Stormwater run-off major threat to waterways

WILMINGTON — Stormwater run-off is a major threat to our waterways. Many tidal creeks are so polluted you can’t swim in or collect shellfish from them.

Now the state Department of Water Quality is proposing new rules to help keep the waterways clean.

The New Hanover County commissioners say they want more discussion about these rules, and that has some people concerned.

People from the North Carolina Coastal Federation are upset commissioners voted on this issue at the end of a recent meeting, even though the topic wasn’t on the agenda.

Mike Giles from the Coastal Federation says he was at the commissioners meeting Monday and heard nothing about the board voting on coastal stormwater rules. He later learned after he and others left, the board members made the decision to ask for more information from the state.

Giles said he would have liked to be able to give his input about how crucial it is to step-up stormwater requirements for new building near waterways. He said, “What we want the commissioners to do is put this back before the public in a public hearing. Let’s home some frank discussion about this new proposed rule.”

Some of the proposed rules are increasing buffers between high water lines and developments, and requiring stormwater permits in certain situations.

NewsChannel 3 called all of the county commissioners today and only reached Bill Kopp. He wasn’t available to go on camera, but said discussing this issue at the end of the meeting was not intended to be secretive. He said he didn’t know why the issue wasn’t on the meeting’s agenda.

County Manager Bruce Shell said he plans to ask the commissioners to hold a public hearing on the subject.