ML050660047

Review of License Renewal Application for Brunswick Units 1 & 2, Town of Oak Island 201 Facilities Plan, Section 4, Current Situation

ML050660047
Person / Time
Site:	Brunswick
Issue date:	09/15/2003
From:	Town of Oak Island, NC
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Hernandez S, NRR/DRIP/RLEP, 415-4049
References
Download: ML050660047 (34)

Text

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak.Island, 201 Facilities Plan Figure 4-1. Previous Town Boundaries and Existing Sanitary Sewer Lines................................................. 2 Figure 4-2. Town of Oak Island Planning Area Boundary......................................................

10 Figure 4-3. Lumber River Subbasin......................................................

12 Figure 4-4. Flood Hazard Map......................................................

15 Table 4-1. Historical Population Growth......................................................

21 Table 4-2. Population Trends......................................................

22 Table 4-3. Housing Units & Population by Tenure for the Town of Oak Island........................................ 23 Table 4-4. Racial Distribution in the Town of Oak Island......................................................

23 Table 4-5. Town of Oak Island Historical Housing information......................................................

24 Table 4-6. Oak Island Water Consumption......................................................

28

i.

T Section 4. Current Situation

( 4 Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan SECTION 4. CURRENT SITUATION 4.1 Oak Island Charter In July 1999, the former Town of Yaupon Beach and the former Town of Long Beach, both originally incorporated in 1955, combined to become the Town of Oak Island. The corporate limits of the Town of Oak Island are the combined corporate limits of the previous Town of Yaupon Beach and the previous Town of Long Beach existing at the time of enactment of the Charter and the effective date of consolidation. Appendix E includes the legislative act enacted by the General Assembly of North Carolina that created the Town of Oak Island. The Town of Oak Island is the largest of nineteen municipalities in Brunswick County. Brunswick County was charted in 1746, and is one of the oldest counties in North Carolina. The Town of Oak Island is 12.6 miles long and is about 1 mile across, making it Brunswick County's largest island, and the largest beach community in North Carolina.

A map of the Town of Oak Island, with the previous Town of Yaupon Beach and the previous Town of Long Beach corporate limits indicated, is shown in Figure 4-1. A wastewater collection system was constructed in the previous Town of Yaupon Beach and wastewater is treated at the existing East Oak Island WVRF. The existing service area is also shown in Figure 4-1.

4-1 Revised September2003 4-1 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan Figure 4-1. Previous Town Boundaries and Existing Sanitary Sewer Lines j

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Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan

4.1.1 Storm

Water Management The development of land disrupts the natural cycle of water by:

• Removing vegetation which aids in the evaporation and transpiration of water back into the environment.

• Filling in natural depressions which provide temporary rainfall storage.

• Decreasing soil permeability through compaction thus increasing rainfall runoff.

• Replacing pervious areas with impervious areas such as parking lots, buildings, and roadways also contributing to an increase in rainfall runoff.

If improperly managed, these larger volumes of rainfall runoff flow across the land can result in greater erosion control problems along with increased transport of contaminants from failing septic tanks and other sources which results in greater concentrations of pollutants in downstream water bodies.

The elimination of septic tanks on Oak Island will result in a decrease of nutrient and fecal coliform contaminant transport due to rainfall runoff flow. Approximately 240 pounds per day of total nitrogen is currently discharged from residences in the un-skewered areas of Oak Island during winter months and approximately 1,000 pounds per day of total nitrogen is discharged from residences in the un-sewered areas of Oak Island. Approximately 1.6 x 1014 to 1.6 x 1015 MPN per day of total coliform is currently discharged from residences during the winter months and 6.7 x 1014 to 6.7 x 10 per day of total coliform is discharged from residences during the summer months. Because of the high groundwater table on Oak Island, it is likely that some portion of this total contaminant load can find its way into the stormwater transport system. At the loads estimated above even a small portion of the total contaminants can be sizeable volumes of pollutants.

Effective stormwater management is essential to protect water resources, environmental health and the quality of life. As will be discussed below, the Town of Oak Island has been proactive in the development of stormwater management. The Town of Oak Island has taken measures for stormiwater management that is over and above what is currently required for a community of its size.

4.1.1.1 Storinvater Management Ordinance In June of 2001, the Town of Oak Island developed a stormwater management ordinance with the objective of protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the immediate and long-term health, safety and welfare of its citizens. The ordinance requires all construction activity within the Town of Oak Island to comply with certain minimum stormwater control standards and to provide on-site stormwater control measures for the first 1.5 inches of rainfall from impervious areas using infiltration devices. Retention and detention ponds are also required to control runoff beyond the first 1.5 inches at a rate approximating 4-3 Revised September2003

I Section 4. Current Situation Town of OakIsland, 201 Facilities Plan natural flow. No plats of land will be recorded or subdivided; no existing drainage system will be altered, rerouted, or deepened; no building permits will be issued and no development will be commenced until a stormwater management plan has been submitted and approved unless the development is considered an agricultural activity not involving the artificial drainage of land or is considered maintenance, alteration, use or improvement to an existing structure not changing or affecting quality, rate, volume or location of surface water discharge meeting the requirements of redevelopment. The stormwater management ordinance requires each stormwater management plan to set forth adequate provisions for the inspection of the property before development activity commences including an initial inspection, a bury inspection for any underground drainage structure, an erosion control inspection as necessary, and a final inspection.

The stormwater management ordinance outlines the required contents of any submitted stormwater management plan and notes that it is the applicants' responsibility to include:

• Sufficient information to evaluate the environmental characteristics of the affected areas.

• Potential and predicted impacts of the proposed activity on area surface waters.

Effectiveness and acceptability of those measures for reducing adverse impacts.

The stormwater management ordinance also outlines a plan for the Town of Oak Island to create a manual of stormwater management practices. This manual will contain guidance and specifications for the preparation of stormwater management plans, along with discussions on acceptable techniques for obtaining, calculating and presenting the information required in the stormwater management plan, and guidance in the selection of environmentally sound practices for the management of stormwater and the control of erosion and sediment. The manual will also establish minimum specifications for the construction of drainage facilities. Along with the stormwater management manual plan, the ordinance also details required performance and design standards to ensure that the stormwater management plan will be planned, designed, constructed and maintained properly.

The stormwater management ordinance also allows the Town of Oak Island to establish a fee schedule for stormnwater management permits based on the relative complexity of the project. The Town of Oak Island will review and approve or reject of the stormwater management permit application within 30 days after submission.

Once a stormwater management plan has been approved for a project, all maintenance for the project's stormwater management system is the responsibility of the owner. If a project is determined to be out of compliance with its stormwater management plan, as determined by a Town inspector, the Town of Oak Island may take enforcement actions against the owner. Examples of potential enforcement actions 4-4 Revised September2003 4-4 Revised September2003

i Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan include issuing an injunction, levying civil and criminal penalties, and issuing a lien upon the property for any restoration costs incurred by the city as a result of the property owner's negligence.

A copy of the stormwater management ordinance is included in Appendix G.

4.1.1.2 Illicit Stornivater Discharge Ordinance Illicit stormwater discharge can have significant adverse impacts upon the health, safety, and welfare of the community. These illegal discharges carry pollutants and nutrients into receiving water bodies therefore degrading the water quality and adversely affecting the flora and fauna. A few examples of illicit stormiwater discharges are:

Septic tank discharges.

• Washing machine discharges.

Illegal dumping.

• Floor drain connections.

