Stormwater runoff is a huge problem facing aquatic ecosystems — see my “Troubled Waters” and retention pond stories here for some background.
Most of the solutions have thus far been voluntary, either by homeowners or builders. Beaufort County is considering some mandatory requirements for developers constructing new projects. Full story in the Island Packet here.
The plan would require commercial developers to design projects with more open space and site features such as pervious pavement and vegetation to reduce runoff. In the May River watershed, developers also would abide by Bluffton ordinances regarding pre- and post-construction water quality monitoring. Countywide, developers would have to fill out weekly forms that certify their sediment and erosion controls are working properly.
This seems like a no-brainer. High nitrogen levels from fertilizers causes algae blooms, fish kills, and can hurt the oysters we’re slugging all winter (and thus, maybe us).
This part of the story stands out to me:
Some members said the board’s purpose is to protect water quality. Being lenient, they said, should not be an option.
But others worry about the consequences of adopting the ordinance without public input.
If the utility board approves the change, it goes to committee and then to County Council.
Part of the problem is the county doesn’t have data to back up its new ordinance that shows the impact of nitrogen in local waterways.
There are two sides. There’s a council member in the story who says more studies should be done. But it’s also a case of one side of an issue being based on total selfish economics, not the greater good. Should a good journalist give both sides equal wordage when that’s the case? (I’m not saying that happened in this story, just that it’s something I face all the time when writing environmental pieces. Is balance an equal split between “Here are the facts - this is damaging public health - here’s a partial solution” and “We don’t know all the little details and we’re trying to get rich here so hold your horses and lets bring about change as slowly as possible?”)
I mean, are they really “worried?” The federal government acknowledges the impact nitrogen-heavy runoff can have on waterways. Beaufort has plenty of it, just like everywhere else. Individual studies aren’t needed in every single community across the country to know something is harmful.
