The Board of Commissioners, based upon comprehensive science as evidenced from the UNCW - Dr. Mike Malin Study of Tiny Piney Creek, among other data, finds that the discharge of non-stormwater drainage to the waters of the state and to the municipal stormwater drainage system could have significant adverse impact upon the health, safety and welfare of the community. More specifically:
(A) Illicit stormwater discharges carry pollutants into receiving water bodies, degrading water quality and effecting closure of shell fishing waters.
(B) Nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen accelerate eutrophication of receiving waters adversely affecting flora and fauna.
(C) Improper connection to the storm drain system and to water of the state adversely impacts the quality of receiving waters.
(D) Septic tank discharges from non-compliant systems, washing machine discharges and illegal dumping into stormwater drains are examples of illicit discharges.
(E) The town must have the authority to deter and/or stop illicit discharges to stormwater drains, ditches and systems.
(F) Substantial economic losses result from adverse impacts on community waters through illicit discharges.
(G) Illicit discharges to water bodies diminish their capacity to naturally process runoff nutrients thereby harming flora and fauna.
(H) Pollutants in illicit discharges to waters can percolate into the soil thereby decreasing groundwater quality.
(I) Improperly managed stormwater systems can decrease the quality of property and human life.
(J) Improperly managed stormwater drainage systems can interfere with the maintenance of estuarine areas and biological productivity.
(K) Future environmental problems can be avoided if land is developed and used in compliance with the provisions of an illicit stormwater discharge subchapter.
(Ord. passed 11-11-05; Am. Res. passed 10-13-11)