In August of 2002, the Town of Oak Island developed an illicit stormwater discharge ordinance with the objective of protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the immediate and long-term health, safety and welfare of its citizens and the environment. All stormwater discharge occurring within the town, after the effective date of March 18, 2002, must comply with the Illicit Stormwater Discharge Ordinance. Where illegal connections exist and were made prior to the adoption of this ordinance, a one year grace period is allowed for the removal of the illegal connections. The one year grace period is suspended if it is determined that the illegal connection to the stormwater system results in the discharge of hazardous materials or other materials which pose an immediate threat to health and safety; are likely to result in the immediate injury and harm to real or personal property, natural resources, wildlife, or habitats; or were made in violation of any applicable regulation or ordinance.

A corrective plan must be submitted and corrective action to remedy the identified illicit stormwater discharge taken before a plat can be recorded, land can be subdivided, an existing drainage system can be altered, rerouted, or deepened, or a new building permit can be issued unless the development can be classified as an agricultural activity not involving the artificial drainage of land or the Town grants a written variance. The Town will only issue written variances if special circumstances are applicable to the subject property or its intended use and only if granting of the variance will not significantly increase or decrease the rate of illicit stormwater discharge, or pollutants; have a significant adverse impact on an area "404 wetland", water-course or water body; significantly contribute to the degradation of water quality; or otherwise significantly impair attainment of the objectives of the illicit stormwater discharge ordinance.

4-5 Revised September2003 4-5 Revised September 2003

i Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan The illicit stormwater discharge ordinance outlines a plan for the Town of Oak Island to adopt requirements identifying the best management practices for any activity, operation, or property that may cause or contribute to pollution or contamination of stormwater. These best management practices will provide any person responsible for a property with a guide to prevent any illegal discharges into the stormwater system, and should be part of a stormwater management plan as necessary for compliance with requirements of the NPDES permit. Any person subject to an NPDES stormwater discharge permit must comply with all provisions of the permit. The ordinance provides for the Town of Oak Island to monitor all properties that have stormwater discharges through:

• On-site inspections of the permitted property.

• Inspection, sampling, examining, and copying of NPDES permit required records.

• Monitoring and sampling of stormwater discharged using devices, as necessary.

• Requiring permitees to install monitoring equipment, as necessary.

The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illegal connections to the stormwater drain system is prohibited. This prohibition includes connections made prior to the adoption of the Illicit Stormwater Discharge Ordinance. If a project is determined to be in violation of the Illicit Stormwater Discharge Ordinance, the Town of Oak Island may take enforcement actions against the owner.

Examples of potential enforcement actions include suspending stormwater drain discharge access, issuing an injunction, levying civil and criminal penalties, and issuing a lien upon the property for any restoration costs incurred by the city as a result of the property owner's negligence.

A copy of the illicit stormwater discharge ordinance is included in Appendix G.

4.1.1.3 Long Range Drainage Program In addition to the development of the storm water management and illicit storm water discharge ordinances, the Town of Oak Island has taken the initiative to also develop a Long Range Drainage Program. The Long Range Drainage Program is based on using "Best Management Practices" (BMP) to for the achievement of controlling stormwater discharge at current rates or lowering those rates, even with increasing housing units and population.

In the Long Beach area of Oak Island (the current un-sewered portion), stormwater discharge on the ocean side is all by sheet flow across buffer areas. On the mainland side of the island, stormwater discharge is by a combination of sheet flow across buffer areas and drainage ditches. There are currently no storm sewers or outfalls that discharge stormwater in the Long Beach area. There is one small ocean outfall in the Yaupon Beach area of Oak Island, but this is in an area with existing development and sanitary sewers.

All of the roadways in the un-sewerid areas of the island are in place. Installation of 4-6 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Faclities Plan new collection sewers on in the Town of Oak Island will not result in new public roads as all are in place as a result of past development activities. Therefore, additional storm drainage will not occur on Oak Island from installation of new roads in public right-of-ways.

The long range drainage program was developed to control stormwater runoff from existing developed areas with the goal of reducing or eliminating stormwater discharge to surrounding waters of the island.

One of the task items of the program is to convert open ditches to a modified "sand filter" culvert system to satisfy stormwater drainage needs while eliminating open ditches. The modified "sand filter" culvert system prevents contaminants from directly entering the groundwater system, yet still satisfies the need to prevent area flooding by maximizing the stormwater drain off rate. The program offers added benefits because it results in storm water direct discharge volume reductions and nutrient loading reductions in area surface waters. This is an on-going program with a portions of island already completed. The intent of this part of the program is to eventually eliminate all ditches providing stormwater discharge.

The program also includes the creation of an active Storm Water Advisory Board to monitor goals and objectives of the Town with regard to stormwater. The program also includes comprehensive investigations of illicit stormwater discharges, establishment of stormwater monitoring program, and an aggressive campaign to eliminate or control hazardous household waste and other toxic substances.

The Town of Oak Island is also researching the feasibility of converting existing septic tanks and leachate fields to infiltration galleries for stormwater from impervious areas of existing residences. If this approach is feasible, the Town would require existing residences to route roof drainage and other impervious areas to the septic tanks after the new collections is operational.

Appendix G includes a recent status report to the Oak Island Town Council on stormwater management.

4.2 Local Area History and Characteristics With the construction of Fort Caswell in 1826, the development of early Oak Island as a community unofficially began. The Oak Island Lighthouse was erected in 1889. During this time the Oak Island Lifesaving Station was also fully operational to protect sailors from the rough waters of the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Fort Caswell and the Oak Island Lighthouse were the first areas to have a "permanent population."

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterwvay (ICW) was completed in 1936. This made Oak Island a true man-made island. The ICW construction deepened portions of the Elizabeth River which severed Oak Island from the rest of the mainland. Until 1938, Oak Island was still underdeveloped, but was known as a great place for fox hunting. Hunting would remain an important part of the Island's early years.

4-7 Revised September2003 4-7 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak.Island, 201 Facilities Plan In 1938, Earnest Felder Middleton, a timber exporter from Charleston, SC, bought land on the Island.

With his partners in Carolina Lands, Inc., he began development of the area on Oak Island known as Long Beach. Long Beach was officially open to the public by 1939. At this time the town had a pavilion, a canteen with a dining room, and twenty bath houses. Every Saturday night visitors would enjoy orchestras and dances at the pavilion. Also during this time Carolina Lands, Inc. finished some road construction, and offered oceanfront lots for sale. By 1940, Long Beach had about forty cottages. There was a short building boom on the Island for those early years, but during World War II construction ceased due to scarce building materials. However, by 1944, construction returned to normal.

In October 15, 1954, Oak Island was practically destroyed by Hurricane Hazel. At Long Beach 352 of 357 buildings were destroyed, and all of the small population of residents were homeless. Yet in 1955, the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach incorporated and new development was spurred by E. F.

Middleton and G. V. Barbee. The community was laid out in a different fashion than its neighbors, with major residential roadways running perpendicular to the beach rather than parallel. Because of this feature, the town was considered more of a permanent than resort community.

Having a relatively flat topography, Oak Island does have some variation in elevation from sand dunes. It has a complex coastal ecosystem including areas of salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, and miles of beach strand. It is home of a variety of flora and fauna, and even has seasonal visits from Atlantic sea turtles, who return every year to lay eggs. In conjunction with the Army Corp of Engineers, Oak Island completed a Sea Turtle Habitat Restoration Project to restore sea turtle habitat lost to erosion.

The Sea Turtle Protection Program began in 1989 and members of the program ride the beach everyday from May I - mid August locating sea turtle nests. Any nests that are in danger of being lost due to erosion are relocated.

