and private projects with structural storm water
control measures installed for compliance with post-construction ordinance requirements.
• Ensuring that mechanisms are in place to guarantee that projects will be maintained
consistent with approved plans in compliance with post-construction ordinance
requirements.
• Ensuring the implementation of long-term operation and maintenance plans for structural
BMPs in accordance with ordinance requirements, including ensuring that the owner of
each structural BMP has a qualified professional perform annual inspections and
maintains records of these inspections.
• Conducting site inspections of structural storm water controls installed for compliance
with ordinance requirements at least once during the permit term. Records of inspection
findings and enforcement actions are maintained in the Cityworks database. Notices of
violation and enforcement actions are tracked and used to identify chronic violators for
initiation of actions to reduce noncompliance.
• Implementing a program to educate the development community and the general public
concerning the post-construction storm water management requirements. Ordinances,
post-construction requirements, design standards checklist, and other materials
appropriate for developers are made available through paper or electronic means.

7.4 Compliance by Co-Permittees with Post-Construction Ordinance Requirements

New developments and redevelopments constructed by or under contract with the Phase II
entities are required to comply with the local post-construction ordinance requirements adopted
by the jurisdiction where the project is located, including the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg
County, and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and
Pineville. New roads and road expansions interior to land development projects required to
comply with post-construction requirements must adhere to these same requirements regardless
of whether these roads will be privately maintained or maintained by the jurisdiction. For such
projects, the built-upon area for the roads is incorporated into the built-upon area for the project
and BMPs are installed as necessary to comply with ordinance requirements. There are a few
exceptions to compliance with local post-construction requirements for other types of
transportation projects as described in Appendix C.

CMSWS maintains a current inventory of the structural storm water controls owned and/or
operated by the Phase II jurisdictions/entities that were installed for compliance with post-
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construction ordinances. The Phase II jurisdictions/entities maintain and implement an
Operation and Maintenance Program for these structural storm water controls, which specify the
frequency of inspections and routine maintenance requirements. The Phase II jurisdictions/
entities inspect and maintain their structural storm water controls in accordance with the
schedule contained in the Operation and Maintenance Program.

7.5 Requirements for Non-Structural BMPs

The post-construction ordinances include stream buffer and undisturbed open space requirements
as summarized in Table 8, which serve as non-structural BMPs. Prior to the adoption of the
post-construction ordinances, non-structural storm water controls were in effect in the Phase II
jurisdictions that continue to apply, including zoning ordinances to direct growth to identified
areas. In addition, Mecklenburg County’s Park and Recreation Department actively acquires and
maintains open space for parks and nature preserves. This program concentrates on preserving
environmentally-sensitive and natural resource areas within the County, including wetlands and
riparian buffers.

Table 8: Non-Structural BMPs Required by Post-Construction Ordinances
Jurisdiction
Post-
Construction
Ordinance
Watershed
District
Undisturbed
Open Space
Requirements
Based on Project
Area
<24% BUA =
25%; >24% BUA
= 17.5%; >50%
BUA = 10%
Buffer Widths
Streams
draining <50
acres = 30 ft.;
>50 acres = 35
ft.; >300 acres
= 50 ft.: >640
acres = 100 ft.
+ floodplain
Streams
draining <50
acres = 50 ft.;
>50 acres = 100
ft. for all
intermittent &
perennial
streams
200-ft on perennial
and intermittent
streams inside
FEMA floodplain;
100 ft. on all other
perennial and
intermittent streams
Cornelius N/A N/A X
Davidson Catawba X X
Yadkin X X (3 zone buffer)
Huntersville N/A N/A X
Matthews Catawba X X
Yadkin X X(3)
Mint Hill
Catawba (1) X
Yadkin (1) X
Goose Cr. (1) X (undisturbed)
Pineville N/A X (2)
Mecklenburg N/A X (2)
(1) <20% BUA = no undisturbed open space is required; >20% BUA = 15%; >50% = 10%
(2) Streams draining <100 acres = 30 ft; >100 acres = 35 ft.; >300 acres = 50 ft.; >640 acres = 100 ft + 50% of
floodfringe.
(3) Buffer also includes 100% of the floodplain and is undisturbed.

Since 1999, buffers ranging in width from 35 feet to the entire FEMA floodplain have been
required along perennial streams in the Phase II jurisdictions. These buffer requirements were
implemented as part of Mecklenburg County’s Surface Water Improvement and Management
(S.W.I.M.) Program. The northern Towns of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville have
portions of their jurisdictions in WS-IV watersheds and have maintained water supply watershed
rules in their zoning ordinances since the mid-1990s. These rules require buffers ranging from
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50 to 100 feet in width along the lake shoreline as well as along perennial streams delineated on
USGS quadrangle maps.

7.6 Requirements for Structural BMPs

The post-construction ordinances adopted on June 30, 2007 by the Phase II jurisdictions contain
requirements for the installation of structural BMPs to control and treat storm water runoff to
meet specific volume, peak and water quality requirements when a built-upon area threshold is
reached. These BMPs must meet the design criteria contained in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg
BMP Design Manual. This manual includes design criteria for the following types of BMPs:
bioretention, wet pond, storm water wetland, enhanced grass swale, grass channel, infiltration
trench, filter strip/woody buffer strip, sand filter, extended dry detention, and proprietary BMPs.
The design volume of the BMPs takes into account the runoff at build out for on-site
improvements and the maximum low-density option for off-site areas from all surfaces draining
to the structure. Where streets “convey” storm water, BMPs are sized to treat and control storm
water runoff from all surfaces draining to the structure, including streets, driveways, and other
built-upon area. Table 9 provides a general summary of the structural BMP requirements.

Table 9: Structural BMPs Contained in the Post-Construction Ordinances
Jurisdiction
Post-
Construction
Ordinance
Watershed
District
Treatment
Threshold
(BUA)
Treatment Type Treatment Volume
85%
TSS
Removal
70% TP
Removal LID
Runoff
from
1st inch
of
rainfall
Runoff from pre
minus post
development for
1-yr, 24-hr storm
Cornelius N/A >24% X Optional X
Davidson Catawba >12% X X Optional X
Yadkin >10% X X Optional X
Huntersville N/A >12% Required(2) X
Matthews Catawba >24% X Optional X
Yadkin >10% X X Optional X
Mint Hill
Catawba >24% X Optional X
Yadkin >12% X Optional X
Goose Cr. None(1) X Required(3) X
Pineville N/A >24% X Optional X
Mecklenburg N/A >24% X Optional X
(1) Treatment required for all built-upon area.
(2) A combination of LID and conventional storm water treatment measures is allowed in the form of a treatment
train.
(3) Water quality treatment systems that promote the infiltration of flows and groundwater recharge (LID) shall be
used unless it can be demonstrated that such treatment systems are not a practical alternative for the site.

Prior to the adoption of the post-construction storm water ordinances, the installation of
structural storm water controls was required for developments and redevelopments located in the
WS-IV watersheds in the Towns of Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville. In addition,
beginning in 1979 the Phase II jurisdictions required the submission and approval of a drainage
plan for all commercial land development activities that involved the creation of more than
20,000 square feet of impervious ground cover. If the impervious cover proposed in the plan
increased the peak level of storm water runoff from the site, then the plan was required to
identify measures to control and limit runoff to peak flows no greater than would occur from the
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site if impervious area were not increased for the 2-year and 10-year storm events. BMPs
installed for compliance with the WS-IV watershed ordinances and those BMPs installed for the
1979 drainage plan requirements are not subject to the post-construction ordinance requirements
for inspection and maintenance.

7.7 Natural Resource Protection

The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources within the Mecklenburg County Park
and Recreation Department is responsible for the protection and conservation of Mecklenburg
County's parks designated as Nature Preserves. Mecklenburg County’s nature preserves protect
the county's biological resources and natural areas, while providing opportunities for
environmental education, nature-based programs, and outdoor recreation. The Division of
Nature Preserves and Natural Resources offers more than 5,000 programs annually, performs
natural resource management on over 7,400 acres, maintains more than 30 miles of nature
trails, and operates 3 nature centers and a public campground.

7.8 Open Space Protection

As described in Section 7.5 above, the post-construction ordinances for the Towns of Davidson,
Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville require open space preservation based on project area as
described in Table 8. Failure to adequately protect these open space areas constitutes a violation
of the ordinance, which is subject to fines. The Towns of Cornelius and Huntersville have open
space requirements as a part of their land development code, but these requirements are not
enforced as a component of the post-construction ordinance.

7.9 Tree Preservation

To varying degrees, the Phase II jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County require the planting of
additional trees to enhance the urban tree canopy as well as the protection and maintenance of
trees on public and private property. Street trees are also required. These requirements are
generally contained in Land Development or Zoning Ordinances.

7.10 Redevelopment

The Phase II jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County had experienced significant development prior
to the implementation of the post-construction ordinances in June 2007. According to 303(d)
listings, this existing development is the source of significant water quality degradation. The
most effective way to address this degradation is to require storm water controls through
redevelopment, which is a focus of the Phase II post-construction ordinances. This impacts the
ability of these ordinances to direct development to previously developed areas. The most
effective method used in Mecklenburg County for achieving this purpose is the relaxing of storm
water control measures in transportation corridors, distressed business districts, and/or on lots
less than one acre when specific mitigation measures are implemented, which is allowed in the
Towns of Davidson, Matthews, and Pineville. The Towns of Cornelius, Huntersville, and Mint
Hill do not have this provision in their post-construction ordinances.

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7.11 Green Infrastructure Practices

The post-construction storm water ordinances adopted by the Phase II jurisdictions contain the
following green infrastructure practices:
• The use of vegetated conveyances for the transport storm water to the MEP.
• The optional use of permeable pavement systems as a structural BMP to help manage
storm water runoff.
• The optional use of green roofs as structural BMPs to help manage storm water runoff.
• The optional use of consultation meetings early in the development review process to
discuss the post-construction storm water management measures necessary for the
proposed project, as well as to discuss and assess constraints, opportunities and potential
approaches to storm water management designs before formal site design engineering is
commenced.
• The designation of undisturbed open space areas ranging from 25% to 10% of the total
project area based on the jurisdiction (except in Cornelius and Huntersville) (see Table
8).
• The protection of buffers ranging in width from 30 feet to the entire FEMA floodplain
depending on the watershed area and jurisdiction (see Table 8).
• The optional use of low impact development techniques except in the Town of
Huntersville where it is required (see Table 9).
• The optional use of payment-in-lieu as well as off-site and on-site mitigation to satisfy
post-construction storm water ordinance requirements in cases where on-site alternatives
are not technically feasible. These options provide money for tree planting, open space
acquisition, installation of off-site BMPs, etc.

Practices are in place to ensure the long-term maintenance of green infrastructure, including
recording the infrastructure on final plats at the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office
and performing periodic inspections.

7.12 Operation and Maintenance

The Phase II jurisdictions have included requirements in their post-construction programs to
ensure the adequate long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs
as summarized below.
1. A BMP Operation and Maintenance Agreement must be completed and recorded at the
Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office for all structural BMPs. A BMP
Maintenance Plan must be included as an addendum to this agreement. This is a binding
legal agreement prepared using the format provided by the Storm Water Administrator
that specifies the responsibilities for performing BMP maintenance and provides a
description of the maintenance activities to be performed, including a schedule. In
addition, the following language must be included on the final plat for all developments
and redevelopments subject to post-construction ordinance requirements: “This property
contains water quality features that must be maintained according to the Operations and
Maintenance Agreement and Plan recorded in Deed Book____ and Page ______.”
2. As-built plans are required that show the final design specifications for all structural
BMPs and the field location, size, depth, and planted vegetation associated with the BMP
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as installed, as well as the location and size of all undisturbed open space areas and tree
plantings. The designer of the storm water management measures and plans must certify,
under seal, that the as-built storm water measures, controls, and devices are in
compliance with the approved plans and designs and with the requirements of the post-
construction ordinance.
3. Maintenance and access easements must be established and recorded on the final plat for
all BMPs except those installed for public facilities.
4. The location and dimensions of all BMPs must be included on the final plat recorded at
the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office. The following language must be
included on the final plat: “The purpose of the BMP is to treat/reduce the pollutants
associated with storm water runoff in order to minimize negative effects to downstream
receiving waters. The easement around the BMP is to allow storm water conveyance and
system maintenance. The removal of plants or disturbance of the BMP structure or
otherwise affecting the overall functionality of the BMP for reasons other than
maintenance is strictly prohibited.”
5. The location of undisturbed open space must be included on the final plat recorded with
the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office. The following language must be
included on the final plat: “Undisturbed Open Space Area: Future disturbance is
prohibited in these areas except for greenway trails with unlimited public access, new
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility lines and channel work/maintenance activities by
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.”
6. The location of water quality buffers must be included on the final plat recorded with the
Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds Office. The top of the stream bank must be field
located and shown on the plat. Each buffer zone must also be shown on the plat and the
stream side zone must be labeled as “UNDISTURBED.”
7. If requested by the owner, Mecklenburg County and all the Towns except Cornelius and
Huntersville will accept the maintenance responsibility for structural BMPs that are
installed pursuant to the post-construction storm water ordinance following a warranty
period of two (2) years from the date of the final approval of the BMP, provided the
BMP:
• Serves a single-family detached residential development or townhomes all of
which have public street frontage;
• Is satisfactorily maintained during the two-year warranty period by the owner or
designee;
• Meets all the requirements of the applicable post-construction storm water
ordinance and the Design Manual; and
• Includes adequate and perpetual access and sufficient area, by easement or
otherwise, for inspection, maintenance, repair or reconstruction.
The maintenance of all BMPs not covered by this provision is the responsibility of the
owner or their designee.
8. The Towns, Mecklenburg County, CMS and CPCC will maintain the BMPs that they
install for their respective projects when they retain ownership.
9. BMP Maintenance Bonds are required for all structural BMPs installed for both
residential and commercial developments. BMP Maintenance Bonds are not required for
BMPs installed for public facilities. The purpose of these bonds is to ensure that funds
are available to maintain BMPs if the owner should fail to do so in which case the Town
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or Mecklenburg County would cash the bond to obtain the money to perform the
necessary maintenance. The bonds must be posted by the owner for a period of not less
than two (2) years from the final approval of the BMP by the Storm Water Administrator.
10. BMPs in all the jurisdictions except the Town of Huntersville must be inspected by a
qualified registered N.C. professional engineer or landscape architect at a minimum of
annually. In Huntersville, a “qualified professional” is authorized to inspect these BMPs.
The minimum requirements for a qualified professional and the established process for
verifying these qualifications are contained in the post-construction ordinance
Administrative Manual available on the website. The Storm Water Administrator has
developed BMP inspection forms that are also available on this website.
11. CMSWS will inspect structural BMPs installed for compliance with post-construction
storm water ordinance requirements at a minimum of once during the five (5) year permit
term.

7.13 Decision Process

Between April 2004 and September 2005, a stakeholders’ group deliberated in the development
of a draft post-construction ordinance for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The resulting consensus
document was subsequently reviewed and modified as necessary by the Phase II jurisdictions to
meet their specific requirements. These documents were submitted to NCDEQ and following
approval were adopted into law effective June 30, 2007. Following adoption, workshops were
held for the development community and staff to help ensure effective implementation.

It was decided that a stakeholders’ process would be used in the development of the post-
construction ordinance based off the successes of previous such efforts. For example, CMSWS
relied on a similar approach in the development of the S.W.I.M. stream buffer ordinances and
local water supply watershed rules.

During the development of the draft post-construction ordinances, efforts were undertaken to
conform these rules to each jurisdiction’s specific water quality needs. For example, the Towns
of Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville have streams within their jurisdictions identified on the
N.C. 303(d) list for fecal coliform bacteria and TMDLs have been developed. In addition, Goose
Creek in the Town of Mint Hill is an identified habitat for the Carolina heelsplitter, a federally-
endangered species of freshwater mussel. The Towns in northern Mecklenburg County have
similar challenges. McDowell Creek in Huntersville and Cornelius as well as Long Creek and
Clarke Creek in Huntersville and the Rocky River in Davidson are identified on the N.C. 303(d)
list for biological impairment, fecal coliform bacteria and/or turbidity. These are all high priority
issues that were taken into consideration during the stakeholder process for development of the
post-construction ordinances for the Phase II jurisdictions.

7.14 Program Evaluation

The measurable goals for each BMP are described in Table 7. Other measures of success for the
Post-Construction Storm Water Runoff Control Program are described below.
• Documentation of Storm Water Program Activities – As a baseline measure of success,
staff will document completion of Work Plan program activities annually that
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demonstrate successful fulfillment of BMPs associated with this program element. All
activities will be documented within Cityworks.
• Improved Compliance – Annual inspection reports for structural BMPs submitted to
CMSWS will be carefully reviewed and problems followed up on. In addition, CMSWS
will inspect all structural BMPs installed for compliance with post-construction ordinance
requirements at a minimum of once during the five (5) year permit term. CMSWS will
also periodically inspect buffers, undisturbed open space and other non-structural BMPs
to ensure their long-term effectiveness. CMSWS will track the ratio of the number of
BMPs not in compliance to BMP inspections conducted with a decrease indicating a
measure of success at improving compliance, which is a goal of the program.

