By Joy Warren
During Tuesday evening’s Zoom White Lake Town Council meeting, the Commissioners were given a follow-up to questions about stormwater and two drainage ditches on White Lake Drive.
Dr. Diane Lauritsen showed a map of the stormwater pipes (blue squares) and NCDOT ditches (dark blue) that drain into the lake, and the lake watershed (in yellow). (Click for larger version of map)
Lauritsen reminded the Commissioners that NCDOT reported that only a small percentage of the watershed area (3.6%) is in their Right-of-Way and most of the property located within the two watersheds is privately owned.
Water quality samples taken on November 12, 2020 found that the stormwater at 408 White Lake Drive is picking up more pollutants somewhere in the developed/disturbed portion of the watershed. She indicated that further ditching and piping in this area is the wrong thing to do. She suggested green infrastructure options that would be appropriate, but the needs of the entire 55-acre watershed should be addressed at the same time in order to accomplish the goal of protecting the water quality and aesthetics of the lake.
According to the latest groundwater study, this region is at the heart of the groundwater infiltration zone for the lake, so groundwater flows are lessened when there is more surface runoff. Sediment, organic debris, trash, nutrients, bacteria, and other substances are contained in stormwater runoff, as well as organic acids that contribute to the brown color of the water.
Lauritsen indicated that the solution to the worsening stormwater problems in this area should be a priority but must be addressed in a comprehensive way, and NCDOT needs to be an engaged partner.
The Town will be participating in a grant program through the NC Office of Resiliency and Recovery. She also recommended preparing a grant application for the 2021 funding cycle of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund specific to stormwater needs. Other suggestions listed in the report included a moratorium on sea walls, mooring buoys, and underwater lighting. For more information on lake water management issues go to https://whitelakewatch.com/.
A progress update was given on Phase 1 of the Sanitary Sewer Improvements. The contractor will begin the replacement of the water mains on Fayetteville Street on December 7-10th, then move to Bladen Street on December 14-17th, then move to Wilson Street December 21-23rd. Water main replacement work from December 28-31st. After water mains are installed and approved, the Contractor will begin the sanitary sewer replacement work on Fayetteville, Bladen, and Wilson Streets the first part of January 2021, taking approximately 3 to 4 months to complete.
Eddie Madden, Project Manager for the Multi-Use Path Project, gave an update on Phase II. The encroachment permits have been applied for from NCDOT and the project will be going out to bid in January 2021.
In other administrative matters, Council approved Sanitation Releases ($1,080.27), Utility Releases ($12,161.72), Tax Releases ($507.42), and Tax Refunds ($638.49); approved the service contract to provide wastewater services for the NCDOT Maintenance Shop; and authorized one waiver to encourage customers to participate in the Automatic Draft Program.
The Town municipal complex will be closed Thursday, December 24th through Monday, December 28th for the Christmas holiday and Friday, January 1, 2021 for New Years. The public works on-call person will be available in case of water/sewer emergencies.
Tuesday night’s meeting was adjourned to an in-person meeting on Tuesday, December 29th at 6:00 p.m. for a closed session to discuss personnel matters.
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