(910) 618-5533
(910) 521-7556
James.Perry @lumberrivercog.org 
Water Resources Planning
Since the 1990's, we have been active in the area of water resources. Our work has supported individual communities with specific tasks - such as long range water planning documents, rate studies, customer base evaluations- to a significant investment in regional, sustainable development of our water resources. We are updating many of those older long-range planning documents because they do have relevance for today’s world. From them we gain a needed perspective on where we started and where we are now. You are able to link to many of those earlier reports in the tabs below.
Our efforts in the past decade have been focused on helping our local governments respond to the forces of change in Federal and State regulations, financing needed improvements, and exploring water efficiency options such a regionalization of service and reductions in water loss. To do this, the LRCOG Technical Assistance staff is providing direct technical assistance as well as reaching out to secure funding for projects we initiate to undertake projects with regional significance.
Our water resources work today is concentrated in the Lumber and Cape Fear River Basins which traverse the LRCOG region. Our work is based on the understanding that water does not observe political boundaries such as those which define COG regions, municipal or county boundaries. Water, does, however, observe topography and we strongly support basinwide planning.
In keeping with this thought, we have reached beyond our LRCOG boundary and are collaborating with neighboring counties and COG regions in pursuit of sustainable, regional solutions for the future.
OUR WATER RESOURCE EFFORTS
(Special Note for Best Navigation: To open, click once on each panel. When returning to the website after viewing a document, use the Back Arrow on your computer to return.)
Building on the work of the Southern Coastal Plain Groundwater Initiative from the 1990's to mid 2000's, the LRCOG has advanced its multi-stakeholder efforts in regional water supply planning. Water is one of this region's great economic and natural resources. Yet, in this decade, concern about available supply continued to grow. For example, the growth push from the Fayetteville region due to Base changes has impacted Hoke County moving this county toward development of water districts and a regional wastewater treatment works. In Robeson County, economic development has brought needed jobs to the area in the form of large food industry processing facilities that have significant water demands.
Assisting local systems in responding to changing State requirements the LRCOG has lead efforts to explore regional utility facilities, develop surface water supplies as an alternative to the use of groundwater, and continues the monitoring and assessment of water levels in the aquifer systems underlying the region. In addition, recognizing the potential negative effects of the declining federal,state and local economies on utility systems, the LRCOG introduced a technical assistance program to assist local utilities undertake processes and procedures that would enhance the efficiency of their operations. changing economic environment.
A summary of current activites follows.
1. EDA Technical Assistance and Water Monitoring Project:
In 2008, the LRCOG applied for and received a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to do the following:
Renegotiate the 2004 Agreement with the Environmental Management Commission and the Division of Water Resources to stave off the designation of a Capacity Use Area for the Southern Coastal Plain.
Carry forward water plans from previously funded projects.
Through this project the LRCOG has completed the following:
2. Rural Center Capacity Building Projects:
A. Infrastructure Training and Regional Water and Sewer GIS Mapping 2009-2011.This project was funded by the NC Rural Center with matching funds provided by local governments in the region. The project was established to perform the following:
To date the LRCOG has completed the following:
1. Workshop Series:
2. GIS Mapping:
The LRCOG, through consultant services, has provided mapping services to numerous small communities in the region. The objective of this effort when it began in 2009 was to leave these communities with 1) updated paper maps for day-to-day work, 2) a digitial record of existing maps where none had existed before. Through the consultant, the LRCOG was able to go beyond this and actually provide these updated maps in digital format usable on local computers by incorporating ARC-Reader. This program makes available, in snapshot format, the maps and any other data which the community had available, in a viewable format complete with the ability manipulate the documents.
Service under this component has been provied to the Towns of Ellerbe, Salemburg, Clarkton, Lumberton, Gibson, and Columbus County. Click HERE to view a sample map from the Clarkton work.
B. Regionalization Support Services, Water Level Monitoring and Development of a "Readiness for Regionalization Model" (2009-2011)
This project is funded by the NC Rural Center with matching funds provided by local governments in the region. Two primary activities were undertaken:
1) a synoptic survey of ground water levels in the confined aquifers of the Southern Coastal Plain/Southern Sandhills area. This activity built on the earlier ground water monitoring work conducted by the LRCOG. Work sampled from 325 wells across a seven county region in two sampling events in the spring and fall of 2009. Results are to provide updates to the Potentiometric maps for the region; and
2) Regionalization support services for local governments. This activity included development of a regional database containing updated information on water supply and wastewater discharge from regional local governments coupled with demographic and economic data, updates on key regional studies previously conducted, a survey on preferences for regionalization, and development of a “model” for successful regionalization efforts.