On an annual basis, CMSWS staff will evaluate the BMPs assigned to this program and assess
progress toward achieving the measurable goals from Table 7 and the measures of success
described above. Recommendations for improvement will be made as necessary. During the
following fiscal year, the program activities and BMPs will be modified as necessary based on
the results of this evaluation in order to ensure that the specific goals and objectives of the Post-
Construction Storm Water Runoff Control Program and Storm Water Plan are being effectively
and efficiently fulfilled.
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Section 8: Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

A Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program has been developed and is currently being
implemented for addressing discharges of pollution from municipal facilities and operations
owned and/or operated by Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdictions. The program is
administered by CMSWS’s Water Quality Program as described in the following Sections.

8.1 Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program is to reduce pollutants in
storm water runoff from municipal operations. The objectives of the program are as follows:
1. Develop and implement an operation and maintenance program to prevent or reduce
storm water pollution from facilities and operations owned and/or operated by the Phase
II jurisdictions/entities.
2. Train the employees at these facilities and operations to prevent and reduce storm water
pollution from activities such as park and open space maintenance, fleet and building
maintenance, new construction and land disturbances, and storm water system
maintenance.

8.2 BMP Summary Table

Table 10 describes the BMPs implemented as part of the Pollution Prevention/Good
Housekeeping Program.

Table 10: BMP Summary Table for the Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program
# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible
Staff 1 2 3 4 5
PP-1 Implement
Employee
Training
Program
Implement a training program for employees
involved in implementing pollution prevention
and good housekeeping practices.
X X X X X David Caldwell
(Environmental
Supervisor)
PP-2 Conduct
Inspections
of Municipal
Operations
Conduct annual inspections of all municipal
owned and operated facilities with the
significant potential for generating polluted
storm water runoff. Once every 5 years, conduct
inspections of private operations located on
property owned by a co-permittee that has the
significant potential for generating polluted
storm water runoff. Identify potential pollution
sources and work with each jurisdiction/entity to
ensure that these sources are eliminated.
Distribute and explain written guidance
materials developed in PP-1 as needed.
X X X X X Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Supervisor)
PP-3 Maintain
and Update
Spill
Response
Procedures
Develop and implement spill response
procedures for municipal owned and operated
facilities with the significant potential for
generating polluted storm water runoff.
X X X X X Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Supervisor)
PP-4 Maintain
and
Maintain, implement, evaluate annually and
update as necessary an Operation and
X X X X X Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
55

# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible
Staff 1 2 3 4 5
Implement
an Operation
and
Maintenance
Program for
Municipally
Owned and
Maintained
Facilities
Maintenance (O&M) program or Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for
municipal owned and operated facilities with the
significant potential for generating polluted
storm water runoff. Once every 5 years, evaluate
SWPPPs for private operations located on
property owned by a co-permittee that has the
significant potential for generating polluted
storm water runoff. Also maintain and
implement an O&M program for municipally-
owned or maintained structural storm water
controls installed for compliance with the post-
construction ordinances adopted by the Phase II
jurisdictions and the City of Charlotte.
The O&M program and SWPPP must include
the frequency of inspections and routine
maintenance requirements. The co-permittee
shall document inspections and maintenance of
all municipally-owned or maintained structural
storm water controls.
Supervisor)
PP-5 Maintain
and Update
an Inventory
of Municipal
Operations
Maintain an inventory of all facilities and
operations owned and/or operated by the
County, Towns, CMS and CPCC that have a
significant potential for generating polluted
storm water runoff, including (but not limited to)
those facilities that are subject to NPDES storm
water general permits or individual NPDES
permits for discharges of storm water associated
with industrial activity. Include in this inventory
the permit number and certificate of coverage
number for each facility.
X X X X X Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Supervisor)
PP-6 Develop and
Implement
BMPS for
Streets
Roads and
Parking Lots
BMPs were developed and implemented
effective November 11, 2013. Co-permittees are
responsible for the implementation of these
BMPs for their respective jurisdictions/entities
and for providing data to CMSWS on an annual
basis regarding the number of activities
completed for each BMP, the quantity of
pollutants removed, and associated costs.
CMSWS will evaluate the effectiveness of these
BMPs annually based on this data and will use
this evaluation to modify BMPs as necessary.
CMSWS will also work with the Phase II
jurisdictions/entities to ensure the timely
implementation of these changes.
Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Supervisor)
PP-7 Develop and
Implement an
Operation and
Maintenance
Program for
Municipally
Owned or
Maintained
BMPs were developed and implemented
effective November 11, 2012. Co-permittees are
responsible for the implementation of these
BMPs for their respective jurisdictions/entities
and for providing data to CMSWS on an annual
basis regarding the number of activities
completed for each BMP, the quantity of
pollutants removed, and associated costs.
Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Supervisor)
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
56

# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible
Staff 1 2 3 4 5
Catch Basins
and
Conveyance
Systems
CMSWS will evaluate the effectiveness of these
BMPs annually based on this data and will use
this evaluation to modify BMPs as necessary.
CMSWS will also work with the Phase II
jurisdictions/entities to ensure the timely
implementation of these changes.
PP-8 Pesticide,
Herbicide and
Fertilizer
Application
Management
and
Minimizing
Pollutants
from Vehicle
and
Equipment
Cleaning
Areas
BMPs were developed and implemented
effective November 11, 2012. CMSWS assesses
the effectiveness of these BMPs when it
conducts facility inspections.
Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Supervisor)
PP-9 Evaluate
Effectiveness
of Pollution
Prevention/
Good
Housekeeping
Program
Evaluate the effectiveness of the program and
modify as necessary. Include in this evaluation
an assessment of the effectiveness of BMPs in
use to reduce pollutants from municipally owned
streets, roads, parking lots, catch basins, and
storm water conveyance systems (PP-6 and PP-7
above). This evaluation must be based on data
received from the co-permittees regarding costs
and the estimated quantity of pollutants
removed. CMSWS will change the Storm Water
Plan as necessary based on this annual
evaluation and will work with the Phase II
jurisdictions/entities to ensure the timely
implementation of these changes.
X X X X X Richard Farmer
(Environmental
Supervisor)

8.3 Inventory of Municipally Owned or Operated Facilities

During the first permit term, CMSWS completed an inventory of over 1530 properties owned
and/or operated by the Phase II jurisdictions/entities and identified those municipal facilities and
operations that should be covered by the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
requirements of the Phase II permit using procedures developed by CMSWS and incorporated
into the Storm Water Plan. These procedures were based on guidelines provided by NCDEQ.
This included an evaluation of 20 percent of the identified facilities each year for the 5-year
permit term. As new facilities were identified, they were fully incorporated into the Pollution
Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program. Tables 11, 12, 13 and 14 below include the facilities
and operations identified to date. Table 11 includes a list of facilities operated by Mecklenburg
County and the Towns. Five (5) private operations located on property owned by a co-permittee
that has the significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff are also included in
Table 11. These facilities are inspected once every five (5) years. Tables 12 and 13 include
facilities operated by CMS and CPCC, respectively. Of the facilities and operations included in
Tables 11, 12 and 13, a total of five (5) are subject to NPDES storm water general or individual
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permits as described in Table 14. These five (5) facilities are owned and/or operated by
Mecklenburg County.

During the second permit term beginning in 2011, CMSWS updated its Storm Water Plan to
comply with a new Phase II Permit requirement that properties with a “significant potential for
generating polluted storm water runoff” must be included in an Operations and Maintenance
(O&M) program that specifies a frequency of inspection and routine maintenance requirements.
CMSWS has determined that “significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff”
shall mean that the facility has:
1. Exposure of significant materials, and
2. No written procedures or controls in place to prevent pollution.

For facilities that meet these criteria, staff will evaluate what level of pollution prevention
implementation measures are necessary to reduce the potential for polluted storm water runoff.
These levels of implementation can include (but not limited to):
1. Development of a full Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan;
2. Development of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for activities on-site that
have a significant potential to pollute storm water;
3. Required inspections; and/or
4. Required pollution prevention training for on-site staff.

A more detailed explanation of the evaluation process for inclusion of facilities into the Pollution
Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program is provided in Appendix D.

Table 11: Municipal Operations Owned and/or Operated by the County and Towns
Facility Contact Name & Title Phone Number Physical Address
Matthews Public Works C.J. O’Neill, Public Works Director 704-847-3661 1600 Tanktown Road,
Matthews
Huntersville Public
Works Max Buchanan, Public Works Director 704-766-2220 11316 Sam Furr Road,
Huntersville
Cornelius Public Works Ricky Overcash, Public Works
Supervisor 704-895-5212 18520 Starcreek Drive,
Cornelius
Mint Hill Public Works Steve Frey, Public Works Director 704-545-9726 7151 Matthews-Mint
Hill Road, Mint Hill
Davidson Public Works Doug Wright, Public Works Director 704-892-7591 151 W. Walnut Street,
Davidson
Pineville Public Works Chip Hill, Public Works Supervisor 704-889-7476 402 Dover Street,
Pineville
Mecklenburg Emergency
Medical Services
(MEDIC)
Patrick Crane 704-943-6130 4425 Wilkinson
Boulevard, Charlotte
Storm Water Operations Eric Bulman, CPM Storm Projects 980-314-3288 5841 Brookshire Blvd.,
Charlotte
Meck. Co. Parks &
Recreation Peter Cook, Park & Rec Mgr. 980-314-1040 5841 Brookshire Blvd.,
Charlotte
Parks & Recreation
Horticulture Center Tim Turton, Horticulture Team Leader 704-549-5617 11826 Mallard Creek
Road, Charlotte
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Facility Contact Name & Title Phone Number Physical Address
North Mecklenburg
Recycling
Derrick Harris, Senior Environmental
Specialist 980-314-3859 12100 Statesville Rd.,
Huntersville
Mecklenburg County
White Goods & Tire
Nick Crawford, Senior Environmental
Specialist 980-406-1109 5740 Rozzelles Ferry
Road, Charlotte
Charlotte Recycling
Center* Mike Gurley 704-400-6557 1007 Amble Drive,
Charlotte
New Compost Central &
Recycling Center
Jake Wilson, Senior Environmental
Specialist 980-314-3862 140 Valleydale Road,
Charlotte
Old Compost Central &
Recycling Center*
Jake Wilson, Senior Environmental
Specialist
980-314-3862 5631 West Boulevard,
Charlotte
Hickory Grove
Recycling
Nick Crawford, Senior Environmental
Specialist 980-406-1109 8007 Pence Road,
Charlotte
CT Myers Golf Course* Del Ratcliffe, President, Ratcliffe Golf
Services 704-622-0105 7817 Harrisburg Road,
Charlotte
Fox Hole Recycling Steve Curry, Landfill Manager 980-314-3867 17131 Lancaster
Highway, Charlotte
Fox Hole Landfill Steve Curry, Landfill Manager 980-314-3867 17131 Lancaster
Highway, Charlotte
Tradition Golf Course* Kim Worrell, Pinnacle Golf 704-585-8286 3800 Prosperity Church
Road, Charlotte
Revolution Golf Course* Del Ratcliffe President, Ratcliffe Golf
Services
704-622-0105
704-392-0018
2661 Barringer Drive,
Charlotte
Sunset Hills Golf
Course*
Del Ratcliffe President, Ratcliffe Golf
Services
704-622-0105
704-392-0018
800 Radio Road,
Charlotte
U.S. National
Whitewater Center* Jeff Wise, President 704-393-6355 5000 Whitewater Center
Pkwy, Charlotte
Mecklenburg Co. Fleet
Management Facility* Marcus McAdoo, Shop Manager 704-249-5290 900 W.12th Street,
Charlotte
* Operations not performed by the co-permittee on property that the co-permittee owns that has
the significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff. These facilities are
inspected once every five (5) years.

Table 12: Municipal Operations Owned and/or Operated by CMS
Facility Contact Name & Title Phone Number Physical Address
Bain Elementary School Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 11524 Bain School Rd.
Bus Staging Site Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 11719 Downs Rd.
Independence High
School
Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 1967 Patriot Dr.
Harding/West Meck
Transportation
Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 3101 Wilkinson Blvd.
Building Services Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 3301 Stafford Dr.
Craig Avenue
Transportation
Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 3901, 3903, 3905 Craig
Ave,
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Facility Contact Name & Title Phone Number Physical Address
Northpointe
Transportation
Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 4440 Northpointe
Industrial Blvd.
Orr Road Admin Jeff Mitchell, Environmental Health &
Stewardship Specialist 980-343-8632 6520 Orr Rd.

Table 13: Municipal Operations Owned and/or Operated by CPCC
Facility Contact Name & Title Phone Number Physical Address
CPCC Central Campus Vicki Saville, Facilities Management 704-330-6234 East 7th Street (1203
Elizabeth Avenue)
CPCC North Campus Vicki Saville, Facilities Management 704-330-6234 11930 Verhoeff Drive
CPCC Cato Campus Vicki Saville, Facilities Management 704-330-6234 9400 East WT Harris
Blvd.
CPCC Harper Campus Vicki Saville, Facilities Management 704-330-6234 317 West Hebron Street

Table 14: Municipal Operations that have been Issued Storm Water Permits
Facility Permit
Number Contact Name & Title Phone Number Physical Address
Mecklenburg County
and Towns Phase II
MS4 permit
NCS000395

Dave Canaan, Director of
Storm Water Services 980-314-3209 2145 Suttle Ave.
Charlotte
New Compost Central
& Recycling Center NCG240019 Jake Wilson, Senior
Environmental Specialist 980-314-3862 140 Valleydale Road,
Charlotte
Old Compost Central &
Recycling Center* NCS000382 Jake Wilson, Senior
Environmental Specialist 980-314-3862 5631 West Boulevard,
Charlotte
Fox Hole Landfill
(Hwy 521 Landfill) NCG120068 Steve Curry, Landfill
Manager 980-314-3864 17131 Lancaster
Highway, Charlotte
Charlotte Recycling
Center NCG130046 Mike Gurley 704-400-6557 1007 Amble Drive,
Charlotte
Mecklenburg Co. Fleet
Management Facility NCG080063 Marcus McAdoo, Shop
Manager 704-249-5290 900 W.12th Street,
Charlotte
* Operations are still being conducted at the Old Compost Central & Recycling Center.
However, according to Joe Hack (Program Manager) these operations are planned to be
discontinued in the spring of 2019. Joe will notify CMSWS when this occurs and the facility
will be removed from the inspection list at that time provided all possible pollution sources
have been eliminated.

8.4 Training

Annual training is provided to the employees involved in implementing pollution prevention and
good housekeeping practices at the municipally-operated facilities listed in Tables 11, 12, 13,
and 14 above. Privately-operated facilities located on properties owned by a co-permittee as
identified in Table 11 are responsible for conducting their own training. Training is also
provided for other employees involved in municipal operations that have the potential to cause
negative water quality impacts. The goal of this training seminar is to inform employees of the
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actions necessary to reduce the discharge of pollution and protect water quality from activities
such as park and open space maintenance, fleet and building maintenance, new construction and
land disturbances, storm sewer system maintenance, and other municipal activities as well as the
steps for reporting suspected illicit discharges and actions required for compliance with permit
requirements. The following topics are covered in the training seminar:
1. Overview of general water quality conditions in Mecklenburg County and reasons for
protecting water quality.
2. Description of common pollutants, their sources and water quality impacts associated
with illicit discharges.
3. Description of the actions that each facility and/or operation should take to reduce
discharges of pollutants, including good housekeeping and proper herbicide, pesticide,
and fertilizer application and management.
4. Description of effective spill prevention measures that should be employed at each
facility and/or operation.
5. Discussion of typical pollution sources at municipal operations and the specific action
that should be taken to eliminate these sources and protect water quality.
6. Description of techniques for identifying and reporting illicit discharges and connections.
This training is a permit requirement for all municipal staff, who, as part of their normal
job responsibilities, may come into contact with or otherwise observe an illicit discharge
or illicit connection to the storm sewer system.
7. Description of new requirements in the permit issued in November 2011 as follows:
• Post-construction storm water controls for municipally-owned transportation
projects (see Section 7.4).
• Minimizing pollution from municipally-owned streets, roads, and public parking
lots (see Section 8.6).
• Operation and maintenance of municipally owned and maintained storm sewer
system including catch basins and conveyance systems (see Section 8.7).
• Management of pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer application (see Section 8.8).
8. Review of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and/or Spill Response Plan.
9. Explanation of the consequences of failing to control pollutants at facilities and/or
pollutants associated with municipal operations.
10. Proper reporting of illicit discharges.

