The Town of Hillsborough will use chlorine instead of chloramines, a compound of chlorine and ammonia, to disinfect public drinking water in March.
In addition, town employees will flush and perform basic maintenance to fire hydrants in the town’s water system, beginning March 1.
Chlorine disinfection
The annual change to chlorine helps ensure a high level of disinfection in the community’s water mains. North Carolina regulations require Hillsborough and other utilities that normally use chloramines for disinfection to use chlorine for one month each year. The City of Durham, Orange Water and Sewer Authority and other municipal public water systems in the region also typically use chlorine instead of chloramines for disinfection in March.
Some customers may notice that Hillsborough’s drinking water will have a chlorine taste or odor in March. However, the water will be safe to drink.
Customers who use Hillsborough water for special purposes or for processes involving careful control of water characteristics are encouraged to get advice from an appropriate technical source—such as a filter vendor or service company—about whether and how to make adjustments to their use of Hillsborough water during the one-month period when chlorine is used for disinfection.
The town began using chloramines in July 2005. Disinfection with chloramines has improved the taste, odor and overall quality of the town’s drinking water. Before 2005, Hillsborough used gaseous chlorine for disinfection.
Customers are invited to contact the town with any questions or comments about the use of chlorine in March and about the characteristics of Hillsborough’s drinking water. Contact Water Plant Superintendent Russell Bateman by email or phone at (919) 732-3621.
Hydrant flushing
Customers also may see Hillsborough crews releasing water from fire hydrants and some water system valves in March. This flushing of the water mains will ensure water with chlorine goes through the entire system. The flushing helps remove sediments, improving the water system’s circulation and water quality,
The town typically flushes hydrants twice a year. About 6 million gallons of water—six days of supply—will be used. Staff will open each hydrant to flush the water system. They also will lubricate hydrants and identify any follow-up repair needs. The inspections and maintenance should be complete by March 31.
During the process, town personnel may be required to trim plantings or remove other items to ensure that adequate access to the hydrants exists for emergencies and maintenance.
Residents may be asked to relocate plants and other items in street rights-of-way where necessary to provide a clear, 3-foot-wide area around a hydrant. The town encourages everyone with hydrants—whether private or in adjacent street rights-of-way—to ensure the hydrants are accessible.
Plants relocated in the right-of-way should not interfere with the visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and traffic signs and should not interfere with utilities or street drainage. Property owners should obtain permission from the town before making landscape improvements within the street right-of-way.
Opening the hydrants might cause some temporary cloudiness or discoloration of water. Discoloration can occur because small particles of iron and manganese that have settled in a water main may be stirred up. The discoloration does not make water unsafe to drink, but it could discolor fabric. Similarly, when air bubbles enter the water system during the hydrant flushing, they may cause cloudiness in drinking water.
If discoloration or air bubbles appear in the water, customers should run cold water in a bathtub for a few minutes until the water and/or air bubbles clear. If the water does not clear within five minutes, contact the town at (919) 732-2104 during normal business hours or at (919) 732-3621 for emergencies during nights and weekends.
See what ended up on The News of Orange County's cutting room floor.
Showing posts with label water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water. Show all posts
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Loans available for clean water infrastructure improvements
Local governments in North Carolina have until March 1 to apply with the state for the latest round of low-interest loans intended to pay for improvements to wastewater treatment plants and other environmentally beneficial projects.
The N.C. Division of Water Quality makes low-interest loans available twice a year through its Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The loans help local municipalities and counties pay for such things as wetland and stream restoration, stormwater management, and improvements to publicly-owned infrastructure such as wastewater treatment plants and sewer collection systems.
The deadline for applications each year is March 1 and Sept. 1. The state agency reports that at least $100 million is available for projects during the current round. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which is administered by the N.C. Division of Water Quality, is made up of funds from the federal government and a 17 percent state match.
The clean water fund also provides opportunities for municipalities and other government units to receive a special zero-percent interest rate on green projects such as stormwater management structures and systems that capture and reuse rainwater. In addition, certain small government units may be eligible for forgiveness of half of the principal of the loan.
