1991 - 02-04-91 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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n 13 585 Mr. Barefoot stated that a public hearing is scheduled in Randleman, North Carolina, Wednesday, February 6, 1991, at 7:00 P.M. to consider the potential impoundment of a portion of Deep River for several municipalities and counties wishing to take water from the Deep River. Approximately one year ago the Lee County Environmental Affairs Board began hearing sketchy details concerning the development of a reservoir on upper portions of Deep River near Randleman. At that time, Mr. Larry Thomas, Public Works Director and Engineer for the City of Sanford, contacted the State Department of Environmental Management. Mr. Larry Varner, an engineer with Floyd Brown Associates which operates the County's water plant, was asked to investigate the Randleman dam proposal. The extent of the interbasin transfer of water was not known at that time. Based on the little information they were able to obtain, both men felt that the impoundment would not have a negative impact on the Deep River downstream. It has now been determined that 28.5 million gallons per day would be transferred. Mr. Thomas recently talked to State officials who indicated that the Randleman proposal could affect the City's ability to increase discharges into the river in the future. That being the case, a similar negative impact could affect the County's water intake or other potential similar uses. The City of Sanford's Law and Finance Committee endorsed a letter from Mr. Thomas to Mr. John Sutherland of the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources stating some major concerns and requesting that a study of these concerns be conducted. The letter also requested that once the study is completed, a hearing should be held. Mr. Thomas will be attending the public hearing scheduled for the 6th of February. The environmental impact statement does not address the low oxygen content of the river in this area nor does it indicate any relationship between the high water quality designation of the river and the dam. The Big Buffalo Wastewater Treatment Plant that serves Sanford and Lee County discharges into the Deep River. By the end of 1991, this plant will have tertiary treatment facilities enabling it to meet discharge limits of 10-30-1, some of the lowest limits in the state. With a seven-day 10 year flow (7Q10) in the Deep River of 11 million gallons per day and a wastewater treatment plant discharge of 6.8 million gallons per day, any change in the river can be critical. Upstream from the plant, the oxygen content of the river runs as low as two to three parts per million. Using the state standards of five parts per million for oxygen, the Deep River can already be classified as unhealthy. Commissioner Cox stated that Mr. Thomas' recent statements now compared to his statements a year ago are contradictory. Chairman Stafford stated that Mr. Thomas' position has changed because of the extension of the interbasin transfer. Mr. Barefoot stated that the City of Sanford is taking a cautious approach. The Division of Environmental Management monitors water that goes into the river. The Division of Water Resources monitors the water that comes out of the river. Mr. Barefoot stated that last February the County was asked to 8