The above training is conducted separately from the outreach programs conducted for the IDDE
Program previously described under program element ID-5, which includes training for
municipal staff, who, as part of their normal job responsibilities, may come into contact with or
otherwise observe an illicit discharge or illicit connection to the storm sewer system. The
training for the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program described under program
element PP-1 focuses on municipal staff involved in implementing pollution prevention and
good housekeeping practices. Due to the very distinct differences in the two (2) target audiences
it is necessary to separate this training.

8.5 Operation and Maintenance Programs, Spill Prevention, and Spill Response

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) have been developed and implemented that
describe the Operation and Maintenance Programs implemented at the facilities listed in Tables
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11, 12, 13, and 14 above for the purpose of reducing the discharge of pollution in storm water
runoff. At a minimum, SWPPPs include the following:
1. Site Map that shows the location of the facility and all access roads. The map must also
indicate the name of the receiving stream and specify if it is impaired and the source of
that impairment. A USGS quadrangle map is acceptable.
2. Site Plan that shows the location of all structures on the site and the general uses of these
structures (i.e. storage, vehicle maintenance, offices, etc.) as well as the locations of all
storm water inlets and outlets at or adjacent to the facility, potential pollution sources and
access on and off the site.
3. Storm Water Management Plan that includes an evaluation of BMPs (if any) on the site,
and descriptions of storage practices, waste handling and disposal methods and the
potential on-site pollution sources including exposed significant materials.
4. Spill Prevention and Response Plan that identifies the specific actions to be taken to
prevent and respond to spills, including clean up contractors and their contact
information, etc.
5. Preventative Maintenance and Good Housekeeping Plan that describes the measures
taken to prevent or minimize contamination of storm water runoff from areas identified
as potential pollution sources, including but not limited to areas used for vehicle and
equipment cleaning. The Plan must also describe the type and frequency of site
inspections and routine maintenance and the staff responsible for performing these
activities.
6. Training Schedule that describes the employees that will receive training, the type of
training to be provided and the schedule for that training. This training must include a
discussion of all the material contained in the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
All staff must be made aware of the location of this Plan at the facility.

CMSWS conducts inspections of all the facilities listed in Tables 11, 12, 13 and 14 above.
Facilities operated by a co-permittee are inspected annually and facilities operated by private
entities on property owned by a co-permittee are inspected once every 5 years. These
inspections include the following:
1. Thorough assessment of facility operations, maintenance activities, maintenance
schedules and long-term inspection procedures for controls to reduce floatables and other
pollutants. Pollution sources will be identified and minimized to the MEP.
2. Evaluation and documentation of the procedures for the disposal of waste removed from
the MS4 and municipal operations, including street sweeping wastes, dredge spoil,
accumulated sediment, floatables, and other debris, as applicable.
3. Visual evaluation of water quality conditions downstream of the facility and
identification and minimization of pollution sources to the MEP.
4. Review of spill response and clean up procedures. Procedures will be revised as
necessary to ensure protection of water quality.
5. Evaluation of housekeeping practices that will be revised as necessary to minimize
potential pollution sources to the MEP.
6. Identification of all potential discharges of pollution, including parking lots, maintenance
and storage yards, waste transfer stations, fleet and maintenance facilities, outdoor
storage areas, salt/sand storage areas, etc.
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7. Evaluation of areas used for vehicle and equipment cleaning to ensure that all discharges
are to the sanitary sewer system.
8. Identification and elimination of dry weather discharges.
9. Review of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans annually.
10. Review of educational materials.
11. Review the timeliness of any monitoring reports required by the NPDES permits issued
to the facilities listed in Table 14 above.
12. Evaluation of the co-permittees status regarding compliance with the new November 11,
2011 permit requirements as described in PP-1 above, including: post-construction storm
water controls for transportation projects; maintenance of municipally-owned streets,
roads, and public parking lots; operation and maintenance of municipally-owned or
maintained catch basins and conveyance systems; and management of pesticide,
herbicide and fertilizer application.
13. Completion of a written report documenting findings and listing actions taken to
minimize pollution sources and protect water quality to the MEP.

Additional inspection details are contained in the Storm Water Inspection Checklist that is
reviewed and updated as necessary as part of the Phase II Work Plan developed and
implemented annually by CMSWS. A copy of this checklist is provided in Appendix E. Follow
up inspections are conducted as necessary to ensure the minimization of all potential pollution
sources to the MEP and documentation of corrective actions. The supervisor of each facility will
be contacted and provided with a copy of the written report. All reports of inspection activities
are reviewed by the Water Quality Program Supervisor prior to closure. These reports are
maintained in the Cityworks database.

The co-permittees are required to maintain an inventory of projects with post-construction
structural storm water control measures installed and implemented at new development and
redeveloped sites, including both public and private sector sites that are covered by post-
construction ordinance requirements. Co-permittees are also required to maintain and implement
an Operation & Maintenance Program for these BMPs, including the frequency of inspections
and routine maintenance requirements. All BMPs must be inspected and maintained in
accordance with this schedule. The co-permittees are required to document inspections and
maintenance of all municipally-owned or maintained post-construction structural storm water
control measures. Section 7.4 and 7.6 above describes how these requirements are being fulfilled
for the public and private sector, respectfully.

8.6 Minimizing Pollution from Municipally-Owned Streets, Roads, and Parking Lots

CMSWS has evaluated BMPs for reducing the discharge of floatables and other pollutants from
municipally owned streets, roads, and public parking lots and has selected the following that are
currently in use by the Phase II jurisdictions/entities:
• Ordinances – Each co-permittee will continue enforcement of existing litter and illicit
discharge ordinances adopted by each jurisdiction.
• Solid Waste Collection and Recycling – Each co-permittee will continue existing solid
waste collection and recycling services.
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• Public Education – Each co-permittee will continue public education to encourage
citizens to properly dispose of waste and to recycle as many materials as possible.
• Parking Lot Cleaning – Each co-permittee will clean parking lots on an as needed basis
particularly after special events and festivals where additional trash loading is expected.
Each co-permittee will continue providing trash receptacles at public parking lots and
performing scheduled manual trash pick-up. Each co-permittee will maintain records
documenting the number of parking lots cleaned and the pounds of trash, sediment, and
other pollutants removed as well as the estimated cost of the program. This data will be
provided to CMSWS by July 31st of every year for use in evaluating program
effectiveness and for inclusion in the annual report to the State.
• Street Sweeping – With the exception of the Town of Huntersville, each co-permittee will
sweep municipal streets at a minimum of twice annually, including once in the spring
(when citizens are fertilizing their lawns) and once in the fall (after the leaves drop). The
Town of Huntersville will sweep at least 25 percent of their municipal streets every year.
Each co-permittee will maintain records documenting the number of streets cleaned and
the pounds of trash, sediment, and other pollutants removed as well as the estimated cost
of the program. This data will be provided to CMSWS by July 31st of every year for use
in evaluating program effectiveness and for inclusion in the annual report to the State.
• Waste Disposal – Each co-permittee will be responsible for characterizing the street
sweeping waste that they collect and for proper disposal of this waste based on this
characterization. CMSWS will be contacted if unusual conditions are observed with the
collected waste, such as the presence of oil or chemicals, unusual odors or discoloration,
etc., so that testing can be performed prior to disposal. Recycling or composting is the
preferred method for handling street sweeping waste. Any disposal should occur at an
approved landfill. The land application of this waste onto public or private property is
discouraged; however, if this does occur the application area should be a minimum of 50
feet from any stream or other water body and proper erosion control measures must be
utilized to prevent off-site discharges.

The above BMPs were implemented effective November 11, 2013. CMSWS will evaluate
annually the effectiveness of the above described BMPs for maintenance of municipally owned
streets, roads, and public parking lots based on costs and the estimated quantity of pollutants
removed. CMSWS will change the Storm Water Plan as necessary based on this annual
evaluation and will work with the Phase II jurisdictions/entities to ensure the timely
implementation of these changes.

8.7 Operation and Maintenance of Municipally Owned Storm Sewer System

CMSWS has evaluated BMPs for reducing the discharge of floatables and other pollutants from
the municipally-owned storm sewer system, including catch basins and conveyance systems and
has selected the following that are currently in use by the Phase II jurisdictions/entities:
• Catch Basin and Conveyance System Cleaning – Each co-permittee to continue catch
basin and conveyance system cleaning in identified problems areas for blockages and
flooding. Each co-permittee will maintain records documenting the number of inlets,
outlets and pipes cleaned and the pounds of trash, sediment, and other pollutants removed
as well as the estimated cost of the program. This data will be provided to CMSWS by
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July 31st of every year for use in evaluating program effectiveness and for inclusion in the
annual report to the State.
• Waste Disposal – Same as for 8.6 above.

The above BMPs were implemented effective November 11, 2012. CMSWS will evaluate
annually the effectiveness of the above described BMPs for maintenance of the storm sewer
system based on costs and the estimated quantity of pollutants removed. CMSWS will change
the Storm Water Plan as necessary based on this annual evaluation and will work with the Phase
II jurisdictions/entities to ensure the timely implementation of these changes.

8.8 Management of Pesticide, Herbicide and Fertilizer Application

CMSWS has evaluated BMPs for ensuring that municipal employees and contractors are
properly trained in pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer application as well as for ensuring
compliance with all applicable permits and certifications. Based on this evaluation, the
following BMPs have been selected and are currently in use by the Phase II jurisdictions/entities:
• Training – Proper pesticide and fertilizer application is covered as a component of the
municipal employee training described in Section 8.4.
• Applicator Licenses – Each co-permittee is responsible for verifying that an employee or
contractor has the proper license and/or certification for the pesticide and/or herbicide
applications to be performed. This is best achieved by collecting and storing copies of
licenses and certifications. These licenses and certifications should be updated at least
annually and within 30 days of hiring a new employee or contractor. This documentation
must be available in the event of an audit. Training is required for obtaining and
renewing an applicator license; therefore, by verifying a license the co-permittee is also
verifying that the proper training has been received.
• Treatment Areas – In FY2012, an assessment was completed of each co-permittee’s
pesticide application and management practices. This assessment revealed that the co-
permittees were in compliance with applicable NPDES requirements. Information
provided by each co-permittee during this assessment revealed that their pesticide
applications were below the annual treatment area thresholds contained in NCDEQ’s
Pesticides General Permit (NCG560000) as described in Table 15. It is the responsibility
of each co-permittee to ensure continued compliance with NPDES requirements,
including applying for coverage under NCG560000 if pesticide applications in the
applicable treatment areas will exceed one or more of the thresholds in Table 15 during
the calendar year. It is also the co-permittee’s responsibility to notify CMSWS if such an
application is made. CMSWS will notify the co-permittees of this requirement during
annual training and inspection activities.

Table 15: Annual Treatment Area Thresholds
Pesticide Use Annual Threshold
Mosquitoes and Other Flying Insect Pests 15,000 acres of treatment area (adulticide applications only)(1)
Aquatic Weed and Algae Control - In Water 1,000 acres of treatment area
Aquatic Weed and Algae Control - At Water’s Edge 200 linear miles of treatment area at water’s edge(2)
Aquatic Nuisance Animal Control - In Water 200 acres of treatment area
Aquatic Nuisance Animal Control - At Water’s Edge 200 linear miles of treatment area at water’s edge(2)
Forest Canopy Pest Control 10,000 acres of treatment area
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395
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Pesticide Use Annual Threshold
Intrusive Vegetation Control 500 linear miles(3)
(1) Multiple applications to the same area are added together only for mosquito and other flying insect pest control.
(2) Applications that occur at the water’s edge in a ditch or canal are counted only once when one or both sides are
treated.
(3) Applications to both sides of a road are added together for the total miles.

The N.C. Pesticide Board regulates pesticide application in the Goose Creek watershed in 02
NCAC 09L .2201 through .2203. These rules apply to critical habitat areas in Goose Creek
outside of the Phase II jurisdiction in Mecklenburg County. However, since critical habitat areas
are prone to change, these rules will be applied in the Phase II jurisdiction/entities as one of the
BMPs for this Storm Water Plan as described in Table 16. It is the responsibility of each co-
permittee to ensure that the limits in Table 16 are met in the Goose Creek Watershed. CMSWS
will notify the co-permittees of this requirement during annual training and inspection activities.

Table 16: Limits on Pesticide Applications in the Goose Creek Watershed
Pesticide Active Ingredient Code/Limitations
Azinphos-methyl (2)
Benomyl (1)
Captan (1)
Carbaryl (2)
Carbofuran (1)
Chlorpyrifos (3)
Diazinon (2)
Dicofol (2)
Dimethoate (2)
Endosulfan (2)
Esfenvalerate (1)
Ethion (2)
Ethoprop (1)
Fenamiphos (2)
Fonofos (2)
Malathion (2)
Methidathion (2)
Methomyl (1)
Mevinphos (2)
Naled (1)
Parathion (ethyl) (2)
Pendimethalin (2)
Permethrin (1)
Phorate (1)
Phosmet (1)
Phosphamidon (1)
Propiconazole (1)
Pyrethrins (2)
Terbufos (2)
Trichlorfon (2)
(1) This pesticide shall not be applied within 20 yards from the edge of water for ground applications and within
100 yards for aerial applications;
(2) This pesticide shall not be applied within 40 yards from the edge of water for ground applications and within
200 yards for aerial applications;
(3) This pesticide shall not be applied within 100 yards from the edge of water for ground applications and within
one-fourth mile for aerial applications.
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The above BMPs were implemented effective November 11, 2012. CMSWS continues to assess
the effectiveness of these BMPs when it conducts facility inspections and receives information
from the responsible party regarding compliance with the above stated provisions. CMSWS will
change the Storm Water Plan as necessary and will work with the Phase II jurisdictions/entities
to ensure the timely implementation of these changes when inspection findings reveal a
significant decline in compliance with BMP requirements.

8.9 Preventing or Minimizing Pollution from Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning Areas

The following practices have been implemented by the Phase II jurisdictions/entities to ensure
that the wash water generated from vehicle and equipment cleaning activities does not result in
point source discharges or contamination of storm water runoff. The standard practice is for
vehicle and equipment cleaning activities to occur indoors with wash water discharged to the
sanitary sewer system. In situations where this practice is infeasible, the wash water is collected,
pumped and contained for recycling or for transport and disposal into the sanitary sewer system.
These types of cleaning activities are typically performed on a tarp and wash water is collected
using a boom. A vacuum is then used to pump the wash water into containers where it can be
recycled or transported off-site for disposal into the sanitary sewer system. In situations where
cleaning is performed in the vicinity of a storm drainage collection system or drainage collection
feature such a ditch or swale, the storm drain is covered or the drainage feature is blocked during
cleaning activities and ponded water is collected and removed for proper disposal or recycling
prior to the removal of the drain cover or blockage. For rinsing operations that do not use high
temperature water, detergents or other cleaning agents, wash water is discharged to a grassed
area where it is filtered into the soil and not allowed to flow to storm drains or surface waters.
During the inspections described in Section 8.5 above, CMSWS evaluates the areas used for
vehicle and equipment cleaning to ensure that all discharges are to the sanitary sewer system in
accordance with permit requirements.

8.10 Waste Disposal

During the inspections described in Section 8.5 above, CMSWS evaluates methods for disposing
of waste removed from each jurisdiction’s MS4 and municipal operations, including dredging
spoil, accumulated sediments, cooking oils, trash, wash water, and debris. Actions are taken as
necessary to minimize pollution sources associated with these waste storage and disposal
measures by working closely with the facility supervisor and/or public works director.

8.11 Flood Management Projects

CMSWS designs and constructs flood management and stream restoration projects in the
Mecklenburg County Phase II jurisdictions as well as the City of Charlotte. Where practicable,
CMSWS incorporates structural BMPs into these projects to reduce pollutant loads and improve
aquatic habitat. In some cases, chemical, physical and/or biological monitoring is performed
upstream, downstream and within the boundaries of the project. This monitoring usually begins
prior to the initiation of construction activities and continues throughout the duration of the
project and for a minimum of one year following project completion. Data generated from these
monitoring activities is evaluated to identify those construction techniques that are most effective
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at reducing negative water quality impacts for use in future projects. Figure 9 illustrates one
such project in the Hidden Valley community in Charlotte where wet ponds, wetlands and stream
meanders were incorporated into a flood management project for enhancement of water quality.
Figure 9: Hidden Valley Project in Charlotte

8.12 Decision Process

The individual BMPs for the Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program were selected
because they have proven effective when used by the City of Charlotte for compliance with their
Phase I Permit requirements. Staff was selected for implementation of the BMPs for the
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Program based on their knowledge of proper facility
operation and pollution prevention.

