FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                    January 31, 2008

TOWN OF CARY RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Receives state’s highest award in local erosion and sediment control

CARY, NC – A recognized champion for environmental preservation and protection, the Town of Cary has once again received the Local Erosion and Sediment Control Program Award among the state’s large programs; the award was presented to the Town by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sedimentation Control Commission and Land Quality Section during the annual awards program on Wednesday, January 30 in Southern Pines.  This marks the third time that the Town of Cary has received the recognition since the award’s inception 11 years ago.

Cary was nominated by John Holley, Regional Engineer in the NCDENR Land Quality Section.  Holley applauded Cary for being “effective in their coordination of the program with other stormwater management efforts, particularly in the preservation of riparian buffers along watercourses beyond those established by state regulation.” He also noted that Cary has been very supportive of its staff’s professional development and creation of a streamlined computerized data management system.

“With environmental protection being such an important issue for our citizens and a top focus of our work, the Town is honored to be recognized for our continuing efforts to protect area water quality by establishing and consistently maintaining high standards of erosion and sediment control,” said Cary’s Stormwater Field Services Administrator Tom Horstman who accepted the award on behalf of the Town.

The Town of Cary Sedimentation and Erosion Control program consist of three stormwater technicians and one supervisor who perform on-site inspections to ensure that grading and construction complies with the erosion and sedimentation control ordinance of the Town of Cary .  All development with in the Town of Cary jurisdiction must submit and have approved an erosion control plan related to the development project.  This erosion control plan incorporates silt fence, sediment basins and ground cover to protect the site during construction.   

Awards are presented in two categories:  small programs with 0-3 man-years supporting erosion and sediment control; and large programs with greater than 3 man-years supporting erosion and sediment control.  Chatham County received the award in the small programs category.

The Sedimentation Control Commission was created to administer the Sedimentation Control Program pursuant to the N.C. Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 (SPCA).  It is charged with adopting rules, setting standards, and providing guidance for implementation of the Act. The composition of the 12 member Commission is set by statute to encompass a broad range of perspectives and expertise in areas related to construction, industry, government, and natural resource conservation and quality.  The NC DENR Land Quality Section is responsible for the state regulatory program and acts as staff for the Sedimentation Control Commission.

For more, visit the Stormwater section of the Town’s Web site at www.townofcary.org or visit www.dlr.enr.state.nc/pages/sedimentation_new.html.

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