The project was completed in March 2011 and the following activities were completed by the LRCOG:
Water Level Monitoring and update to the Potentiometric maps for the region. This included two monitoring events (spring and fall) to provide data for comparison to earlier water level monitorings conducted by the LRCOG in conjunction with the USGS. This monitoring data has been added to the database maintained by the Division of Water Resources in NCDENR and can be accessed HERE. Other resources available include:
Presentation of Water Level Monitoring Results, Curtis Consolvo (consultant to the project)
Time Lapse Potentiometric Map of the Upper Cape Fear Aquifer 1986-2009
Time Lapse Potentiometric Map of the Black Creek Aquifer 1986-2009
Development of a regional database on water and wastewater systems: 2002-2008 LWSP Data North Lumber Systems, Status of Regional Infrastructure Connections in the LRCOG Counties 2010.
Updates on key regional studies previsouly completed: Bladen Bluffs Regional Water 2011 Update, Lower Bladen and Eastern Columbus Wastewater Update 2011, WestPoint Stevens Regional Water and Wastewater Project 2011 Update and the 2011 Update of the 1998 Regional Wastewater Feasibility Report 1998 for Bladen, Columbus, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland Counties.
Opening Day at the Fairmont Regional WWTP, 2002
Survey of preferences for Regionalization and development of a "Model" for regionalization. See Final Report and Briefing on Readiness for Regionalization.
C. East Arcadia Capacity Building Program: Explore Regional Wastewater Options
In October 2009, the LRCOG submitted a Planning Grant application to the NC Rural Center to assist the Town of East Arcadia follow through on a study of regional solutions for wastewater service. As part of the application preparation, water samples were taken from over 50 different locations within the community. Results indicated significant water quality contamination due to septic tank failure.
The application was funded in the spring of 2010. Work on the project was initiated in the late summer. An RFQ process was conducted and the firm of Green Engineering was selected to conduct the study. Meetings were held by the group of interested parties which included representatives of East Arcadia, Sandyfield, Columbus County , Riegelwood and Acme-Delco from fall 2010 through spring 2011.
Work is expected to be completed by June 2011.
D. Scotland County Capacity Building Grant Program: Regional Masterplan for Water and Wastewater - WestPoint Stevens Facility, Wagram, NC
Working in collaboration with other regional partners in Scotland, Robeson and Moore Counties (list attached at conclusion of this section with Letters of Interest), Scotland County will lead an effort to examine potential regional distribution networks for drinking water and collection networks for wastewater utilizing the treatment plants at the WestPoint Stevens plant in Wagram, North Carolina as regional centers. The existing treatment facilities located at the WestPoint Stevens plant (which closed in 2007 due to foreign competition) have been studied by this group (which at the time included Hoke County) in years 2007-2009. The property is comprised of manufacturing and warehousing buildings along with the drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. The water source for the drinking water plant is the Lumber River. The current drinking water plant is rated at 7 MGD and is expandable to 16 MGD. The current wastewater plant is rated at 7 MGD and is expandable to 14 MGD (Wooten Report, 2009). The conclusion of the 2009 report was that both plants are functional and capable of being retrofitted into facilities to serve on a regional basis.
This regional collaboration of water and wastewater service providers has come together with the assistance of the Lumber River Council of Governments (LRCOG) proactively to avoid a Capacity Use Area designation on this region, similar to the one instituted just to the north for the 15 counties of the Central Coastal Plain Capacity Use Area. Recognizing the need for regional water resource capacity for the future of the region – to support public health, efficient use of the region’s water resources and job creation and retention in this economically distressed region of the State – the LRCOG initiated an effort in 2004 to conduct well monitoring and groundwater studies and assist local water providers in securing a stable water resource for the future. See more about this effort under PAST PROJECTS.
E. Ellerbe Capacity Building Grant Program: Inflow and Infiltration Study (2010-2011)
The Town of Ellerbe is underway with plans to abandon its lagoon treatment system in favor of a regional wastewater connection with the City of Rockingham. In light of this connection, whereby the Town will be paying for each gallon treated by the City of Rockingham, the Town understands the need to reduce the current inflow and infiltration into the collection system. The Town believed that it had an I &I problem but had been unable to document it.
This project provided funding to conduct smoke testing, manhole inspections, camera inspections and flow metering. Work was completed in March 2011.
The report indicated that with the exception of a handful of isolated instances that could be addressed, the Town actual had very little inflow into the system. Infiltration did exist and could also be addressed.
The Total Project Cost was $40,000 with the Town of Ellerbe contributing $8,000 to the effort from its Enterprise Fund.
