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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCS000431_ANNUAL REPORT_20181231NORTH CAROL INA � Department of Environmental Qual PERMIT NO. DOC TYPE DOC DATE STORMWATER DIVISIO MS4 PERK �C�S000 ❑ FINAL PERMIT ❑ ANNUAL REP( ❑ APPLICATION ❑ COMPLIANCE ❑ OTHER El U\� YYYYMMDD CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 SECTION B: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH The City continues to provide stormwater education and outreach to the public in many ways. Locally produced brochures and informational materials, as well as EPA materials have been placed in the local library, city hall and local veterinary offices. These materials, along with larger stormwater displays were presented to the citizenry at our annual "National Night Out" event, Catawba Riverfest, and Earth/Arbor Day. In coordination with other Iocal municipalities, the City has developed an Administrative Manual for the implementation of Phase II requirements. The manual is a collective effort of the Stormwater Working Group with the intent to ensure similar procedures for phase lI development requirements among local municipalities and therefore make it easier for developers to understand An educational poster provided by the EPA entitled "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" was placed in City Hall in the planning department for viewing by developers and contractors when they obtain permits to encourage best management practices at their construction sites. The local cable TV government channel was also utilized to reach citizens. Two stand-up educational banners are alternately displayed at City Hall for viewing by utility customers and citizens. The City has incorporated into our web site a stormwater page that includes FAQ, pollution prevention tips, and stormwater related links. The City has also contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide additional public education and outreach as follows: Target Audiences • General Public • Decision Makers • Teachers • Students • Planners Education and Outreach Program Elements • Special Events • Presentations/Workshops • School Outreach • Online Presence • Future Plans CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ACTIVITIES Presentations/Workshops The Western Piedmont Water Resource Committee is the key interface used by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) to interact with local governments on the issue of water resources. Formed in 1986, this Committee is staffed by the WPCOG and serves in an advisory role for 30 local governments within the Greater Hickory Metro on issues including water quality, water supply, water safety and recreation, and watershed issues within the tipper Catawba River Basin. The Water Resources Committee consists of individuals representing local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and businesses from Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties in Western North Carolina. The WRC. was originally named the Catawba River Study Committee. In 2010, the committee updated the name and mission statement to better reflect the broader nature of the committee and to recognize that water management issues in the Yadkin River Basin also affect our regions local governments. The mission of the group is to serves in an advisory role for local governments and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Policy Board on water resources and watershed issues: including water quality, water supply, water safety and recreation, and land -use within the regions river basins. The committee is staffed by the WPCOG's Natural Resources Administrator whose position is supported in part by local governments within the region. The Western Piedmont Water Resources Committee meets four to six times per year and stormwater information is presented at each meeting and is often a significant part of each program. Outside experts regularly present, and there is time for dialog. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 The Western Piedmont Water Quality Conference The Western NC Water Quality Conference was held on Thursday, July 26, 2018. It is held in conjunction with the Western NC Air Quality Conference, which was held the day after on Friday, July 27, 2018. The Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments hosted these Annual Conferences at Lenoir -Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments organizes these unique conferences and Lenoir -Rhyne University provides lunch and facilities. The first Unifour Air Quality Conference was held in 2007, and it has been an annual event ever since. The purpose of the conference is to educate the public, government officials and the private sector on current air quality issues important to the Unifour region and beyond. In 2013, the name of the Conference was changed from the "Unifour Air Quality Conference" to the "Western North Carolina Air Quality Conference." The I st Annual Western North Carolina Water Quality Conference was held Thursday, July 31, 2014 for an audience of over 100 attendees. The purpose of the conference was to promote awareness and the exchange of ideas regarding current water quality issues in the region and provide technical expertise to practitioners who have a stake in water quality. The conference was modeled after the successful Air Quality Conference. The conference is held specifically for Water Quality Outreach to local governments, non- profits, and interested citizens. A great deal of emphasis is put on stormwater and its effects on water quality. Although the conference took place at the end of July, much of the planning and preparation lar the conference took place during the July 2017 to June 2018-time period. y O J later Quality Belk Centrum Lenoir -Rhyne University 625 7th Ave NE Hickory, NC 28601 When Water Quality Conference - Thursday, July 26, 2018 (8:30AM to 3:30PM) Air Quality Conference - Friday, July 27, 2018 (8:30AM to 3:30PM} Contact Johnny Wear Western Piedmont Council of Governments 828-485.4283 john.wear@wpcog.org CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 9: 35 A. Al. to 10: 20 A.M. "The Catawba River Nutrient kudv` I .Speaker: Brian 6t rc nn, Rcosystems Branch Chief; NC Division of Water Resources In the first session, Brian Wrenn, Ecosystems Branch Chief with the NC Division of Natural Resources, presented the "Catawba River Nutrient Study." Session Law 2017- 2201, House Bill, Section 12 includes the NC Department on Water Quality shall conduct a water quality sampling program for nutrients in the Catawba River. The Catawba River is a large watershed where the NC portion is 225 miles long, and the watershed covers approximately 3,300 square miles. The watershed includes a variety of land uses including agriculture, forests, urban and suburban areas. The study will look at major tributaries and existing monitoring stations to collect data. The concept of the study is to look at existing data and land uses to identify data gaps and hotspots; including the Ambient Monitoring System, past nutrient studies, municipalities, etc.; to look for opportunities to expand the monitoring system, identifying data gaps and hotspots, and determine potential nutrient sources. DWR has been conducting nutrient monitoring in the Catawba as part of this study since February 2018. This presentation described the study origin, study area refinement, study concept, existing data, data so far, and next steps Mr. Wrenn stated that as far as "Major tributary" analysis, conducting upstream, downstream, and instream monitoring on major tributaries could be labor and cost intensive. He continued by stating that there is limited data for the main stem watershed between Rhodhiss Lake and Lake Norman and that not all stations have nutrient monitoring. There are, however, ten new monitoring stations; including, Upper, Middle, and Lower Little Rivers, Gunpowder Creek, Horseford Creek, Falling Creek, Lyle Creek. McLin Creek, and Clark Creek. They also receive monitoring data from water intakes at City of Hickory and City of Newton and that they began monitoring nutrients at all CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 Catawba stations. Mr. Wrenn presented an online map for enhanced understanding of results and locations and concluded by stating that there was monthly monitoring at the new stations from February to August 2018 and that they are investigating isotopic, genetic tracking, and fluorescence analyses for identifying sources of nutrients. A report on the results is due October 2018. 10:25 A.M. to 11: 110.1.ilL "Riparian Buffer Rule Changes " Speaker: Sue Homewood, M' Division of Water Quality/Resources In the second session, Sue Homewood with NC DWQ, gave an overview of the proposed rule changes to the Riparian Buffer Protection Program Rules (including Neuse, Tar - Pamlico, Randleman, Catawba and Goose Creek) and the Water Supply Watershed Protection Program Rules. Ms. Homewood began by explaining the history and stated how this rulemaking process started in 2014 and is proposed by the Environmental Management Commission to meet the requirements of G.S. 150B-21.3A "Periodic Review and Expiration of Existing RuIes." This allowed for future buffer rule changes, which Environmental Management Commission are in the current process of updating these rules. These changes are currently just finished the public comment stage are staff is reviewing these comments. Ms. Homewood said that the earliest legislation would be introduce would be January 2019. She also gave information on where to find previous changes or proposed changes, which can be found at the NC Division of Water Resource's website. Ms. Homewood then went into discussing some of the proposed rules going through this process. The biggest change to the Riparian Buffer Rule is that is being moved from 2V 0200 titled "Water Classification and Standards" to 0600 which focuses on water quality management plans or the 0700 nutrients management strategy. She said another big change was the change in the wording and terminology of these rules to stay more consistent with terms used in the permitting and regulatory sections, which makes them easier to understand. Nothing has changed with the permitting and regulatory. CONOVE,R STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT' 2018 Ms. Homewood then went into the variance process and the changes. She explained the proposed changes between the minor and major variances. This is based off the size and time frame. There also changes in what has to brought to the Environmental Management Commission and make the process more efficient. She also mentioned how these changes in the rules are reflecting the session laws to help people better understand them. Ms. Homewood concluded by making sure everyone understood all of these are proposed and are not final changes to the rules. 11:15 A.Al. to 12:00 P.M. " Nleckle►iburg Cou► ilr Storn►wr►ter" Speaker Rusty, Rozelle, Mecklenburg County, Slornrwater In the third session, Rusty Rozelle, with Mecklenburg County, provided a history and overview of the Charlotte -Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) Water Quality Division. CMSWS protects and improves the surface water quality of more than 3,000 miles of streams and numerous acres of lakes, ponds and wetlands. Unfortunately, many of these surface waters have degraded water quality, habitat and aquatic life largely due to the impacts of historical stormwater management practices and urbanization. The majority of streams in Charlotte -Mecklenburg are designated by the state as "impaired", meaning that they are not clean enough to support swimming, fishing, or diverse and abundant aquatic life. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 CMSWS implements some of the most innovative surface water quality management programs in North Carolina, some that have been awarded national recognition. All of them are focused on the goal of improving the quality and usability of our surface waters such as streams and lakes. Water Quality areas include Monitoring, Watershed Improvement, Watershed Protection, Illegal Discharges, Pollution Prevention, Education and Outreach, and Volunteer programs. 1:10 P.M. to 1:55 P.M. "The information planners need to conserve mature 1n their jurisdictions" Speaker: Sara. -I. Gagne, Pith, Associate Professor of Landscape Ecologr, UNC Charlotte In the fourth session, Dr. Sarah Gagne, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at the University of North Carolina -Charlotte, presented the results of her research indicating that municipal and county -scale planning can potentially play a major role in the conservation of biodiversity in the U.S. She solicited feedback from over 200 planners working in counties and municipalities in ten southeastern states about the importance of nature conservation, the drivers of nature conservation, how nature conservation is implemented, and the information they need to more effectively implement nature conservation. Her findings highlighted the need for collaboration between ecologists and planners in order to produce usable and effective conservation science, which she termed "knowledge co -production". She stated that a knowledge co -production would help lead to "usable or actionable science through collaboration between scientists and those who use science to make policy and management decisions". The results of her research indicated that planners would strongly benefit from such an approach. C:ONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 2:10 P.M. to 2:55 P.M. "Urban Rainscaping: Small Scale Solutions for Protecting NC Water Resources" Speaker: Mitch Woodward, Area .Specialized Agent, Watersheds and {dater Qualh), In the fifth session, Mitch Woodward, Area Specialized Agent, Watersheds and Water Quality with North Carolina Cooperative Extension reviewed ongoing work at the NCSU — Stormwater Program. He discussed 'small scale solution' retrofits for existing development including: Downspout Disconnection; Raingarden Certification; Innovative Water Harvesting; rain gardens; and Urban Stream Repair. Mr. Woodward began by discussing how water is a valuable resource. It brings 20 billion in income to the State of NC from water related activities. He described out motivating people to take action is a key factor. He discussed the stormwater training program at NC State, and the fact that many communities mandate stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). He stated that stormwater and engineering would be a good future career choice for current students. Mr. Woodward continued by describing how water velocity increases with urbanization through runoff from development, and that on one square foot of impervious surface, 45- 50 inches of rain can equal 30 gallons of runoff. He continued by discussing a 100 year study that was done on a natural area, and how water infiltration was for that area. He then compared that data to a human made bioretention pond, and the data is very close, showing how effective BMPs can be. He continued by stating that NC State reports the research on the work that they do to show this effectiveness. Mr. Woodward stated that BMPs work and are easy to design. He then showed some examples of things that do not work on a residential lot including a homeowner conveyance, a hole in a curb, and a straight pipe directly into a stream. He continued by describing the three S's of urban rainscaping —spread it out, slow it down, and soak it in. Examples shown included practices employed on residential lot including vegetated sales, amended soils, open drainage, etc. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 He continued by describing downspout disconnection as one of the simplest and cheapest ways to improve infiltration by just letting it run in the yard. lie then gave some examples and techniques. He demonstrated a 99 % to 59% decrease in runoff from downspout disconnection in a study area. Mr. Woodward then described rainwater harvesting through rain barrels or cisterns and stated that roof size, the size of the tank, and water usage are factors in how the tanks work. lie then showed some examples of other areas that use them. He described how they capture rainwater and slowly release it, which delays runoff. They can also be used for irrigation. He stated that 75% of water pumped from falls lake drinking water is used for irrigation. I larvesting rainwater can reduce this significantly. Mr. Woodward also covered slow release drainage for the tanks, underground tanks, and technologies that can predict how much water will be incoming so that it can release the water that is needed. Mr. Woodward also discussed bioretention areas that can capture the first one inch of rain that are used to replicate pre -development conditions. He then showed examples of raingardens. He concluded by discussing backyard stream repair which included stabilizing streams blown out by stormwater. He provided some examples of backyard stream repair and provided pictures from workshops done by the NC Cooperative Extension Program in the 1: SS P AL to .3: 30 P.M. ".4grrrulrrrral Best Mauagenrenl Prac tires for lf'ater Qrtalii3 Protection" ,Sl�euker: Randr Wilis, District :1 dnrinistratnr, Catawba County Soil and Water; Blake Henley, Soil Conservation Technician, Catawba C'ounn, Soil and Nliter CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 In the sixth and final session, Randy Willis, District Administrator, and Blake I lenley, Soil Conservation Technician, with Catawba County Soil and Water spoke about agricultural best practices for water quality protection. Mr. Willis discussed how Catawba County Soil and Water receives funding through the North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission also sets the parameters for the prioritization of projects. Mr. Willis continued to explain that even if Catawba County Soil and Water can't provide funding for a specific issue, they can always create a conservation plan to assist the individual. Most programs administered are cost share programs, though. The North Carolina Ag Cost Share Program is focused on reducing pollution into water sources from bona fide farms. For example, Catawba County Soil and Water will assist with the installation of fencing/barriers around water sources to reduce pollution from cattle. Mr. Henley presented on the other cost share programs provided by Catawba Count Soil and Water. The Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program addresses water retention on bona tide farms by implementing best management practices like wells and cisterns. Mr. Henley continued with the Community Conservation Assistance Program that provides water retention assistance to non-agricultural lands. The audience at the Western ,'VC Water Quality- Conference School Outreach On July 9th 2018 WPCOG Staff also aided STEM West with a week-long workshop that included a presentation on Water Quality and Stormwater, and a poster contest, where the teachers worked to create posters with Stormwater messaging. Teachers at the workshop were from Burke, Alexander, and Caldwell Counties. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 Teachers it-orking on their slormi aler messaging prgiects STEM This year the WPCOG participated in five Education Matters Extreme STEM Tours. Each tour hosts around ninety STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students at different locations. The tour includes visiting business locations in Catawba County for behind the scenes tours to learn about how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are used in their industry. Each bus goes to a different location and spends an hour. At each location the students will be broken up into 3 small groups and rotate through the business and meet with various divisions /levels of employees to learn about the positions at all levels what they do in their jobs and the training needed for the various positions. The WPCOG's Natural Resources Administrator is present to explain the relationship between stormwater and water quality. The tour is scheduled by WPCOG Staff every year to specifically get stormwater messaging to the students. This year's Tours included: • November 2, 2017 -- Grandview & Newton Conover Middle School • March 16, 2018 - River Bend Middle School • March 28, 2018 - Mill Creek Middle School • April 13, 2018 - Maiden Middle School • April 19, 2018 - Arndt Middle School CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 John Wear with the F PCOG presenting water yualit►- and .stnrmwater issues to students during a STEM Tour. SPECIAL EVENTS Hickory Earth Day/Arbor Day This year's event was held on Saturday April 21", 2018 at the SALT Block. WPCOG Staff attended and hosted a stnrmwater display/booth. Staff used a game and prizes to attract children and their parents to the booth. Staff takes this opportunity to teach kids and parents community partners. Averi Ritchie wiih the WPM; setting up it display about .stortrnrater issues during Eui-th DaY 0,011 CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 The WPCOG has two EnviroScape models that can be used at events and in the classroom. In the past teachers have been instructed on how to use it. A local adult volunteer, Caroline Martin, has been trained and equipped to be a guest in elementary classrooms. Carol attends Riverfest and Earth Day/Arbor Day every year. She also conducts presentations for I lickory Day School and Snow Creek Elementary annually. Caroline AAurru .Nh(J10 rlrilclren how pollution can glkct water quality using an envirosrape provided hs- the H71 OG during an Earlh DaY event in Hickory. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 Online Presence Website. A website has been developed for the WPCOG, http-://www.Ucog.or . A direct URL to the Stormwater section is available: http_//www.wpcog.or,g/stormwater-partner_s_hip. S_EC=%7B46D2278E-7CCA-4AF4- 8332-25D8C7BFEB02%7D&Type=B_BASIC Stormwater Partners will maintain stormwater content on their local government sites, but can link to WPCOG. FUTURE PLANS FOR THE STORMWATER PARTNERSHIP Mission: Continue to grow and improve the current program. Goal 1) Continue to focus on schools with regards to water resource education. Goal 2) Improve the stormwater website. Goal 3) Continue to hold a successful Western NC Water Quality Conference. Goal 4) Continue to develop new ways to reach the public. SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION The City of Conover realizes the importance of public involvement in the overall success of the Stormwater Management Plan. A citizen's Stormwater Advisory Board has been established to hear items related to stormwater, provide a public contact and venue for stormwater issues, and offer recommendations to the City Council. A public meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board was held on January 16, 2018. The annual report was presented to the board. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 20118 SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION The City of Conover continues to employ an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. The program is organized by the Stormwater Administrator and makes use of city staff that is in the field on a daily basis. `Phis includes street department staff, grounds department staff, water and wastewater department staff, and other public works employees. Based on the NC Model produced by the Institute of Government and adopted by the Conover City Council in 2007, the Phase If Stormwater Ordinance, Article VIl created legal authority to prohibit illicit discharges and connections. A storm sewer system database has been developed by city staff. Using a geographic information system, the City has mapped drainage areas, pipes, vegetative conveyances, curb and curb inlets, catch basins and outfalls. An illicit discharge reporting mechanism has been established through contact numbers and names provided on city brochures. City field staff that is likely to encounter illicit discharges have been trained in the detection of them and instructed to call the Stormwater Administrator in the event that such a discharge is suspected or detected. SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The City of Conover has entered into an inter -local agreement with Catawba County whereby the County reviews and manages all sediment and erosion control plans for projects I acre or greater. The City has taken initiative and created a process whereby projects of less than one acre are required to agree to conditions outlined in a sedimentation and erosion control application. These sites are monitored by City staff as construction takes place to ensure that sediment is not leaving the site. Plans for any project are not approved and permits are not issued until authorized by Catawba County or the City of Conover as the size of the project dictates. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 SECTION F: POST CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The Phase II Stormwater Ordinance adopted by the Conover City Council on May 7`h, 2007, and based on the model ordinance produced by the UNC School of Government, contains provisions to implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment as required by NPDES Permit NCS000431. This ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs. In addition, it requires that annual inspections of these BMPs be performed by a qualified professional and submitted for review. As more BMPs are installed, the City realizes the need for properly trained personnel to inspect them. With this in mind, one member of Conover City Staff is designated as a Certified Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Professional through the NCSU Cooperative Extension. Catawba County, through their Environmental Health Department, reviews and permits on -site septic systems for domestic wastewater for Conover and other municipalities in the county. City staff has open communication with the County concerning issues with on -site septic system. The City has purchased signs and animal waste removal stations that provide citizens bags to pick up pet waste and a means of disposal. Brochures produced by the City, that address pet owners' responsibilities concerning pet waste have been distributed to local veterinarian offices, the local library, and during National Night Out. In addition, the local cable television government channel was utilized to remind pet owners that fecal coli form is a pollutant and encourage them to clean up after their animals. SECTION G: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS The City has developed an operation and maintenance program that is on file with the Conover Public Works Department. This program establishes best management practices for city operations and requires the implementation of these standards. The City of Conover Public Works Facility utilizes the covered storage of vehicles to capacity. Bulk storage areas for salt and sand are covered to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. The City has a successful recycling program and makes use of a street cleaner/sweeper to clean city streets between rain events. Litter pickups are conducted in conjunction with rights -of -way mowing and reduce the amount of trash and tloatables conveyed to the MS4. Leaf vacuum is utilized in the fall. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2018 The City has installed a stormwater wetland at the Conover City Park that not only treats the park and Conover Station site area, but also treats a large portion of the downtown area that was never treated before. City Staff continues to maintain a stormwater rain garden located at City Hall and has produced a brochure "Build Your Own Rain Garden" for use by citizens. The rain garden has proven to be an excellent opportunity for the City to retrofit an existing facility with a BMP and educate the public at the same time. Training was conducted for public works personnel in best management practices, good housekeeping, spill prevention, and clean up procedures. UPCOMING YEAR The City will continue public education and outreach through the Conover Neighbor, National Night Out, Catawba Riverfest and the local govemment channel on Charter Communications cable television as well as other opportunities that avail themselves. The City has also contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide public education and outreach for the upcoming year. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SECTION B: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH The City continues to provide stormwater education and outreach to the public in many ways. Locally produced brochures and informational materials, as well as EPA materials have been placed in the local library, city hall and local veterinary offices. These materials, along with larger stormwater displays were presented to the citizenry at our annual "National Night Out" event, Catawba Riverfest, and Earth/Arbor Day. In coordination with other local municipalities, the City has developed an Administrative Manual for the implementation of Phase II requirements. The manual is a collective effort of the Stormwater Working Group with the intent to ensure similar procedures for phase II development requirements among local municipalities and therefore make it easier for developers to understand An educational poster provided by the EPA entitled "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" was placed in City Hall in the planning department for viewing by developers and contractors when they obtain permits to encourage best management practices at their construction sites. The local cable TV government channel was also utilized to reach citizens. Two stand-up educational banners are alternately displayed at City Hall for viewing by utility customers and citizens. The City has incorporated into our web site a stormwater page that includes FAQ, pollution prevention tips, and stormwater related links. The City has also contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide additional public education and outreach as follows: Target Audiences • General Public • Decision Makers • Teachers • Students • Planners Education and Outreach Program Elements • Special Events • Presentations/Workshops • School Outreach • Online Presence • Future Plans CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Presentations/Workshops The Western Piedmont Water Resource Committee is the key interface used by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) to interact with local governments on the issue of water resources. Formed in 1986, this Committee is staffed by the WPCOG and serves in an advisory role for 30 local governments within the Greater Hickory Metro on issues including water quality, water supply, water safety and recreation, and watershed issues within the Upper Catawba River Basin. The Water Resources Committee consists of individuals representing local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and businesses from Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties in Western North Carolina. The WRC was originally named the Catawba River Study Committee. In 2010, the committee updated the name and mission statement to better reflect the broader nature of the committee and to recognize that water management issues in the Yadkin River Basin also affect our regions local governments. The mission of the group is to serves in an advisory role for local governments and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments Policy Board on water resources and watershed issues: including water quality, water supply, water safety and recreation, and land -use within the regions river basins. The committee is staffed by the WPCOG's Natural Resources Administrator whose position is supported in part by local governments within the region. The Western Piedmont Water Resources Committee meets four to six times per year and stormwater information is presented at each meeting and is often a significant part of each program. Outside experts regularly present, and there is time for dialog. Notable Stormwater related presentations held by the WPCOG this year include: Presentations to the Water Resources Committee: Stormwater and Water Quality Legislative Updates Update — Sarah Collins, NC League of Municipalities (via phone) Sustainability and Stormwater Overview — Mike Randall, Stormwater Permitting Program, NC Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR) Trainings open to any participants: Illicit Discharge Training - Mitch Woodward, Area Specialized Agent - Watersheds & Water Quality, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, North Carolina State University CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Mitch Woodward, with NCSU Cooperative Extension Conducting illicit discharge training at the WPCOG offices. Mike Randall, with the Stormwater Permitting Program with NC DEMLR making a presentation to the WRC on Sustainable Stormwater. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 School Outreach On August 4th and 5th the Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments hosted their Annual Western North Carolina Air and Water Quality Conferences at Lenoir -Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments organizes these unique conferences and Lenoir -Rhyne University provides lunch and facilities. The first Unifour Air Quality Conference was held in 2007, and it has been an annual event ever since. The purpose of the conference is to educate the public, government officials and the private sector on current air quality issues important to the Unifour region and beyond. In 2013 the name of the Conference was changed from the "Unifour Air Quality Conference" to the "Western North Carolina Air Quality Conference." This year's conference was held on Friday, August 51h and had 57 attendees. The 1 st Annual Western North Carolina Water Quality Conference was held Thursday, July 31, 2014 for an audience of over 100 attendees. The purpose of the conference was to promote awareness and the exchange of ideas regarding current water quality issues in the region and provide technical expertise to practitioners who have a stake in water quality. The conference was modeled after the successful Air Quality Conference. This year's conference was held on Thursday, August 5th and had 60 attendees. Both conferences are a day -long event and include a plenary session, luncheon speaker, six breakout sessions, as well as a teacher's track. This year's plenary sessions included speakers from the Southern Environmental Law Center_ For the past three years, conference organizers have offered a "teacher only track" which introduces a new target audience and helps ensure continuing, sustainable positive air quality benefits as the teachers incorporate air quality lessons into their curriculums. Environmental Literacy Credit was offered to attending teachers. Stormwater outreach and education is the primary reason for holding the Western NC Water Quality Conference. Other sponsors of the conferences include the Greater Hickory MPO, The Western Piedmont Water Resources Committee, and the Western Piedmont Stormwater Partnership. A summary of this year's conference is included. Although the conference took place in August, much of the planning and preparation for the conference took place during the June 2015 to July 2016-time period. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 3' Annual Western North Carolina J,� Water Quality Conference Location: Belk Centrum Lenoir -Rhyne University 625 7th Ave NE I Hickory, NC 28601 Date- August 4. 20161 'Rine: 9:30 A.ML - 3:30 P.M. ! Registration Fee- None Register online tzi wx,w.wpcog.org F.ducators are encouraged to attend the Annual Western North Carolina Water (2uality Conference. This year's plenary speaker is Joel Hansel with the US Environmental Prowtion Agency. Reese Institute has donated lunch and conference facilities Registration begins at & 34 A.M and a free con Linen tal breakfast will beserved. Conference registration is free. finr-ironmenLai Lueracy' Continuing 1:ducatnon credits for teachers mill be available. Online registration is now available at www.wpco&or& or register directly here_ Breakout Sessions will feature environmental educators from multiple organizations; including governmental. education institutions. and polic)' makers NC Di,iswn of Air Ouatiry - Au Awareness Reese Institute for the Conversation of Natural Rrsourom Lenoir -Rhyne U nne rsity Western Piedmont Council ofC*vvrnmrnts CONOVER STORMWATER ,ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Joel Hasel, Environmental Scientist with EPA making the plenary presentation at the conference. Mitch Woodward, with NCSU Cooperative Extension making a presentation on Environmental Landscaping. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Sarah Waickowski, Stormwater Engineer with NCSU Cooperative Extension making a presentation on Gross Solids Research. Multiple: presenters made presentations to teachers during the teacher tract at the conicrciicc, including NC Science House, Soil and Water representatives, and STEM specialists. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 School Collaborations On May 21, 2016 a day long Project WET training was held at the WPCOG Offices for Teachers. The workshop was free and Teachers received credit and certificates for being there. One of the major focuses for the Stormwater Partnership is to reach teachers so that they can bring the information back to their classrooms. These trainings put a large focus on stormwater, and activities used relate directly back to how water quality is affected by our actions. Lisa Wear, STEM Specialist with E-STEM presenting a Project WET activity to teachers. On July 26`h WPCOG Staff also aided STEM West with a week-long workshop that included a presentation on Water Quality and Stormwater, and a poster contest, where the teachers worked to create posters with Stormwater messaging. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 STEM On Friday, March 11 th, 2016 the WPCOG hosted over eighty STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students at our offices. The students were from Maiden Middle School and were part of the Education Matters Extreme STEM Tour. Students learned about planning, transportation, mapping, and air and water quality and how these inform their career choices. Stations for each subject were located throughout the COG offices so that students could move between stations. Each station highlighted the different jobs that people did and training required for those jobs. The environmental planning station explained water and air quality planning, and time was taken out to explain the relationship between stormwater and water quality. Although the tour does include other aspects of what the WPCOG does, the tour is scheduled by WPCOG Staff every year to specifically get stormwater messaging to the students. John Wear and Taylor Dellinger with the WPCOG presenting regional environmental issues to students during the annual STEM Tour at the WPCOG offices. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Special Events Hickory Earth Day/Arbor Day. This year's event was held on Saturday April 23'd at the SALT Block. WPCOG Staff attended and hosted a stormwater display/booth. Staff used a game and prizes to attract children and their parents to the booth. Staff takes this opportunity to teach kids and parents about Stormwater. This is an established event and includes many community partners. Elinor Hiltz with the WPCOG teaching children and parents about stormwater issues during an Earth Day event in Hickory. The WPCOG has two EnviroScape models that can be used at events and in the classroom. In the past teachers have been instructed on how to use it. A local adult volunteer, Caroline Martin, has been trained and equipped to be a guest in elementary classrooms. Carol attends Riverfest and Earth Day/Arbor Day every year. She also conducts presentations for Hickory Day School and Snow Creek Elementary annually. CONOVER STORMWATE11 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 7' 04 V IN Caroline Martin shows children how pollution can effect water quality using an enviroscape provided by the WPCOG during an Earth Day event in Hickory. Online Presence Website. A website has been developed for the WPCOG, htip://www.ncop,.or . A direct URL to the Stormwater section is available: http://www.neoiz.org/stormwater-partnership?SEC=%7B46D2278E-7CCA-4AF4- 8332-25D8C7BFEB02%7D&TyUe=B BASIC Stormwater Partners will maintain stormwater content on their local government sites, but can link to WPCOG. FUTURE PLANS FOR THE STORMWATER PARTNERSHIP Mission: Continue to grow and improve the current program. Goal 1) Continue to focus on schools with regards to water resource education. Goal 2) Improve the stormwater website. Goal 3) Continue to hold a successful Western NC Water Quality Conference. Goal 4) Continue to develop new ways to reach the public. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION The City of Conover realizes the importance of public involvement in the overall success of the Stormwater Management Plan. A citizen's Stormwater Advisory Board has been established to hear items related to stormwater, provide a public contact and venue for stormwater issues, and offer recommendations to the City Council. A public meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board was held on January 19, 2016. The annual report was presented to the board. SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION The City of Conover continues to employ an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. The program is organized by the Stormwater Administrator and makes use of city staff that is in the field on a daily basis. This includes street department staff, grounds department staff, water and wastewater department staff, and other public works employees. Based on the NC Model produced by the Institute of Government and adopted by the Conover City Council in 2007, the Phase lI Stormwater Ordinance, Article VII created legal authority to prohibit illicit discharges and connections. A storm sewer system database has been developed by city staff. Using a geographic information system, the City has mapped drainage areas, pipes, vegetative conveyances, curb and curb inlets, catch basins and outfalls. An illicit discharge reporting mechanism has been established through contact numbers and names provided on city brochures. City field staff that is likely to encounter illicit discharges have been trained in the detection of them and instructed to call the Stormwater Administrator in the event that such a discharge is suspected or detected. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SECTION E. CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The City of Conover has entered into an inter -local agreement with Catawba County whereby the County reviews and manages all sediment and erosion control plans for projects 1 acre or greater. The City has taken initiative and created a process whereby projects of less than one acre are required to agree to conditions outlined in a sedimentation and erosion control application. These sites are monitored by City staff as construction takes place to ensure that sediment is not leaving the site. Plans for any project are not approved and permits are not issued until authorized by Catawba County or the City of Conover as the size of the project dictates. SECTION F: POST CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The Phase 1I Stormwater Ordinance adopted by the Conover City Council on May 71h, 2007, and based on the model ordinance produced by the UNC School of Government, contains provisions to implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment as required by NPDES Permit NCS000431. This ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs. In addition, it requires that annual inspections of these BMPs be performed by a qualified professional and submitted for review. As more BMPs are installed, the City realizes the need for properly trained personnel to inspect them. With this in mind, two members of Conover City Staff are designated as Certified Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Professionals through the NCSU Cooperative Extension. Catawba County, through their Environmental Health Department, reviews and permits on -site septic systems for domestic wastewater for Conover and other municipalities in the county. City staff has open communication with the County concerning issues with on -site septic system. The City has purchased signs and animal waste removal stations that provide citizens bags to pick up pet waste and a means of disposal. Brochures produced by the City, that address pet owners' responsibilities concerning pet waste have been distributed to local veterinarian offices, the local library, and during National Night Out. In addition, the local cable television government channel was utilized to remind pet owners that fecal coli form is a pollutant and encourage them to clean up after their animals. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SECTION G: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS The City has developed an operation and maintenance program that is on file with the Conover Public Works Department. This program establishes best management practices for city operations and requires the implementation of these standards. The City of Conover Public Works Facility utilizes the covered storage of vehicles to capacity. Bulk storage areas for salt and sand are covered to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. The City has a successful recycling program and makes use of a street cleaner/sweeper to clean city streets between rain events. Litter pickups are conducted in conjunction with rights -of -way mowing and reduce the amount of trash and floatables conveyed to the MS4. Leaf vacuum is utilized in the fall. The City has installed a stormwater wetland at the Conover City Park that not only treats the park and Conover Station site area, but also treats a large portion of the downtown area that was never treated before. City Staff continues to maintain a stormwater rain garden located at City Hall and has produced a brochure "Build Your Own Rain Garden" for use by citizens. The rain garden has proven to be an excellent opportunity for the City to retrofit an existing facility with a BMP and educate the public at the same time. Training was conducted for public works personnel in best management practices, good housekeeping, spill prevention, and clean up procedures. UPCOMING YEAR The City will continue public education and outreach through the Conover Neighbor, National Night Out, Catawba Riverfest and the local government channel on Charter Communications cable television as well as other opportunities that avail themselves. The City has also contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide public education and outreach for the upcoming year. r City of Conover Planning Department September 25, 2009 NCDENR Division of Water Quality Stormwater Permitting Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Re: NPDES Permit No. NCS000431 To Whom It May Concern: Please find enclosed two copies of the 2009 Stormwater Annual Report for the City of Conover NPDES permit number NCS000431. I certify, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations. Sincerely, Donald Du can, Jr. Conover City Manager Enclosure: City of Conover Stormwater Annual Report [Petit Offi« I3ux 541) 1 Co nov r, North Carolina 1 28613 1 voice' dd (828) 464-1 191 1 Fax (828) 46-5177] rA SECTION B: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH In the fourth year of the City of Conover's Phase II NPDES permit, the City has continued to build upon our already successful public education and outreach program. Articles that included tips citizens can use to protect water quality and stress the importance of how each person can make a difference were published in the Conover Neighbor and distributed to all utility customers of Conover (5000+). Locally produced brochures and informational materials, as well as EPA materials have been placed in the local library, city hall and local veterinary offices. These materials, along with larger stormwater displays were presented to the citizenry at our annual "National Night Out" event (1,000 estimated attendance), Catawba Riverfest (800 estimated attendance), Earth/Arbor Day (600 estimated attendance), and the Conover Farmer's Market (attendance unknown). The City continues to partner with Rain Barrel USA to offer rain barrels to citizens at wholesale cost in an effort to raise stormwater and water conservation awareness. Over 80 barrels have been sold to date. In coordination with other local municipalities, the City held a workshop April 23, 2009 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center to help persons involved in the land development process better understand the submittals and approvals required by the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance. It was attended by approximately thirty local builders, developers, architects, engineers, and surveyors An educational poster provided by the EPA entitled "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" was placed in City Hall in the planning department for viewing by developers and contractors when they obtain permits to encourage best management practices at their construction sites. A power point presentation on stormwater was presented to the advisory board and citizenry following a public invitation. The local cable TV government channel was also utilized to reach citizens. The City began a phased industry specific public education and outreach on best stormwater management practices. The program has begun with area restaurants and then will target area automotive service centers and garages. The City has incorporated into our new web site a stormwater page that includes FAQ, pollution prevention tips, and stormwater related links as required in permit year four. SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION The City of Conover realizes the importance of public involvement in the overall success of the Stormwater Management Plan. A citizen's Stormwater Advisory Board has been established to hear items related to stormwater, provide a public contact and venue for stormwater issues, and offer recommendations to the City Council. A public meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board was held on November 18, 2008. A power point presentation on the permit requirements and the city's compliance efforts was presented. The meeting included public discussion on existing municipal stormwater services along with potential needs and desires for future stormwater services. This meeting provided an excellent opportunity for elected officials and City staff to interact with and involve citizens in the development of the City's stormwater program action plan. SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION The City of Conover continues to employ an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. The program is organized by the Stormwater Administrator and makes use of city staff that is in the field on a daily basis. This includes street department staff, grounds department staff, water and wastewater department staff, and other public works employees. Based on the NC Model produced by the Institute of Government and adopted by the Conover City Council in 2007, the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance, Article VII created legal authority to prohibit