Stormwater Management

During 2000, the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopted a set of nonpoint source rules under the Tar-Pamlico Nutrient Sensitive Waters Strategy. One component of these rules addresses stormwater runoff in urbanized areas of the basin. These rules establish certain requirements for local programs based on the nutrient strategy's goal of reducing nitrogen loading to the estuary by 30% from 1991 levels. Pitt County was one of five counties required to implement the program.
Pitt County Stormwater Management

Tar-Pamlico Stormwater Rule


The Tar-Pamlico Stormwater Rule became effective on April 1, 2001. Subsequently, Pitt County Planning staff was involved with the development of the model stormwater program. The program was approved by the Environmental Management Commission on February 13, 2003. Pitt County must submit a local stormwater program to the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) by February 13, 2004, followed by implementation of that program by August 13, 2004.

Advisory Committee


On July 7, 2003, the Board of County Commissioners appointed the Tar-Pamlico Stormwater Advisory Committee to:
  • Develop a local program to meet the minimum requirements as set forth in the Tar-Pamlico Stormwater Rules
  • Provide guidance for implementing the Tar-Pamlico Stormwater Program
  • Make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners
  • Educate the public on the impacts of the stormwater program
The committee met four times since its establishment and has created a draft ordinance for consideration and approval by the Board.

Representatives


Committee representatives included:
  • Developer - Cliff Harris, P.E.
  • Environmentalists - Vincent Bellis and Sheridan Jones
  • Pitt County Engineering Department
  • Pitt County Planning Department
  • Pitt County Soil and Water Conservation/Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Surveyor/Engineer - Hugh Clark and Durk Tyson, P.E.

Adopting Documents


On September 9, 2004, planning staff made the final edits and resubmitted the draft documents to the Division of Water Quality for approval. A public hearing to adopt the stormwater documents was held on September 22, 2004. The Board of County Commissioners voted 8-1 in favor of adopting the documents.

Second Reading


Since the vote was not unanimous, a second reading was scheduled for October 11, 2004. At this meeting, the Board voted unanimous to adopt the stormwater ordinance (PDF), plan (PDF), appendices (PDF) and fee schedule with an effective date of October 12, 2004. The adoption of the stormwater regulations will change the Subdivision Review Process. Planning staff has prepared a flow chart (PDF) to reflect the new process. If you have any questions, please contact the Pitt County Planning Department at 252-902-3250.

More Information


For more information regarding stormwater please visit the state's website.