The Oak Island Beach Preservation Association coordinates nearly 200 volunteers who assist with beach preservation activities and events. The volunteers coordinate the following: dune planting and maintenance, educate the public about protecting the beaches and dunes, sponsors 65 beach accesses through Adopt-a-Beach Access program, disseminates beach education material to members and legislators through three newsletters per year, informs members on how to actively lobby legislators for beach issues, maintain liaisons with Brunswick Beach Consortium, NC Shore and Beach and other active beach preservation groups, replenishes and maintains "Doggie Boxes" at all 65 beach accesses, sponsors major fund raising events throughout the year, and disseminates educational material through Oak Island property managers.

4-8 Revised September2003 4-8 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation J

Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan 4.3 Planning Area Boundaries The 201 planning area, which includes approximately 21 square miles, includes the Town of Oak Island (old Yaupon Beach and old Long Beach) and outlying areas that are expected to have urban characteristics with wastewater service needs in the next 20 years. A map of the planning area is shown in Figure 4-2. Specifically, the planning area includes the area within the boundary defined as follows:

1.

Beginning at the westernmost side of Caswell Beach and moving east along the Atlantic Coast line to the westernmost point of Oak Island. The Oak Island Villas, a small portion of the western side of Caswell Beach, is already part of the Oak Island wastewater service area.

2.

From the western side of Oak Island across the Intracoastal Waterway along Sunset Harbor Road north for approximately one mile.

3.

East along a line that is approximately one mile from the northern boundary of the island to the Town of St. James. The Town of St. James is not included in the planning area.

4.

South along the west side of the Town of St. James to the Intracoastal Waterway.

5.

East along the Intracoastal Waterway to Highway 133. The mainland portion of Oak Island is in the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District.

The planning area was developed based upon the following conditions:

1.

All of the incorporated areas of the Town of Oak Island on the island are included in the planning area. The Town of Caswell Beach is not included as they are in the process of evaluating how to implement wastewater collection and treatment. If they ultimately decide to connect to the Town of Oak Island, they would be considered a regional customer of the Town of Oak Island and would be responsible for their own collection and transmission facilities.

2.

The incorporated areas of the Town of Oak Island on the mainland are served by the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District, which was established by legislative action of the State of North Carolina, and they retain the right to provide sanitary sewer service to residential, commercial and institutional customers in their currentjurisdictional area.

3.

The Town was granted extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) by Brunswick County for a small area on the mainland across the Intracoastal Waterway to the west of the Town of St. James and east of Sunset Harbor Road. The Town is responsible for providing infrastructure and other services to this area.

4-9 Revised September2003 4-9 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan Figure 4-2. Town of Oak Island Planning Area Boundary 4-10 Revised September2003 4-10 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation a ;

Town of OakIsland, 201 Facilities Plan 4.4 Hydrogeology and Physiography 4.4.1 Ground Water A composite aquifer system of Waccamaw Formation, Castle Hayne Limestone, and underlying Peedee Sandstone provides the groundwater resources in Brunswick County. These aquifers are confined and separated by a layer of silt and clay. Within the shallow, unconfined, sandy aquifer the water quality is highly variable. The depth of this aquifer ranges from 20 to 80 feet (US Geological Survey, 1977). Since it is so near the surface and it is recharged by rainfall, contamination susceptibility is increased. The water in the Castle Hayne Formation is not corrosive, but it is hard and may contain high levels of iron.

Water in the Peedee Formation is soft to moderately hard and generally low in minerals (LeGrand, 1960).

The only information available regarding groundwater systems associated with the proposed WRF site and the effluent disposal sites is provided on the Brunswick County, North Carolina Aquifer-Sensitivity Map. (See Appendix B, Brunswick County, North Carolina Aquifer-Sensitivity Map) It is evident on this map that the proposed WRF site is located on "dry flat/sloping uplands" within the Castle Hayne aquifer, which the map identifies as a groundwater recharge area. The effluent disposal sites are also both located on "dry flat/sloping uplands" within the Castle Hayne aquifer. These areas are also designated as recharge areas.

4.4.2 Surface Water Brunswick County encompasses both the Lumber and the Cape Fear River Basins. The Lumber River Basin makes up approximately 55% of the western portion of the County. Whereas the Cape Fear River Basin occupies the remaining 45% of eastern Brunswick County (see River Basin Map in Section 3). The two subbasins of the Lumber River Basin that occupy Brunswick County are subbasin 03-07-57 and 03-07-59.

The barrier islands - including the Oak Island service area - and various peninsulas make up subbasin 03-07-59. Figure 4-3 shows subbasin 03-07-59, the Lumber River Subbasin. Down-stream portions of both Lockwoods Folly and Shallotte Rivers are designated SA (waters designated for shellfish harvesting) and are therefore High Quality Waters. Areas with median coliform levels above state standards that are pertinent to this project include Lockwoods Folly River and the Intracoastal Waterway near the previous Long Beach section of Oak Island. Most waters in this subbasin have coliform levels above state standards. The elevated fecal coliform counts are potentially related to the numerous septic tanks in the subbasin, as reported by both the Lumber River Basimvide W'ater Quality Plan, 1999, and the Cape Fear Basinvide Water Quality Plan, 2000. All stations in this subbasin (except three on the ICW) recorded periodic low dissolved oxygen levels (Lumber River Basinvide Water Quality Plwn, 1999).

4-11 Revised September2003 4-11 RevlsedSeptember2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan The proposed WRF site falls entirely within the Lumber River subbasin 03-07-59 (see Figure 4-3, Lumber River Subbasin), which includes Lockwoods Folly and Shallotte Rivers, as well as numerous streams and wetlands. Mill Creek makes up approximately 900 meters (2,950 feet) of the northern border of the WRF site. Approximately 655 meters (2,150 feet) of the western property line is marked by Little Lightwood Knot Gulley and 345 meters 1,130 feet) of the eastern boundary is marked by Cottonmouth Branch, both of which drain into Mill Creek to the north. Cottonmouth Branch is the only intermittent stream, whereas the other two are considered perennial. Mill Creek drains into Mercers Mill Pond then continues on into the Lockwoods Folly River. The river carries the water into the Intracoastal Waterway and eventually, the Atlantic Ocean.

Figure 4-3. Lumber River Subbasin

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4 M108 4-12 Revised September2003 4-12 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan The effluent land application sites also fall within the Lumber River subbasin 03-07-59. A location map for the effluent land application sites is shown in Section 7 where the disposal sites are discussed in more detail. Approximately 1,630 meters (5,350 feet) of Nucitt Branch intersect the southern portion of disposal site 135a flowing west to north-west. There are also several unidentified intermittent and ephemeral drains within the property associated with this perennial stream. Approximately 2,700 meters (8,860 feet) of River Swamp intersect the north and eastern portions of disposal site 135c flowing in a northwesterly direction. This perennial stream then flows directly into the Lockwoods Folly Riverjust north of the tract. Approximately 830 meters (2,720 feet) of Alligator Branch also intersect the northern portion of 135c flowing west into River Swamp. Interwoven throughout the property there are many untitled intermittent and ephemeral drains that are associated with both of these perennial streams.

4.5 Wetlands 4.5.1 West OakIsland 1RFSite The northern boundary of the WRF Site is Mill Creek. This stream and associated drains are naturally buffered by mucky blackwater swamp wetlands and exhibit wetland soil, hydrology, and vegetation characteristics. A wetland delineation previously performed and approved by the Corps of Engineers indicated that there were approximately 19 acres of wetlands present on the WRF property. However in August 2003 environmental assessment activities associated with this project identified 4 additional locations that were missed during the wetland delineation that totaled approximately 4 acres. The final delineation map will include approximately 23 acres of wetlands present on the WRF property 4.5.2 Effluent Disposal Sites The results from site investigations and GIS remote sensing analysis indicate there are approximately 180 acres of wetlands on disposal site 135a, leaving approximately 363 acres of uplands. Much of these wetland areas occur around Nucitt Branch and associated natural drainage systems. There is also a large area of low flat wetlands located in the north-west region of the tract. The remaining wetland areas occur as large and small pockets that are dispersed throughout the tract (see attached WVest Oak Island WRF Disposal Sitel35a Site Investigation Map in Appendix B).