8.13 Program Evaluation

The measurable goals for each BMP are described in Table 10. Other measures of success for
the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program are described below.
• Documentation of Storm Water Program Activities: As a baseline measure of success,
staff will document completion of Work Plan program activities annually that
demonstrate successful fulfillment of BMPs associated with this program element. All
activities will be documented within Cityworks.
• Improved Compliance: CMSWS will track the ratio of the number of deficiencies
observed at municipal facilities to the number of inspections conducted with a decrease
indicating a measure of success at improving compliance, which is a goal of the program.
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Additionally, repeat findings at a facility should also be minimized as a measure of
success. CMSWS will track these measures and adjust the program as necessary to
improve effectiveness.

On an annual basis, CMSWS staff will evaluate the BMPs assigned to this program and assess
progress toward achieving the measurable goals from Table 10 and the measures of success
described above. Recommendations for improvement will be made as necessary. During the
following fiscal year, the program activities and BMPs will be modified as necessary based on
the results of this evaluation in order to ensure that the specific goals and objectives of the
Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program and Storm Water Plan are being
effectively and efficiently fulfilled. The evaluation will include an assessment of the
effectiveness of BMPs in use to reduce pollutants from municipally owned streets, roads, parking
lots, catch basins, and storm water conveyance systems. This evaluation will be based on data
received from the co-permittees regarding costs and the estimated quantity of pollutants
removed. CMSWS will change the Storm Water Plan as necessary based on this annual
evaluation and will work with the Phase II jurisdictions/entities to ensure the timely
implementation of these changes.
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Section 9: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

A program has been developed and is currently being implemented for addressing nonpoint
source pollutant loading associated with the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) approved by
EPA for the receiving waters of the Phase II MS4 storm water discharges and/or waters
downstream of these discharges. The program is administered by CMSWS’s Water Quality
Program as described in the following Sections.

9.1 Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the TMDL Program is to reduce levels of the pollutant of concern in accordance with
approved Waste Load Allocation (WLAs) assigned to storm water in an approved TMDL. The
objectives of the program are as follows:
1. Determine whether a TMDL has been developed and approved or established by EPA for
the receiving waters of the Phase II MS4 storm water discharges and/or downstream
waters into which the receiving waters directly flow.
2. Develop and implement appropriate structural and/or non-structural BMPs to reduce nonpoint
source loading for the pollutant of concern to the MEP in the TMDL watersheds.
3. Assess the effectiveness of BMPs and identify and implement additional measures as
necessary. Report assessment findings to NCDEQ annually, including a brief explanation
as to how the programs, controls, partnerships, projects and strategies address impaired
waters.

Part II, Section H of Mecklenburg County’s Phase II Permit requires compliance with TMDLs
applicable to the receiving waters for MS4 discharges from the Phase II jurisdictions and/or
waters downstream of these discharges. To comply with this requirement, CMSWS evaluates the
current 305(b) report and 303(d) list for N.C. at least annually and identifies those impaired
waters with an approved TMDL applicable to Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdictions. For
these applicable TMDLs, CMSWS develops and implements strategies and tailored BMPs to
reduce nonpoint source loading for the pollutants of concern to the MEP. These strategies and
BMPs are evaluated annually for effectiveness and modified as necessary. While improved water
quality is the expected outcome, the Phase II Permit obligation is to reduce nonpoint source
pollutant loading to the MEP. The Phase II jurisdictions are not responsible for attaining water
quality standards at the ambient monitoring stations. Attaining the water quality standards will
only be achieved through reduction from the MS4, along with reductions from other pollutant
contributors.

9.2 BMP Summary Table

Table 17 describes the BMPs implemented as part of the TMDL Program.

Table 17: BMP Summary Table for the TMDL Program
# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible
Staff 1 2 3 4 5
IW-1 Evaluate
Impaired
Waters
Evaluate the current 305(b) report and 303(d)
list for N.C. to identify those impaired waters
with an approved TMDL that are the
X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle
(Program
Manager)
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# BMP
Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible
Staff 1 2 3 4 5
responsibility of the Phase II jurisdictions.
Within 12 months of the final approval of a
TMDL, the annual reports shall include a
description of existing programs, controls,
partnerships, projects, and strategies to address
impaired waters and a brief explanation as to
how the programs, controls, partnerships,
projects and strategies address impaired waters.
IW-2 Develop and
Implement
Structural
and/or Non-
Structural
BMPs
Develop and implement appropriate structural
and/or non-structural BMPs to reduce nonpoint
source pollutant loading to the MEP in the
TMDL watersheds.
X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle
(Program
Manager)
IW-4 Assess,
Report and
Modify
BMPs
Submit to the State an annual report assessing
the effectiveness of structural and/or non-
structural BMPs, identifying additional
measures as necessary, and providing a brief
explanation as to how the programs, controls,
partnerships, projects and strategies address
impaired waters. Within 24 months of the final
approval of a TMDL, the annual reports shall
include an assessment of whether additional
structural and/or non-structural BMPs are
necessary to address impaired waters and a
brief explanation as to how the programs,
controls, partnerships, projects and strategies
address impaired waters. Within 36 months of
the final approval of a TMDL, the annual
reports shall include a description of activities
expected to occur and when the activities are
expected to occur.
X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle
(Program
Manager)

9.3 Approved TMDLs Applicable to Mecklenburg County

In June 2018, an evaluation was completed of the 305(b) report and 303(d) list for 2016, which
has been approved by EPA. The following changes within Mecklenburg County were observed:
1. The delisting of AU # 11-138-1 (West Fork Twelvemile Creek) for Poor Fish Community
(Category 5 to Category 1).
2. The listing of AU # 13-17-18-3 (Duck Creek, From source to Goose Creek) for Fair
Benthos (previously unassessed).
3. The change of AU # 11-120-(2.5) (Long Creek) for Turbidity: Data Inconclusive (3t1) to
Exceeding Criteria (4i) and the addition of Total Suspended Solids (Category 4t).
No new TMDLs have been developed for Mecklenburg County since 2014. Table 18 identifies
the receiving waters for MS4 discharges in Mecklenburg County that have a TMDL approved by
EPA based on the above reports. Table 18 also identifies the lead organization for compliance
with TMDL requirements based on the above criteria. Figure 10 shows the locations of these
receiving waters in relation to the Phase I and Phase II jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County.

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9.4 Coordination Between Phase I and Phase II Jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County

As illustrated in Figure 10, the surface waters with approved TMDLs listed in Table 18 flow
through both Phase I and Phase II jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County except for Goose Creek
and the Rocky River, which lie entirely in Phase II. To ensure effective coordination, the City of
Charlotte, which holds a Phase I Permit, and Mecklenburg County and the Towns, which hold a
joint Phase II Permit, have agreed that the City of Charlotte will serve as the lead jurisdiction for
compliance with TMDL requirements when the majority of the TMDL watershed lies within the
Phase I jurisdiction. When most of the watershed lies within Phase II, Mecklenburg County will
serve as the lead. The lead jurisdiction as identified in Table 18 is responsible for coordinating
and implementing all required TMDL compliance efforts and submitting all the required plans
and reports to the State. They are also responsible for coordinating with the other jurisdictions as
necessary in the implementation of compliance efforts.

Table 18: Approved TMDLs for Mecklenburg County’s Phase I and Phase II Jurisdictions
AU Name AU Number Class TMDL EPA MS4 Lead
Irwin Creek 11-137-1 C
DO 2/5/1996 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
Long Creek 11-120-(0.5) C Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
Long Creek 11-120-(2.5) WS-IV Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
Long Creek 11-120-(7) WS-IV CA Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
Little Sugar 11-137-8a C DO 2/5/1996 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Little Sugar 11-137-8b C DO 2/5/1996 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Little Sugar 11-137-8c C
DO 2/5/1996 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
McAlpine
Creek 11-137-9a

C

DO 2/5/1996 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
McAlpine
Creek 11-137-9b C
DO 2/5/1996 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
McAlpine
Creek 11-137-9c

C

DO 2/5/96 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
McAlpine
Creek 11-137-9d

C

DO 2/5/1996 No Charlotte
Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
Sugar Creek 11-137b C Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
Sugar Creek 11-137c C Fecal Coliform 3/28/2002 No Charlotte
Turbidity 2/8/2005 Yes Charlotte
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AU Name AU Number Class TMDL EPA MS4 Lead
McKee Creek 13-17-8-4 C Fecal Coliform 8/1/2003 Yes Charlotte
Rocky River 13-17a C Fecal Coliform 9/19/2002 Yes Mecklenburg
Steele Creek (1) 11-137-10 C Fecal Coliform 5/2007 Yes Charlotte
Lake Wylie 11-122 C Chlorophyll-a 2/5/1996 No Mecklenburg
Lake Wylie 11-(123.5)a C Chlorophyll-a 2/5/1996 No Mecklenburg
Goose Creek 13-17-18a C Fecal Coliform 7/8/2005 Yes Mecklenburg
Goose Creek 13-17-18b C Fecal Coliform 7/8/2005 Yes Mecklenburg
Statewide Statewide All Mercury 10/12/2012 NA NA
The source for Table 18 is NCDEQ’s Water Resources website located at:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/modeling-assessment/tmdls/draft-and-
approved-tmdls

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have developed and are currently implementing
strategies and tailored BMPs within the scope of the six (6) minimum permit measures to reduce
nonpoint source loading for the pollutants of concern to the MEP for those waters with approved
TMDLs as identified in Table 18. The following sub-sections describe these BMPs for those
waters where Mecklenburg County is the lead, including portions of the Rocky River, Lake Wylie
and Goose Creek. The implementation of these BMPs is ongoing. Table 19 describes the
activities implemented by Mecklenburg County when new TMDLs are approved for waters
within Mecklenburg County’s Phase II jurisdiction. These requirements are currently being met
for all existing TMDLs. The City of Charlotte develops and implements BMPs for those waters
where they are the lead through the implementation of their Phase I Permit, which includes
portions of Irwin, Long, Little Sugar, McAlpine, Sugar, Steele, and McKee Creeks. Information
regarding these BMPs is included in Charlotte’s NPDES MS4 TMDL Watershed Plan, which is
available through their Phase I contact.

Table 19: New TMDL Requirements
Requirement Schedule
1. Submit a TMDL annual report to NCDEQ including a description of existing
programs, controls, partnerships, projects, and strategies to address impaired waters
and a brief explanation as to how the programs, controls, partnerships, projects and
strategies address impaired waters.
12 months of the final
EPA approval of a TMDL
2. Submit a TMDL annual report to NCDEQ including an assessment of whether
additional structural and/or non-structural BMPs are necessary to address impaired
waters and a brief explanation as to how the programs, controls, partnerships,
projects and strategies address impaired waters.
24 months of the final
EPA approval of a TMDL
3. Submit a TMDL annual report to NCDEQ including a description of activities
expected to occur and when the activities are expected to occur.
36 months of the final
EPA approval of a TMDL

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Figure 10: Surface Waters in Phase II Jurisdictions with Approved TMDLs

The source for Figure 10 is NCDEQ’s Water Resources website located at:
http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/modeling-assessment/tmdls/draft-and-
approved-tmdls
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9.5 TMDL Pollutants of Concern

The following sub-sections describe the pollutants of concern for those TMDLs where
Mecklenburg County is assigned as the lead in Table 18, including portions of the Rocky River,
Lake Wylie and Goose Creek. The pollutants of concern for those TMDLs where the City of
Charlotte is assigned as the lead in Table 18 are described in their NPDES MS4 TMDL
Watershed Plan, which is available through their Phase I contact.

9.5.1 Fecal Coliform TMDLs

Fecal coliform bacteria are present in the intestines of humans as well as warm- and cold-
blooded animals. Fecal coliform themselves are usually harmless, but serve as indicators of the
presence of pathogenic bacteria. Fecal coliform in surface waters can originate from many point
and nonpoint sources, including but not limited to wildlife, pet waste, failing septic systems,
cross connections resulting in dry weather flow in storm water outfalls, sanitary sewer overflows
(SSOs), sewer exfiltration, and permitted discharges such as wastewater treatment plants
(WWTPs). The control of fecal coliform is necessary for protection of human health. The NC
in-stream standard for fecal coliform is a 30-day geometric mean of 200 colonies/100 ml or a
daily maximum value of 400 colonies/100 mL (15A NCAC 2B .0211 (3)(e)). Due to a greater
than 10% exceedance of the 400 colonies/100 ml standard, a fecal coliform TMDL was
developed and subsequently approved for the Rocky River effective September 19, 2002 and for
Goose Creek effective July 8, 2005. The TMDL for the Rocky River established reductions in
fecal coliform load allocations for nonpoint sources in wet weather conditions as follows: high
density development at 91%, low density development at 91%, livestock grazing at 86%, and
manure application at 80%. Reductions in load allocations for nonpoint sources in dry weather
conditions are as follows: high density development at 33%, low density development at 33%,
livestock grazing at 30%, and manure application at 30%. The TMDL for Goose Creek
established reductions in fecal coliform load allocations for nonpoint sources at 92.5%.

9.5.2 Chlorophyll-a TMDL

Chlorophyll-a in surface waters indicates algal growth usually resulting from elevated nutrient
levels that can be associated with point and nonpoint pollution sources, including but not limited
to agriculture, urban runoff, and permitted discharges such as WWTPs. The control of nutrients
is necessary to control algal growth that can degrade water quality, which is regulated through a
NC chlorophyll a standard of 40 ug/l. In a 1992 Report by NCDEQ and the S.C. Department of
Health and Environmental Control (Report # 92-04), eutrophic conditions were documented in
Lake Wylie and several of its major tributaries. In response, NC developed a point and nonpoint
source nutrient control strategy for the Lake Wylie Watershed. For point sources, the strategy
required state-of-the-art nutrient removal for all new or expanded wastewater discharges in the
vicinity of the lake. In addition, existing facilities on tributaries to the three (3) most highly
eutrophic arms of the lake, including the South Fork, Catawba Creek and Crowders Creek, were
required to meet stringent nutrient removal requirements. For nonpoint sources, the strategy
included the targeting of funds from the State’s Agricultural Cost Share Program for the
reduction of nonpoint source pollution for implementation of BMPs on agricultural lands to
highly impacted watersheds on Lake Wylie. The strategy subsequently was approved for
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implementation as a TMDL by EPA effective February 5, 1996. The TMDL does not include a
WLA assigned to storm water.

9.5.3 Mercury TMDL

In 2012, NCDENR developed a statewide mercury TMDL to determine how wastewater
discharges, including in-state and out-of-state air sources, contribute to the surface water
mercury loading. This TMDL acknowledged that most mercury in storm water comes from
atmospheric deposition and that concentrations are typically within the same range as mercury
concentrations in rainwater, which is between zero and 10 ng/L. The TMDL does not include a
WLA assigned to storm water.

9.6 Watershed Characteristics

The following sub-sections describe the characteristics for those TMDL watershed where
Mecklenburg County is assigned as the lead in Table 18, including portions of the Rocky River,
Lake Wylie and Goose Creek. The watershed characteristics for those TMDLs where the City of
Charlotte is assigned as the lead in Table 18 are described in their NPDES MS4 TMDL
Watershed Plan, which is available through their Phase I contact.

9.6.1 Rocky River Watershed

The Rocky River Watershed (Assessment Unit 13-17a) is located in the Yadkin/Pee Dee River
Basin in the northeast corner of Mecklenburg County and extends into portions of Iredell and
Cabarrus Counties. Table 20 includes information regarding the watershed. Figure 11 illustrates
the location of the Rocky River Watershed in relation to Mecklenburg County. Figure 12
illustrates the TMDL waters, storm water outfalls and monitoring sites in the Rocky River
Watershed in Mecklenburg County. Figure 13 illustrates the landuses in this watershed.