illicit discharges and connections. A storm sewer system base map continues to be developed by city staff. Using a geographic information system, the City is mapping drainage areas, pipes, vegetative conveyances, curb and curb inlets, catch basins, outfalls and streams. Work continues on this mapping project and it is approximately 60-65% complete at this time. An illicit discharge reporting mechanism has been established through contact numbers and names provided on city brochures. City field staff that is likely to encounter illicit discharges have been trained in the detection of them and instructed to call the Stormwater Administrator in the event that such a discharge is suspected or detected. Illicit discharge detection training conducted by NCSU was attended by fifteen public works personnel. This training was targeted at city employees who are outdoors and in close proximity to storm drainage in performance of their daily duties. SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The City of Conover has entered into an inter -local agreement with Catawba County whereby the County reviews and manages all sediment and erosion control plans for projects 1 acre or greater. The City has taken initiative and created a process whereby projects of less than one acre are required to agree to conditions outlined in a sedimentation and erosion control application. These sites are monitored by City staff as construction takes place to ensure that sediment is not leaving the site. Plans for any project are not approved and permits are not issued until authorized by Catawba County or the City of Conover as the size of the project dictates. SECTION F; POST CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The Phase II Stormwater Ordinance adopted by the Conover City Council on May 7t', 2007, and based on the model ordinance produced by the UNC School of Government, contains provisions to implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment as required by NPDES Permit NCS000431. This ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs. In addition, it requires that annual inspections of these BMPs be performed by a qualified professional and submitted for review. As more BMPs are installed, the City realizes the need for properly trained personnel to inspect them. With this in mind, three members of Conover City Staff are designated as Certified Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Professionals through the NCSU Cooperative Extension. Catawba County, through their Environmental Health Department, reviews and permits on -site septic systems for domestic wastewater for Conover and other municipalities in the county. City staff has open communication with the County concerning issues with on -site septic system. The City has purchased signs and animal waste removal stations that provide citizens bags to pick up pet waste and a means of disposal. Brochures, produced by the City, that address pet owners' responsibilities concerning pet waste have been distributed to local veterinarian offices, the local library, and during National Night Out. In addition, the local cable television government channel was utilized to remind pet owners that fecal coli form is a pollutant and encourage them to clean up after their animals. SECTION G: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS The City has developed an operation and maintenance program that is on file with the Conover Public Works Department. This program establishes best management practices for city operations and requires the implementation of these standards. The City of Conover Public Works Facility utilizes the covered storage of vehicles to capacity. Bulk storage areas for salt and sand are covered to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. The City has a successful recycling program and makes use of a street cleaner/sweeper to clean city streets between rain events. Litter pickups are conducted in conjunction with rights -of -way mowing and reduce the amount of trash and floatables conveyed to the MS4. City Staff continues to maintain a stormwater rain garden located at City Hall and has produced a brochure "Build Your Own Rain Garden" for use by citizens. The rain garden has proven to be an excellent opportunity for the City to retrofit an existing facility with a BMP and educate the public at the same time. The illicit discharge detection training conducted by NCSU also included a segment on good house keeping practices. The City currently has only one employee authorized to supervise the use of pesticides and herbicides. This guarantees that a trained individual ensures proper quantities and application techniques are used, thereby reducing residual runoff. UPCOMING YEAR During the coming year City staff will continue to map the storm sewer base map, and anticipates 100% completion by next year. The City will continue public education and outreach through the Conover Neighbor, National Night Out, Catawba Riverfest and the local government channel on Charter Communications cable television as well as other opportunities that avail themselves. More brochures and educational materials will be created and distributed with illegal discharge detection and elimination as a priority. The City continues to study the possibility of sharing the cost of radio and television stormwater outreach with other local governments. This effort is being coordinated by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and a local Stormwater Working Group, of which Conover is a member. This year, the City of Conover will also continue to work on the newly developed web page to incorporate additional links and features, as well as Phase Il forms and submittal documents for builders and developers. SECTION B: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH In the fourth year of the City of Conover's Phase II NPDES permit, the City has continued to build upon our already successful public education and outreach program. Articles that included tips citizens can use to protect water quality and stress the importance of how each person can make a difference were published in the Conover Neighbor and distributed to all utility customers of Conover (5000+). Locally produced brochures and informational materials, as well as EPA materials have been placed in the local library, city hall and local veterinary offices. These materials, along with larger stormwater displays were presented to the citizenry at our annual "National Night Out" event (1,000 estimated attendance), Catawba Riverfest (800 estimated attendance), Earth/Arbor Day (600 estimated attendance), and the Conover Farmer's Market (attendance unknown). The City continues to partner with Rain Barrel USA to offer rain barrels to citizens at wholesale cost in an effort to raise stormwater and water conservation awareness. Over 80 barrels have been sold to date. In coordination with other local municipalities, the City held a workshop April 23, 2009 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center to help persons involved in the land development process better understand the submittals and approvals required by the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance. It was attended by approximately thirty local builders, developers, architects, engineers, and surveyors An educational poster provided by the EPA entitled "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" was placed in City Hall in the planning department for viewing by developers and contractors when they obtain permits to encourage best management practices at their construction sites. A power point presentation on stormwater was presented to the advisory board and citizenry following a public invitation. The local cable TV government channel was also utilized to reach citizens. The City began a phased industry specific public education and outreach on best stormwater management practices. The program has begun with area restaurants and then will target area automotive service centers and garages. The City has incorporated into our new web site a stormwater page that includes FAQ, pollution prevention tips, and stormwater related links as required in permit year four. SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION The City of Conover realizes the importance of public involvement in the overall success of the Stormwater Management Plan. A citizen's Stormwater Advisory Board has been established to hear items related to stormwater, provide a public contact and venue for stormwater issues, and offer recommendations to the City Council. A public meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board was held on November 18, 2008. A power point presentation on the permit requirements and the city's compliance efforts was presented. The meeting included public discussion on existing municipal stormwater services along with potential needs and desires for future stormwater services. This meeting provided an excellent opportunity for elected officials and City staff to interact with and involve citizens in the development of the City's stormwater program action plan. SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION The City of Conover continues to employ an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. The program is organized by the Stormwater Administrator and makes use of city staff that is in the field on a daily basis. This includes street department staff, grounds department staff, water and wastewater department staff, and other public works employees. Based on the NC Model produced by the Institute of Government and adopted by the Conover City Council in 2007, the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance, Article VII created legal authority to prohibit illicit discharges and connections. A storm sewer system base map continues to be developed by city staff. Using a geographic information system, the City is mapping drainage areas, pipes, vegetative conveyances, curb and curb inlets, catch basins, outfalls and streams. Work continues on this mapping project and it is approximately 60-65% complete at this time. An illicit discharge reporting mechanism has been established through contact numbers and names provided on city brochures. City field staff that is likely to encounter illicit discharges have been trained in the detection of them and instructed to call the Stormwater Administrator in the event that such a discharge is suspected or detected. Illicit discharge detection training conducted by NCSU was attended by fifteen public works personnel. This training was targeted at city employees who are outdoors and in close proximity to storm drainage in performance of their daily duties. SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The City of Conover has entered into an inter -local agreement with Catawba County whereby the County reviews and manages all sediment and erosion control plans for projects 1 acre or greater. The City has taken initiative and created a process whereby projects of less than one acre are required to agree to conditions outlined in a sedimentation and erosion control application. These sites are monitored by City staff as construction takes place to ensure that sediment is not leaving the site. Plans for any project are not approved and permits are not issued until authorized by Catawba County or the City of Conover as the size of the project dictates. SECTION F: POST CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The Phase 11 Stormwater Ordinance adopted by the Conover City Council on May 71", 2007, and based on the model ordinance produced by the UNC School of Government, contains provisions to implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment as required by NPDES Permit NCS000431. This ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs. In addition, it requires that annual inspections of these BMPs be performed by a qualified professional and submitted for review. As more BMPs are installed, the City realizes the need for properly trained personnel to inspect them. With this in mind, three members of Conover City Staff are designated as Certified Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Professionals through the NCSU Cooperative Extension, Catawba County, through their Environmental Health Department, reviews and permits on -site septic systems for domestic wastewater for Conover and other municipalities in the county. City staff has open communication with the County concerning issues with on -site septic system. The City has purchased signs and animal waste removal stations that provide citizens bags to pick up pet waste and a means of disposal. Brochures, produced by the City, that address pet owners' responsibilities concerning pet waste have been distributed to local veterinarian offices, the local library, and during National Night Out. In addition, the local cable television government channel was utilized to remind pet owners that fecal coli form is a pollutant and encourage them to clean up after their animals. SECTION G: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS The City has developed an operation and maintenance program that is on file with the Conover Public Works Department. This program establishes best management practices for city operations and requires the implementation of these standards. The City of Conover Public Works Facility utilizes the covered storage of vehicles to capacity. Bulk storage areas for salt and sand are covered to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. The City has a successful recycling program and makes use of a street cleaner/sweeper to clean city streets between rain events. Litter pickups are conducted in conjunction with rights -of -way mowing and reduce the amount of trash and floatables conveyed to the MS4. City Staff continues to maintain a stormwater rain garden located at City Hall and has produced a brochure "Build Your Own Rain Garden" for use by citizens. The rain garden has proven to be an excellent opportunity for the City to retrofit an existing facility with a BMP and educate the public at the same time. The illicit discharge detection training conducted by NCSU also included a segment on good house keeping practices. The City currently has only one employee authorized to supervise the use of pesticides and herbicides. This guarantees that a trained individual ensures proper quantities and application techniques are used, thereby reducing residual runoff. UPCOMING YEAR During the coming year City staff will continue to map the storm sewer base map, and anticipates 100% completion by next year. The City will continue public education and outreach through the Conover Neighbor, National Night Out, Catawba Riverfest and the local government channel on Charter Communications cable television as well as other opportunities that avail themselves. More brochures and educational materials will be created and distributed with illegal discharge detection and elimination as a priority. The City continues to study the possibility of sharing the cost of radio and television stormwater outreach with other local governments. This effort is being coordinated by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments and a local Stormwater Working Group, of which Conover is a member. This year, the City of Conover will also continue to work on the newly developed web page to incorporate additional links and features, as well as Phase II forms and submittal documents for builders and developers. CONOVER STORMWA'rER ANNUAL RCPOR'r 201.4 SECTION B: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH In the third year of the City of Conover's Phase II NPDES permit, the City has continued to build upon our already successful public education and outreach program. Locally produced brochures and informational materials, as well as EPA materials have been placed in the local library, city hall and local veterinary offices. These materials, along with larger stormwater displays were presented to the citizenry at our annual "National Night Out" event, Catawba Riverfest, and Earth/Arbor Day. In coordination with other local municipalities, the City has developed an Administrative Manual for the implementation of Phase lI requirements. The manual is a collective effort of the Stormwater Working Group with the intent to ensure similar procedures for phase II development requirements among local municipalities and therefore make it easier for developers to understand. An educational workshop was held for area engineers, builders, and developers concerning this manual and requirements. An educational poster provided by the EPA entitled "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" was placed in City Hall in the planning department for viewing by developers and contractors when they obtain permits to encourage best management practices at their construction sites. The local cable TV government channel was also utilized to reach citizens. Two stand-up educational banners are alternately displayed at City Hall for viewing by utility customers and citizens. The City has incorporated into our web site a stormwater page that includes FAQ, pollution prevention tips, and stormwater related links. The City has contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide additional public education and outreach as follows: Target Audiences • General Public • Decision Makers • Teachers • Students • Planners Education and Outreach Program Elements • Special Events • Presentations/Workshops • School Outreach • Online Presence Future Plans CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 The following section elaborates on Western Piedmont Stormwater Partnership Activities during this past 12 months. ACTIVITIES Special Events Catawba RiverFest. Riverfest is held annually on the 3'd Saturday in September. This year it was held on September 21 ". WPCOG Staff attends this event ever year and provides a booth with materials aimed at stormwater education. The event had around 300 visitors from a wide geographical area. soil Pnk �r ,i4A4e or-- 7-1- CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 At the Catawba County Event in Hickory, members of the SW Partnership regularly assist with event planning and host a stormwater display/booth. This is an established event and includes many community partners. This year, the event was held on April 26`h at the SALT BIock and had over 1,300 attendees. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Presentations/Workshops The Western Piedmont Water Resources Committee meets four to six times per year and stormwater information is presented at each meeting and is often a significant part of each program. Outside experts regularly present, and there is time for dialog. Decision makers and other stakeholder are represented and the general public is invited. Average attendance is twenty-five (25), and meeting locations vary throughout the region to provide for accessibility. School Outreach Teacher Trainings, including CEUs for teaching staff. This year we continued utilizing the teacher track at the Seventh Annual Western NC Air Quality Conference coordinated by the WPCOG in conjunction with the Lenoir - Rhyne University Reese Institute as part of the education and outreach effort of the Unifour Air Quality Committee. The Conference was held at Lenoir -Rhyne University on June 14, 2013. We provided the opportunity to introduce stormwater management concepts in the teachers track and build relationships with local teachers, curriculum coordinators and other environmental -education -support organizations at local, state and federal levels. The presentation was entitled "Other than Air — Persistent and Local — Environmental Issues for both Councils and Classrooms to Consider," and focused on stormwater education in the classroom. In class follow-up and workshops will result from the time spent in organizing this successful event. Due to the positive feedback we received we are planning on including a teacher track for the foreseeable future. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL. REPORT 2014 On July 31512014, The Western Piedmont Council of Governments will hold the Ist Annual Western NC Water Quality Conference in conjunction with the Reese Institute for the Conservation of Natural Resources. The conference will be similar to the Air Quality Conference, but will focus exclusively on water quality. Stormwater is a huge focus for this conference, and is one of the main reasons for putting it on. The conference will focus on local officials, planners, and members of the public. It will also have special teacher's sessions, where teachers can learn about class room activities that they can take back to their students. While the conference takes place just after the fiscal year, much of the work involved in organizing and advertising the conference took place this year. On June 201h, Natural Resources Administrator for the WPCOG, Johnny Wear, appeared on WHKX News at 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM to talk about the conference and what the public can do to prevent stormwater pollution. The segment was done in conjunction with Catawba County Public Health. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 School Collaborations. Similar to last year, WPCOG staff helped to set up special school assemblies and science class multimedia presentations with the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE). We coordinated with ACE to include a presentation on local environmental issues as part of school wide assemblies. The presentations included: o St. Stephens High School on October 26`h for about 315 students. o Freedom High School on November I" for about 215 students. a Hickory High School on December P for about 394 students. When students were asked at the beginning of the stormwater presentation where they thought stormwater went, the answer was always the sewer or wastewater treatment plants. This was interesting because it shows that the largest problem we face with regards to stormwater education is the perception that what goes into the storm drain gets treated. In addition, school environmental clubs where engaged, or formed, if none existed previously. We hope to continue building these relationships with educators in our ongoing efforts. CsONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 STEM. On February 27th, 2013 the WPCOG hosted eighty STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students at our offices. Students from Jacob°s Fork Middle School learned about Planning, Transportation, Mapping, and air and water quality and how these inform their career choices. Students were greeted and given an overview. They were then separated into three separate groups and rotated between stations. The environmental planning station explained water and air quality planning, and time was taken out to explain the relationship between stormwater and water quality. CONOVER gTORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Hickory High School. Outdoor events, like Earth Day and Riverfest, require that we have something to attract visitors to our booth. This year we have been using cornhole boards to attract kids. The game allows people to answer the question of where stormwater goes. The two cornhole boards are painted to represent a stream or a sewer. The visitor is awarded a prize for participating, and WPCOG staff uses the opportunity to inform the parents or older children about stormwater. The cornhole boards were painted by Hickory City Schools Green Club. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Hands-on Interactive Displays. (EnviroScape model). The WPCOG has two EnviroScape models that can be used at events and in the classroom. In the past teachers have been instructed on how to use it. A local adult volunteer, Caroline Martin, has been trained and equipped to be a guest in elementary classrooms. Carol attends Riverfest and Earth Day/Arbor Day every year. She also conducts presentations for Hickory Day School and Snow Creek Elementary annually. Online Presence Website. A website has been developed for the WPCOG, littp://www.Mcog.or . Stormwater Partners will maintain stormwater content on their local government sites, but can link to WPCOG. The goal for the next year is to improve our stormwater website. FUTURE PLANS FOR THE STORMWATER PARTNERSHIP Mission: Continue to grow and improve the current program. Goal 1) Encourage other communities in the region to be participants in the partnership. Goal 2) Continue to focus on schools with regards to water resource education. Goal 3) Improve the stormwater website. Goal 4) Conduct a successful Western NC Water Quality Conference. Goal S) Continue to develop new ways to reach the public. CONOVER .STORMWA'FER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION The City of Conover realizes the importance of public involvement in the overall success of the Stormwater Management Plan. A citizen's Stormwater Advisory Board has been established to hear items related to stormwater, provide a public contact and venue for stormwater issues, and offer recommendations to the City Council. A public meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board was held on October 15th, 2013. The annual report was presented to the board. SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION The City of Conover continues to employ an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. The program is organized by the Stormwater Administrator and makes use of city staff that is in the field on a daily basis. This includes street department staff, grounds department staff, water and wastewater department staff, and other public works employees. Based on the NC Model produced by the Institute of Government and adopted by the Conover City Council in 2007, the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance, Article VII created legal authority to prohibit illicit discharges and connections. A storm sewer system database has been developed by city staff. Using a geographic information system, the City has mapped drainage areas, pipes, vegetative conveyances, curb and curb inlets, catch basins and outfalls. An illicit discharge reporting mechanism has been established through contact numbers and names provided on city brochures. City field staff that is likely to encounter illicit discharges have been trained in the detection of them and instructed to call the Stormwater Administrator in the event that such a discharge is suspected or detected. SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The City of Conover has entered into an inter -local agreement with Catawba County whereby the County reviews and manages all sediment and erosion control plans for projects 1 acre or greater. The City has taken initiative and created a process whereby projects of less than one acre are required to agree to conditions outlined in a sedimentation and erosion control application. These sites are monitored by City staff as construction takes place to ensure that sediment is not leaving the site. Plans for any project are not approved and permits are not issued until authorized by Catawba County or the City of Conover as the size of the project dictates. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2014 SECTION F: POST CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The Phase II Stormwater Ordinance adopted by the Conover City Council on May 7"i, 2007, and based on the model ordinance produced by the UNC School of Government, contains provisions to implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment as required by NPDES Permit NCS000431. This ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs. In addition, it requires that annual inspections of these BMPs be performed by a qualified professional and submitted for review. As more BMPs are installed, the City realizes the need for properly trained personnel to inspect them. With this in mind, two members of Conover City Staff are designated as Certified Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Professionals through the NCSU Cooperative Extension. Catawba County, through their Environmental Health Department, reviews and permits on -site septic systems for domestic wastewater for Conover and other municipalities in the county. City staff has open communication with the County concerning issues with on -site septic system. The City has purchased signs and animal waste removal stations that provide citizens bags to pick up pet waste and a means of disposal. Brochures produced by the City, that address pet owners' responsibilities concerning pet waste have been distributed to Iocal veterinarian offices, the local library, and during National Night Out. In addition, the local cable television government channel was utilized to remind pet owners that fecal soli form is a pollutant and encourage them to clean up after their animals. SECTION G: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS The City has developed an operation and maintenance program that is on file with the Conover Public Works Department. This program establishes best management practices for city operations and requires the implementation of these standards. The City of Conover Public Works Facility utilizes the covered storage of vehicles to capacity. Bulk storage areas for salt and sand are covered to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. The City has a successful recycling program and makes use of a street cleaner/sweeper to clean city streets between rain events. Litter pickups are conducted in conjunction with rights -of -way mowing and reduce the amount of trash and floatables conveyed to the MS4. The City has installed a stormwater wetland at the new Conover City Park that not only treats the park and Conover Station site area, but also treats a large portion of the downtown area that was never treated before. CONOVER STORMWATI�,R ANNUAL REPORT 2014 City Staff continues to maintain a stormwater rain garden located at City Hall and has produced a brochure "Build Your Own Rain Garden" for use by citizens. The rain garden has proven to be an excellent opportunity for the City to retrofit an existing facility with a BMP and educate the public at the same time. Training was conducted for public works personnel in best management practices, good housekeeping, spill prevention, and clean up procedures. UPCOMING YEAR The City will continue public education and outreach through the Conover Neighbor, National Night Out, Catawba Riverfest and the local government channel on Charter Communications cable television as well as other opportunities that avail themselves. The City has also contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide public education and outreach for the upcoming year. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 SECTION 13: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH In the second year of the City of Conover's Phase I1 NPDES permit, the City has continued to build upon our already successful public education and outreach program. Focally produced brochures and informational materials, as well as EPA materials have been placed in the local library, city hall and local veterinary offices. These materials, along with larger stormwater displays were presented to the citizenry at our annual "National Night Out" event, Catawba Riverfest, Earth/Arbor Day, and the Conover Farmer's Market. The City continues to partner with Rain Barrel USA to offer rain barrels to citizens at wholesale cost in an effort to raise storm water and water conservation awareness. In coordination with other local municipalities, the City has developed an Administrative Manual for the implementation of Phase II requirements. The manual is a collective effort of the Stormwater Working; Group with the intent to ensure similar procedures for phase II development requirements among local municipalities and therefore make it easier for developers to understand. An educational workshop was held for area engineers, builders, and developers concerning this manual and requirements. An educational poster provided by the EPA entitled "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" was placed in City Hall in the planning department for viewing by developers and contractors when they obtain permits to encourage best management practices at their construction sites. The local cable TV government channel was also utilized to reach citizens. Two stand up educational banners are alternately displayed at City Hall for viewing by utility customers and citizens. The City has incorporated into our new web site a stormwater page that includes FAQ, pollution prevention tips, and stormwater related links. The City has contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide additional public education and outreach as follows: CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Targeted/Priority Stormwater Pollutants: + Nutrients (Nitrogen l Phosphorus) • Sediment • Litter • Bacteria Sources of Pollutants (Assumed): • Nutrients (Nitrogen /Phosphorus) Land Disturbing Activities; Waste Water Treatment; Pet Waste and Landscape Maintenance Practices • Sediment Land Disturbing Activities • Litter Roadside Trash • Bacteria Failing Residential Septic Systeins and Illicit Discharge Porn Sanilar}, SGivers Target Audiences General Public • Decision Makers Education and Outreach Program Elements • School Outreach • Online Presence • Special Events • Displays • Print Material • 11'resentations/Workshops • Articles/Newsletters ACTIVITIES School Outreach Teacher Trainings, including CEUs for teaching staff. This year we continued utilizing the teacher track at the Seventh Annual Western NC Air Quality Conference coordinated by the WPCOG in conjunction with the Lenoir - Rhyne University Reese Institute as part of the education and outreach effort of the Unifour Air Quality Committee. The Conference was held at Lenoir -Rhyne University on .tune 14, 2013. We provided the opportunity to introduce stormwater management concepts in the teachers track and build relationships with local teachers, curriculum coordinators and other environmental -education -support organizations at CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 local, state and federal levels. The presentation was entitled "Other than Air — Persistent and Local — Environmental Issues for both Councils and Classrooms to Consider," and focused on stormwater education in the classroom. In class follow-up and workshops will result from the time spent in organizing this successful event. Due to the positive feedback we received we are planning on including a teacher track for the foreseeable future. Project WET and it's Our Water. A Project WET teacher training was held on March 22"d, 2013. Fifteen teachers signed up for the trainings and the resources to incorporate stormwater lessons with their students over the coming years. Stormwater Partnership funds were used to pay for subs so that the teachers could attend. School Collaborations. Similar to last year, WPCOG staff helped to set up special school assemblies and science class multimedia presentations with the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE). We coordinated with ACE to include a presentation on local environmental issues as part of' school wide assemblies. The presentations included: o Hickory Magnet School on February 19"' for about 100 students. o Hickory High School on February 20"' for about 500 students. o R.L. Patton High School on February 26"' for about 500 students. When students were asked at the beginning of the stormwater presentation where they thought stormwater went, the answer was always the sewer or wastewater treatment plants. This was interesting because it shows that the largest problem we face with regards to stormwater education is the perception that what goes into the storm drain gets treated. In addition, school environmental clubs where engaged, or formed, if none existed previously. Students from the newly created environmental club helped us at Catawba County Earth Day in Hickory. We hope to continue building these relationships with educators in our ongoing efforts. STEM. On March 14, 2013 the WPCOG hosted STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students at our offices. Students learned about Planning, Transportation, Mapping, and air and water quality and how these inform their career choices. Students were greeted and given an overview. They were then separated into three separate groups and rotated between stations. The environmental planning station explained water and air quality planning, and time was taken out to explain the relationship between stormwater and water quality. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Hands-on Interactive Displays. (I-nviroSeape model). The WPCOG has two EnviroScape models that can be used at events and in the classroom. In the past teachers have been instructed on how to use it. A local adult volunteer, Caroline Martin, has been trained and equipped to be a guest in elementary classrooms. Carol attended Riverfest on September 15, 2012 and Earth Day/Arbor Day on April 22nd. She also conducted presentations for I-lickory Day School in April and Snow Creek Elementary late last fall. Teacher Newsletters. Newsletters were created and provided to all science teachers in middle and high schools within the region in order to promote the WPCOG's environmental outreach programs, and to provide schools information on what the programs can offer in regards to instruction and materials. Online Presence Website. A new website was developed for the WPCOG, http://www.Mcog.orf,,/. Content is still being added to the site. The new site went live in .January 2012. A direct URL to the Stormwater section is available: http://www.wpcog.ory,/index.asp?Type=B_BAS IC&SEC=146D2278E-7CCA-4A1'4- 8332-25D8C7BI'EB02j Stormwater Partners will maintain stormwater content on their local government sites, but can link to WPCOG. Content is planned to be updated and added regularly. Special Events Catawba RiverFest. Riverfest is held annually on the 3,d Saturday in September. This year it was held on September 15«'. WPCOG/SW Partnership staff are part of the event planning committee. WPCOG Staff attends this event ever year and provides a booth with materials aimed at non -point stormwater pollution. The event had around 900 visitors from a wide geographical area. Earthday. Annual festivals and small events are held on/or near the 22nd of April. At the Catawba County Event in Hickory, members of the SW Partnership regularly assist with event planning and host a stormwater display/booth. This is an established event and includes many community partners. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2043 Displays Vinyl Banner Stands. Freestanding banners have been designed and printed for one of our Partners (City of Conover) and used at several events throughout the region. These are excellent for use in the lobbies of government buildings including libraries. These banners have been adapted for all are Partnering Communities. Freestanding frames can be interchanged with other messages. Pick Up after Pet Program. Postcards have been designed and printed for one of our Partnering Communities (City of l-lickory). Print Materials Printed glossy tri-fold brochures are available to Partners on Riparian Buffers, Controlling Sediment and "The Catawba River and You". NCDENR / NCDOT stormwater brochures are also made available to the public. These brochures are distributed at events/workshops and at appropriate local government departments. Informational stormwater bookmarks have been designed and printed for one of our Partnering Communities (City of� Hickory) to be distributed through libraries and schools. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) requested a grant to re- establish regional and state efforts to eliminate straight pipe and failing septic system discharges in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund approved a grant of up to $433,354.06 for this project at its October 10, 2011 meeting. Through this program, educational materials have been developed and used to educate homeowners on proper maintenance of onsite wastewater. PresentationslWorkshops The Western Piedmont Water Resources Committee meets four to six times per year and stormwater information is presented at each meeting and is often a significant part of each program. Outside experts regularly present, and there is time for dialog. Decision makers and other stakeholder are represented and the general public is invited. Average attendance is twenty-five (25), and meeting locations vary throughout the region to provide for accessibility. Similar meetings are held as part of' the Lower Creek Advisory Committee, which focus on watershed plan implementation, with a special emphasis this past year on education and outreach. Stormwater program updates at Mayor and Manager's meetings have also taken place. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Partners have suggested the following audiences/workshops to be facilitated in upcoming years. • General workshops for local developers and builders to better understand latest stormwater regulations and practices. • Promote Carolina Yards and Neighborhoods Program. We have helped successfully promote this program in the past and need to work to have these workshops throughout the region in late winter before growing season. • Clean Water Contractor Training locally. Staff at NCSU have recently updated Division of Land Resources materials and have been contacted. We have requested that we be considered as a location to pilot a new program or be allowed to use materials to host our own workshop. Power Points have been developed and for use with decision makers, community groups and available to be presented by WPCOG staff or Partners at their discretion. A set of master slides is available for adapting to audience needs. Grants/Funding A Source Water Protection planning grant was received from the CWM"I'F for $29,000 The Unifour Septic "Tank Repair Program was funded by CWMTF for $433,354.06. Matching funds include $36,000 from the four partnering counties, as well as in -kind services. Air Awareness Grant $80,000 over three years includes resources for working with schools on environmental education. (The f inding and grants mentioned above indirectly benef 1 the partnership but ii,here not applied for on behalf of the partnership) FUTURE PLANS FOR THE STORMWATER PARTNERSHIP Mission: Continue to grow and improve current program. Goal 1) All Phase II communities in the region will be full participants in the partnership. Goal 2) Dedicate a staff person to focus on schools water resource education. Goal 3) Formalize a quarterly (every thirteen weeks) theme to direct and coordinate a focused stormwater message for that period. Goal 4) Add additional target audiences and programs: • Dog Owners / Pet Waste Pollution • Residential Homeowners 1 Environmentally Friendly Landscape Practices • Graders and Developers / Clear (Clean) Water Contractors Training CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 • Planners / LID — Smart Growth — Ordinance Improvements • Staff / IDDE and Good Housekeeping Training • Restaurants (Food Service Industry) / Best Management Practices • Onsite Wastewater (septic system owners) I Proper Maintenance Goal 5) Develop an enhanced Education and Outreach Plan that considers Iocal resources; local needs; and is consistent with new permit requirements. • Develop model Education and Outreach section for incorporation into local partners Stormwater Management Plans. • Develop model Public Involvement Section for incorporation into local partners Stormwater Management Plans. SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATI The City of Conover realizes the importance of public involvement in the overall success of the Stormwater Management Plan. A citizen's Stormwater Advisory Board has been established to hear items related to stormwater, provide a public contact and venue for stormwater issues, and offer recommendations to the City Council. A public meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board was held on November 20"', 2012. The annual report was presented to the board. SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION The City of Conover continues to employ an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. The program is organized by the Stormwater Administrator and makes use of city staff that is in the (-field on a daily basis. "Phis includes street department staff, grounds department staff, water and wastewater department staff, and other public works employees. Based on the NC Model produced by the Institute of Government and adopted by tine Conover City Council in 2007, the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance, Article VII created legal authority to prohibit illicit discharges and connections. A storm sewer system database has been developed by city staff. Using a geographic information system, the City had mapped drainage areas, pipes, vegetative conveyances, curb and curb inlets, catch basins and outfalls. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 An illicit discharge reporting mechanism has been established through contact numbers and names provided on city brochures. City field staff that is likely to encounter illicit discharges have been trained in the detection of them and instructed to call the Stormwater Administrator in the event that such a discharge is suspected or detected. SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The City of Conover has entered into an inter -local agreement with Catawba County whereby the County reviews and manages all sediment and erosion control plans for projects 1 acre or greater. The City has taken initiative and created a process whereby projects of less than one acre are required to agree to conditions outlined in a sedimentation and erosion control application. These sites are monitored by City staffas construction takes place to ensure that sediment is not leaving the site. Plans for any project are not approved and permits are not issued until authorized by Catawba County or the City of Conover as the size of the project dictates. SECTION F: POST CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The Phase II Stormwater Ordinance adopted by the Conover City Council on May 7`11 , 2007, and based on the model ordinance produced by the UNC School of Government, contains provisions to implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runol'f' From development and redevelopment as required by NPDES Permit NCS000431. This ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs. In addition, it requires that annual inspections of these BMPs be performed by a qualified professional and submitted for review. As more BMPs are installed, the City realizes the need for properly trained personnel to inspect them. With this in mind, two members of Conover City Staff are designated as Certified Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Professionals through the NCSU Cooperative Extension. Catawba County, through their Environmental Health Department, reviews and permits on -site septic systems for domestic wastewater for Conover and other municipalities in the county. City staff has open communication with the County concerning issues with on -site septic system. The City has purchased signs and animal waste removal stations that provide citizens bags to pick up pet waste and a means of disposal. Brochures produced by the City, that address pet owners' responsibilities concerning pet waste have been distributed to local veterinarian offices, the local library, and during National Night Out. In addition, the local cable television government channel was utilized to remind pet owners that fecal coil form is a pollutant and encourage them to clean up after their animals. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2013 SECTION C: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS The City has developed an operation and maintenance program that is on file with the Conover Public Works Department. This program establishes best management practices for city operations and requires the implementation of these standards. The City of Conover Public Works Facility utilizes the covered storage of vehicles to capacity. Bulk storage areas for salt and sand are covered to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. The City has a successful recycling program and makes use of a street cleaner/sweeper to clean city streets between rain events. Litter pickups are conducted in conjunction with rights -of -way mowing and reduce the amount oftrash and floatables conveyed to the MS4. City Staff continues to maintain a stormwater rain garden located at City Hall and has produced a brochure "Build Your Own Rain Garden" for use by citizens. The rain garden has proven to be an excellent opportunity for the City to retrofit all existing facility with a BMP and educate the public at the same time. Training was conducted for public works personnel in best management practices, good housekeeping, spill prevention, and clean up procedures. UPCOMING YEAR The City will continue public education and outreach through the Conover Neighbor, National Night Out, Catawba Riverfest and the local government channel on Charter Communications cable television as well as other opportunities that avail themselves. The City has also contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide public education and outreach for the upcoming year. The City is currently developing a Storm water Management Plan as required by permit in conjunction with several other municipalities who make up the local storm water working group. fie CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 20112 SECTION 13: PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH In the first year of the City of Conover's newly issued Phase 1I NPDES permit, the City has continued to build upon our already successful public education and outreach program. Articles that included tips citizens can use to protect water quality and stress the importance of how each person can make a difference were published in the Conover Neighbor and made available to all Conover citizens. Locally produced brochures and infonnational materials, as well as EPA materials have been placed in the local library, city hall and local veterinary offices. "These materials, along with larger stormwater displays were presented to the citizenry at our annual "National Night Out" event ,Catawba Riverfest, Earth/Arbor Day, and the Conover Farmer's Market. The City continues to partner with Rain Barrel USA to offer rain barrels to citizens at wholesale cost in an effort to raise storm water and water conservation awareness. In coordination with other local municipalities, the City has developed an Administrative Manual for the implementation of- Phase 11 requirements. The manual is a collective effort of the Stormwater Working Group with the intent to ensure similar procedures for phase II development requirements among local municipalities and therefore make it easier for developers to understand. An educational workshop was held for area engineers, builders, and developers concerning this manual and requirements. An educational poster provided by the EPA entitled "Stormwater and the Construction Industry" was placed in City Mall in the planning department for viewing by developers and contractors when they obtain permits to encourage best management practices at their construction sites. A power point presentation on stormwater was presented to the advisory board and citizenry following a public invitation. The local cable TV government channel was also utilized to reach citizens. Two stand up educational banners are alternately displayed at City Mall for viewing by utility customers and citizens. The City has incorporated into our new web site a stormwater page that includes FAQ, pollution prevention tips, and stormwater related links. The City has contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide additional public education and outreach as follows: CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Targeted/Priority Stormwater Pollutants: • Nutrients (Nitrogen 1 Phosphorus) • Sediment • Litter • .Bacteria Sources of Pollutants (Assumed): • Nutrients (Nitrogen /Phosphorus) Land Disturbing Activities; Waste Water Treatment; Pet Waste and Landscape Maintenance Practices • Sediment Land Disturbing Aclivities • Litter Roadside Trash • Bacteria Failing Residential Seplic Systems and Illicit Discharge from Sanilary Sewers Target Audiences • General Public • Decision Makers Education and Outreach Program Elements • School Outreach • OnIine Presence • Special Events • Displays • Print Material • Presentations/Workshops • Articles/Newsletters The following section elaborates on Western Piedmont Stormwater Partnership Activities during this past 12 months. Porlions in italic are a selfevaluation ofaclivilies. A final section on "Future Plans" concludes this document. 