F. Ellerbe Supplemental Grant Program - Ellerbe Regional Wastewater Connection to Rockingham (2009-2012)
The Town of Ellerbe currently operates a primary wastewater treatment system consisting of three lagoons in series. Discharge is into Tom’s Creek, a low flow stream. The treatment system was built, together with the majority of the wastewater collection system, in 1944. There have been no major renovations to the plant or to the collection system since original installation. The system presents a constant challenge to Town staff to operate within limits, as evidenced by the Notices of Violation and inspection reports which have been received from NCDENR. The Town desires to abandon this treatment method and join in a regional configuration with the City of Rockingham.
Securing this wastewater treatment solution would provide the Town of Ellerbe with a permanent, long-term solution to its wastewater operational challenge and serve to protect the environment and water quality by eliminating this discharge point.
Funding for this project is being provided by the US Department of Agriculture, the Golden Leaf Foundation, the NC Rural Center, the City of Rockingham, Richmond County and the Town of Ellerbe. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $5.5 million.
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation - Advancing Regional Collaborations (2011-2012)
To advance the understanding of water resources in the region, the LRCOG applied for an received a grant from the Z. Smith Reynold Foundation. The Project, entitled, Advancing Region Collaborations in Southeastern North Carolina, will offer participating systems a Symposium on Regional Partnerships to grow their understanding of the benefits of regional partnerships, providing opportunity to examine the technical, financial and legal aspects of combining resources, reducing costs and sharing services with other systems. Fledgling regional systems will be supported through their developmental stages, elected boards will participate in educational programs and targeted one-on-one technical assistance will be provided to systems assessed as in most need. Technical assistance examples include provision of GIS mapping services and efficiency programs such as Valve Exercise, Water Meter Replacement, Service Deposit or Asset Management Programs, and Purchases in Partnership for volume discount.
Renegotiated EMC Water Resources Agreement March 2010
Bladen Bluffs Regional Water Feasibility Report Update 2011
WestPoint Stevens Regional Water and Wastewater Project Update 2011
Columbus and Bladen County Regional Sewer Project Update (East Arcadia Capacity Building Project)
Comparison of Tap and Bottled Water- LRCOG Systems: A Public Education Document
Town of Red Springs Customer Base Analysis and Rate Study
Town of Chadbourn Infrastructure Assessment September 2010
Town of Salemburg Infrastructure Assessment January 2010
Maps from GIS Work in the Town of Salemburg:
Infrastructure Briefings on Strategic Topics:
Infrastructure Briefing #1: Rates and Rate Structures in the LRCOG Region 2007/08-2009/2010
Infrastructure Briefing #2: Readiness for Regionalization
Drought Bill Workshop - September 22, 2009
The 2008 Drought Bill: Water Efficiency Requirements (Jean Klein Presentation)
Groundwater Monitoring Update Sheet (Curtis Consolvo Presentation)
Reclaimed Water (Tim Baldwin Presentation)
Rates and Rate Setting Workshop - April 23, 2009
How to Get the Most Out of Your Enterprise Fund (LGC Staff Presentation)
Getting the Price Right (UNC Environmental Finance Center PResentation)
Legislative Update on Water - November 9, 2010 Workshop
2008 Water Allocation Study Final Report (Whisnant Presentation)
2010 Water Legislation (Legislative Staff Presentation)
Groundwater Monitoring Project Results (Consolve Presentation)
Report of the LEgislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure, May 2010
VERY EARLY PROJECTS
The Lumber River COG worked with the counties in its region from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s to produce a set of water resource planning documents. Together, they represented the LRCOG's first effort to develop information on water resources in the region.
Region N Water Resources Management Plan – Funded by the US Department of Agriculture for the Region N Council of Governments, 1974. Prepared by William F. Freeman Associates. (Hardcopy Only)
Scotland County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study- Funded by the US Department of Agriculture for the Scotland County Planning Board, 1967. Prepared by P.H. Brown and Associates, Inc. (Hardcopy Only)
Bladen County Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Planning Report – Funded by the US Department of Agriculture for the Bladen County Planning Board, 1967. Prepared by Henningson, Durham and Richardson. (Hardcopy Only)
Robeson County County-Wide Water and Sewerage Plan – Funded by the US Department of Agriculture for the Bladen County Planning Board, 1967. Prepared by Henningson, Durham and Richardson. (Hardcopy Only)
In the early 1990s as interest and concern in water quality and quantity were growing, the LRCOG continued its efforts in water resource planning. In the early 1990s the US Geological Survey (USGS) had begun an update on monitoring water levels in the eastern portion of North Carolina. The USGS staff had, for deacdes, watched and studied the aquifer systems in this region of the state. Funds for water level monitoring became available and, together with the LRCOG, a series of monitorings took place in the 1990s. In addition, public concerns regarding water quality had begun to surface, particularly associated with groundwater contamination. Concerns stemmed from the effect of nitrates in the water from intensive livestock operations, regional growth and the natural presence of mercury in the brackish waters of the Lumber River region. As funds were available, the LRCOG undertook projects to assess water quality in the region as well as to begin investigations into groundwater availability.