The awards for the current round of funding will be announced around the end of March.
Local governments who wish to apply for loans through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund should review application and guidance information on the Division of Water Quality’s website.
The N.C. Division of Water Quality makes low-interest loans available twice a year through its Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The loans help local municipalities and counties pay for such things as wetland and stream restoration, stormwater management, and improvements to publicly-owned infrastructure such as wastewater treatment plants and sewer collection systems.
The deadline for applications each year is March 1 and Sept. 1. The state agency reports that at least $100 million is available for projects during the current round. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which is administered by the N.C. Division of Water Quality, is made up of funds from the federal government and a 17 percent state match.
The clean water fund also provides opportunities for municipalities and other government units to receive a special zero-percent interest rate on green projects such as stormwater management structures and systems that capture and reuse rainwater. In addition, certain small government units may be eligible for forgiveness of half of the principal of the loan.
The awards for the current round of funding will be announced around the end of March.
Local governments who wish to apply for loans through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund should review application and guidance information on the Division of Water Quality’s website.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Division of Water Quality programs move to new location
Two programs of the state Division of Water Quality have moved their main offices to the state government plaza in downtown Raleigh.
The Aquifer Protection Section and the Infrastructure Finance Section have moved from their previous location on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh to the Archdale Building, where most of the division is located. The physical address for the building is 512 N. Salisbury St.
In addition to the new location, the Infrastructure Finance Section has a new name and a new central number, (919) 707-9160. The section was formerly known as Construction Grants and Loans. The section’s mailing address remains the same: 1633 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1633.
The Infrastructure Finance Section administers state and federal funding programs for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities infrastructure, stormwater management and other environmentally sustainable, or green, clean water infrastructure. In addition, the section issues sewer extension permits and authorizations for construction. It also issues certification for water pollution structures that qualify for special taxation consideration.
The new central phone number for the Aquifer Protection Section is (919) 807-6464. The mailing address—1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636—remains the same.
The Aquifer Protection Section focuses on the protection and enhancement of the state’s groundwater—the primary source of drinking water for approximately half of North Carolina’s residents. To protect this important resource, the section:
• Implements permitting and compliance for wastewater applied to land, whether it is from municipal, industrial or animal feeding operation treatment systems. Permitting and compliance for wastewater treated for reuse is also regulated by the section.
• Permits the construction injection wells such as those used for home heating and cooling.
• Permits construction of wells for monitoring groundwater quality and for extracting or treating contaminated groundwater.
• Performs groundwater planning and research to better understand the interaction of groundwater and surface water, and groundwater with geological formations. This work helps to better characterize and anticipate potential threats to groundwater and surface water quality and to human health.
Files for the two sections have also moved and are housed in the main file room in the basement of the Archdale Building. Those wishing to do a file review should call the sections’ main numbers for further information.
To learn more about the Division of Water Quality and its work to protect and enhance the state’s surface water and groundwater resources, visit the division’s website at: www.ncwaterquality.org.
The Aquifer Protection Section and the Infrastructure Finance Section have moved from their previous location on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh to the Archdale Building, where most of the division is located. The physical address for the building is 512 N. Salisbury St.
In addition to the new location, the Infrastructure Finance Section has a new name and a new central number, (919) 707-9160. The section was formerly known as Construction Grants and Loans. The section’s mailing address remains the same: 1633 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1633.
The Infrastructure Finance Section administers state and federal funding programs for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities infrastructure, stormwater management and other environmentally sustainable, or green, clean water infrastructure. In addition, the section issues sewer extension permits and authorizations for construction. It also issues certification for water pollution structures that qualify for special taxation consideration.
The new central phone number for the Aquifer Protection Section is (919) 807-6464. The mailing address—1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636—remains the same.
The Aquifer Protection Section focuses on the protection and enhancement of the state’s groundwater—the primary source of drinking water for approximately half of North Carolina’s residents. To protect this important resource, the section:
• Implements permitting and compliance for wastewater applied to land, whether it is from municipal, industrial or animal feeding operation treatment systems. Permitting and compliance for wastewater treated for reuse is also regulated by the section.
