Issue link: https://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
CHAPTER 8: ENRICH 250 Policy Direction In order to protect the environment, mi gate the impacts of climate change, and provide sustainable facili es and infrastructure, Cary's sustainability and environmental policies are: Policy Policy Intent Policy 1: Involve the Community in Environmental Stewardship Strategies for a Sustainable Future Make the Cary community a better place by inspiring and charting a path for collective action to build a sustainable, resilient future. The intent of this policy is to educate on incentives for private development, homeowners associations (HOAs), multifamily development, and homeowners to implement climate actions. Develop new initiatives and programs to empower the community to be active stewards of the environment. Identify partnerships at all levels to achieve the goals of the Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy to broaden participation and implementation. Best practices to date include My Tree, Our Tree; Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program; and Green Stormwater Infrastructure Grant Program. Further action can be taken by educating the community on incentive or rebate programs for implementing green building practices included in the International Green Building Code and NC Energy Code and certifications such as LEED, NGBS, Energy Star, and the Living Building Challenge. Further action can be evaluated through potential changes in development regulations. Policy 2: Encourage Environmentally Responsible Stormwater Management, Protect Water Quality Support initiatives that encourage or incentivize environmentally responsible stormwater management by addressing floodplain management, watershed protection, and control of illegal discharges and sediment erosion. Support projects, programs, regulations, and initiatives that protect water quality. Ensure regional efforts focus on the protection of Jordan Lake and other water supply sources. The intent of this policy is to address storm events and water quality using educational and regulatory initiatives, public infrastructure, and incentives that enhance the community. This policy highlights the importance of water quality through the continued emphasis on initiatives that naturally filter runoff before it enters waterways. These methods will manage nitrogen and phosphorous loads and other runoff pollutants in Cary's streams and protect the water quality of Jordan Lake. In order to protect Jordan Lake and other water sources, Cary will continue to foster collaboration between regional partners. Cary will also continue to meet or exceed N.C. Division of Water Resources rules for controlling nitrogen runoff in the Neuse River Basin and the Cape Fear River Basin and meet Federal Clean Water Act stormwater regulations. To protect properties from the threat of flooding and erosion, Cary will continue to provide guidance to citizens with drainage issues on private property. Cary will continue to protect water quality and flooding risk through development regulations, including watershed protection overlays, nutrient control, erosion and sediment control, floodplain management, urban transition buffers, and other tools. Additionally, use of decentralized green stormwater infrastructure, or GSI, as part of new development, redevelopment, streets, and other public infrastructure will be implemented where effective. Policy 3: Supporting Environmentally Responsible Waste Disposal and Circularity in the Waste Cycle Support environmentally responsible disposal of waste. The intent of this policy is to support Cary businesses and citizens in efforts to divert waste from the landfill and create a circular waste cycle. This may include promoting reuse, preventing unlawful disposal, and expanding sustainable waste management practices through policies and public education.