Below are a series of reports from these efforts with brief explanations of content. Where these are available digitally, the hyperlink will take you to the reports and presentations.
DRINKING WATER
Southern Coastal Plain Groundwater Planning Initiative
The Southern Coastal Plain Groundwater Initiative was a regional, multi-stakeholder effort to examine ground water in Scotland, Hoke, Robeson, Columbus, Bladen, and Sampson counties in response to concerns about the ability of the aquifer to meet demand. The Initiative began in 1991 when the LRCOG entered into a cooperative agreement with the US Geological Survey (USGS) to monitor ground water levels in the Lumber River Council of Governments' then four county region of Bladen, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland counties.
The USGS website captures the essence of the work as follows: "Since the early 1900s, ground-water-level declines have been documented throughout the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Ground-water use has outpaced the rate of recharge, particularly to the Cretaceous aquifers. Ground-water supplies are being developed in and around Bladen, Columbus, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, and Scotland Counties. These counties cover an area of approximately 4,400 square miles in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. As revealed in previous USGS/LRCOG ground-water studies, water levels in the Black Creek and upper Cape Fear aquifers have declined steadily in some areas as the amount of water pumped from these aquifers has increased with economic and agricultural growth. Between 1992 and 1998, water-level declines of 117 feet were observed in the upper Cape Fear aquifer in Bladen County."
The group of stakeholders formed an alliance called the Southern Coastal Plain Water Resource Consortium. The group met regularly and provided recommendations for action to the LRCOG Board of Directors as well as their local boards related to water resources over the next several years.
The USGS became a strong partner with the LRCOG and the two organizations worked together over the next decade to develop a greater understanding the dynamics of the aquifer system underlying the region as it responded to the increased demand in the region. The LRCOG has undertaken building a multi-stakeholder, multi-faceted ground water planning effort that now encompasses a seven-county area and is known throughout the State for its work. According to the USGS website on the Southern Coastal Plain, "The success of this effort lies in the foresight and support of local elected and appointed official in the Region." See further information about USGS and their leadership in water monitoring and evaluation at their website.
Below are a list of the early projects related to the Southern Coastal Plain Groundwater Planning Initiative:
1. Region N Groundwater Monitoring Program – Phase I, 1992. Effort by the LRCOG in partnership with the US Geologic Survey of North Carolina to begin a monitoring program for groundwater in Bladen, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland counties. Extended from 1992-1995 and funded in half by regional local governments and the half by USGS. Identified and selected public water supply wells for study, captured water level measurements and resulted in a REPORT and Potentiometric maps for the UPPER CAPE FEAR 1992-1994 and BLACK CREEK AQUIFER 1992-94 Part A and BLACK CREEK AQUIFER 1992-94 Part B.
"Water-level measurements were made in 68 wells throughout an area of about 860 square miles in Bladen and Robeson Counties, North Carolina, during September and October 1992. Water levels from 58 wells were used to determine the configuration of the potentiometric surface of the Black Creek aquifer. A map of the potentiometric surface shows the potential for ground water to flow from recharge areas in the local uplands to discharge areas, such as local streams and wells. Pumping from wells at major pumping centers, such as Elizabethtown in Bladen County and Lumberton in Robeson County, where water-level declines of more than 12 feet were recorded from 1988 to 1992, has resulted in cones of depression in the potentiometric surface. The cones were about 4 and 6 miles long across the major axes beneath the Elizabethtown and Lumberton areas, respectively, in 1992. Water levels measured in eight wells in 1988 and 1992, supplemented with water levels in two additional wells from driller's well- construction records, were used to estimate average yearly rates of ground-water change for the upper Cape Fear aquifer for part of the study area. During 1988-92, water-level declines occurred in the aquifer throughout much of the area as a result of pumping. The greatest decline, an average of 4.1 feet per year, was in Bladen County." (A.G. Strickland, USGS)
2. Region N Groundwater Monitoring Program Phase II, 1995. Continued monitoring efforts in partnership with the US Geologic Survey of North Carolina. Funded 50/50 between the USGS and local governments in the region. This effort built on the water level monitoring work begun in 1991 and resulted in updated reports and Potentiometric maps.