Similar analysis on disposal site 135c indicated that there are approximately 320 acres of wetlands, leaving approximately 255 acres of uplands. The majority of the wetlands occur around the two main tributaries (River Swamp and Alligator Branch) and their associated natural drainage systems. There are also small and large pocket wetlands occurring mainly in the southern portion of the tract (see attached West Oak Island WRF Disposal Site 135c Site Investigation Map in Appendix B).

4-13 Revised September2003 4-13 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan 4.5.3 Oak Island Wastewater Collection System and Reuse Distribution Systems No wetland areas are anticipated on any of the proposed vacuum station sites or the Oak Island Satellite WRF site. The occurrence of wetlands within the Oak Island service area along the wastewater collection, reuse distribution, and transmission pipeline corridors is irrelevant due to the fact that the only ground disturbing activities will be associated with the installation of the wastewater collection, reuse distribution, and transmission pipelines and will occur within developed road right-of-ways and within a power line easement. Any impacts to wetlands will be minimal. There are, however, sections of wetlands within the Williamson tract and in and around Mill Creek that the wastewater transmission main in route to the West Oak Island WRF and to the disposal sites must traverse. The transmission main to the West Oak Island WRF will cross the ICW by means of directional drilling.

4.6 Flood Hazards and Mitigation Other than wetland areas bordering major streams on the proposed WRF site and one of the effluent disposal sites, the 1996 FEMA flood maps indicate that all properties associated with this project are above the 100-year flood plain. Collection lines will travel through areas located below the 100-year flood plain, but will be constructed so as to minimize the infiltration of flood waters as required by the Town's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Oak Island is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program.

As can be seen in Figure 4-4, a collection of mapped sections from the FEMA Digital Q3 Flood Data, the northern and southern boundaries of Oak Island fall into the 100-year and 500-year flood plains. Several of the wastewater collection system's vacuum collection stations are located in these 100-year or 500-year flood plain areas along with the proposed location for the satellite facility. The vacuum collection stations and the Oak Island Satellite WRF will be designed to withstand the 100-year flood without any significant damage. Several techniques will be employed to safeguard both the stations and the facilities against 100-year flood levels including raising the structures above the 100-year flood plain elevation (where practical), creating structures that are essentially water tight vaults, and utilizing split plan structures with the submersible equipment located on the lower level and all water sensitive equipment located on the higher above flood plain level.

4-14 Revised September2003 4-14 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan Figure 4-4. Flood Hazard Map Oak Island Flood Hazard Data Ii 100 - W Flood PI '.

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1 4-15 Revised September2003 4-15 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of OakIsland, 201 Fadlities Plan 4.7 Agricultural Lands 4.7.1 WVestOakIsland TRRFSite Prime farmland contains soil best suited for producing food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. Prime farmland is economically productive for all major crops common to Brunswick County, and is not subject to excessive erosion or saturated with water for long periods of time. Soils categorized as prime in Brunswick County are Foreston, Goldsboro, Johns, Norfolk, and Onslow. Approximately 75,598 acres or approximately 14% of the county is represented by prime agricultural land. These soils are predominantly located in the south-central, western, and northeastern portions of the County. In addition, certain soils have been designated as unique. Farmland containing these soils is able to grow specific crops that are not generally produced in the area. Blueberries are a crop unique to Brunswick County and they have special soil requirements that are met by Leon Fine Sand and Murville Mucky Fine Sand.

These two unique land soils make up 85,101 acres, or 16% of the County (Glenn Harbeck Associates, 1997). According to the Brunswick County Soil Survey, the proposed WRF site contains neither prime farmland nor unique farmland soils (see attached Brunswick County Soil Survey West Oak Island WRF Map in Appendix B). However, an on-site soil investigation showed small areas of Leon soil occurring around the tips of drains that feed the main tributaries surrounding the tract.

4.7.2 Effluent Disposal Site According to the USDA Soil Survey, the Oak Island effluent disposal sites contain a significant amount of both prime and unique agricultural land soils (see attached Brunswick County Soil Survey West Oak Island WRF Disposal Site 135a Map and Brunswick County Soil Survey West Oak Island WRF Disposal Site 135c Map in Appendix B). The on-site soil investigation showed that some of the prime agricultural soils on disposal site 135a include Goldsboro and Onslow soils. Unique agricultural soils were not found on this site according to our investigation. The on-site soil investigation for site 135c showed that the prime agricultural soils include Goldsboro, Foreston and Onslow. Unique agricultural soils were not found on this site according to our investigation.

4.7.3 Oak Island Wastewater Collection System and Reuse Distribution Systems According to the Brunswick County Soil Survey, the wastewater collection, reuse distribution, and transmission pipeline corridors contain patches of prime agricultural soil, Leon (fine sand), along the borders of the Intracoastal Waterway and other drainage areas. The remainder of the wastewater collection and reuse distribution systems will be constructed in existing road right-of-ways and utility easements.

4-16 Revised September2003 4-16 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of OakIsland, 201 Facilities Plan 4.8 Historical and Archaeological Sites 4.8.1 WVestOakIsland WRFSite Brunswick County has several well-known historical sites. These include Orton Plantation; Old Brunswick Town; Forts Anderson, Johnson, and Caswell; and the St. Phillips Episcopal Church ruins. A few miles east of the Oak Island service area, Oak Island Lighthouse provides a significant historical value. In 1958, it replaced Cape Fear Lighthouse, which was located across the Cape Fear River on Bald Head Island. Currently, Oak Island Lighthouse flashes the newest and most powerful beam of all American lighthouses.

The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO),

reviewed the proposed WRF site and found no historical or architectural structures of importance in the project area. However the SHPO considers the site to have a high probability of archaeological sites because of its topographic and hydrogeologic setting. Several sites within one and one-half miles of the site have been found. The SHPO recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted by experienced archaeologist to identify and evaluate the significance of archaeological remains at the proposed site. Appendix C contains a letter from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources confirming these findings.

An archaeological survey was conducted by Legacy Research Associates, Inc. in September 2003.

Preliminary survey results indicate that five sites were found. Two of these sites are considered to be isolated finds with little significance with limited information and no further archaeological work is recommended. The other three sites are prehistoric Middle Woodland period sites. Site avoidance in the immediate area of these three sites is recommended. The three sites are not anticipated to have an impact on the proposed WRF site. A formal report of the archaeological survey will be forwarded to the SHPO.

4.8.2 EffluentDisposal Site Results from the North Carolina Department of Architecture property analysis showed no significant architectural properties or archeological sites found on effluent disposal site 135a. There were similar findings on disposal site 135c with the exception of an archeological site #461 (cemetery) found in the western portion of the property (see attached West Oak Island Disposal Site 135c - Site #461 Location Map in Appendix B). A letter from the North Carolina Cultural Resources Department describing the requirements, or lack there of, involved in protecting site #461 from the application of tertiary treated wastewater is pending.

4-17 Revised September2003 4-17 Revised September2003

)

Section 4. Current Situation Town of OakIsland, 201 Faclities Plan 4.8.3 Oak Island W~astewater Collection Systen and Reuse Distribution Systems The entire Oak Island service area can be classified as a previously disturbed area, thus it is not expected that the vacuum station sites or the Oak Island Satellite WRF site are archeologically significant.