Table 20: Information Regarding the Rocky River Watershed in Mecklenburg County
Watershed Area 1.16 square miles or 747 acres in the Rocky River Basin (Upper Pee Dee).
Stream Length Approximately 1.19 main channel miles
Stream
Classification
Class C: Protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life, including
propagation and survival, and wildlife.
Predominant Land-
Uses
Residential = 426.92 acres, 57% of watershed
Undeveloped - Vacant = 211.26 acres, 28% of watershed
Open Space - Recreation = 55.45 acres, 7% of watershed
Agriculture = 29.2 acres, 3% of watershed
Topography Highest elevation = 828 feet MSL. Lowest Elevation = 636 feet MSL.
Generally, watershed topographic features have moderate slopes of 2-8%,
with some slopes exceeding 15%. General aspect of existing topographic
features is north, northeast, and east.
Vegetation Vegetation is a mix of hardwood forested areas, scrub shrub understory,
with warm season grasses associated with open areas and suburban type
development.
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Climate Monthly mean temperatures range from 40.1°F to 78.5°F, with
approximately 237 days of growing season (above 32°F); including a
yearly annual mean total precipitation of 42 inches.
Hydrology Hydrology follows a typical dendritic drainage pattern typified by most
piedmont areas.
Geology Watershed is primarily underlain by Granitic Rock (0.7 sq. miles)
(Devonian/Ordovician Age). The remaining geologic formations consist
of Gabbro of Concord Plutonic Suite (0.32 sq. miles)
(Devonian/Ordovician Age) and Metamorphosed Quartz Diorite (0.15 sq.
miles) (Paleozoic/Late Proterozoic Age).
NPDES Dischargers Mecklenburg County – (storm water)
Soils Pacolet sandy loam 15 to 35 percent slopes is the primary soil type within
the watershed. Other major soil types include: Chewacia sandy loam 0 to 2
percent slopes and Cecil sandy clay loam 8 to 15 percent slopes,
moderately eroded.
Population 2010 U.S. Census Data identified the watershed population to be 4,952.
The majority of the watershed consisted of 1 Census tract and 2 Block
Groups.
Aquatic Species Typical piedmont aquatic species including several varieties of caddisflies,
mayflies and stoneflies, terrestrial insects, fish, amphibians, mussels, snails
and other species.
# Storm Water
Outfalls
5

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Figure 11: Location of the Rocky River Watershed in Relation to Mecklenburg County
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Figure 12: TMDL Waters, Outfalls and Monitoring Sites in the Rocky River Watershed in
Mecklenburg County
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Figure 13: Landuses in the Rocky River TMDL Watershed in Mecklenburg County

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9.6.2 Goose Creek Watershed

The Goose Creek Watershed is located in the Yadkin/Pee Dee River Basin in southeastern
Mecklenburg County and extends into portions of Union County. Table 21 includes information
regarding the watershed. Figure 14 illustrates the location of the Goose Creek watershed in
relation to Mecklenburg County. Figure 15 illustrates the TMDL waters, storm water outfalls
and monitoring sites in the Goose Creek Watershed in Mecklenburg County. Figure 16
illustrates the landuses in this watershed.

Table 21: Information Regarding the Goose Creek Watershed in Mecklenburg County
Watershed Area 11.23 square miles or 7,189.96 acres in the Rocky River Basin (Pee Dee).
Stream Length Approximately 28.03 main channel miles
Stream
Classification
Class C: Protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life, including
propagation and survival, and wildlife.
Predominant Land-
Uses
Residential = 3,224.47 acres, 44% of watershed
Undeveloped - Vacant = 1,818.22 acres, 25% of watershed
Agriculture = 803.57 acres, 11% of watershed
Open Space - Recreation = 565.62 acres, 7% of watershed
Topography Highest elevation = 794 feet MSL Lowest Elevation = 552 feet MSL.
Generally, watershed topographic features have moderate slopes of 0-5%,
with some slopes exceeding 10%. Overall, general aspect of existing
topographic features is south, southwest and east.
Vegetation Vegetation is a mix of hardwood forested areas, agriculture (row crops and
hay) and warm season grasses associated with suburban development.
Climate Monthly mean temperatures range from 40.1°F to 78.5°F, with
approximately 237 days of growing season (above 32°F); including a
yearly annual mean total precipitation of 42 inches.
Hydrology Hydrology follows a typical dendritic drainage pattern typified by most
piedmont areas.
Geology Watershed is underlain primarily by Metavolcanic Rock (9.2 sq. miles)
(Cambrian/Late Proterozoic Age). The remaining geologic formations
consist of Granitic Rock (1.29 sq. miles) (Devonian/Ordovician Age) and
Phyllite and Schist (0.64 sq. miles) (Cambrian/Late Proterozoic Age).
NPDES Dischargers Oxford Glen WWTP: 15349 Bexley Place (0.075 mgd)
Ashe Plantation WWTP: Quarters Lane (0.154 mgd)
Country Woods WWTP: Country Woods Drive (1.036 mgd)
Fairfield Plantation WWTP: Stoney Ridge Rd (0.108 mgd)
Mint Hill and Mecklenburg County (storm water)
Stallings (storm water)
Indian Trail (storm water)
Soils Cecil sandy clay loam 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded is the
primary soil type within the watershed. Other major soil types include:
Cecil sandy clay loam 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded and
Helena sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes.
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Population 2010 U.S. Census Data identified the watershed population to be 9,053.
The majority of the watershed consisted of 3 Census tracts and 5 Block
Groups.
Aquatic Species Typical piedmont aquatic species including several varieties of caddisflies,
mayflies and stoneflies, terrestrial insects, fish, amphibians, mussels, snails
and other species.
# Storm Water
Outfalls
183

Figure 14: Location of the Goose Creek Watershed in Mecklenburg

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Figure 15: TMDL Waters, Outfalls and Monitoring Sites in the Goose Creek Watershed in
Mecklenburg County

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Figure 16: Landuses in the Goose Creek TMDL Watershed in Mecklenburg County

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9.6.3 Lake Wylie Watershed

The Lake Wylie Watershed (Assessment Unit 13-17a) is located in the Catawba River Basin in
the southwestern corner of Mecklenburg County and extends into portions of Gaston County in
N.C. and York County in S.C. Table 22 includes information regarding the watershed. Figure
17 illustrates the location of the Lake Wylie watershed in relation to Mecklenburg County.
Figure 18 illustrates the TMDL waters, storm water outfalls and monitoring sites in the Lake
Wylie TMDL watershed in Mecklenburg County. Figure 19 illustrates the landuses in this
watershed.

Table 22: Information Regarding the Lake Wylie Watershed in Mecklenburg County
Watershed Area 50 square miles or 32,444 acres in the Upper Catawba Basin (Santee).
Stream Length Approximately 100.49 main channel miles
Stream
Classification
WS-V: Protected for water supply.
Class B: Protected for primary recreation activities involving human body
contact.
Class C: Protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life, including
propagation and survival, and wildlife.
Predominant Land-
Uses
Undeveloped - Vacant = 9,879.21 acres, 30% of watershed
Residential = 8,183.81 acres, 25% of watershed
Open Space - Recreation = 3,041.94 acres, 9% of watershed
Commercial = 2,072.48 acres, 6% of watershed
Topography Highest elevation = 826 feet MSL. Lowest Elevation = 548 feet MSL.
Generally, watershed topographic features have moderate slopes of 0-10%,
with some slopes exceeding 20%. Overall, general aspect of existing
topographic features is south to southwest.
Vegetation Vegetation is a mix of hardwood forested areas, scrub shrub understory,
with warm season grasses associated with open areas and suburban type
development.
Climate Monthly mean temperatures range from 40.1°F to 78.5°F, with
approximately 237 days of growing season (above 32°F); including a
yearly annual mean total precipitation of 42 inches.
Hydrology Hydrology follows a typical dendritic drainage pattern typified by most
piedmont areas.
Geology Watershed is underlain primarily by Metamorphosed Mafic Rock (38 sq.
miles) (Paleozoic/Late Proterzoic Age). The remaining geologic
formations consist of Granitic Rock (4.5 sq. miles) (Devonian/Ordovician
Age) and Gabbro of Concord Plutonic Suite (3.9 sq. miles)
(Devonian/Ordovician Age).
NPDES Discharges Mariners Watch WWTP – (<1mgd)
The Hideways WWTP – (<1mgd)
Queens Harbor WWTP – (<1mgd)
Riverpointe WWTP – (<1mgd)
Harbor Estates WWTP – (<1mgd)
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Truetzschler Remediation Site – (Goundwater Remediation Discharge)
Berryhill Elementary School WWTP – (<1mgd)
Gough Econ WWTP – (<1mgd)
Charlotte/Paw Creek Terminal #1 – (Industrial Process & Commercial
Wastewater Discharge)
Charlotte Terminal (Outfall 009) – (Industrial Process & Commercial
Wastewater Discharge)
Charlotte Terminal 3 – (Industrial Process & Commercial Wastewater
Discharge)
Charlotte/Southern Facilities Terminal – (Industrial Process & Commercial
Wastewater Discharge)
City of Charlotte – (Storm Water Discharge)
Mecklenburg County – (Storm Water Discharge)
Soils Cecil sandy clay loam 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded and Cecil
sandy clay loam 8 to 15 percent slopes are the primary soil type within the
watershed. Other major soil types include: Mecklenburg fine sandy loam 2
to 8 percent slopes, Pacolet sandy loam 15 to 25 percent slopes, and
Monacan loam 0 to 2 percent slopes frequently flooded.
Population 2010 U.S. Census Data identified the watershed population to be 34,444.
The majority of the watershed consisted of 11 Census tracts and 19 Block
Groups.
Aquatic Species Typical piedmont aquatic species including several varieties of caddisflies,
mayflies and stoneflies, terrestrial insects, fish, amphibians, mussels, snails
and other species.
# Storm Water
Outfalls
205
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Figure 17: Location of Lake Wylie Watershed in Mecklenburg County
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Figure 18: TMDL Waters, Outfalls and Monitoring Sites in the Lake Wylie Watershed in
Mecklenburg County

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Figure 19: Landuses in the Lake Wylie TMDL Watershed in Mecklenburg County

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9.7 Public Information and Notification

The Public Information and Notification component is designed to provide citizens and
businesses with access to information about TMDLs that affect the City of Charlotte and
Mecklenburg County and the methods that will be used to reduce the TMDL pollutants of
concern. The public is notified about the TMDLs and the TMDL compliance efforts in
Mecklenburg County as follows:
x The CMSWS website contains information about the City and County’s TMDLs, the
TMDL pollutants of concern, TMDL compliance efforts, and how the public can report
water pollution problems and become engaged in volunteer opportunities.
x The County’s Phase II annual report is posted on the CMSWS website and will provide a
summary of the activities conducted under the TMDL watershed plan.

9.8 Implementation Team

City and County staff from CMSWS will serve as the primary implementation team for TMDL
compliance efforts. Staff from other affected agencies that conduct activities in the TMDL
watershed will also be included as necessary. The following staff positions with CMSWS were
identified as key members of the TMDL team:
x County Water Quality Program Manager
x County Environmental Supervisor
x County Project Manager
x County Environmental Analyst
x County Senior Environmental Specialist
x County Environmental Specialist
x City Water Quality Program Manager
x City Water Quality NPDES Supervisor
x City Water Quality NPDES Administrator
x City Land Development Erosion Control Administrator
x City Water Quality Public Information Specialist
x City Water Quality Modeler
x City Water Quality Planner
x City Water Quality Senior Specialist
x City Water Quality Post-Construction Administrator
x City Storm Water MS4 Inventory Supervisor
x City Utility Department Sanitary Sewer System Administrator

9.9 MS4 Major Storm Water Outfalls in the TMDL Watersheds

The major storm water outfalls in the TMDL watersheds where Mecklenburg County is the lead,
including portions of the Rocky River, Goose Creek and Lake Wylie, have been identified
through MS4 inventory collection activities and are illustrated in Figures 12, 15 and 18,
respectively. The number of outfalls recorded in each watershed is shown in Table 23. These
outfalls are available in a GIS layer in CMSWS’s Cityworks database along with storm water
inlets. The schedule to discover additional major outfalls is described in Section 5.3 of this
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document. The major storm water outfalls in the TMDL watersheds where the City of Charlotte
is the lead are described in their NPDES MS4 TMDL Watershed Plan, which is available
through their Phase I contact.

Table 23: Number of Outfalls in each TMDL Watershed
Watershed Number of Outfalls
Rocky River 5
Goose Creek 183
Lake Wylie 205
Total 393

9.10 Existing BMP Measures

As discussed in Section 9.5, the primary pollutants of concern for the TMDL watersheds where
Mecklenburg County is the lead are fecal coliform bacteria, chlorophyll-a and mercury.
CMSWS has reviewed existing strategies and BMPs within the scope of the six (6) minimum
Phase II Permit compliance measures and has identified those BMPs identified in the following
subsections as suitable for best addressing the TMDL pollutants of concern. All the strategies
and BMPs described below are currently being implemented in the Phase I and Phase II
jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County.

9.10.1 Public Education & Outreach

The following existing public education and outreach activities have been identified as suitable
for addressing the pollutants of concern in the TMDL watersheds. These BMPs will address
impaired waters by informing the community of the impacts of the pollutants of concern on
water bodies and the steps that the public can take to reduce these pollutants. Previous sections
of this document are referenced below for additional information regarding each activity.
1. Utility Bill Inserts (see Section 3.6.1)
2. Brochures, Environmental Notices and Newsletters (see Section 3.6.2)
3. Print Ads (see Section 3.6.3)
4. Media Campaign (see Section 3.6.4)
5. Social Media (see Section 3.6.5)
6. Workshops and Video Taped Messages (see Section 3.6.6)
7. Web Pages (see Section 3.6.7)
8. Educational Presentations and Public Events (see Section 3.6.8)
9. Storm Water Helpline (see Section 3.5)

9.10.2 Fats, Oils and Grease Program

The City’s water and sewer utility department (Charlotte Water) maintains a public education
program focused on keeping food related fats, oils, and grease from being discharged to the
sanitary sewer system. This effort helps to reduce clogging and blockages in the system and
prevent SSOs, which can introduce fecal coliform and other pollutants to water bodies.

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9.10.3 Public Involvement and Participation

The following existing public involvement and participation activities have been identified as
suitable for addressing the pollutants of concern in the TMDL watersheds. These BMPs will
address impaired waters by involving the public in program development and implementation to
reduce the pollutants of concern. Previous sections of this document are referenced below for
additional information regarding each activity.
1. Adopt-A-Stream (see Section 4.4.3)
2. Storm Drain Marking (see Section 4.4.4)
3. Surface Water Clean Up Event (see Section 4.4.5)
4. Volunteer Monitoring (see Section 3.6.3)
5. Tree Planting Events (see Section 4.4.6)
6. Volunteer Monitoring (see Section 4.4.7)

9.10.4 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)

The following existing IDDE activities have been identified as suitable for addressing the
pollutants of concern in the TMDL watersheds. These BMPs will address impaired waters by
identifying and eliminating sources of the pollutants of concern. Previous sections of this
document are referenced below for additional information regarding each activity.
1. Storm Sewer System Mapping (see Section 5.3)
2. Pollution Control Ordinance (see Section 5.4)
3. Enforcement (see Section 5.5)
4. Citizen Requests for Service (see Section 5.6.1.1)
5. Routine Water Quality Monitoring Activities (see Section 5.6.1.2)
6. Volunteer Activities (see Section 5.6.1.3)
7. GIS Mapping (see Section 5.6.1.4)
8. Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP) (see Section 5.6.2.1)
9. Short Term Monitoring (see Section 5.6.2.2)
10. Hot Spot Investigations (see Section 5.6.2.3)
11. Stream Walks (see Section 5.6.2.4)
12. Facility Inspections (see Section 5.6.2.5)
13. Dry Weather Flow Investigations (see Section 5.6.2.6)

9.10.5 Sewer Use Ordinance

Implementation and enforcement of the Sewer Use Ordinance by Charlotte Water provides the
legal mechanism to ensure proper use and connection to the sanitary sewer system and correction
of problems and illegal practices. Ensuring that the system is used properly will help prevent
leaks and overflows as well as upsets at wastewater treatment plants thus helping control the
TMDL pollutants of concern.

9.10.6 Sanitary Sewer System Inspections and Maintenance

Charlotte Water conducts inspections and maintenance of various components of
the sanitary sewer system to ensure proper operating function and prevent leaks and overflows.
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These include food service grease trap inspections, commercial oil/water separator inspections,
sanitary sewer line root control and cleaning, sewer line right-of-way clearing and maintenance,
and lift station inspection and maintenance. Ensuring that the system is used properly inspected
and maintained will help prevent leaks and overflows as well as upsets at wastewater treatment
plants thus helping control the TMDL pollutants of concern.

9.10.7 SSO Rapid Response

Charlotte Water maintains a rapid response program designed to quickly and efficiently respond
to sanitary sewer overflows, thus reducing the discharge of pollutants to the MEP and helping
control the TMDL pollutants of concern.