• Permits the construction injection wells such as those used for home heating and cooling.
• Permits construction of wells for monitoring groundwater quality and for extracting or treating contaminated groundwater.
• Performs groundwater planning and research to better understand the interaction of groundwater and surface water, and groundwater with geological formations. This work helps to better characterize and anticipate potential threats to groundwater and surface water quality and to human health.
Files for the two sections have also moved and are housed in the main file room in the basement of the Archdale Building. Those wishing to do a file review should call the sections’ main numbers for further information.
To learn more about the Division of Water Quality and its work to protect and enhance the state’s surface water and groundwater resources, visit the division’s website at: www.ncwaterquality.org.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
State report assesses state’s environmental quality, discusses emerging challenges
Environmental indicators show significant improvement in air and water quality in North Carolina, according to the 2011 State of the Environment Report released by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The report—a science-based review of the state’s air, water and land resources—evaluates the quality of the state’s environment, describes DENR’s efforts to protect the state’s natural resources and identifies current and emerging issues.
“I believe, as does Gov. Perdue, that a clean environment is a vital player in a thriving economy,” DENR Secretary Dee Freeman said. “For years, North Carolina’s bountiful natural resources have attracted new residents, new companies and visitors, and this report outlines the steps DENR and its partners have taken and will continue to take to maintain clean air, clean water and abundant natural resources for the health, enjoyment and recreation of all.”
Highlights of the report include:
• Air quality has improved substantially since the 1980s. With the cooperation of business and industry, significant steps have been taken to reduce ozone and particle pollution with additional reductions expected as industries and motor vehicles work to meet more stringent federal air quality standards.
• The majority of the state’s lakes, streams and rivers have good water quality and support fisheries and fish habitats, provide drinking water and allow a number of recreational uses. However, about 40 percent of the state’s waters are impaired by such pollutants as mercury, bacteria and large amounts of sediment; in some areas, excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have threatened water quality in both rivers and water supply reservoirs.
• The state has made significant progress in addressing nutrient pollution; management strategies for the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river basins have successfully reduced fish kills and algal blooms. Similar strategies have been developed for the Falls Lake and Jordan Lake water supply reservoirs.
• In the area of water supply or quantity, water shortage response plans have been developed to improve the state’s drought response, groundwater data collection has increased, aquifers have started to recover in the Central Coastal Plain and water supply models are being developed for most of the 17 major river basins.
• The state continues to make progress in cleaning up contaminated properties and in helping to provide alternative water supply where drinking water wells have been contaminated.
• After a decade of strong growth, the rate of land conservation has declined since 2009. However, the state continues to work on protection of key parcels, focusing on acquiring lands critical for water quality protection, wildlife habitat, recreation, agriculture and military activities.
Some emerging issues that DENR faces include the completion of a legislatively mandated state study to identify issues associated with oil and gas exploration in the state, focusing on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas; the potential impacts of climate change in North Carolina; new federal air quality standards, which will require additional program resources at the state level; rapid population growth and development in some parts of the state, which put additional stress on water bodies and other sensitive natural areas and can make attainment of new, stricter air quality standards an ongoing challenge; water supply and the allocation of water resources between competing water users; and department-wide program impacts brought about by the recent recession and resulting state fiscal constraints.
The report can be found by visiting DENR’s home page and clicking on the “State of the Environment” tab near the center of the page.
The report—a science-based review of the state’s air, water and land resources—evaluates the quality of the state’s environment, describes DENR’s efforts to protect the state’s natural resources and identifies current and emerging issues.
“I believe, as does Gov. Perdue, that a clean environment is a vital player in a thriving economy,” DENR Secretary Dee Freeman said. “For years, North Carolina’s bountiful natural resources have attracted new residents, new companies and visitors, and this report outlines the steps DENR and its partners have taken and will continue to take to maintain clean air, clean water and abundant natural resources for the health, enjoyment and recreation of all.”