However, if any one of the vacuum sites is determined archeologically significant, an alternative location will be identified. The occurrence of archeologically significant sites within the Oak Island service area along the wastewater collection, reuse distribution, and transmission pipeline corridors is irrelevant due to the fact that the only ground disturbing activities will be associated with the installation of the wastewater collection, reuse distribution, and transmission pipelines and will occur within developed road right-of-ways and within a power line easement. No archeological or historically significant sites will be disturbed as a result of these construction activities.

4.9 Flora and Fauna 4.9.1 Flora 4.9.1.1 West Oak Island VRF Site Other than surrounding wetland areas, the West Oak Island WRF property is comprised of an approximately 36 year old longleaf pine plantation. There is also a significant component of volunteer loblolly pine at a variety of ages. Since the average height of these plantation trees is approximately 48 feet at 36 years, the site index at base age 25 is -33. These poor growth rates can be attributed to the nutrient limited, highly permeable, sandy soils, which are prominent on the site. The trees were originally planted at 6xI0 ft. spacing with planting rows running east to west. At least one prescribed burn and a thinning operation have occurred in the life of this stand creating a fairly open forest floor with sporadic larger open areas. The majority of the upland understory vegetation consists of live oak Quercus virginiana and turkey oak Quercus laevis. The overstory trees in the wetland and wetland transitional areas mostly consist of black gum Nyssa sylvatica, bald cypress Taxodium distichurn, loblolly pine, and water oak Quercus nigra. The dense understory vegetation in these bottomland areas mainly consists of inkberry Illex glabra, gallberry Illex coriacea, fetterbush Lyonia lucida, and loblolly bay Gordonia lasianthus.

4.9.1.2 Effluent Disposal Site Disposal site 135a has previously been under commercial forest management for loblolly pine timber production. There is currently a loblolly pine plantation approximately 10-15 years old on the property.

Most of the plantation has undergone a pre-commercial thin that included root system removal within the last year leaving a heavily disturbed and open forest floor. The forest productivity on this site is directly 4-18 Revised September2003

• 4-18 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation c::.i/

Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan dependant on the soil type. Because of the variance in suitable soils for tree growth on this tract, the range of site index (base age 50) is anywhere from 70 to 90.

Tract 135c has also been previously been under commercial forest management for loblolly pine timber production. Within the last two years, the entire loblolly plantation area was clear-cut excluding trees within sensitive area buffers leaving a groundcover consisting of mainly grasses and'various natural regenerating hardwoods and volunteer pines. The tract was replanted in loblolly pine following the harvest operation, but without proper management, the natural regenerating species will probably overtake these areas. The overstory and understory vegetation composition within wetland and wetland transitional areas on both disposal sites is similar to that of the West Oak Island VWR site.

4.9.1.3 Oak Island W~astewater Collection System and Reuse Distribution Systems The majority of the wastewater collection, reuse distribution, and transmission pipeline installation will occur on previously disturbed road right-of-ways, within a power line easement and under the ICW by means of directional drilling. In the areas north and south of Mill Creek where the wastewater collection pipeline corridor crosses approximately 1,800 feet of timberland outside of road right-of-ways and easements, the pipeline corridor will be chosen to minimize the disturbance of trees greater than 12" in diameter. The vacuum station sites and the Oak Island Satellite WRF site are located on previously disturbed land and no significant forest resources are expected. Should significant forest resources be determined on a chosen vacuum site, an alternative site will be chosen.

4.9.2 Wildlife and TheeirHabitat (IncludingEndangered Species) 4.9.2.1 County-TWide Summary Brunswick County contains a large variety of wildlife species supported by numerous types of habitats.

Appendix B provides a list of vertebrates, invertebrates, vascular plants, and non-vascular plants in Brunswick County and their status from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

4.9.2.2 West Oak Island WVRF Site The areas containing the most productive wildlife habitat are the wetlands and wetland transitional areas.

As a result of past silvicultural operations, these transitional areas act as edges providing cover and food for a variety of species including songbirds, rabbits, white-tailed deer, and reptiles such as green anole and copperhead. Upland portions of the pine plantation within the West Oak Island WRF property has an understory of mainly live oak and turkey oak, which provide some food and cover for a more limited variety of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, raccoon, possum, gray fox, fox squirrel and eastern wild turkey. Bottomland, wetland transitional and depressed areas within the 4-19 Revised September2003 4-19 Revised September Z003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan plantation have an understory of mainly fetterbush, gallberry and inkberry providing good habitat and browse for deer, turkey and migratory song birds.

4.9.2.3 Effluent Disposal Site The pine plantation on the effluent disposal site 135a has been more actively managed than that of the West Oak Island WRF site. The result of more intensive management is less understory vegetation, which creates an undesirable habitat for animals requiring ground cover to protect them from predators in the air or on the ground. Aside from a reduction in these species, the wildlife community on the effluent disposal sites will be similar to that of the West Oak Island WRF site. The recent clear-cut operation performed on disposal site 135c has created a good foraging habitat for deer, turkey, quail, and other various ground nesting and migratory song birds. Bottomland, wetland transitional and depressed areas within both effluent disposal sites have an understory of mainly fetterbush, gallberry and inkberry providing good habitat and browse for deer, turkey and migratory song birds.

4.9.2.4 Oak Island Wastewvater Collection System and Reuse Distribution Systems The wildlife within the Oak Island service area and along the pipeline corridor is comprised of mainly songbirds and aquatic species. Urbanization and commercialization have eliminated any vast areas of wildlife habitat on Oak Island. The sections of the transmission main corridor north and south of Mill Creek making up 1.25 acres occur on mature pine stands. The composition of the understory vegetation in both sections in this corridor is similar to that of the West Oak Island WRF property, therefore providing habitat for similar species.

4.10 Infrastructure Because of the past development trends of the Towvn of Oak Island, the entire infrastructure necessary to support the community is installed and functioning. A complete grid of public streets and roadways within the Town of Oak Island has been installed and are supporting vehicular traffic to all commercial and residential areas. The streets and roads in place will support the complete build-out of the island.

These streets and roadways are impervious. Some areas include bicycle paths, and some additional bicycle paths may be installed.

With the exception of the sanitary sewers in the Long Beach area of the island, all other utilities are in place to support the complete build-out of the Town. Water, electric, telephone, and cable TV have been installed throughout the Town of Oak Island and no additional extensions of these utilities are anticipated.

A program is underway to put electric lines underground to be less vulnerable to weather events.

Stormwater drainage was discussed earlier in this Section.

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Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak.Island, 201 Facilities Plan A second bridge is planned by the NC Department of Transportation to connect at Middleton Drive, and it is understood that preliminary engineering activities for this second bridge have been initiated. The installation of this second bridge will require only minor improvements on Oak Island.

In summary, the installation of a new collection system will not require improvements or extension to any portion of the infrastructure.

4.11 Demographic Profile The Town of Oak Island has the largest population of the 19 municipalities within Brunswick County, and is the largest beach community in North Carolina. Table 4-1 illustrates the growth of Town of Oak Island, Brunswick County, and North Carolina from 1970 through 2000 according to US Census data.

The data from the Town of Oak Island prior to 2000 is the addition of the population of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach. The Town of Oak Island growth from 1970 through 2000 is typical of many of the beach communities in North Carolina with growth in the 1970's and the 1908's the result of retirees and vacationers discovering the coastal areas of North Carolina. As illustrated by Table 4.1 the Town of Oak Island grew at a rate of 44.4% from 1990-2000, or an average annual growth rate of 3.74%/year. The average annual growth rate takes into the consideration the impact of compounding of the growth rate.

Table 4-1 indicates that the population growth of Brunswick has been very consistent over three decades.