9.10.8 Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control

The following existing construction site storm water runoff control activities have been identified
as suitable for addressing the pollutants of concern in the TMDL watersheds. These BMPs will
address impaired waters by reducing discharges of pollutants of concern from construction sites.
Previous sections of this document are referenced below for additional information regarding
each activity.
1. Erosion Control Ordinance (see Section 6.3)
2. Erosion Control Plan Reviews (see Section 6.4)
3. Enforcement (see Section 6.5)
4. Inspections (see Section 6.6)
5. Erosion Control Hotline (see Section 6.7)
6. Erosion Control Education (see Section 6.8)
7. Government Projects (see Section 6.9)

9.10.9 Post-Construction Site Runoff Control

The following existing post-construction site runoff control activities have been identified as
suitable for addressing the pollutants of concern in the TMDL watersheds. These BMPs will
address impaired waters by reducing discharges of pollutants of concern from new development
and redevelopment projects. Previous sections of this document are referenced below for
additional information regarding each activity.
1. Post-Construction Storm Water Ordinance (see Section 7.3)
2. Compliance by Co-Permittees with Post-Construction Ordinance Requirements (see
Section 7.4)
3. Requirements for Non-Structural BMPs (see Section 7.5)
4. Requirements for Structural BMPs (see Section 7.6)
5. Natural Resource Protection (see Section 7.7)
6. Open Space Protection (see Section 7.8)
7. Tree Preservation (see Section 7.9)
8. Redevelopment (see Section 7.10)
9. Green Infrastructure Practices (see Section 7.11)
10. Operation and Maintenance (see Section 7.12)

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9.10.10 Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

The following existing pollution prevention and good housekeeping activities have been
identified as suitable for addressing the pollutants of concern in the TMDL watersheds. These
BMPs will address impaired waters by reducing discharges of pollutants of concern from
municipal facilities and operations. Previous sections of this document are referenced below for
additional information regarding each activity.
1. Inventory of Municipal Operations (see Section 8.3)
2. Training (see Section 8.4)
3. Operation and Maintenance Programs, Spill Prevention and Spill Response (see Section
8.5)
4. Minimizing Pollution from Municipally-Owned Streets, Roads and Parking Lots (see
Section 8.6)
5. Operation and Maintenance of Municipally Owned Storm Sewer System (see Section
8.7)
6. Management of Pesticide, Herbicide and Fertilizer Application (see Section 8.8)
7. Preventing or Minimizing Pollution from Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning Areas (see
Section 8.9)
8. Waste Disposal (see Section 8.10)
9. Flood Management Projects (see Section 8.11)

9.11 Water Quality Monitoring and Data Assessment

CMSWS conducts fixed interval stream monitoring (see Section 5.6.1.2) at identified locations
in or immediately downstream of the TMDL watersheds on a monthly basis as indicated in
Figures 12, 15 and 18. This monitoring is primarily used to determine water quality trends, but
is also used as a tool to detect pollution problems in surface waters. Monitoring results that
exceed threshold values are referred for follow-up under the IDDE program. CMSWS also
conducts routine lake monitoring every other month during the calendar year as follows: January,
March, May, July, September, and November. Monitoring for fecal coliform bacteria is
performed monthly during the summer months from May through September. Data from this
lake monitoring is used to identify trends and to initiate watershed management strategies for
restoring degraded water quality conditions. CMSWS also maintains a Continuous Monitoring
and Alert Notification Network or CMANN that monitors surface waters at select sites in
streams and lakes for turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, and pH. All
monitoring results that exceed threshold values are referred for follow-up under the IDDE
program.

9.11.1 Fecal Coliform Monitoring and Data Assessment for the Rocky River

As identified in Table 18, a section of the Rocky River in Mecklenburg County (AU Number 13-
17a) is subject to a fecal coliform TMDL with a WLA assigned to storm water that was approved
on September 19, 2002. Mecklenburg County has been assigned responsibility for compliance
with this TMDL on behalf of the Phase I and Phase II jurisdictions in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Phase II Permit conditions required that a monitoring plan be developed for the Fecal Coliform
TMDL in the Rocky River Watershed unless a waiver was obtained from NCDEQ. Such a
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waiver was obtained on June 26, 2014, based on the condition that Mecklenburg County
continue to evaluate the land use and development within the watershed on an annual basis and if
additional storm water infrastructure is installed or higher intensity land uses are constructed a
Monitoring Plan would be reconsidered. In response to this condition, CMSWS has obtained
impervious area and landuse data from the County GIS Department back to 2011 and continues
to update this data annually (see Table 24). To date, changes in the watershed are not significant
enough to warrant the establishment of a Monitoring Plan.

Table 24: Annual Analysis of the Rocky River Watershed for the Monitoring Plan
Watershed Measure 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
#
Increase
from
FY11
%
Increase
from
FY11
Residential Impervious Cover
(acres) 14.22 14.22 14.55 14.88 15.00 15.10 15.20 0.98 6.89%
Commercial Impervious Cover
(acres) 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.00 0.00%
Total Impervious Cover
(acres) 14.55 14.55 14.88 15.21 15.33 15.43 15.53 0.98 6.74%
Storm Water Outfalls
(number) 1.00 1.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 5.00 4.00 400.00%

9.11.2 Fecal Coliform Monitoring and Data Assessment for Goose Creek

As identified in Table 18, two (2) sections of Goose Creek in Mecklenburg County (AU
Numbers 13-17-18a and 13-17-18b) are subject to a fecal coliform TMDL with a WLA assigned
to storm water that was approved on July 8, 2005. Mecklenburg County has been assigned
responsibility for compliance with this TMDL on behalf of the Phase I and Phase II jurisdictions
in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. CMSWS maintains a fixed interval monitoring site (#MY9) located
where Stevens Mill Road crosses Goose Creek in Union County. In 2017, CMSWS fecal
coliform counts at this station ranged from 100 to 10,800 CFU/100 ml, with 7 out of 17 (41%) in
compliance (≤400 CFU/100 ml). The outlier of 10,800 CFU/100 ml was from a storm impacted
sample. Resampling six (6) days later revealed a count of 300 CFU/100 ml. No pollution
sources were identified as a result of the water quality monitoring in the Goose Creek TMDL
watershed during FY2018.

9.11.3 Chlorophyll-A Monitoring and Data Assessment for Lake Wylie

As identified in Table 18, two (2) sections of Lake Wylie in Mecklenburg County (AU Numbers
11-122 and 11-(123.5)a) are subject to a chlorophyll-a TMDL approved on February 5, 1996 that
does not include a WLA assigned to storm water. Mecklenburg County has been assigned
responsibility for compliance with this TMDL on behalf of the Phase I and Phase II jurisdictions
in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. All 69 Lake Wylie Chlorophyll-a samples collected by CMSWS in
2017 were below 40 ug/L. However, in NCDEQ’s Lake & Reservoir Assessments: Catawba
River Basin 2017 Report, two (2) sites were reported to have Chlorophyll-a values above 40
ug/L. Both of these sites were in coves located adjacent to the Gaston County shoreline.

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9.11.4 Mercury Monitoring and Data Assessment Statewide

As stated in sub-section 9.5.3, the State did not include an MS4 NPDES WLA for mercury in
their statewide TMDL; therefore, an analysis of mercury data is not included in this document.

9.12 Additional BMP Measures

Over the past several years CMSWS has developed and implemented numerous BMP measures
in addition to those described in Section 9.10 in order to improve water quality conditions in the
TMDL watersheds by identifying and eliminating sources of the pollutant of concern. These
historic additional measures along with new measures proposed beginning in FY2018 are
described in the following subsections by TMDL watershed.

9.12.1 Additional BMP Measures in the Rocky River Watershed

During the fiscal years (FY) indicated below (July 1 through June 30), the following actions
were completed to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels and enhance water quality in the Rocky
River Watershed:
FY2015
1. In November 2014, approximately 250 trees were planted in the buffer at the Rocky
River Bluff Nature Preserve (Parcel Number 00307115) by a total of 31 volunteers
through a partnership between CMSWS, Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Department, and the Davidson Lands Conservancy. Partial funding for the event was
provided through an Urban Cost Share Grant. This enhanced buffer will provide
additional filtering for nonpoint source pollutants that will assist with TMDL pollutant
removal.
2. CMSWS completed a review of historic aerial imagery from the Rocky River Watershed,
which revealed that since 1993 an equestrian area had been located approximately one-
half mile upstream of monitoring site Q733 on the Mecklenburg County side of the
Rocky River. In recent years, a septic system was installed to treat wash water from a
stable located in this area. CMSWS performed monitoring upstream and downstream of
this potential source. Results indicate that the septic system was not a source of fecal
coliform bacteria.
3. No service requests responded to.

FY2016
1. High resolution aerial imagery was evaluated and no sources of fecal coliform bacteria
were identified.
2. Agricultural operations in the watershed, which are mainly horse farms, were evaluated
and no sources of fecal coliform bacteria were identified.
3. Health Department records were reviewed and only two (2) failed septic systems were
identified in the watershed between FY2009 and FY2016, which suggest that failing
septic systems are not a chronic problem in this area. Inspections were conducted where
these failing systems had been detected and no sources of fecal coliform bacteria were
identified.
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4. The four (4) outfalls in the watershed were inspected and no evidence of dry weather
flows was observed. These inspections were documented in GIS using the ESRI app for
iPhone.
5. The Mecklenburg County Soil & Water Conservation District worked with the property
owner at 18005 Callaway Hills Lane in Davidson, N.C. to complete a stream bank
stabilization project immediately upstream of the first storm water outfall shown in
Figure 6. The cost of the project was $42,000 with the NC Ag Cost Share Program
reimburse the landowner $32,000, leaving the landowner portion at $10,000. The
completion of this project will reduce the sediment load in the stream, which will in-turn
reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels.
6. No service requests were responded to.

FY2017
1. The four (4) outfalls in the watershed were inspected and no evidence of dry weather
flows was observed. These inspections were documented in GIS using the ESRI app for
iPhone.
2. On June 27, 2017, fecal coliform samples were collected from the Rocky River where it
enters and exits Mecklenburg County. Results indicated fecal coliform levels at 980 and
1020 colonies/100ml, respectively. This represents an insignificant increase.
3. Health Department records were reviewed and no failed septic systems were identified.
4. No service requests were responded to.

FY2018
1. Monthly water quality monitoring, including sampling for fecal coliform bacteria,
continued at site MY1B (West Branch of the Rocky River at River Ford Drive) located
upstream of the TMDL watershed in Mecklenburg County. One Watch Level
exceedance for fecal coliform bacteria at 370 CFU/100 ml was detected on 12/12/17. No
pollution sources were identified as a result of this monitoring.
2. Health Department records were reviewed and no failed septic systems were identified.
3. Major outfalls were inspected. No dry weather flows or pollution sources were detected.
4. Design plans are 100% complete for the restoration of a section of the Rocky River in the
TMDL water in Mecklenburg County. Construction is planned to begin in October 2018.

During FY2019, the following actions are planned to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels and
enhance water quality in the Rocky River Watershed:
1. Monthly water quality monitoring, including sampling for fecal coliform bacteria, will
continue at #MY1B located upstream of the Rocky River TMDL watershed.
2. Monitoring results will be evaluated for exceedances of established Watch and Action
Levels for fecal coliform bacteria and follow actions will be performed as necessary to
identify and eliminate pollution sources.
3. Health Department records will be reviewed and failing septic systems identified for
potential water quality impacts.

9.12.2 Additional BMP Measures in the Goose Creek Watershed

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During the fiscal years (FY) indicated below (July 1 through June 30), the following actions
were completed to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels and enhance water quality in the Goose
Creek Watershed:

FY2012
1. Routine fixed interval monitoring was conducted monthly at sites MY-9 (Goose Creek –
Stevens Mill Road) and MY-14 (Duck Creek – Tara Oaks Lane). Monthly samples were
analyzed for 16 parameters including fecal coliform, E. Coli, and Enterococcus bacteria.
2. Continuous automated monitoring was conducted at site MY-9 for dissolved oxygen,
temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. These measurements are collected every
hour 365 days per year.
3. Two (2) citizen requests for service were responded to in the watershed.

FY2013
1. Conducted feasibility study for a potential stream restoration project on Stevens Creek.
2. Routine fixed interval monitoring was conducted monthly at sites MY-9 (Goose Creek –
Stevens Mill Road) and MY-14 (Duck Creek – Tara Oaks Lane). Monthly samples were
analyzed for 16 parameters including fecal coliform, E. Coli, and Enterococcus bacteria.
3. Continuous automated monitoring was conducted at site MY-9 for dissolved oxygen,
temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. These measurements are collected every
hour 365 days per year.
4. One (1) citizen request for service was responded to in the watershed.

FY2014
1. Property easement acquisition began to facilitate a stream restoration project on Stevens
Creek from I-485 to Thompson Road and an unnamed tributary from Stevens Creek
mainstem to Cheval Lane.
2. Routine fixed interval monitoring was conducted monthly at sites MY-9 (Goose Creek –
Stevens Mill Road) and MY-14 (Duck Creek – Tara Oaks Lane). Monthly samples were
analyzed for 16 parameters including fecal coliform, E. Coli, and Enterococcus bacteria.
3. Continuous automated monitoring was conducted at site MY-9 for dissolved oxygen,
temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. These measurements are collected every
hour 365 days per year.
4. Three (3) citizen requests for service were responded to in the watershed.

FY2015
1. Property easement acquisition continued to facilitate a stream restoration project on
Stevens Creek from I-485 to Thompson Road and an unnamed tributary from Stevens
Creek mainstem to Cheval Lane.
2. Stantec Engineering retained to begin design of the Stevens Creek stream restoration
project.
3. Routine fixed interval monitoring was conducted monthly at sites MY-9 (Goose Creek –
Stevens Mill Road) and MY-14 (Duck Creek – Tara Oaks Lane). Monthly samples were
analyzed for 16 parameters including fecal coliform, E. Coli, and Enterococcus bacteria.
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4. Continuous automated monitoring was conducted at site MY-9 for dissolved oxygen,
temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. These measurements are collected every
hour 365 days per year.
5. Four (4) citizen requests for service were responded to in the watershed.

FY2016
1. Two (2) animal operations with direct access to surface waters were located during the
assessments. Bacteria samples collected at these sites were below action thresholds.
2. Routine fixed interval monitoring was conducted monthly at sites MY-9 (Goose Creek –
Stevens Mill Road) and MY-14 (Duck Creek – Tara Oaks Lane). Monthly samples were
analyzed for 16 parameters including fecal coliform, E. Coli, and Enterococcus bacteria.
3. Continuous automated monitoring was conducted at site MY-9 for dissolved oxygen,
temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. These measurements are collected every
hour 365 days per year.
4. Two (2) NPDES wastewater permits (Oxford Glen – Stevens Creek and Ashe Plantation
– Duck Creek) in the Goose Creek watershed came up for renewal during FY16. County
staff reviewed and provided comments to State staff on the draft permits.
5. Sediment toxicity monitoring was conducted at one (1) location on Stevens Creek and
two locations on Duck Creek.
6. Design and permitting are underway for the restoration of 2.3 miles of Stevens Creek
from I-485 to Thompson Road and an unnamed tributary from Stevens Creek to Cheval
Lane.
7. Four (4) citizen requests for service were responded to in the watershed.

FY2017
1. 28.03 stream miles were physically assessed in the watershed to identify sources of fecal
coliform bacteria. During these assessments, 88 storm water outfalls were inspected and
168 fecal coliform bacteria samples were collected and analyzed. 15 of the samples
collected had elevated concentrations of bacteria which initiated follow-up investigations.
No direct sources of fecal coliform bacteria could be determined. As a result, genetic
microbial source analysis (MST) was conducted at four (4) locations. One (1) location
indicated the presence of human sourced bacteria and one location indicated the presence
of canine sourced bacteria. Trace amounts of bird and ruminant sourced bacteria were
observed in three (3) of the four (4) sample locations. Follow up investigations for the
human sourced bacteria did not reveal any pollution sources.
2. Routine fixed interval monitoring was conducted monthly at sites MY-9 (Goose Creek –
Stevens Mill Road) and MY-14 (Duck Creek – Tara Oaks Lane). Monthly samples were
analyzed for 16 parameters including fecal coliform, E. Coli, and Enterococcus bacteria.
3. Continuous automated monitoring was conducted at site MY-9 for dissolved oxygen,
temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity. These measurements are collected every
hour 365 days per year.
4. Health Department records were reviewed and no failed septic systems were identified.
5. Design and permitting are underway for the restoration of 2.3 miles of Stevens Creek
from I-485 to Thompson Road and an unnamed tributary from Stevens Creek to Cheval
Lane.
6. Three (3) citizen requests for service were responded to in the watershed.
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FY2018
1. Monthly water quality monitoring, including sampling for fecal coliform bacteria,
continued at the fixed interval monitoring site (#MY9) located where Stevens Mill Road
crosses Goose Creek in Union County. Results from this sampling are described in
Section 3.2.
2. Health Department records were reviewed and no failed septic systems were identified.
3. On October 3, 2017 and February 28, 2018, a high resolution aerial infrared survey was
completed of 192 acres in the Goose Creek watershed off of Fairington Oaks Drive in
Mint Hill. The purpose of this survey was to identified heat signatures indicating
potential failing septic systems as a source of fecal coliform bacteria. Results from the
survey were inconclusive. No pollution sources were detected.

