Sunday Star-News - Wilmington, N.C.
December 05, 2000
Brunswick County ought to jump at a chance to stop water pollution before it starts.
The N.C. Coastal Federation has asked state regulators to apply their strictest pollution control standards in the southeastern part of Brunswick, where construction of about 70 miles of sewer lines is expected to bring rapid development.
If the idea is approved by the state Division of Water Quality, the county would be required to take steps (such as requiring buffers and retention ponds) to minimize runoff from roads, parking lots and other development that could cause polluted rainwater to flow into creeks.
New Hanover County failed to do that when it started building its sewer in the 1980s, and it will cost millions of dollars to correct the problems.
Brunswick County can learn from its neighbor's blunder.
Yes, the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority, which provides sewer service in the southwestern section of the county, expects to spend up to $6 million on stormwater runoff controls by the time the system is completed over the next five to seven years.
But compare that to the more than $37 million estimated cost of retrofitting pollution controls to clean up the Pages Creek watershed in New Hanover County.
By taking sensible steps now, Brunswick County can save its waters - and its money.
© 2000 Sunday Star-News - Wilmington, N.C.. via Bell&Howell Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