The average growth over the three decades for Brunswick County is 44.6%, or an average annual growth of 3.76%. The growth in Brunswick County has been influenced by the growth of the coastal communities, and recently by regional growth patterns of the Wilmington metropolitan area. Population growth in North Carolina is provided as a comparison.

Table 4-1. Historical Population Growth Area 1970 1980 1990 2000 Growth Growth Growth Town of 827 191.8%

2,413 88.6%

4,550 44.4%

6,571 Oak Island Brunswick 24,223 47.7%

35,777 42.5%

50,985 43.5%

73,143 County North 5,084,411 15.6%

5,880,095 12.8%

6,632,448 21.4%

8,049,477 Carolina By July 2000, the official population of Oak Island was 6,619. This is based on information found in the Towen of Oak Island, Annual State of the Town Message dated July 1, 2002. This document can be found in Appendix B. Table 4.2 displays the estimates for the Town of Oak Island, Brunswick County, and 4-21 Revised September2003 4-21 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan North Carolina from estimates developed by the Office of State Planning between the date of the US Census and July 2001. This information indicates that the Town of Oak Island is continuing a yearly growth even during a period of lower economic growth on a national basis, with a rate above the state average.

Table 4-2. Population Trends Area April-00 July-01 Total Growth

% Growth Town of Oak Island 6,571 6,898 327 5.0 Brunswick County 73,143 76,904 3,761 5.1 North Carolina 8,049,477 8,188,008 138,531 1.72 US Census data for the Town of Oak Island indicated a permanent population of 6,571 with total households of 3,076 and an average household size of 2.14. The Census 2000 data also indicated that the total number of family units was 2,102 with population in families of 5,280 and average family size of 2.51.

Table 4-3 indicates the housing units and household population by tenure according to US Census 2000.

Table 4-3 illustrates the large percentage of housing units that is used in the Town of Oak Island for seasonal'use, which is typically for a coastal community that has an emphasis on tourism, recreation, and occasional use. It should be noted that the percentage of housing for a permanent population has increased from previous surveys and census information. This is due to the increasing number of retirees who have established the permanent population on the island, but also it reflects an increase in younger families establishing residence on the island. This is indicated in the average number of person per household for family units discussed above. It should also be noted that 84.5 percent of the housing units are single family residences according to Census 2000 data, and 1.5 percent of housing units are duplexes.

11.5 percent of the housing units are mobile homes. Only 2.5 percent of the housing units are in structures with three or more units. This indicates that the emphasis on housing units in the Town of Oak Island is on single family residences.

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0 Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan Table 4-3. Housing Units & Population by Tenure for the Town of Oak Island Universe Housing Units Percent Total 6,651 100.0 Occupied (Permanent 3,076 46.2 Population)

Vacant for Rent 85 1.3 Vacant for Sale Only 110 1.7 Vacant, Rented or Sold, Not 56 0.8 Occupied Vacant, Seasonal, Recreational, 3,252 49.0 or Occasional Use Vacant for Migrant Worker 1

0.0 Vacant, Other 61 0.9 US Census 2000 data also indicates the racial characteristics of the Town of Oak Island. The information from the census data is provided in Table 4-4. Table 4-4 indicates that the area is predominately White Alone, not Hispanic. Other data from the census indicates that the population is somewhat older and wealthier than the remainder of Brunswick County and North Carolina.

Table 4-4. Racial Distribution in the Town of Oak Island Householder Household Population in Household Average Household Size White Alone 3,033 6,464 2.13 Black or African American 7

17 2.43 Alone American Indian and Alaskan 16 39 2.44 Native Alone Asian Alone 4

10 2.50 Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific 0

0 0.00 Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone 2

7 3.50 Two or More Races 14 34 2.43 Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 11 35 3.18 White Alone, Not Hispanic 3,025 6,440 2.13 4-23 Revised September2003 4-23 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan The un-sewered portion of the Town of Oak Island is basically the same as the original corporate limits of the Town of Long Beach. The Town of Long Beach maintained very detailed records of number of housing units and the number of housing starts on a yearly basis. Table 4-5 displays the data on housing over a ten-year period from 1994 to 2003. The Towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach merged in July 1999. The data for 1999 is based on the number of housing starts in Long Beach only until July and the entire Town of Oak Island for the remainder of the year. From 2000 through 2003 the data was corrected based on the US Census 2000 data. Using the number of housing units for the Town of Long Beach in 1999, the estimated number of housing units for Yaupon Beach in 1999, and the number of housing starts listed in the table yields 6,428 housing units estimated in 2000 prior to the census data. This is within 3.3 percent of the US Census data. Since housing starts were continuing in 2000 until the data gathering in April 2000, the table presented in Table 4-5 is accurate even with the merger of the tvo communities. It should also be noted from Table 4-5 that the growth rate per year for housing units has been very consistent, even during various national economic periods. The housing units in 2003 are estimated based on the records through the end of March 2003. The number of housing unit starts for the first quarter of 2003 is estimated to continue for the remainder of 2003.

Table 4-5. Town of Oak Island Historical Housing information Year

1. of Housing Units

1. of Housing Starts

% Change 1994 4,921 112 2.3%

1995 5,033 131 2.6%

1996 5,164 147 2.8%

1997 5,311 153 2.9%

1998 5,464 216 4.0%

1999 5,657 198 3.5%

2000 6,651 132 2.0%

2001 6,823 172 2.6%

2002 7,110 287 4.0%

2003 7,354 (Estimated) 244 (Estimated) 3.3%

The average of the percentage change in housing units on a yearly basis from Table 4-5 is approximately 3.0 percent.

The total land area of the Town of Oak Island is approximatelyl 0 square miles. According to information presented in the "Oak Island 2002 State of the Town Message," the population density is 824.8 people per 4-24 Revised September2003 4-24 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak.Island, 201 Facilities Plan square mile. Again, this statistic indicates that the emphasis on housing in the Town of Oak Island is on single family residences.

Based on the Consolidated Oak Island Land Use Plan and the official 2000 Federal Census population of 6,571, the Town's seasonal population escalates by approximately 3.4 persons per household on weekdays to 28,913, and approximately 5 persons per household on weekends to 39,426. During the week of July 4th, the population escalates by approximately 7 persons per household to 52,568. Surveys performed for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Second Bridge to Oak Island, Brzunswick County North Carolina, From SR 1104 (Beach Drive) to NC 211, Federal.Aid Project No. STP-1105(6),

State Project No. 8.2231201, T.IP. No. R-2245, approved in January 2002, concluded that the average number of persons per household for the Town of Oak Island for seasonal housing was 6.5. This was confirmed by the Second Bridge to Oak Island, Corridor Land Use & Development Plan financed by funds provided through CAMA and administrated by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOAA. Using the seasonal persons per household of 6.5 multiplied by the number of seasonal housing units from the US Census 2000 data of 3,252 divided by the number of permanent population housing units of 3,076 multiplied by the average number of persons per household from the US Census 2000 data of 2.14 yields a ratio of seasonal population to permanent population of approximately 3.2. This confirms the information developed in the Consolidated Oak Island Land Use Plan which presents a ratio of seasonal population to permanent population of approximately 3.2. For the purposes of the estimating future populations and flows, the ratio of 3.2 will be used in calculations for this Plan.

4.12 Current Land Use Oak Island is 12.6 miles long and averages about I mile across, making it Brunswick County's largest island, and the largest beach community in North Carolina. Oak Island's small town atmosphere and hospitality is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. With over a 10 mile stretch of ocean beach, there are numerous water related activities for all ages. There are three piers, a marina, and public launch facilities which make all types of fishing possible. Within walking distance to the beach, the Oak Island Golf and Country Club includes an 18-hole golf course.

The Island offers over 60 public beach accesses, several public boat ramps, and additional areas where one can launch canoes and kayaks. There are multiple picnic areas as well as walking trails.

