Author Archive

WCFHBA EVENT – NC Coastal Water Resources Conference

The Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association (WCFHBA), in conjunction with the Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE), will host the state’s top water resource experts, and policy-makers to provide a regional, statewide, and local perspective of the important policy tools and regulatory strategies that will have an effect on our state’s water resources in

Wilmington Draft Comprehensive Annexation Policy

City of Wilmington staff is working to develop a draft comprehensive annexation policy for Council’s future consideration. The policy’s intent would be to: Establish guidelines for future annexation decisions Propose a process to inform residents and property owners of future annexations Establish a procedure for future annexations to be considered by the city on a

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Strategic Plan

The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. The Board received the following reports from staff: -Update on the 1995 and 1998 Annexation Area service extension -Update on Reclaimed Water Use on the state level and possibilities for the Authority to use reclaimed water at some point

Terminal Groin Draft Study is Released

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, in consultation with N.C. Division of Coastal Management, the N.C. Division of Land Resources, and the N.C. Coastal Resources Advisory Council, is conducting a study of the feasibility and advisability of the use of terminal groins as erosion control devices. The study was mandated by Session Law 2009-479, which requires

Federal Effluent Guidelines

On December 1, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) and new source performance standards (NSPS) to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. The regulation is effective on February 1, 2010. After this date, all permits issued by EPA or states must incorporate the final rule requirements. All

State Farm Drops Coastal Coverages — BASE Responds

According to a statement released by State Farm, the insurance giant will be dropping coverage for homeowners on North Carolina’s barrier islands effective this spring. Roughly 1,600 customers can expect to receive a notice that their policy expiring after May 1 will no longer be renewed. During the 2009 Legislative session, BASE worked with legislators

DWQ Permit Extension Implementation Process

DWQ Implementation of the Permit Extensions Act of 2009 Session Law 2009-406 – An Act to Extend Certain Government Approvals Affecting the Development of Real Property Within the State. In 2009, North Carolina enacted SL 2009-406 which extends coverage of certain government permits and approvals that are current and valid at any point between Jan.

“NEW” Federal Stormwater Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its plans to initiate national rulemaking to establish a comprehensive program to reduce stormwater discharges from new development and redevelopment and make other regulatory improvements to further strengthen its stormwater programs.  Beginning in 2010, EPA will start placing stricter limits on the amount of pollutants in storm water

Upcoming Sea Level Rise Forum

BASE to Attend Forum on Sea Level Rise in North Carolina On January 14th and 15th the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is hosting a Science Forum on Sea Level Rise in North Carolina. The forum will be the vehicle through which the N.C. Coastal resources Commission (CRC) will release what is presumed

APFO’s Not in North Carolina

NC Court of Appeals Strikes Down Union County Adequate Public Facility Ordinance On December 8, 2009, the North Carolina Court of Appeals struck down Union County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) and its Voluntary Mitigation Payment (VMP). The court agreed with the plaintiffs’ argument that the North Carolina General Assembly “neither expressly nor impliedly authorized