A series of five reports were developed by the USGS Staff on Water-Levels in the region and these can be found on their webpage. See UPPER CAPE FEAR AQUIFER 1994-1998 map.
Southern Coastal Plain Groundwater Program
Recognizing the continued concern by the State in the demands on groundwater building in this region, the State Division of Water Resources had started to consider the designation of a Capacity Use Area in the Southern Coastal Plain area which would encompass Bladen, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland Counties. Work was already underway on developing a Capacity Use Area for the fifteen counties directly north in the Southern Coastal Plain. The Central Coastal Plain Capacity Use Investigation Report was released by the Division of Water Resources staff in November 1998. The report concluded that the demand for groundwater in this region exceeded the safe yeilds of the aquifers and that projected water use at these levels into the future would result in irreparable damage to the aquifer. A Capacity Use designation request was initiated with the Environmental Management Commission. It would take several years to place this into effect, but the result was a CUA designation for the 15 county region that included reduction of groundwater use by public systems by 25% to 75%, depending on location, over the following 16-year period.
On the local level, the LRCOG lead efforts to stave off this designation in the Southern Coastal Plain. The LRCOG Board of Directors adopted the Southern Coastal Plain Groundwater Strategic Plan 2000-2005 in 1998. This five-year plan was designed to undertake research and development in the following key areas: 1) Groundwater Supply & Demand, 2) Groundwater Quality, 3) Water Level Monitoring, 4) Development of a Hydrogeologic Framework, and 5) the Development of Ground Water Planning Resources / Southern Coastal Plain Ground Water Advisory Council. This plan lead to the design and completion of a four-year Comprehensive Ground Water Study & Assessment.
In October 2002 a report on preliminary investigations into a second Capacity Use designation, this one for the Southern Coastal Plain counties, was released by the Division of Water Resources. The report, entitled Bladen County Preliminary Capacity Use Assessment concluded that water levels were dropping sigificantly in the area surrounding Tar Heel where the Smithfield Paacking Company had opened its pork processing center. A dramatic cone of depression had developed here.
However, efforts by the LRCOG in water level monitoring and assessment were recognized by the Division of Water Resources staff. The plan to move forward with a Capacity Use designation for the Southern Coastal Plain was abandoned in lieu of a establishing a working relationship with the LRCOG and the local jurisdiction which required a continued committment in water level monitoring. The parties memorialized this understanding in an Agreement between with LRCOG, the Division of Water Resources and the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission in 2004.
Copies of the reports and other documents resulting from this effort are below:
1. Executive Summary: The Southern Coastal Plain Comprehensive Ground Water Study and Assessment – Prepared for the LRCOG in cooperation with the Southern Coastal Plain Ground Water Advisory Council, 2004. Study provides an assessment of alternative water sources in an expanded area including Sampson and Columbus counties. Contains a summary of the work in the larger, final report. Includes recommendations for future work.
2. Southern Coastal Plain Ground Water Study and Assessment (Full Report) , 2003. Groundwater Management Associates, Inc. and The Wooten Company. Report on the initiative lead by the LRCOG with the Southern Coastal Plain Ground Water Advisory Council to assess water demand and supply in the region. The supply analysis included a study of the aquifer recharge and resulted in an estimate of “maximum sustainable yield”. Counties included were Bladen, Columbus, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland. The study builds on the efforts by the LRCOG in groundwater monitoring beginning in 1991 and also included an economic analysis of potential options. Study with tables is 86 pages.
3. Recommendations and Action Plan: Southern Coastal Plain Groundwater Study and Assessment, 2003. A summary of the action steps recommended by the study.
4. Results of a three-pronged effort by the Advisory Group to assess the quality of groundwater in this multi-county region. Three studies resulted:
2003 Groundwater Quality Evaluations from Private Well Screenings
The purpose of this study was to investigate the water quality in private wells
throughout the Southern Coastal Plain. Private wells are generally shallow,
drawing water from the unconfined or semi-confined aquifers, and therefore more
subject to contamination from surface sources. Integrating this data with results
from other regional water quality studies helped toprovide a more complete
picture of groundwater quality in the Southern Coastal Plain.
2003 Groundwater Quality Evaluation of Public Water Supply Systems.
This study represents the Southern Coastal Plain Regional Ground Water
Program's analysis of contaminant occurrence within Public Water Supply (PWS)
Systems in six counties - Bladen, Columbus, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson and
Scotland. The study was conducted to assist in gathering a better understanding of
ground water quality within the Southern Coastal Plain. This study is part of a 3-
pronged approach in analyzing water quality in this region. Analyzing this data alongwith results from other water quality studies will enabled the Program to develop a"snapshot" of water quality in this region.