Highlights of the report include:
• Air quality has improved substantially since the 1980s. With the cooperation of business and industry, significant steps have been taken to reduce ozone and particle pollution with additional reductions expected as industries and motor vehicles work to meet more stringent federal air quality standards.
• The majority of the state’s lakes, streams and rivers have good water quality and support fisheries and fish habitats, provide drinking water and allow a number of recreational uses. However, about 40 percent of the state’s waters are impaired by such pollutants as mercury, bacteria and large amounts of sediment; in some areas, excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have threatened water quality in both rivers and water supply reservoirs.
• The state has made significant progress in addressing nutrient pollution; management strategies for the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river basins have successfully reduced fish kills and algal blooms. Similar strategies have been developed for the Falls Lake and Jordan Lake water supply reservoirs.
• In the area of water supply or quantity, water shortage response plans have been developed to improve the state’s drought response, groundwater data collection has increased, aquifers have started to recover in the Central Coastal Plain and water supply models are being developed for most of the 17 major river basins.
• The state continues to make progress in cleaning up contaminated properties and in helping to provide alternative water supply where drinking water wells have been contaminated.
• After a decade of strong growth, the rate of land conservation has declined since 2009. However, the state continues to work on protection of key parcels, focusing on acquiring lands critical for water quality protection, wildlife habitat, recreation, agriculture and military activities.
Some emerging issues that DENR faces include the completion of a legislatively mandated state study to identify issues associated with oil and gas exploration in the state, focusing on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas; the potential impacts of climate change in North Carolina; new federal air quality standards, which will require additional program resources at the state level; rapid population growth and development in some parts of the state, which put additional stress on water bodies and other sensitive natural areas and can make attainment of new, stricter air quality standards an ongoing challenge; water supply and the allocation of water resources between competing water users; and department-wide program impacts brought about by the recent recession and resulting state fiscal constraints.
The report can be found by visiting DENR’s home page and clicking on the “State of the Environment” tab near the center of the page.
Monday, January 16, 2012
USDA announces funding for water quality markets, seeks proposals for projects
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a funding opportunity that will bring states, USDA and other stakeholders together to enhance the effectiveness of water quality credit trading. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing up to $10 million in Conservation Innovation Grants for these projects with up to $5 million focused on water quality credit trading in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Proposals for projects are due March 2, 2012.
"For the first time, USDA has offered funding specifically for water quality trading; we want to help states and other partners develop robust and meaningful markets," Vilsack said. "Our goal is to demonstrate that markets are a cost-effective way to improve water quality in places like the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and agricultural producers are critical to the function of these markets."
Water quality credit trading is a market-based approach to lowering the costs of reducing pollution and has the potential to engage more farmers and ranchers in water quality improvement efforts through the implementation of more conservation practices on agricultural lands. Through water quality credit trading, a producer who implements conservation practices to reduce water quality pollutants can also benefit by generating water quality market credits that could be sold in an open market, which would reduce the costs of implementing and maintaining the conservation practices.
NRCS requests CIG proposals for projects that:
• Support the completion of state water quality market rules and infrastructure needed to carry out water quality trading between point and non-point sources;
• Deploy and test tools and metrics needed for crediting and verifying the effectiveness of conservation practices on agricultural lands;
• Establish certification, registry and reporting systems; and
• Educate and reach out to agriculture and other sectors.
CIG funds will be awarded through a competitive grants process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient. Projects must involve producers who are eligible for the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
To apply electronically, visit Grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office. View the complete Announcement of Program Funding here.
The Chesapeake Bay portion of this effort is part of NRCS' Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, which helps agricultural producers in Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia improve water quality in the watershed.
NRCS will host a webinar at 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 24, for prospective applicants. USDA officials and staff will discuss the goals of the program and answer questions about the request for proposals. For more webinar details, go to the CIG website.
Learn more about NRCS conservation programs here or visit your local USDA service center.
