(A) Projects subject to this chapter shall meet nitrogen and phosphorus loading targets through one or a combination of the following methods:
(1) Projects may reduce nitrogen or phosphorus through any combination of SCMs treating runoff on the site or in an approved offsite regional stormwater control measure. The developer shall calculate the nitrogen and phosphorus reduction provided by these controls using the approved accounting tool.
(2) Sufficient nitrogen or phosphorus reduction needs not provided by SCMs serving the project shall be acquired prior to construction through the use of permanent nutrient offset credits pursuant to the Nutrient Offset Credit Trading Rule, 15A NCAC 02B .0703. The Stormwater Administrator shall issue a letter, as condition of the approval, that documents the needed nitrogen or phosphorus credits and the location of the project with relation to hydrologic unit code (HUC). All offset measures permitted by this chapter shall meet the requirements of 15A NCAC 02B .0703.
(3) Proposed development undertaken by a local government solely as a public road expansion or public sidewalk project, or proposed development subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board, may meet nitrogen and phosphorus reduction needs for the project entirely through the use of permanent nutrient offset credits pursuant to the Nutrient Offset Credit Trading Rule, 15A NCAC 02B .0703.
(B) Permanent nutrient offset credits shall be acquired pursuant to G.S. 143-214.26 and 15A NCAC 02B .0703 prior to the start of construction of the project through one of the following methods:
(1) A private nutrient bank;
(2) Offsite offset provided by the developer and approved by the Stormwater Administrator;
(3) An offset option provided by the City of Greenville;
(4) Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund established in G.S. 143-214.21.
(C) Excess permanent nutrient offset credits acquired beyond what is required for the project may not be applied to any other project.
(Ord. No. 24-021, § 1, passed 4-11-2024)