2003 Groundwater Quality Within the Surficial and First Confined Aquifer. Prepared by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Groundwater Section. The Groundwater Section's primary objectives for this study were to:
- Describe the occurrence and distribution of groundwater within the Surficial Aquifer and the first confined or semi-confined aquifer (below the Surficial Aquifer);
- Obtain ambient groundwater quality information for both mentioned aquifers;
- Provide information of known groundwater contamination incidents;
- Provide information of land uses that have potential to impact the groundwater quality; and
- Provide groundwater protection recommendations for use by local governments.
The following PowerPoint Presentations from the January 28, 2004 are also available:
Groundwater Levels in the Southern Coastal Plain PPT (USGS-LRCOG)
Groundwater Quality Within the Surficial and First Confined Aquifer PPT
Groundwater Supply and Demand in the Southern Coastal Plain PPT (Wooten Company)
SCP Hydrogeologic Framework and Groundwater Characteristics (Groundwater Management Associates)
4. Upper Lumber River Basin Water Source Plan- Funded by the LRCOG and the NC Rural Center. pDocument was prepared to satisfy the requirement for development of a regional water supply plan mutually agreed to by the LRCOG, the NCDENR-Division of Water Resources and the NC Environmental Management Commission. Willis Engineers, 2006.
5.Final Report: Regional Water Supply Feasibility Study for the Central Southern Coastal Plain– Funded by the NC Rural Center. Prepared for the LRCOG and the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority. Funded by the LRCOG and prepared as part of the planning effort for future water resources for the region. Examined the feasibility of locating a regional drinking water facility on the Cape Fear River in northwestern Bladen County near the location of the Smithfield Foods facility in Tar Heel. Hobbs Upchurch and Associates, 2006.
As work on the groundwater monitoring was released, interest developed by the State in the potential for regional (multi-jurisdictional) water systems within this multi-county area. Many of the counties (Bladen, Robeson and Scotland) had begun to develop, or had long been active in water district systems. Yet, no cross-county, larger systems had been contemplated.
In addition, the State's concern was growing regarding the water withdrawals from the Smithfield Foods Plant located in Tar Heel. The LRCOG together with the municipal and county jurisdictions and the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority formed an alliance to explore the development of a surface water intake and plant on the Cape Fear River that would also serve the Smithfield Plant thus taking it off groundwater and, hopefully, relieving some pressure on the aquifer system. Again, the monitoring work had shown a significant cone of depression developing around the plant. This effort was the first effort to examine this potential.
6. WestPoint Stevens Regional Drinking Water Plant and Wastewater Plant Evaluations - In 2008, the LRCOG released a pair of studies which evaluated the regional service potential of the existing water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant at the abandoned WestPoint Stevens facility in Wagram. The Wooten Company of Raleigh, NC was retained to conduct the evaluations. The Wooten Company had also worked on the 2003 evaluation of available water supplies (Water Source Plan) referenced earlier. This WestPoint property represented a unique opportunity to take advantage of an existing facility to serve regional water.
These early studies concluded that both of the plants were capable of being upgraded and expanded to function as regional centers. The current (drinking) water plant is rated at a peak production of 7 MGD and average production of 5.3 MGD and is expandable to 16 MGD. The capital cost associated with the needed upgrade was estimated to be $16.8 million (excludes purchase and transmission costs). The current wastewater plant is rated at 7 MGD and is expandable to 14 MGD at a cost of $16.7 MGD (excludes purchase and collection).
See the Water Treatment Plant Evaluation.
See the Wastewater Treatment Plant Evaluation.
WASTEWATER
Concurrent with the efforts to study water levels and water supply, the LRCOG also lead efforts to address water quality concerns in the region. Prime drivers for the water quality work included a growing concern regarding the affordability of required sewer collection system improvements to address inflow and infiltration and the natural presence of mercury in the basin which exacerbated mercury pollution reduction challenges in wastewater plants discharging into the Lumber River.
A series of workshops were conducted in 2003 including many DENR personnel to address the Inflow and Infiltration problem. Further into the year, a basin-wide planning group was started with the help of a 205(j)-planning grant from the Division of Water Quality. The Lumber River Basin Consortium was a multi-stakeholder membership which includes local governments, business and industry, environmental groups, federal/state/local agencies, and educational/research institutions. The Consortium's directive is to promote wise stewardship of surface water resources through education and research.
