MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Management Action 1:
For each river basin, develop and implement a plan to control nonpoint source pollution as part of the basinwide management plans.
Management Action 2:
Expand funding to implement nonpoint source pollution controls, particularly agricultural best management practices through the N.C. Agriculture Cost Share Program, and also to develop a broader Water Quality Cost Share Program. Expand the cost share programs to include wetlands restoration. Increase cost share funds to problem areas.
Management Action 3:
Continue to research and develop alternative septic systems and new best management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
Management Action 4:
Strengthen current enforcement to detect and correct ground and surface water quality violations from nonpoint sources.
Management Action 5:
Strengthen implementation of forestry best management practices through training, education, technical assistance and enforcement.
Management Action 6:
Enhance stormwater runoff control by strengthening existing regulations and developing new ones, if needed, by 1995. Improve enforcement to ensure that stormwater management systems are properly installed and regularly maintained.
Management Action 7:
Implement an inter-agency state policy that addresses marina siting and integrates best management practices through permitting and better public education.
Objective B:
Reduce Sediments, Nutrients and Toxicants From Nonpoint Sources
Strategy: Nonpoint sources of pollution are varied and are usually difficult to regulate. Targeted reductions can be accomplished by building on present programs and efforts.
A three-pronged approach consisting of research and demonstration projects, incentive-based programs, and regulatory action and enforcement is necessary to accomplish true reductions. As part of the basinwide management plan, a nonpoint source pollution control plan would be developed for each river basin to address all sources of nonpoint source pollution.
By characterizing individual basins, this plan would create management strategies that identify problem areas and implement control measures necessary to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Research and demonstration of on-site control methods for nonpoint sources, often referred to as best management practices, provide increased opportunities for the reduction of nonpoint source loadings.
Incentive programs, such as cost share programs, would be used whenever possible to control existing sources of pollution. Regulatory enforcement action would be used as a tool whenever water quality violations occur or when established minimum criteria are not met in spite of available cost share assistance. Therefore, the nonpoint source pollution enforcement program within the Division of Environmental Management (DEM) would be strengthened.
Other efforts to reduce basinwide nonpoint sources of pollution would include changes in the management of marinas, stormwater runoff, wastewater treatment, and forestry practices. Additionally, the development and implementation of nonpoint source control plans on a basinwide level will support future initiatives required
by Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990.