Approximately 184 businesses, mostly tourist related, are located on Oak Island. There are approximately 3,250 seasonal single-family or condominium housing units, 256 motel rooms, 150 campground sites, and 65 transient marina slips. Land use is discussed in more detail in Section 5.1.

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Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan Oak Island respects the environment and has Won national recognition for preserving and planting new trees, and creating Bird and Sea Turtle Sanctuaries. The Island has a complex coastal ecosystem with areas of salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, and miles of beach strand. Atlantic sea turtles, including the Green, Loggerheads, and rare Kemp Ridley turtles, make seasonal visits every year to the island to lay eggs.

The Town of Yaupon Beach prepared a CAMA Land Use Plan in 1997 and adopted the plan in 1998.

The Town of Long Beach adopted a CAMA Land Use Plan in 1998 and adopted the plan in 1999. After the merger of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach in July 1999, a Consolidated CAMA Land Use Plan was prepared in 1999 and adopted in 2000. A key provision of the consolidated plan is the implementation of.

a sewer system to the former areas of Long Beach. The reason for this provision is "restoring the health of the community's surface waters." Additional provisions include the replacement of existing septic tanks and the requirement for connection to the Town's central sewer system when it is available.

Another provision is that the Town will not support the permitting and-construction of package wastewater treatment plants. Other provisions include the goal of alternative development practices that will improve the overall environmental quality of development, the Planning Board review of current zoning, building and development codes to determine consistency with the Land Use and Coastal Management policies, implement a beach preservation plan, and implement a management plan for the "The Point". The Point is a fragile area located on the west end of Oak Island in an ocean and inlet hazard area.

The CAMA Land Use also supported the construction of the second bridge to the mainland connecting at Middleton Drive with the goal of protecting homes and residential property along Middleton Drive and protecting the corridor of the bridge route and sensitive natural areas from inappropriate development. To aid in the implementation of this goal, the Second Bridge to Oak Island, Corridor Land Use &

Development Plan was prepared.

CAMA land use requirements stipulate that no structures can be built on the seaward side of the first line of vegetation or within the zone of 30 times the erosion rate. If any structures exist in either of these areas and is more than 50 percent damaged by hurricanes or other natural occurrences, then those structures must be vacated and demolished. Minor structures are allowed within a zone between 30 times the erosion rate and 60 times the erosion rate. Major structures are only allowed beyond 60 times the erosion rate. For further explanation of CAMA land use requirenients, see promulgated rules in I5AQ NCAC 7H.

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. 4 4-26 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation Town of OakIsland, 201 Facilities Plan Section 5.1 describes the land uses and indicates their respective locations. It should be noted that zoning ordinance does not allow for industrial uses on the island or in the ETJ on the mainland immediately to the east of Sunset Harbor Road. With the exception of car washes and laundromats, industrial uses would be confined to the mainland area currently served by the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District.

Currently, there is only on car wash and one laundromat on the island, currently provided with sanitary sewer service.

4.13 Water Supply The Town of Oak Island operates a water utility. The water distribution system consists of purchased water from Brunswick County along with some treatment of local well water by the Town. The Public Utilities Department of the Town is in charge of operation and routine maintenance of the distribution system, consisting of 85 miles of pipe, 7,000 water meters (read monthly), 3,000 valves, 2 well houses and pump stations, four elevated water tanks, and 850 fire hydrants.

The two well sites are located at 402 Trott Street and 600 Country Club Drive. Each well site has a pumping rate of 200 gpm. The Town pulls water from the Pee Dee aquifer. The four elevated water tanks' combined capacity is about 1,175,000 gallons. The Town of Oak Island averaged approximately 1 18 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) in 2001 and approximately 115 gpcd for 2002. Refer to Table 4-6 for monthly water flows. As is expected, the water usage increases dramatically in the summer months from approximately April to August or September. This correlates with population data that suggest a large influx of population during the summer season. The data for year 2003 suggests seems to show a significantly smaller peak in water usage during the month of April when compared to years 2001 and 2002. Water usage data for the entire year will have to be collected before the significance of the low April water usage value can be evaluated. See Appendix B for monthly billing data.

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0 Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan Table 4-6. Oak Island Water Consumption Oak Island Water Consumption Water Persons Avg. Per Capita Year Month Consumption Days Connected to Usage (gal/day)

_(gal)

System 2001 January 15558000 31 6488 77.35 2001 February 12167800 28 6492 66.94 2001 March 15461000 31 6503 76.69 2001 April 21025400 30 6505 107.74 2001 May 32645500 31 6592 159.75 2001 June 34859200 30 6612 175.74 2001 July 37408500 31 6629 182.04 2001 August 34194000 31 6770 162.93 2001 September 24266500 30 6667 121.33 2001 October 23145000 31 6703 111.38 2001 November 20187400 30 6705 100.36 2001 December 15410900 31 6725 73.92 2001 Yearly Average 118.01 2002 January 14310900 31 6738 68.51 2002 February 13384000 28 6755 70.76 2002 March 18832000 31 6760 89.86 2002 April 29240000 30 6795 143.44 2002 May 23816161 31 6812 112.78 2002 June 35506857 30 6811 173.77 2002 July 37842460 31 6833 178.65 2002 August 35189351 31 6852 165.67 2002 September 25851327 30 6877 125.30 2002 October 20740510 31 6874 97.33 2002 November 17986599 30 6918 86.67 2002 December 14803952 31 6926 68.95 2002 Yearly Average 115.14 2003 January 15337894 31 6942 71.27 2003 February 16185645 28 6964 83.01 2003 March 14428081 31 6985 66.63 2003 April 14024727 30 6986 66.92 2003 May N/A 31 N/A N/A 2003 June N/A 30 N/A N/A 2003 July N/A 31 N/A N/A 2003 August N/A 31 N/A N/A 2003 September N/A 30 N/A N/A 2003 October N/A 31 N/A N/A 2003 November N/A 30 N/A N/A 2003 December N/A 31 N/A N/A 2003 Yearly Average N/A 4-28 Revised September2003 4-28 Revised September2003

Section 4. Current Situation a :y Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan 4.14 Water Conservation The Town of Oak Island recently enacted an ordinance to promote water conservation, particularly for exterior use and during the summer months when water usage is the highest. The water conservation ordinance places limits on residents for lawn irrigation, requires controls to prevent excess use, and provides for an enforcement mechanism to wasting of the water resources. The ordinance also encourages the use of harvesting precipitation and landscaping that reduces demands upon the potable water system. A copy of the ordinance is included in Appendix G.

4.15 Existing Wastewater Collection System The Town of Oak Island owns and operates a wastewater system that contains an estimated 9 miles of gravity sewer, 6 miles of force mains, 220 manholes, and 13 lift stations. The gravity sewer pipes range in size from 6 to 15 inches, the force mains range in size from 2 to 8 inches, and materials include PVC and ductile iron.

The existing collection system provides service to approximately 904 homes and businesses, approximately 10% of the homes on Oak Island. The existing collection system covers two areas of Oak Island. The first area is in the east end of the island and includes the previous town limits of Yaupon Beach, the Oak Island Golf Course and the Oak Island Beach Villas within the Town of Caswell Beach.

This area is covered by a collection of 11 lift stations, gravity sewers, and force mains installed in 1992-1993. The second area is the business district along Oak Island Drive from N.E. 46th Street east to N.E.

65th Street. This area is covered by 2 lift stations, gravity sewers, and force mains installed in 2001-2002.