Projects Initiated under the Lumber River Basin Consortium:
Developed the Lumber River Basin Consortium Strategic Plan 2002. This document lists strategies to help the Consortium establish its leadership role in the Lumber River Basin.
Assisted with the production of "The Lumber", an educational video on the Lumber River. The Lumber River State Park Citizen's Advisory Committee produced this video.
Promoted the Utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop responsible watershed planning.
Adopted the Lumber River Basin Consortium Clean Water Action Plan - Draft 2004for the Lumber River Basin (currently a draft plan)
Developed the Lumber River Basin Discharges Association. Represented in the Association were entities with wastewater discharges into the Lumber River. It served as a forum to provide direction and recommendations on surface water issues affecting NPDES Point Source Permittees along the river. Of particular concern to the group in the mid 1990's was the issue of mercury and the problems it presented to certain wastewater dischargers in the region. CLICK HERE to go to information about the natural presence of mercury in the basin and past and present efforts to address potential policy changes at the State level. The group 1) adopted a set of Bylaws, 2) a List of Concerns and Objectives and 3) initiated an educational campaign and thermometer exchange program to bring awareness to mercury sources in the region. When the State water quality group determined with the Environmental Management Commission that the mercury issue should be resolved through the TMDL (Total Mass Daily Load) process, the group relaxed its efforts as it recognized that the federal-state process would likely take years to develop and deliver a result.
Companion Efforts
Along with the work of the Lumber River Basin Consortium, the LRCOG initiated two studies to examine the potential for regional public sewer in the LRCOG region and began a project to clear the Lumber River of debris, opening the river for recreational and educational pruposes. Below are brief explanations of both.
A. Regional Wastewater Studies
1. Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Feasibility Investigation: Columbus and Bladen Counties, 1994. Funded by the NC Department of Commerce and local governments. Division of Community Assistance,Hobbs, Upchurch and Associates, PA. A cursory investigation of the feasibility of constructing a regional wastewater collection and treatment system to serve portions of Columbus and Bladen Counties. The primary objective was to produce a capital cost estimate for connecting Clarkton, Bladenboro, Whiteville, Brunswick, Cerro Gordo, Chadbourn, Fair Bluff and Tabor City. At the time this study was performed, each of these systems had major capital improvement needs including collection system problems and capacity problems. The study offered no conclusions nor recommendations, but rather provided cost estimates for a variety of connection possibilities. (Hardcopy Only)
2. Regional Wastewater Feasibility Study for Bladen, Columbus, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland Counties, 1998. Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates, PA and Koonce, Noble & Associates, Inc. Study provided an evaluation of sewer needs over a 20-year planning period. This effort was spearheaded by a Task Force including representatives from 25 units of local government, eight industires, the LMAC regional airport commission and the Scotland County Public School System. The Town of Fairmont and the LRCOG served as the lead entities. (Hardcopy Only)
Four potential regional sewer configurations were idenitified:
The study concluded that viable regional options did exist and tha they could be constructed to support both a healthy environment (elimination of failed septic and reduction of discharges into swamps near High Quality Waters) and economic growth in now unserved areas.
3. WestPoint Stevens Regional Drinking Water Plant and Wastewater Plant Evaluations - In 2008, the LRCOG released a pair of studies which evaluated the regional service potential of the existing water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant at the abandoned WestPoint Stevens facility in Wagram. The Wooten Company of Raleigh, NC was retained to conduct the evaluations. The Wooten Company had also worked on the 2003 evaluation of available water supplies (Water Source Plan) referenced earlier. This WestPoint property represented a unique opportunity to take advantage of an existing facility to serve regional water.
These early studies concluded that both of the plants were capable of being upgraded and expanded to function as regional centers. The current (drinking) water plant is rated at a peak production of 7 MGD and average production of 5.3 MGD and is expandable to 16 MGD. The capital cost associated with the needed upgrade was estimated to be $16.8 million (excludes purchase and transmission costs). The current wastewater plant is rated at 7 MGD and is expandable to 14 MGD at a cost of $16.7 MGD (excludes purchase and collection).
See the Water Treatment Plant Evaluation.
See the Wastewater Treatment Plant Evaluation.
B. Lumber River Clearing & Snagging
Finally, in addition to all its work on the quality and quantity issues in the region, the LRCOG spearheaded an effort to clear and snag certain sections of the Lumber River to open the river for recreation. The LRCOG was approached by Scotland County Manager at that time, Scott Sauer. An avid canoeist, Sauer was interested in partnering to locate funds to open up the Lumber River for canoeing. The Lumber River Park personnel also joined to lead the first effort.