During FY2019, the following actions are planned to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels and
enhance water quality in the Goose Creek Watershed:
1. Monthly water quality monitoring, including sampling for fecal coliform bacteria, will
continue at #MY9 located in the Goose Creek TMDL watershed.
2. Monitoring results will be evaluated for exceedances of established Watch and Action
Levels for fecal coliform bacteria and follow actions will be performed as necessary to
identify and eliminate pollution sources.
3. Health Department records will be reviewed and failing septic systems identified for
potential water quality impacts.
4. Goose Creek is physically assessed (Stream Walks) on a two-year rotation and is
scheduled to be surveyed again during FY19. This assessment will include, storm water
outfall inventory and inspection, bacteria sampling both instream and any dry weather
flows, as well as visual inspection for sources of fecal coliform bacteria.

9.12.3 Additional BMP Measures in the Lake Wylie Watershed

During the fiscal years (FY) indicated below (July 1 through June 30), the following actions
were completed to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels and enhance water quality in the Lake
Wylie Watershed:

FY2009
1. On March 23, 2009, high levels of chlorophyll a were observed in Wither’s Cove that
exceeded the State standard. In response, CMSWS completed a full assessment of the
cove and watershed, including a windshield survey to identify potential pollution
sources. The Siemens facility that discharges directly to the cove was inspected and
sampled. Elevated copper levels were detected in the intake filter backwash from the
facility. Consultation with NCDEQ revealed that annual sampling was required of the
backwash but there were no permit limits. On April 8, 2009, additional sampling was
performed at 10 sites in the cove and tributaries draining to the cove. No nutrient sources
were detected. All chlorophyll a levels had returned to normal. The March 2009 event
appears to have been an algae bloom.

During FY2020, FY2021 and FY2022, physical assessments (Stream Walks) are planned for all
the tributaries draining into Lake Wylie in Mecklenburg County, including all of Long Creek and
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Paw creek. This assessments will include, storm water outfall inventory and inspection, bacteria
sampling both instream and any dry weather flows, as well as visual inspection for sources of
fecal coliform bacteria.

9.13 Tracking and Reporting Success

CMSWS will document all activities completed for the identification and elimination of
pollution sources in the TMDL watersheds, including all inspections conducted and corrective
actions implemented. All confirmed pollution sources will be mapped in GIS and where
possible pollutant loads will be estimated. This data will be tracked over time as a measure of
the success of program activities.

9.14 Reporting

CMSWS will prepare an annual report for activities relating to the implementation of the water
quality restoration activities for the TMDL watersheds where Mecklenburg County has been
assigned responsibility, including Rocky River, Goose Creek and Lake Wylie. The report will
be submitted to NCDEQ by October 1 of each calendar year. The report will at a minimum
include the following information:
1. Description of water quality restoration activities completed during the past fiscal year.
2. Description of water quality restoration activities expected to occur next fiscal year.
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Section 10: Documentation, Review and Reporting

10.1 Documentation

Implementation of the Storm Water Plan will include documentation of all program components
that are being undertaken by CMSWS including, but not limited to, inspections, maintenance
activities, educational programs, implementation of BMPs, enforcement actions, and other storm
water activities. Monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records, and
copies of all reports required by the Phase II Permit will also be maintained by CMSWS. All
documentation will be maintained digitally in EDMS by CMSWS for a period of no less than
five (5) years. Documentation will be made available to NCDEQ upon request.

10.2 Storm Water Plan Review and Modification

CMSWS will review the Storm Water Plan on at least an annual basis for the purpose of
identifying the modifications and improvements necessary to maximize Storm Water Plan
effectiveness at achieving established program goals and fulfilling Permit requirements to the
MEP. The review will also serve to assess the need for modifications to address procedural,
protocol, or programmatic changes. All such identified modifications and improvements will be
completed and the Storm Water Plan updated as soon as practicable, but not later than 90 days
from when the need for the change is identified. Implementation of the updated Storm Water
Plan typically occurs at the beginning of the next fiscal year beginning July 1st but could be
sooner depending on the nature of the change. CMSWS will submit a digital version of the
modified Storm Water Plan to NCDEQ immediately upon completion.

10.3 Reports to NCDEQ

10.3.1 Annual Reports

CMSWS will submit annual reports to NCDEQ by the last work day in August of each year
along with a Program Assessment Report Certification. These annual reports will include
appropriate information for accurately describing the progress, status, and results of the
implementation of the Storm Water Plan. The following components are included in this annual
report:

• Detailed description of the status of implementation of the Storm Water Plan as a whole,
including information on development and implementation of each major component of
the Storm Water Plan for the past year and schedules and plans for the year following
each report.

• Description of the effectiveness of each program component and justification of any
proposed changes to the Storm Water Plan, including descriptions and supporting
information for the proposed changes and how these changes will impact the
effectiveness and implementation schedule of the Storm Water Plan. Typically, this
information is provided when the revised Storm Water Plan is submitted to NCDEQ as
described in Section 10.2 above and is included in the annual report only when the
submittal of the revised plan coincides with the submittal of the annual report.
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• Description of necessary changes to programs or practices for assessment of management
measures implemented through the Storm Water Plan.

• Summary of data accumulated through the implementation of the Storm Water Plan
throughout the year.

• Assessment of compliance with the permit, information on the establishment of
appropriate legal authorities, inspections, and enforcement actions.

In addition to the Storm Water Assessment Program Report described above, CMSWS will also
submit an annual report to NCDEQ documenting its annual assessment of the program to
enhance water quality in the watersheds to which a TMDL applies. These TMDL reports will be
submitted by the last work day in August of each year.

10.3.2 Twenty-Four Hour Reporting

CMSWS will report to NCDEQ any noncompliance that may constitute an imminent threat to
health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the
time when CMSWS became aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be
provided within five (5) days of the time the CMSWS became aware of the circumstances.
The written submission will contain a description of the noncompliance, and its causes, the
period of noncompliance and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time
compliance is expected to continue, and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent
reoccurrence of the noncompliance.
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Appendix A: BMP Summary Table
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 104 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 PE-9 Evaluate Effectiveness of Public Education and Outreach Program Evaluate the effectiveness of the storm water education/outreach program at meeting established goals and objectives. Include in this evaluation a review of the effectiveness of volunteer initiatives. Also, include an estimate of the extent of exposure for the media campaign and a comparison to previous years. Modify programs activities as necessary to enhance its overall effectiveness at meeting established goals and objectives. X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail] PE-10(c) Develop & Distribute Pollution Prevention Brochures & Educational Materials Develop and distribute educational brochures and storm water pollution prevention awareness information to the appropriate target audiences described in Section 3.4 through responses to citizen requests for service, special events, workshops, and other appropriate venues. Include information regarding the impacts of storm water discharges on water bodies and the steps that the public can take to reduce pollution, including participating in volunteer programs and reporting suspected pollution problems. X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail] PE-10(d) Distribute Newsletters Distribute newsletters designed to reach the targeted audience described in Section 3.4. Include information regarding the impacts of storm water discharges on water bodies and the steps that the public can take to reduce pollution, including participating in volunteer programs. X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail] PE-10(e) Conduct Media Campaign & Maintain Website Develop and implement a media campaign designed to reach the targeted audience described in Section 3.4. Promote the 311 helpline, the Storm Water Services web page, and the Water Watchers app as the mechanisms for reporting suspected pollution problems. Promote and maintain informational X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail]
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 105 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 pages on CMSWS’s website that contain information on current water quality conditions, storm water pollutants and ways to minimize them, and municipal storm water projects/activities as well as provide a means to register for various volunteer initiatives discussed in Section 4. Also provide contacts for reporting pollution problems/concerns and submitting questions to staff. PE-10(f) Conduct Presentations for Schools/ Teachers Develop age-specific educational information for use in schools and for presentations to school age children. Present information in appropriate format. X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail] PE-10(g) Conduct Outreach Program for Commercial/ Industrial Facilities Conduct an educational campaign to inform commercial/industrial facilities of the sources of pollutants and actions they can take to improve water quality. X X X X X Ken Friday (Environmental Specialist) 704-280-2926 [e-mail] PI-1 Conduct Phase II Public Meeting Meet with SWAC in a public forum to provide information regarding activities performed to comply with Phase II requirements and to receive input regarding storm water issues and compliance efforts. X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle (Water Quality Program Manager) 980-314-3217 [e-mail] PI-2 Implement Adopt-A-Stream Program Implement an Adopt-A-Stream Program for the Phase II jurisdictions/entities. This program will include the adoption of stream sections by the general public, businesses and institutions. These stream sections will be walked twice a year by the adoption group, pollution sources will be identified and eliminated, and trash removed. One-time cleanups are also conducted. X X X X X Ashley Smith (Environmental Specialist) 704-507-0941 [e-mail] PI-3 Implement Storm Drain Marking Program Implement a Storm Drain Marking Program for the Phase II jurisdictions/ entities. This program will include the placement of markers on storm drain inlets with the message “Do Not Dump – X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail]
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 106 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 Drains To Creek.” PI-4 Conduct The Big Spring Clean event Conduct annual cleanup event aimed at removing trash and debris from lakes and streams and identifying pollutant sources. X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail] VM Implement Volunteer Monitoring Program Implement a Volunteer Monitoring Program in the Phase II jurisdictions/ entities. This program will include the use of volunteers to monitor and report general water quality conditions in streams. X Ken Friday (Environmental Specialist) 704-280-2926 [e-mail] Tree Planting Implement Tree Planting Program Implement tree planting events in conjunction with Creek ReLeaf in the Phase II jurisdictions/entities. This program will include planting trees in buffers to enhance stream stability, improve water quality, and restore habitat. This program will include the use of volunteers to adopt and conduct routine maintenance on Creek ReLeaf sites, where applicable. X X X X X Ashley Smith (Environmental Specialist) 704-507-0941 [e-mail] PI-5 Conduct Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event Conduct annual volunteer appreciation event. The purpose of the event will be to recognize volunteer efforts for protecting water quality. X X X X X Ashley Smith (Environmental Specialist) 704-507-0941 [e-mail] ID-1 Maintain Storm Sewer System Maps Maintain and update as necessary maps of the storm sewer systems serving all Phase II jurisdictions/entities in Mecklenburg County showing the locations of inlets, outlets and receiving waters. X X X X X Josh DeMaury (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-314-3222 [e-mail] ID-2 Conduct Field Screening for Non-Storm Water Flows Conduct field investigations for identifying non-storm water (dry weather) flows to the storm sewer system, including sampling and elimination of identified pollution sources. Written procedures are contained in the IDDE Policies and Procedures Manual. X X X X X John McCulloch (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3219 [e-mail] ID-3 Enforce Surface Water Pollution Control Ordinance Prohibit non-storm water discharges in accordance with IDDE Policies and X X X X X John McCulloch (Environmental 980-314-3215 john.mcculloch@mecklen
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 107 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 Procedures through the enforcement of the surface water pollution control ordinances, except those discharges specifically allowed by the ordinances. Track all investigations and document the date(s) illicit discharges are observed, the results of investigations, follow up actions conducted, and the dates investigations are closed. Also, track the issuance of all notices of violation and enforcement actions, including identifying chronic violators for instituting actions to reduce noncompliance. At least annually, assess the effectiveness of these ordinances at prohibiting illicit connections and discharges and update/revise as necessary. Supervisor) burgcountync.gov ID-4 Implement Water Quality Monitoring Program Conduct water quality monitoring activities and follow up as necessary to identify and eliminate illicit discharges to the storm sewer system and surface waters in accordance with IDDE procedures. X X X X X Olivia Edwards (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3213 [e-mail] ID-5 Public Outreach Program for Illicit Discharges & Improper Waste Disposal Develop and implement a program to inform the general public, businesses, industries, and public employees (including municipal staff, who, as part of their normal job responsibilities, may come into contact with or otherwise observe an illicit discharge or illicit connection to the storm sewer system), of the hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste as well as the mechanism for reporting. This will be incorporated into activities conducted for the Public Education and Outreach Program. X X X X X Deania Russo (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-722-8881 [e-mail] ID-6 Conduct Follow up Inspections and Respond to citizen requests for service X X X X X John McCulloch, 980-314-john.mccullo
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 108 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 Respond to Citizen Requests and Emergencies and emergency situations as well as conduct follow up inspections as necessary to identify and eliminate pollution problems and restore water quality conditions in accordance with IDDE Policies and Procedures. David Caldwell, Richard Farmer, and Olivia Edwards (Environmental Supervisors) 3219 [e-mail] ID-8 Stream Walk/Outfall Inventory & Inspection/ Dry Weather Flow Analysis Conduct stream walk activities, inventory and inspect storm drain outfalls and identify dry weather flows as well as identify and eliminate illegal discharges and other pollution sources in accordance with IDDE Policies and Procedures. X X X X X Josh DeMaury (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-314-3222 [e-mail] ID-9 Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP) Investigate and monitor select locations on a regular, recurring schedule for the identification and elimination of pollution problems using physical observations in accordance with IDDE Policies and Procedures. X X X X X Andrew DeCristofaro (Environmental Specialist) 980-314-3228 [e-mail] ID-U Conduct Inspections of Vehicle Maintenance Facilities Conducting inspections of vehicle maintenance facilities to ensure the proper implementation of good housekeeping measures to prevent the discharge of pollutants from the facilities. X X X X X Chad Broadway (Environmental Specialist) 704-280-1497 [e-mail] ID-10 Evaluate Effectiveness of IDDE Program Maintain and evaluate annually written procedures for conducting investigations of illicit discharges as well as the effectiveness of the IDDE program in general and update/revise as necessary. Include in this assessment a review of the written IDDE Policies and Procedures. X X X X X John McCulloch (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3219 [e-mail] CS-1 Enforce Erosion Control Ordinances Enforce erosion and sedimentation control ordinances for the Phase II jurisdictions by permitting and controlling development activities disturbing one or more acres of land surface and those activities less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development as authorized under the Sediment Pollution Control Act of 1973. X X X X X Jason Klingler (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-314-3221 [e-mail]
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 109 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 CS-2 Erosion Control Education Develop and implement an outreach program to educate contractors and land developers regarding proper erosion control. X X X X X Jason Klingler (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-314-3567 [e-mail] CS-3 Evaluate Effectiveness of Erosion Control Program Evaluate the effectiveness of the program and modify as necessary. Include in this assessment a review of written policies and procedures. X X X X X Jason Klingler (Senior Environmental Specialist) 980-314-3221 [e-mail] PC-1 Implement Post-Const. Ordinances Implement the post-construction ordinances adopted in the Phase II areas. X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle (Program Manager) 980-314-3217 [e-mail] PC-2 Implement BMP Inspections Conduct site inspections of structural storm water controls installed for compliance with ordinance requirements. X X X X X Corey Priddy (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3221 [e-mail] PC-3 Implement a Program to Educate and Assist Developers Implement a program to educate the development community and the general public concerning the post-construction storm water management requirements. X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle (Program Manager) 980-314-3217 [e-mail] PC-5 Evaluate Effectiveness of Post-Construction Program Evaluate the effectiveness of the program and modify as necessary. Include in this assessment a review of written policies and procedures. X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle (Program Manager) 980-314-3217 [e-mail] PP-1 Implement Employee Training Program Implement a training program for employees involved in implementing pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices. X X X X X David Caldwell (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3218 [e-mail] PP-2 Conduct Inspections of Municipal Operations Conduct annual inspections of all municipal owned and operated facilities with the significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff. Once every 5 years, conduct inspections of private operations located on property owned by a co-permittee that has the significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff. Identify potential pollution sources and work with each jurisdiction/entity to ensure that X X X X X Richard Farmer (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3215 [e-mail]
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 110 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 these sources are eliminated. Distribute and explain written guidance materials developed in PP-1 as needed. PP-3 Maintain and Update Spill Response Procedures Develop and implement spill response procedures for municipal owned and operated facilities with the significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff. X X X X X Richard Farmer (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3215 [e-mail] PP-4 Maintain and Implement Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans Maintain, implement, evaluate annually and update as necessary an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) program, hereafter referred to as a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), for municipal owned and operated facilities with the significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff. Once every 5 years, evaluate SWPPPs for private operations located on property owned by a co-permittee that has the significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff. This SWPPP must include the frequency of inspections and routine maintenance requirements. X X X X X Richard Farmer (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3215 [e-mail] PP-5 Maintain and Update an Inventory of Municipal Operations Maintain an inventory of all facilities and operations owned and/or operated by the County, Towns, CMS and CPCC that have a significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff, including (but not limited to) those facilities that are subject to NPDES storm water general permits or individual NPDES permits for discharges of storm water associated with industrial activity. Include in this inventory the permit number and certificate of coverage number for each facility. X X X X X Richard Farmer (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3215 [e-mail] PP-9 Evaluate Effectiveness of Pollution Prevention/ Good Housekeeping Program Evaluate the effectiveness of the program and modify as necessary. X X X X X Richard Farmer (Environmental Supervisor) 980-314-3215 richard.farmer@mecklenburgcountync.
Storm Water Quality Management Program Plan for Phase II MS4 Permit No. NCS000395 111 # BMP Description Measurable Goals Schedule (years) Responsible Staff Phone # Email Address 1 2 3 4 5 gov IW-1 Evaluate Impaired Waters Evaluate the current 305(b) report and 303(d) list for N.C. to identify those impaired waters with an approved TMDL that are the responsibility of the Phase II jurisdictions. X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle (Program Manager) 980-314-3217 [e-mail] IW-2 Develop and Implement BMPs Develop and implement appropriate BMPs within the scope of the Phase II Permit’s six (6) minimum measures to reduce nonpoint source pollutant loading to the MEP in the TMDL watersheds. X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle (Program Manager) 980-314-3217 [e-mail] IW-4 Assess, Report and Modify BMPs Submit to the State a report assessing the effectiveness of BMPs, identifying additional measures as necessary, and providing a brief explanation as to how the programs, controls, partnerships, projects and strategies address impaired waters. X X X X X Rusty Rozzelle (Program Manager) 980-314-3217 [e-mail]
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Appendix B: Organizational Chart

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Appendix C: Post-Construction Policy for Transportation Projects
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Post-Construction Policy for Transportation Projects in the Phase II Jurisdictions

Program Purpose and Background

The purpose of the Post-Construction Policy for Transportation Projects within the Phase II
jurisdictional areas (including Mecklenburg County and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson,
Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville) is to ensure that these projects meet all federal,
state, and local requirements. Specifically, this policy is written for public transportation projects that
involve roadway construction not associated with a subdivision or development. Please note that this
policy document does not apply to:
• Roadway projects associated with development – These projects (such as road widening or
turn lane addition) are treated as part of the development and the right-of-way area and built-
upon area should be included in storm water calculations for the development.
• Roadway projects constructed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) - These projects are subject to NCDOT’s Post-Construction program; therefore,
these projects are not subject to local Post-Construction ordinances.