"For the first time, USDA has offered funding specifically for water quality trading; we want to help states and other partners develop robust and meaningful markets," Vilsack said. "Our goal is to demonstrate that markets are a cost-effective way to improve water quality in places like the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and agricultural producers are critical to the function of these markets."
Water quality credit trading is a market-based approach to lowering the costs of reducing pollution and has the potential to engage more farmers and ranchers in water quality improvement efforts through the implementation of more conservation practices on agricultural lands. Through water quality credit trading, a producer who implements conservation practices to reduce water quality pollutants can also benefit by generating water quality market credits that could be sold in an open market, which would reduce the costs of implementing and maintaining the conservation practices.
NRCS requests CIG proposals for projects that:
• Support the completion of state water quality market rules and infrastructure needed to carry out water quality trading between point and non-point sources;
• Deploy and test tools and metrics needed for crediting and verifying the effectiveness of conservation practices on agricultural lands;
• Establish certification, registry and reporting systems; and
• Educate and reach out to agriculture and other sectors.
CIG funds will be awarded through a competitive grants process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient. Projects must involve producers who are eligible for the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
To apply electronically, visit Grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office. View the complete Announcement of Program Funding here.
The Chesapeake Bay portion of this effort is part of NRCS' Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, which helps agricultural producers in Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia improve water quality in the watershed.
NRCS will host a webinar at 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 24, for prospective applicants. USDA officials and staff will discuss the goals of the program and answer questions about the request for proposals. For more webinar details, go to the CIG website.
Learn more about NRCS conservation programs here or visit your local USDA service center.
Friday, January 13, 2012
State environmental officials to seek comment on plan for drinking water projects
State environmental officials will meet Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 p.m. to receive public comments on their plan for how to help North Carolina municipalities fund this year’s most pressing drinking water projects.
People are invited to attend public hearing in the Coastal Plain Room (Room 1107) of the new Environment and Natural Resources Building, 217 West Jones St. in Raleigh.
The annual public hearing is a routine step that officials with the state’s public water supply section use to determine where to direct money from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The fund comes from the Environmental Protection Agency and a 20 percent required state match. The federal government will contribute about $24.6 million to the fund contingent on the state’s match of $4.9 million.
During the public hearing, the state will seek comments on the plan, which is proposed for federal approval. The plan includes requirements for the types of projects to be funded, how projects are prioritized and other criteria for allocating the money. The proposed intended use plan can be viewed at http://www.ncwater.org/pws/srf/Pages/federal_reports.htm.
Congress in 1996 created the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help public water systems finance the cost of infrastructure needed to protect public health and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
People who wish to speak during the hearing should sign-in at 2 p.m. Spoken comments should be limited to three minutes. Written comments may be provided at the public hearing or mailed to Vincent Tomaino at 1634 MSC, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1634, or emailed to vincent.tomaino@ncdenr.gov. Written comments will be received until Tuesday, Jan. 17.
People are invited to attend public hearing in the Coastal Plain Room (Room 1107) of the new Environment and Natural Resources Building, 217 West Jones St. in Raleigh.
The annual public hearing is a routine step that officials with the state’s public water supply section use to determine where to direct money from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The fund comes from the Environmental Protection Agency and a 20 percent required state match. The federal government will contribute about $24.6 million to the fund contingent on the state’s match of $4.9 million.
During the public hearing, the state will seek comments on the plan, which is proposed for federal approval. The plan includes requirements for the types of projects to be funded, how projects are prioritized and other criteria for allocating the money. The proposed intended use plan can be viewed at http://www.ncwater.org/pws/srf/Pages/federal_reports.htm.
Congress in 1996 created the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help public water systems finance the cost of infrastructure needed to protect public health and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
People who wish to speak during the hearing should sign-in at 2 p.m. Spoken comments should be limited to three minutes. Written comments may be provided at the public hearing or mailed to Vincent Tomaino at 1634 MSC, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1634, or emailed to vincent.tomaino@ncdenr.gov. Written comments will be received until Tuesday, Jan. 17.
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