As the result mainly of hurricanes and flooding, large sections of the Lumber River were obstructed by debris or "snags". The LRCOG, in cooperation with the Lumber River State Park and the counties adjacent to the river, promoted both environmental protection and economic development by restoring the river to a more navigable condition without damaging essential habitat.
This work began in July 2005 and conrtinued in three phases through September of 2010. Funding for this project was provided by the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) Water Resource Development Grant Program.
Link to the Lumber River State Park to find out more information about the recreational and historic value of this river by accesing information on its designation as a Wild and Scenic River here.
Related Links for the water quality work outlined above include:
NC DENR DWQ Basinwide Planning Program
NC DENR DWQ Water Quality Section
NC DENR DWQ Water Supply Watershed Protection
NC DENR Division of Water Resources
NC DENR DWR Lumber River Water Supply Planning
US EPA Surf Your Watershed
US EPA Local Drinking Water Information
NC Fish Consumption Advisories
The Lumber River State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park
The Cape Fear River Basin is located entirely within North Carolina. It is the largest river basin in the state, draining 9,149 square miles from the headwaters in the northern Piedmont to the mouth at Cape Fear, south of Wilmington.
North Carolina's 17 River Basins, Source: NCDENR
The Cape Fear River major basin is composed ofthe Haw River, Deep River, Cape Fear River, South River, Northeast Cape Fear River and the New River Basins. The Haw River and Deep River merge near Moncure to form the Cape Fear River which flows southeasterly to the Atlantic Ocean. The South River, Northeast Cape Fear
River and New River Basins drain most of Sampson, Duplin, Pender and Onslow counties in the Coastal Plain.
Quick Facts About the Cape Fear River
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Source: NCDENR Water Resources Website
The Cape Fear River was the first river in North Carolina for which a hydrologic model was developed. Funding for the project came from the State and Local Partcipants including local governments and industry. The model is housed at the Division of Water Resources and is available for use by the public. The model is currently being used to evaluate surface water availability for future requests.
According to the Cape Fear River Basin Summary from the NC State Water Supply Plan, this basin is home to a good portion of the State's population and the demand for water is growing. Tthis basin has 24% of the state's residents and contains all or part of 114 municipalities in 27 counties, including six of the ten fastest growing counties in the state. Five of the 12 major metropolitan areas get all or part of their water supply from this basin. From 1990 to 1997 population in 16 counties in this basin grew by 10% or more, with seven counties having population growth of 20% or more. The influx of summer residents and visitors in the coastal counties greatly increases demand for water. For coastal areas of North Carolina it is common for summer demand to be 4 to 5 times the levels of winter demand. Demand for water increases during the growing season, especially in agricultural areas and in communities where irrigated residential landscaping is popular. Rapid growth in the livestock populations in coastal plain counties in this basin has also increased the withdrawals of ground water in the lower basin.
( See: NC State Water Supply Plan)
The Lumber River Basin is located in the southeastern portion of North Carolina along the border between North and South Carolina. It encompasses 3,336 square miles making it the 7th largest basin in the State. It extends 150 miles from the Sandhills of Moore County to the Atlantic Ocean in Brunswick County.
North Carolina's 17 River Basins, Source: NCDENR
A total of 115 miles along the main stem of the Lumber River within the Lumber River Sub-basin have been designated as a State Natural and Scenic River. About 81 of these miles also have a federal designation as National Wild and Scenic River.
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. It encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection. (http://www.rivers.gov/).
Quick Facts About the Lumber River
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Source: NCDENR Water Resources Website
On April 15, 1996, North Carolina Governor James Hunt asked the Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt, to designate a segment of the Lumber River as a state-managed national wild and scenic river under Section 2(a)(ii) of the national Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. On September 28, 1998, following the recommendations of the National Park Service, the Secretary added 81 miles of the Lumber River to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. (http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-lumber.html). The Lumber joined a group of only four other rivers in the State with this federal designation.
In addition to National Wild and Scenic River designation, the Lumber River is also part of the North Carolina Natural and Scenic River System (it was added in 1989). The North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers Act (NCNSRA) was passed to preserve, protect and maintain selected free-flowing rivers and adjacent land for their outstanding natural, scenic, educational, geological, recreational, historic, fish and wildlife, scientific and cultural values. These rivers are protected for the present and future benefit of the people of North Carolina. (http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-lumber.html).
According to the State designation, the “Lumber River is one of the most highly prized recreation sites in North Carolina; recreation varies from active outdoor recreation, to festivals, to passive activities. Among the most popular activities are canoeing and boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, camping, nature study, swimming, biking, jogging, crafts and fossil and artifact hunting.”