03/29/2024
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By Joy Warren

During their regular monthly Board of Commissioner’s meeting Tuesday evening, the White Lake Town Board recognized The Woodmen of the World organization for providing new flags for the Police Department, Town Hall and also for their latest donation of flags and poles at the entrance to White Lake on 701 across from the Wam Squam. Mayor Womble presented a copy of the adopted proclamation and thanked the organization for their continued support and contributions to the Town.

Alycia Thornton, Director of Development for the NC FFA Center, gave a brief presentation on the expansion of the NC FFA Camp. The NC FFA Camp plans to start construction on a $1.25 million expansion of its facilities in October to add additional housing for females and a male bath house.

Mayor Womble proided an update on the current status of the lake water clarity matter. According to a report from Dr. Diane Lauritsen, LIMNOSCIENCES, Monitoring of the lake is ongoing and pH levels have been stable and are similar to what was measured during the same period as last year.

Two grant aplications are in the works – one to the Duke Energy Foundation to fund research and monitoring efforts; and a second for a planning grant in partnership with the Lumber River Council of Governments to provide funding for stormwater assessments.

Dr. Chris Shank with the Bald Head Island Conservancy provided an update on the studies being conducted by the Conservancy. They are testing and monitoring the inflow/outflow of the lake water. There has not been any toxic algae found in the lake. They will continue to compile data and are not ready for a final report at this time.

Due to questions from citizens regarding possible sewage leaks, Mayor Womble introduced Bill Stafford, with Public Works. He updated the Board regarding the Sewage and Wastewater Treatment System. He gave an overview of the last 25 years of repairs to the sewage system in addition to upcoming plans for repairs to current problems.

Mayor Womble also shared reports from Kenneth White, with NCDENR, that document nitrate (NO3) and nitrate (NO2), typical components of lawn fertilizer, are not the form of nitrogen causing the lake water issues.

The “Storm Water Working Group” and the Town will continue to follow up on this issue and seek guidance on developing a local plan for the use of fertilizers if deemed necessary.

In administrative matters, the Board approved Utility Releases ($461.65) and Tax Rleases ($305.00); adopted the 2018 Charge to Collect Taxes as Presented; approved Multi-Use path project management renewal as presented; approved lodging accommodations as needed for Lake Water Restoration Project consultants; and adopted the 2017 Local Water Supply Plan and Water Shortage Plan.

As a part of the continuing efforts to restore the lake and to remove debris (vegetative, building materials, aluminum cans, etc.), the “White Lake Cleanup Day” is scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 2018.

The Municipal Complex and Post Office will be closed Monday, September 3rd for the Labor Day holiday. The Public Works Department will have an on-call person available in case of a water/sewer emergency.

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