1 CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ACTIVITIES School Outreach Teacher Trainings, including CEUs for teaching staff. This year we added a teacher track to the sixth annual air quality conference coordinated by the WPCOG, as part of the education and outreach effort of the Unifour Air Quality Committee. Tile Conference was held at Lenoir -Rhyne University on June B, 2012. We made the opportunity to introduce stormwater management concepts into the teachers track and build relationships with local teachers, curriculum coordinators and other environmental education support organizations at local, state and federal level. We leveraged resources and funding beyond what was available from our SW Partnership budget, to reach out to teachers through this effort. In class follow-up and workshops will result from the time spent n organizing this successful event. Due to the positive feedback we received Nye are planning on including a teacher Track for next year's (2013) conference. Project WET and It's Our Water. These workshops were coordinated with Lenoir Rhyne University Teacher Credential program in fall of 2011 (1118 and 11/15). In addition to LRU education majors 8 teachers signed up for the trainings and the resources to incorporate stormwater lessons with their students over the coming years. Catawba Science Center Staff also received training and is planning on presenting stormwater lessons at elementary schools throughout the region and at onsitc workshops. Teachers were invited to participate in these evening training sessions and not have to miss classroom time. Planning teacher training is a lot of work to reach relatively flew teachers; However, each middle and high s hoot leacher may 13e able to reach 300 students with stormwater lessons each year. Future training dates for It's Our Water teacher training have been sel for evening of October I and 1201 facilitated in con_junclion.with Catawba County Soil and Water Conservation District. To stay current with IOW and WET, WPCOG ,staff will be attending a fircilitator training in Raleigh on August 22nd to learn whal is new in the WET 2.0 Guide, explore the on-line accessories and portal to the Guide, try out a fe t, of the nell, activities, and receive new resources including a FREE WET 2.0 Guide NCSU Sediment Curriculum for High School (Soil to Seeds). WPCOG staff attended training at NC State and have access to beta materials for use with school teachers. Have discussed the oppor lunily to host a workshop but have not frlloived through to elate. School Collaborations. We have classroom tested lessons using school site maps for each school we visit; Lenoir Rhyne University was contracted in 2010 to develop lessons for elementary, middle and high school classrooms. School districts have been contacted by mail, email, phone and face-to-face meetings with a high level district staff have occurred at all five districts and all middle and high schools within or adjacent to participation SW Partnership governments. New this past spring WPCOG staff helped to set up special school assemblies and science class multimedia presentations, with Alliance for Climate Education (ACE). CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL .REPORT 2012 We coordinated with ACE to include a presentation on local environmental issues as part of school wide assemblies. During this reporting period school assemblies on environmental issues and WPCOG staff worked with students and school staff at high school classrooms at Newton - Conover Health Science High School 3/26; Fred T Foard 3/6, RL Patton3/8, Freedom 3/28, East Burke 3/9. Approximately 4,000 students where reached. In addition to school environmental clubs where engaged or formed if none existed previously. Students from the newly created environmental club helped 'us at Catawba County Earth Day in Hickory. Planning was started wish Science Curriculum Coordinator for Catawba and Newton Conover School Districts (Carol Moore) and NC Science House Western Representative (Regina Barrier), on how to coordinated effvrt.s and reach teaching staff in the region. Hands On Interactive Displays (EnviroScape model). Trained HS teacher and her students (Caldwell Early College) to demonstrate stormwater runoff using EnviroScape to elementary grade classrooms or at community events. A model was lent to school for use as needed. Local adult volunteer (Caroline Martin) trained and equipped to be guest in elementary classrooms. During month of April, Carol was invited to set up display in Old Navy store in the Hickory Mall area. Carol also trained an adult volunteer (Anne Fisher) in Burke County who then went on to train high school students and other adults with the Sierra Club Chapter to use the model. Catawba County Science Curriculum specialist purchased 10 models, which were delivered alter school ended this year. WPCOG staff will help with utilizing and training on their use. There is a need to do a better job getting information to teachers/principals/.school districts af'program availability and also Better track the use gf'the models in the community. Target HS Environmental Science classes for collaboration and tech assistance. Future training needed at other schools, need to identify lead teacher at each high school site. Continued the work of building relationships with Earth and Environmental Science teachers, as well as, other teachers in the region. St Stephens ]IS science skiff have committed to ii,orking tii,ith us next academic year and may serve as a model for other schools. The Environmental Clubs and their• faculty, advisors will serve as another point Qf contact. Education Outreach Advisory Croup. A group representing partners throughout the region (i.e, environmental organizations schools, informal educators and other interested individuals) will provide input and help with program development and implementation. A concept for the group has been developed and key individuals contacted. The group has been dubbed the AWESOME (Air -Water -Environment - Stewardship -Outreach -Marketing -Education) Committee. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Folloiv-up necessary for group. Since ive were not able to hire a part-time environmental educator to help with both stormwater and air quality programs, the AWESOME committee has been a low priority, but is still considered viable and potentially very usgful. Contests. Contests such as poster/essay/video/graphics are viable means ol' working with teachers and students. We poor quality entries and had less than anticipated participation with only 3 schools and 25 entries'ln our first effort in spring of 201 1. More information, lead lime and advanced marketing needed to make this a success. Supporting Soil and Water Conservation Districts contests may be the best alternative at this time. Urban Stormwater Stations at Environmental Field Days. Contacted County Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Cooperative Extension Offices to encourage stormwater stations at Environmental Field Days targeted at elementary students. Currently, all spring events include station on stormwater pollution. Partnership stciff are available cis needed. Provide Stormwater Information to Envirothon Teams. Contacted County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to make resources available to teams at middle and high school participating in this national event. Partnervhip stcfffare available as needed. High School Community Service Hours (i.e. Adopt- A- Stream, installing rain gardens, storm drain stenciling, NC Big Sweep, etc). NC Big Sweep is coordinated at a county and statewide level with significant efforts in our region. Our region has one known stream segment adopted by a local 4-1-1 club. Some communities are utilizing medallions installed by staff to label storm drains due to safety and liability issues. Newton has been actively encouraging groups to stencil especially during April City-wide clean up event. Valdese has had custom made metal stencils fabricated One residential rain garden workshop was hosted by Cooperative Extension in Catawba County. WPCOG planned on hosting 2 hands on raingarden projects at their new building site but restrictions on modifying drainage prevented this from occurring at this time. Need to increase awareness of these opportunities to other clubs/organizations. The high .school environmental clubs are a new unlapped group to assist with these efflrls. Pre enlingprograin opportunities al scout leadership meeting should be planned Online Presence Website A new website was developed for the WPCOG, http://www.wpcoa.orf-'/ content is still being added to the site. New site went live in January 2012. A direct URI. to the Stormwater section was to be available, but is not currently active. SW Partners will maintain stormwater content on their local government sites, but can link to W11COG. Content is planned to be updated and added regularly. The website(s) .serve as a supporl. for most other aspects of the program and are an area that can benefit greatly from cr commitment of dedicated staff time to building CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 this as a resource. We anticipate .significant improvements in web presence in the next 12 months. Social Marketing Presence (Faccbook, etc.) Currently not utilized by WPCOG due to restrictions on staff access. A more progressive social media use policy will be necessary for this form of outreach to be utilized by SW Partnership, at the WPCOG level. Individual communities do have this as an outreach tool and are using it effectively. Staff are making the case to allow Fac'ebook — social media use by staff as part of education and outreach efforts. Electronic Newsletters. Individual communities utilize this tool regularly. Stormwater articles and columns are regularly included. A coordinated 13 week rotational theme f»• articles has been suggested and some work has begun but this effort needs t0 he fully completed and CIVCr1lClble felt' 1rSC. f4 Partnership neat-sletter could be developed and posted electronically, minimal har'dcopies could be produced as needed. This method was not used by WPCOG crs a standalone product this past reporting cycle. Television/Radio. It has been determined to not be feasible to pay for radio and TV promotions with the current level of funding in the region. Those few communities with access to public TV could have more information reading stormwater. Free content should be exploited. This is an area that an intern to would be most usc�rl, A greater effort tivill needed to produce crud shcn'e content ttvith local media. This resource was not utilized during this past permitting cycle. Special Events Catawba RiverFest. Held annually on the Yd Saturday in September. WPCOG/SW Partnership staff are part of event planning committee. Decreased attendance in 2011 due to drizzly rain. WPCOG /SW Partnership Booth included an area of artificial grass covered with several fake piles (plaster of paris) of dog doo which stimulated a lot of discussions with event visitors. We set up a generator to prove electricity for PowerPoint presentations; Staff was able to share about non -point stormwater pollution. We had —350 visitors at Festival from a wide geographical area. Contacts Horde at festival will result in follotr•-up community and school presentations to be .scheduled 2012-2013. Earthday. Annual festivals and small events are held on/or near 22nd of April. Catawba County Event in Hickory, members of the SW Partnership regularly assist with event planning and host a stormwater display/booth. This is a established event and includes many community partners. The Burke County Earthday Event held in Morganton reaches a different population and includes live music and speeches. SW Partnership/WPCOG staff' make themselves available to speak and setup displays at these regional events on an annual basis. It takes at least two WPCOG staff on the day of event and also several volunteers. We had community groups trained to demonstrate EnviroScape models at both events. S CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Clean Up Events: Clean Sweep Newton April; NC Big Sweep (Waterway Clean -Up) groups coordinated by Lake Hickory Association, Cove Keepers, SWCD each year, 1 st Weekend in October; NCDOT sponsored Litter Sweep Weeks Fall and Spring; Household Hazardous Waste Collections Fall and Spring. Information on stormwater Pollution made available to groups recruited to assist with litter collection. County Fairs. An exhibit hall display was developed for the American Legion Fair held from August 3 1 - Sept 5. A first place ribbon was awarded the Partnership for the "Community Booth" category. The focus of this year's exhibit was stormwater and pet waste pollution.—8,000 visitors to the exhibit hall. A partial list of reoccurring events and awareness days in your community has been generated. Need to better Wilize these set opportunities in the fulurre and coordinate events and lype of event perrticilxrtion pr crcticcrl tit1ilh Stormtt arter Partners. Displays Vinyl Banner Stands. Freestanding banners have been designed and printed for out - Partners and used at several events throughout the region. These are excellent for use in the lobbies of government buildings including libraries. "These banners have been adapted for all are Partnering Communities. Free standing frames can be interchanged with other messages. Large (3'A) horizontal outdoor banners stands are available through a grant and ",ill also be developed.for general Partnership use at events. Topics of sedimentation/soil erosion, fecal coliform and pet ii,asies are current suggestions to aide local efforts. Pick Up after Pet Program. Postcards have been designed and printed for one of our Partnering Communities (City of' Hickory). Fake dog doo stands need to be incorporated to drain attention to the other print resources and generate discussion. These materials need to be adapted to other partnering communities. Feedback suggests postcard be increased 10 a larger size or less content included Distribution to animal hospitals and animal control and the humane .society needs to be coordinated tivith outreach efforts and lobby .sized posters designed and printed. Basin Signage Program. Some of our communities have utilized this program element to increase awareness of watershed concept. Efforts to gain hrry-in and secure furnding are needed 10 broaden scope of this program. Print Materials Printed glossy tri-fold brochures are available to Partners on Riparian Buffers, Controlling Sediment and "The Catawba River and You". NCDFNR / NCDOT stormwater brochures are also made available to the public. These brochures are distributed at events/workshops and at appropriate local government departments. Informational stormwater bookmarks have been designed and printed for one of our Partnering Communities (City of Hickory) to be distributed through libraries and at schools. Updoled slor•mtivarter relarted brochurres crre needed but vi,ill be printed in small quantities in-house PDFs it,ill be available online. Neir soffitla re has been purchased to aid in brochure development. Adopledfiree toolbox materials 11411 be of assistance. V CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Present at i o ns/ Workshops The Western Piedmont Water Resources Committee meets four to six times per year and stonmwater information is presented at each meeting and often is a significant part of each program. Outside experts regularly present and there is time for dialog. Decision makers and other stakeholder are represented and the general public is invited, average attendance twenty -live (25) meeting locations vary throughout the region to provide for accessibility. Minutes and key presentations of each meeting are posted on the web. Similar meeting are held as part of the Lower Creek Advisory Committee focused on watershed plan implementation, with a special emphasis this past year on education and outreach. Stormwater program updates at Mayor and Managers meetings have also taken place, On June 22 at the Western Piedmont Regional Planner Forum, Partnership member, Stormwater Engineer, Terry Watts discussed stormwater history, permitting and relevant stormwater issues with planner from the region. Partners have suggested the following audiences/workshops that need to be facilitated in upcoming years. • General workshops for local developers and builders to better understand latest stormwater regulations and practices. • Promote Carolina Yards and Neighborhoods Program. We have helped with successful promote in Catawba county in the past and need to work to have these workshops throughout region in late winter before growing season. • Clean Water Contractor Training locally. Staff at NCSU have recently updated Division of Land Resources materials and have been contacted. We have requested that we be considered as location to pilot new program or be allowed to use materials to host our own workshop. Power Points have been developed and for use with decision makers, community groups and available to be presented by WPCOG staff or Partners at their discretion. A set of master slides is available for adapting to audience needs. Slides need to be updated andlor repackaged fear ease ofaccess and use. A rt icl e slNewslet t ers Update existing, develop and adapt articles for rotational use addressing multiple stormwater issues. Currently fifteen (15) articles for newsletters and other print material. Neel to provide) mechanism for Partners to access electronically via CD or preferably through website links. Need to work with Public Information Officers or equivalent to encourage regular dissemination of information. Grants/Funding Funding $8,900 has been secured in June to leverage a $7,500 Duke Energy Habitat Enhance grant for shoreline enhancement demonstration projects which will incorporate buffer and LID principles. A Drinking Water Source Protection planning 205j grant $6,363 will be completed by Sept 2012 that includes information on impacts of NPS pollution. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 An expanded Upper Catawba Basin Watershed planning effort $36,000, includes buffer education, LID ordinance reviews and stonmwater management implementation. Air Awareness Grant $80,000 over 3 years includes resources for working with schools on environmental education. ( he firnclilig and grams mentioned above rndn'eclly benefit the partnership but vi,here not applied.f)r on behalf of the partner -ship) FUTURE PLANS FOR TI-IE STORM WATER PAR"ITIERS141P Mission: Continue to grow and improve current program. Goal 1) All Phase II communities in the region will be full participants in the partnership. Increased participation by other permitted and/or /filling communities it'ill pro0de addition resource's to enhance Partnerships effecll.VL'Ylc'SS. 1n yL'al' 2 (JI11}; 2011-.tune 2012), we have increased partnership membership by one communily (City ref Nert,ton). Other communities (Rutherford College and Claremont) hate expressed cin interest in parlicipaling next year or later in current year. Goal 2) Dedicated staff person to focus on schools water resource education. Goal 3) Formalize quarterly (13 week) themes to direct and coordinate a focused stormwater message for that period. Goal 4) Add additional target audiences and programs: • Dog Owners 1 Pet Waste Pollution • Residential Homeowners / Environmental ly Friendly Landscape Practices • Graders and Developers 1 Clear(Clean) Water Contractors Training • Planners I LID — Smart Growth — Ordinance Improvements • Staff / IDDE and Good Housekeeping 'Training ( "RainCheck "Employee 1 raining Purchased. for use it,ithin Partnership) • Restaurants (Food Service Industry) / Best Management Practices • Onsite Wastewater (septic system owners) / Proper Maintenance Goal 5) Develop an enhanced Education and Outreach Plan that considers local resources; local needs; and is consistent with new permit requirements. • Develop model Education and Outreach section for incorporation into local partners Stormwater Management Plans. • Develop model Public Involvement Section for incorporation into local partners Stormwater Management Plans. Work on Goal 2 - "to secure a dedicated sicrf f person to focus on sCl?ool,5' l4 ate/' resource education ", almost materialized Office sI)ace ii,as .secured A capable person 1i'as Idenllfled, inters ieit,ed and available.though a temp agency. Iioivei,er, funding shortfcllls in this economjj and less than f ill participation conimilmenis from Phase II communities it,ilh aclNe permits did not allow this to materialize (it this time. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SECTION C: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION The City of Conover realizes the importance of' public involvement in the overall success of the Stormwater Management Plan. A citizen's Stormwater Advisory Board has been established to hear items related to stormwater, provide a public contact and venue for stormwater issues, and offer recommendations to the City Council. A public meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board was held on October 18, 2011 _ The annual report was presented to the board. SECTION D: ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION The City of Conover continues to employ an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. The program is organized by the Stormwater Administrator and makes use of city staff that is in the field on a daily basis. This includes street department staff, grounds department staff, water and wastewater department staff, and other public works employees. Based on the NC Model produced by the Institute of Government and adopted by the Conover City Council in 2007, the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance, Article VII created legal authority to prohibit illicit discharges and connections. A storm sewer system database has been developed by city staff. Using a geographic information system, the City had mapped drainage areas, pipes, vegetative conveyances, curb and curb inlets, catch basins and outfalls. An illicit discharge reporting mechanism has been established through contact numbers and names provided on city brochures. City field staff that is likely to encounter illicit discharges have been trained in the detection of them and instructed to call the Stormwater Administrator in the event that such a discharge is suspected or detected. CONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL REPOR`1' 2Q12 SECTION E: CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The City of Conover has entered into an inter -local agreement with Catawba County whereby the County reviews and manages all sediment and erosion control plans for projects 1 acre or greater. The City has taken initiative and created a process whereby projects of less than one acre are required to agree to conditions outlined in a sedimentation and erosion control application. 'These sites are monitored by City stalTas construction takes place to ensure that sediment is not leaving the site. Plans for any project are not approved and permits are not issued until authorized by Catawba County or the City of Conover as the size of the project dictates. SECTION F: POST CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROLS The Phase II Stormwater Ordinance adopted by the Conover City Council on May 7"i, 2007, and based on the model ordinance produced by the UNC School of Government, contains provisions to implement and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment as required by NPDES Permit NCS000431. This ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of structural and non-structural BMPs. In addition, it requires that annual inspections of these BMPs be performed by a qualified professional and submitted for review. As more BMPs are installed, the City realizes the need for properly trained personnel to inspect them. With this in mind, two members of Conover City Stafl'are designated as Certified Stormwater 13MP Inspection and Maintenance Professionals through the NCSU Cooperative I -Extension, Catawba County, through their Environmental Health Department, reviews and permits on -site septic systems for domestic wastewater for Conover and other municipalities in the county. City staff has open communication with the County concerning issues with on -site septic system. The City has purchased signs and animal waste removal stations that provide citizens bags to pick up pet waste and a means of'disposal. Brochures produced by the City, that address pet owners' responsibilities concerning pet waste have been distributed to local veterinarian offices, the local library, and during National Night Out. In addition, the local cable television government channel was utilized to remind pet owners that fecal coli form is a pollutant and encourage them to clean up after their animals. C.ONOVER STORMWATER ANNUAL I2EPOR'1' 2012 SECTION G: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS The City has developed an operation and maintenance program that is on file with the Conover Public Works Department. This program establishes best management practices for city operations and requires the implementation of these standards. The City of Conover Public Works Facility utilizes the covered storage of' vehicles to capacity. Bulk storage areas for salt and sand are covered to reduce runoff and stormwater pollution. The City has a successful recycling program and makes use of a street cleanerisweeper to clean city streets between rain events. Litter pickups are conducted in conjunction with rights -of -way mowing and reduce the amount of trash and floatables conveyed to the MS4. City Staff continues to maintain a stormwater rain garden located at City Hall and has produced a brochure "Build Your Own Rain Garden" for use by citizens. The rain garden has proven to be an excellent opportunity for the City to retrofit an existing facility with a BMP and educate the public at the same time. Training was conducted for public works personnel in best management practices, good housekeeping, spill prevention, and clean up procedures. UPCOMING YEAR The City will continue public education and outreach through the Conover Neighbor, National Night Out, Catawba Riverfest and the local government channel on Charter Communications cable television as well as other opportunities that avail themselves. . The City has also contracted with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide public education and outreach for the upcoming year. The City has received our new five year phase 11 permit and is currently developing a Storm water Management Plan as required by permit in conjunction with several other municipalities who make up the local storm water working group. 0 K i 0 � ►� f , pD-�Y co City of Conover .' Planning Department February 23, 2010 Mr. Mike Randall Stormwater Permitting Unit Division of Water Quality Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617 Subject: NPDES Phase 11 Stormwater Permit NCS000431 Renewal Application Dear Mr. Randall: The City of Conover respectfully requests the renewal of NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Number NCS000431. Enclosed are the completed NPDES Stormwater Permit Application Form and three copies of the Narrative Application Supplement: Stormwater Management Program Report. If you have any questions concerning this renewal application, please contact Terry Lail in our Planning Department at 828 695-2916. Sincerely, Donald- . Duncan Jr. City Manager Enclosure Copy: Stormwater Administrator Chrono File [Post Office Box 549 1 Conover, North Carolina 1 28613 1 voiceltdd (828) 464-1191 1 Fax (828) 465-51771 State of North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources Division of Water Quality l OFFIC USE ONLY Date Rec'd Fee Paid Permit Number NPDES STORMWATER PERMIT APPLICATION FORM This application form is for use by public bodies seeking NPDES Stormwater permit coverage for Regulated Public Entities (RPE) pursuant to Title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code 2FI .0126. A complete application package includes this form and three copies of the narrative documentation required in Section X of this form. This application form, completed in accordance with Instructions for completing NPDES Small M54 Stormwater Permit Application (SWU-270) and the accompanying narrative documentation, completed in accordance with Instructions for Preparing the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program Report (5WU-268) are both required for the application package to be considered a complete application submittal. Incomplete application submittals may be returned to the applicant. I. APPLICANT STATUS INFORMATION a. Name of Public Entity City of Conover Seeking Permit Coverage b. Ownership Status (federal, Local government state or local c. Type of Public Entity (city, City town, county, prison, school, etc. d. Federal Standard Industrial SIC 91 - 97 Classification Code e. County(s) Catawba f. Jurisdictional Area (square 14.9 miles g. Population Permanent 7478 Seasonal (if available) nla h. Ten-year Growth Rate 2.2% i. Located on Indian Lands? ❑ Yes ®No II. RPE / MS4 SYSTEM INFORMATION a. -T Storm Sewer Service Area s care -miles 14.9 — - ----- — b. River Basin(s) Upper and Lower Catawba c. Number of Primary Receiving Streams 13 d. Estimated percenta a of jurisdictional area containing the following four land use activities; • Residential 69.5% • Commercial 9.1% • Industrial 16.4% • Open Space 5.0% Total = 100.0% e. Are there significant water quality issues listed in the attached application report?_ ❑ Yes ® No Page 1 5WU-264-103102 NPDES RPE Stormwater Permit Application III. EXISTING LOCAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMS a. Local Nutrient Sensitive Waters Strategy ❑ Yes ® No b. Local Water Supply Watershed Program ® Yes ❑ No c. Delegated Erosion and Sediment Control Program ® Yes ❑ No d. CAMA Land Use Plan ❑ Yes ® No IV. CO -PERMIT APPLICATION STATUS INFORMATION (Complete this section only if co -permitting) a. Do you intend to co -permit with ❑Yes ®No a permitted Phase I entity? b. If so, provide the name and permit number of that entity; • Name of Phase I MS4 • NPDES Permit Number c. Do you intend to co -permit Yes ®No with another Phase II enti ? d. If so, provide the name(s) of the entity: e. Have legal agreements been finalized between the co- ❑ Yes ❑ No ermittees? V. RELIANCE ON ANOTHER ENTITY TO SATISFY ONE OR MORE OF YOUR PERMIT OBLIGATIONS (If more than one, attach additional sheets) a. Do you intend that another entity perform one or more of our permit obligations? ® Yes ❑ No b. If yes, identify each entity and the element they will be implementing • Name of Entity Catawba County Utilities and Engineering Department • Element they will implement Enforcement of Construction Site Runoff Controls min measures • Contact Person Toni Norton, P.E. • Contact Address PO Box 389 Newton, NC 28658 • Contact Telephone Number 828 465-8161 c. Are legal agreements in place to_establish_responsibilities?- ® Yes ❑ No _ — .._ _ VI. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY (OPTIONAL) The signing official may delegate permit implementation authority to an appropriate staff member. This delegation must name a specific person and position and include documentation of the delegation action through board action. a. Name of person to which permit authority has been delegated b. Title/position of person above c. Documentation of board action delegating permit authority to this person/position must be provided in the attached application report. Page 2 SWU-264-103102 � . 4 NPDES RPE Stormwater Permit Application IX. PERMITS AND CONSTRUCTION APPROVALS List permits or construction approvals received or applied for under the following programs. Include contact name if different than the person listed in Item VIII. If further space needed, attach additional sheets. a. RCRA Hazardous Waste n/a Management Program n/a b. UIC program under SDWA c. NPDES Wastewater Discharge NC0024252-Conover Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant Permit Number NC0024279-Conover Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant d. Prevention of Significant n/a Deterioration (PSD) Program n/a e. Non Attainment Program f. National Emission Standards for n/a Hazardous Pollutants (NESHAPS) reconstruction approval g. Ocean dumping permits under the n/a Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act h. Dredge or fill permits under n/a section 404 of CWA Attach three copies of a comprehensive report detailing the proposed stormwater management program for the five-year permit term. The report shall be formatted in accordance with the Table of Contents shown below. The required narrative information for each section is provided in the Instructions for Preparing the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program Report (SWU-268). The report must be assembled in the following order, bound with tabs identifying each section by name, and include a Table of Contents with page numbers for each entry. Page 4 SWU-264-103102