According to Section 15A NCAC 02H.1003(d)(3)(C) of the North Carolina Administrative Code,
public road and public bridge projects within Phase II municipalities shall (to the MEP):
• Minimize built-upon surfaces,
• Divert storm water away from surface waters as much as possible, and
• Employ other best management practices (BMPs) to minimize water quality impacts.

The North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCNCDEQ) suggests that regulated public entities
use BMPs in the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT’s) "Best Management
Practices Toolbox” developed for linear systems, which has been approved by NCNCDEQ to meet
post-construction requirements for linear roadway systems.

Applicability

Public roadway projects are subject to the applicability criteria of the applicable jurisdiction’s Post -
Construction ordinance in which the project is located. For post-construction purposes, public
roadway projects will be considered commercial/industrial development or redevelopment. The post-
construction applicability criteria are found in Section 105 of the Post-Construction ordinances for all
Phase II jurisdictions with the exception of the Town of Huntersville, where the applicability criteria
are contained within Section 8.17.3 of the ordinance and the Town of Matthews where the
applicability criteria are found in Section 154.005. The grandfathering (or exemption) of public
projects is consistent with the rights given to private developers under applicability and exceptions
provisions of the Post-Construction ordinances. In the event that Post-Construction ordinance
requirements apply to a public roadway project, the responsible public entity shall work with the staff
of Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services’ Water Quality Program to ensure compliance with
the above described three (3) minimum measures to the MEP.

BMPs for Public Linear Roadway Projects

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) developed a list of structural BMPs
suitable for linear projects published in NCDOT’s Storm Water Best Management Practices Toolbox.
NCDOT’s BMP Toolbox has been approved for use by NCNCDEQ for linear roadway projects. To
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the extent practicable, the jurisdictions shall use BMPs from the North Carolina Department of
Transportation’s "Best Management Practices Toolbox” developed for linear systems, which has
been approved by NCNCDEQ to meet post-construction requirements for linear roadway systems.
The designs in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg BMP Design Manual are also used where practicable. In
addition, when public linear roadway projects use bridges over surface waters, bridge drainage
systems that eliminate or minimize direct discharge to surface waters are required. More information
on bridge drainage systems can be found in Chapter 9 of NCDOT’s BMP Toolbox. A copy of
NCDOT’s BMP Toolbox can be found at the following website:
http://www.ncdot.org/programs/environment/storm water/npdes_permit/.

BMP Maintenance
Perpetual maintenance is required on all public-owned BMPs by the jurisdiction constructing the
roadway. Each BMP shall be recorded in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services –
County Water Quality Program BMP database and will be subject to annual compliance inspections
and periodic maintenance.
The only exception to this is when roadway projects are constructed to NCDOT standards that are to
be turned over for maintenance to NCDOT following construction. These BMPs shall be maintained
in accordance with NCDOT requirements and shall not be subject to the local post-construction
ordinance maintenance requirements.

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Appendix D: Phase II Municipal Facility Inventory Procedures
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Phase II Municipal Facility Inventory Procedures (PP-5)
July 30, 2015

Purpose

The purpose of the Municipal Facility Inventory is to fulfill the requirement of the Phase II
permit listed in Section G.2.b. of Permit NCS000395 for Mecklenburg County and the six towns,
which requires development of an inventory of county and town-owned municipal operations
that have significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff.

Procedure for Evaluation of Facilities

During the first permit term, the following language was contained in Section G regarding
Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations: “Develop an inventory
of all facilities and operations owned and operated by the permittee with the potential for
generating polluted storm water runoff. Specifically inspect the potential sources of polluted
runoff, the storm water controls, and conveyance systems. Evaluate the sources, document
deficiencies, plan corrective actions, and document the accomplishment of corrective actions.”
Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) updated its Storm Water Quality
Management Program Plan (Storm Water Plan) to include procedures to evaluate 20 percent of
the municipal operations each year of the current permit to determine which county and town-
owned facilities have the “potential for generating polluted storm water runoff” and are therefore
required to comply with this Section of the permit. The program element for this requirement
was PP-5. CMSWS used the phased approach described in “A” below to conduct this
evaluation. This evaluation was completed by the end of the permit term on June 30, 2010,
resulting in the development of the Tables 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the Storm Water Plan.

Mecklenburg County’s Phase II Permit was renewed on November 11, 2011. This new permit
changed Section G from applying to facilities with the “potential for generating polluted storm
water runoff” to applying to facilities with the “significant potential for generating polluted
storm water runoff.” This change resulted in CMSWS changing its evaluation procedures to
those described in “B” below. This evaluation was completed on June 30, 2015.

A. FIRST PERMIT TERM

1. Accumulate a listing of all county and town-owned properties in a spreadsheet format.
2. Determine if the properties are located in an urbanizing area (UA). All properties in
Mecklenburg County have been deemed to be an urbanizing area by the State of North
Carolina.
3. Determine which properties do not contain building improvements (i.e. vacant parcels).
Properties containing no building improvements are deemed to have no potential to
pollute storm water and will not likely have a storm water conveyance system. To
conduct this evaluation, CMSWS will:
a. Use the attached spreadsheet format to collect data from each jurisdiction
including the County (spreadsheet already completed) and each of the Towns.
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The spreadsheets are located in the following directory: G:\WQxfer\WQ\Phase II
Inventory\.
b. Sort the parcels in the spreadsheet by ascending size and start the evaluation with
the smaller parcels first. After sorting, each parcel will be assigned a database
number in the first column in the spreadsheet starting with the number one (1) for
the smallest parcel.
c. Review aerial photographs of the properties on-line through use of Polaris with
the “parcel number labels”, “streams”, “SWIM buffer”, “10-ft Contours” and
“aerial photography” layers turned on. The parcel will also be highlighted by
using the “ID parcel” tool.
d. CMSWS staff will print out copies of the map and the ownership information for
documentation. The database number for that file will be handwritten on the
upper right-hand side of the map and the ownership record stapled behind the
map. The hard copies will be filed in a three-ring binder by database number.
e. Mark the number of buildings in the appropriate column of the spreadsheet for
each parcel.
f. Properties with no buildings or a single building are not included in the Phase II
process at this time. CMSWS staff will mark the “Applicable” column with “N”
and add a comment as to why the property is not applicable to Phase II (i.e. – no
building structures).
4. Other parcels containing 2 or more buildings will require further evaluation to determine
if applicable to the Phase II process:
a. By reviewing the aerial photographs and contours, determine if the property
discharges directly into a stream without going through a MS4 system (system
maintained by City and County). CMSWS staff can use Mecklenburg County
Storm Water Services Interactive Mapping site
(http://www.704336rain.com/disclaimer.html) to view storm drain inlets and
piping to assist in this evaluation. If the storm drain system meets these criteria,
Phase II is applicable to this property. CMSWS staff will mark the “Applicable”
column as “Y” and add a comment as to why the property is applicable to Phase II
(i.e. storm drainage system discharges directly to a stream). If it is unclear the
property drains directly to the surface water, do not mark anything on the
spreadsheet.
b. Field evaluations will be required for all remaining properties without a “Y” or an
“N” in the “Applicable” column. Field evaluations will be conducted in the
following manner:
i. The attached Phase II Parcel Evaluation Sheet will be used to document
applicability. Each step of the flow chart will be circled as evaluated as
well as notes related to applicability or non-applicability.
ii. The operations or activities that have the potential to pollute storm water
will be noted as well. Photographs will be taken if staff is unclear of
applicability.
iii. The Phase II Parcel Evaluation Sheet will be stapled behind the
ownership records page and re-filed in the appropriate three-ring binder.
iv. CMSWS staff will update the spreadsheet with a “Y” or “N” in the
“Applicability” column as appropriate.
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B. SECOND PERMIT TERM

CMSWS changed its evaluation procedures for the second permit term to include facilities with
the “significant potential for generating polluted storm water runoff” in the Pollution Prevention
and Good Housekeeping Program described in Part II, Section G.2.a of the permit. For the
purposes of this permit, “significant potential” shall mean that the facility has:
1. Exposure of significant materials, and
2. No written procedures or controls in place to prevent pollution.

For facilities that meet these criteria, staff will need to evaluate what level of pollution
prevention implementation measures are necessary to reduce the potential for polluted storm
water runoff. These levels of implementation can include (but not limited to):
1. Development of a full Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan,
2. Development of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for activities on-site that
have a significant potential to pollute storm water,
3. Required inspections, and/or
4. Required pollution prevention training for on-site staff.

The following table provides the number of properties with one or more buildings that may
require further evaluation during the second permit term based upon the Phase II inventories
completed during the first permit term.

Co-Permitee Number of Properties with
one or more Buildings
Cornelius 16
Davidson 10
Huntersville 17
Matthews 10
Mint Hill 2
Mecklenburg County 172
CMS 195
CPCC 32
TOTAL 454

Based upon guidance documents provided by NCDEQ in the BIMS database, jurisdictions will
review several types of municipal operations in their evaluation. Below is a listing of the
municipal operation types along with a summary of how each has been addressed or will be
addressed.
x Transfer stations – None of the Co-permittees operate transportation transfer stations.
The County operates four (4) solid waste transfer stations, which are currently included in
the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Fleet maintenance – Fleet maintenance facilities have been evaluated and are currently
included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Airports - None of the Co-permittees operate airports.
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x Animal shelters – None of the Co-permittees operate animal shelters with the exception
of the Town of Matthews that has an animal shelter at the Public Works facility, which is
currently included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Waste Water Treatment Plants - None of the Co-permittees operate waste water treatment
plants.
x Water plants - None of the Co-permittees operate water treatment plants.
x Construction debris sites - None of the Co-permittees operate construction debris sites.
x Transit authority - None of the Co-permittees operate public transit systems.
x Public works operations – Public Works facilities have been evaluated and are currently
included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Prisons – None of the Co-permittees operate prisons; however, Mecklenburg County does
operate two jails (Mecklenburg County Jail Central and Mecklenburg County Jail North),
which were evaluated in FY14. It was determined that they do not have a significant
potential for storm water pollution and will not be included in the Pollution Prevention
and Good Housekeeping Program. The contact for these jails is Captain Mike Greer (704-
336-8544).
x Emergency service facilities – Emergency service facilities have been evaluated.
Mecklenburg County operates the Mecklenburg County Medic facility, which is currently
included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program. The Town of
Matthews operates an emergency service facility along with Fire Station #1, which has
been evaluated and determined not to have a significant potential to pollute. This facility
will not be included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Fire stations - None of the Co-permittees operate fire stations with the exception of the
Town of Matthews, which operates two (2) fire stations. Both fire stations have been
evaluated and determined not to have a significant potential to pollute. These facility will
not be included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program. All the
Towns have volunteer fire stations that they do not own or operate; therefore, they will
not be included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Landfills – Mecklenburg County operates one active landfill (Foxhole) and one inactive
landfill (Harrisburg Rd.). Both of these facilities are included in the Pollution Prevention
and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Schools – CMS and CPCC school facilities have been evaluated and are included in the
Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
x Parks – The County and Towns operate several parks, which will be evaluated for
inclusion in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program. Contact
information for Parks:
o County Parks- Peter Cook (704-336-7762)
o Cornelius – Johnnie Northern (704-239-8673)
o Davidson – Jess Bouk (704-892-7591)
o Huntersville – Michael Jaycocks (704-766-2220)
o Matthews – Michael King (704-708-1263)
o Mint Hill – Tim Garner (704-545-9727)
o Pineville – Chip Hill (704-889-2291)
x Waste recycling centers - The County operates four (4) solid waste recycling stations,
which are included in the Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program.
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x Vehicle maintenance operations – Vehicle maintenance operations for all co-permittees
have been evaluated and are included in the Pollution Prevention and Good
Housekeeping Program.
x Vehicle wash operations - None of the Co-permittees operate Vehicle Wash Operation
facilities as dedicated municipal operations.
x Pump stations or lift stations - None of the Co-permittees operate Pump Station or Lift
Station facilities as dedicated municipal operations.

Based upon the above information, the following evaluation procedures will be followed:

1. CMSWS will field-inspect Parks and Recreation Parks that have maintenance sheds and
complete an evaluation of the significant potential to pollute. Facilities will be added to
the program as necessary.
2. CMSWS will review the inventory list and determine which of the properties containing
one or more buildings need to be field-inspected. These properties will be field-inspected
over the remaining permit term.
3. During the inspection, CMSWS will evaluate if a significant potential exists and if so,
which activities are conducted on site that could cause pollution.
4. After the evaluation, various levels of implementation will need to be selected and
documented for each site.
5. Any facilities that have a significant potential to pollute will be added to the Pollution
Prevention and Good Housekeeping Program and included in Tables 11, 12, 13, and 14
of the Storm Water Plan.
6. There are currently 195 CMS facilities on the inventory list. Many of these are currently
on our inspection list for the program or will be inspected by 2018. The inventory list
will be cross referenced with the inspection list to determine which facilities still need to
be evaluated. These evaluations will be completed and facilities will be included in the
program as necessary.
7. There are currently 32 CPCC facilities on the inventory list. Most of these are currently
on our inspection list. The inventory list will be cross referenced with the inspection list
to determine which facilities still need to be evaluated. These evaluations will be
completed and facilities will be included in the program as necessary.
8. The inventory of facilities will be updated annually as follows:
a. The Supervisor for the Compliance Section will contact Jennifer Morrell of Real
Estate Services at 980.314.2514 and an updated list of properties owned by the six
(6) Towns, Mecklenburg County, CMS, and CPCC will be obtained prior to
January 31st of every year.
b. The Supervisor will assign staff to compare the updated list to the list on file from
the previous fiscal year. At a minimum, these lists will include the address or
parcel number of the property, date acquired and total acreage. These lists will be
completed prior to March 31st of every year.
c. The Supervisor will evaluate the lists for accuracy and will assign properties for
evaluation in the Work Plan for the next fiscal year. The purpose of the
evaluation will be to determine if the properties have a significant potential to
pollute as defined on the top of page 3 of this document. If a property is
determined to have a significant potential to pollute, then assigned staff will
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recommend the actions necessary to mediate this potential as well as recommend
a time frame for implementation.
d. The Supervisor will review this information and assign corrective actions as
deemed necessary with the intent of completion during the same fiscal year as the
initial inspection.
e. The Supervisor will work with the Program Manager to update the Storm Water
Plan to include new properties into the Pollution Prevention and Good
Housekeeping Program.
f. If follow up actions are deemed necessary for future fiscal years, the Supervisor
will be responsible for incorporating these actions into annual Work Plans.
124 Phase II Municipal Facility Inventory (PP-5) Town of XX Database ID No. PID Physical Address Property Use No. of Buildings No. of Employees Total Acres Date Evaluated Staff Performing Evaluation Applicable to Phase II (Y/N) Comment / Justification 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
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Appendix E: Storm Water Inspection Checklist for Municipal Facilities
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