4.15.1 Ityflhtration/InJlowAnalysis Infiltration/inflow problems are a result of high groundwater levels and wet weather that occurs in the coastal areas, particularly tropical storms and hurricanes. Historical flow data for the existing East Oak Island WRF for years 1999 to 2002 was evaluated to ascertain the impact of wet weather on the maximum month and peak daily flows.

The data for years 1999 to 2002 suggest that maximum month and peak daily flows do not occur during wet weather or immediately after wet weather conditions. Therefore, peak wastewater flows are not the result of wet weather conditions, and I/I was deemed insignificant in Oak Island. The collections system in Oak Island is relatively new and a large amount of I/l is not expected. Maximum month and peak daily flows are related to a seasonal influx of people. Daily operating data and precipitation data are included in Appendix D.

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0.

Section 4. Current Situation Town of OakIsland, 201 Facilities Plan The future collection system will be a combination of both gravity and vacuum components. A combination collection system would subdivide the island into zones, with some zones utilizing gravity collection and others using vacuum collection. Areas of extremely flat topography and a high groundwater table could be better suited for vacuum collection, while higher elevations on the island north of Oak Island Drive could be better suited for gravity collection. The majority of the new collection system will be comprised of vacuum collection.

Vacuum collection stations will be provided with redundant/backup power to allow operation of the collection system during power outages and weather events. Alternately, vacuum collection systems can be shut down during hurricanes and other flooding events resulting in evacuation of the island and restarted after the event is over and high water has receded. The vacuum collection system and the wastewater treatment plant will then only collect and treat the small (compared to gravity systems) volume of water that has accumulated in the piping system. Because vacuum collection systems are sealed, the only water that will enter the system will come from the small volume between each home's vent and valve pit, assuming the vent was submerged during the event. The use of the vacuum collection system will most likely reduce infiltration to a minimum.

4.16 Existing Wastewater Treatment Facilities Current wastewater treatment on Oak Island for sewered areas is at the Town of Oak Island Biological Treatment Plant and Water Reuse Facility (referred to as existing East Oak Island WRF). The treatment facility is a non-discharge system. Effluent is routed into an infiltration pond, or sprayed onto non-food crops such as pine trees and different types of grasses. The reused water is currently being used for the Town's Beach Renourishment Project. Through volunteers, the Beach Preservation Association plants sea oats and other plant material on the dunes and helps to maintain the dunes. The sea oats and other plant material are grown in a greenhouse on the plant site and are irrigated with reuse water.

The Biological Treatment Plant and Water Reuse Facility is currently permitted for a monthly average flow of 281,230 gallons per day. It is an extended aeration plant with an influent bar screen, an aerated equalization basin with dual pumps, three aeration basins (2 ( 100,000 gallons, and I @ 200,000 gallons) that contain coarse bubble diffusers, two 28-foot diameter circular secondary clarifiers, a four-cell gravity sand filter, and effluent chlorine disinfection. Sludge management facilities include an aerobic digester and a sludge holding tank. The facility is approximately 7 years old, and based on past performance, can consistently meet all effluent requirements. Effluent requirements were previously discussed in Section 3.3.

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Section 4. Current Situation Town of OakIsland, 201 Facilities Plan 4.17 Existing On-Site Treatment Systems Individual septic tank systems are the most common and long-standing method of wastewater management in Brunswick County and Oak Island. When properly designed and located, these systems are very effective in treating domestic wastewater. However, a number of issues impact the performance of these systems. Some of these issues include:

1.

Undersized septic systems that cannot handle peak loadings.

2.

Inadequately sized leaching field for treatment.

3.

Elevated water table, which reduces septic system hydraulic and process capacity.

4.

Inadequate maintenance of septic systems.

5.

Abuse of septic systems (i.e., driving/parking on drain fields, over use of cleaning products and other chemicals, overcrowding of rental homes, etc.).

Oak Island has approximately 5,400 lots that are currently served by septic tank systems. Brunswick County Health Department data indicates that there are approximately 100 septic tank replacements or repairs per year on Oak Island. This failure rate means that in a five-year period approximately 10% of the septic tank systems on Oak Island will fail and need to be replaced or repaired. Some of the remaining undeveloped residential lots on the island have limitations for installation of septic tanks. The limitations are the result of high groundwater table or unsuitable soils. However, undeveloped lots are being developed utilizing alternative onsite treatment systems for sewerage treatment and disposal.

The Cape Fear Basimvide WPater Quality Plan and the Lumber River Basinwvide Water Quality Plan prepared by Division of Water Quality, North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources.

Both identified failing septic tanks in the area as a source for elevated coliform counts, indicating pollutant contribution to the waters in and around the Town of Oak Island. Elimination of these sources could potentially reduce coliform counts and pollutant contributions to the waters in and around Oak Island.

4.18 Existing Water Reuse The Town of Oak Island has been practicing reuse for many years. Section 9 of this report will discuss past practices and future proposals. The Town of Oak Island recently adopted a Reuse Water System ordinance and a Reuse Standards Manual. The objectives of these actions are to reduce demand on the potable water system, better utilize the available groundwater supply, reduce flows to the Town's 4-31 Revised September2003 4-31 Revised September2003

• r

r.

7f Section 4. Current Situation Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan wastewater disposal fields, and provide a new water resource to the citizens of Oak Island. A copy of the ordinance is provided in Appendix G and a copy of the reuse standards is provided in Appendix K.

4.19 Institutional Arrangements The Town of Oak Island is incorporated under the statues of the State of North Carolina, and as such, has the necessary authority, along with legal, financial, institutional, and managerial resources to operate and maintain wastewater collection, treatment and reuse facilities. The Town operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Existing ordinances are in place to regulate sewer use and user charges. A copy of the Town code and regulations governing water and wastewater, including the fats, oils, and greases program is included in Appendix G. The Town of Oak Island currently operates its wastewater utility under its Public Utilities Department. The existing sewer system, lift stations, and wastewater treatment is managed and operated under the Public Utilities Director. Administrative and technical support is provided by other departments within the Town.

4.19.1 InstitutionalArrangement with the Soutlheast Brunswick Sanitar District The incorporated areas on the mainland are served by the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District, which was established by legislative action of the State of North Carolina, and they retain the right to provide sanitary sewer service to residential, commercial and institutional customers within the current corporate limits of the Town on the mainland generally along both sides of NC133. This legislative action also defines that any reuse customer within the current corporate limits on the mainland will be served by the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District, unless such property is owned by the Town. The area on the mainland indicated in the planning area in Section 4.3 is not covered by this legislative action, and as such, can be served by the Town of Oak Island. Appendix E includes a resolution that affirms the Town of Oak Island and the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District will seek to cooperate with each other.

4.19.2 InstitutionalArrangenment with the Oak Island GoyCourse The Town of Oak Island has an agreement in place with the Oak Island Golf Course for reuse. The agreement is included in Appendix C, and the agreement defines responsibilities, costs, and other items related to reuse. This agreement is the basis of providing reuse water to the golf course for irrigation.

4.19.3 InstitutionalArrangement with Oak IslandBeach Villas The Town of Oak Island has an agreement in place with Oak Island Beach Villas to provide sanitary sewer service. The agreement is included in Appendix C, and establishes service requirements and user costs. This relationship was established and arranged by Yaupon Beach to allow for service to an entity outside the normal limits of the community.

4-32 R-e2Revised Seeptember2003

nL Section 4. Current Situation c \\.

Town of Oak Island, 201 Facilities Plan 4.19.4 Future InstitutionalArrangentents If and when other municipalities or institutions desire to join with the Town of Oak Island, or become customers of the Town of Oak Island wastewater utility, the Town will negotiate an agreement for each individual municipality or institution. Potential customers/partners include the Town of Caswell Beach, the NC Baptist Assembly, and others.

4-33 Revised September2003 4-33 Revised September 2003