Chowan County, North Carolina, land use plan 1976

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Chowan County
COASTAL ZICY11ME
INFORMIATION
City of Edenton

North Carolina

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Cama 1976

13665

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER

PREPARED FOR

CHOWAN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

C. A. Phillips, Chairman
David T. Bateman
Alton G. Elmore
N. J. George
J. D. Peele

Dallas Jethro, County Coordinator

Prepared by the

CHOWAN COUNTY PLANNING BOARD

George Lewis, Chairman
T. D. Berryman, Jr.
Carroll Evans
A. C. Hudson
Charles Overman
Wilbur J. Privott
Van Small
J. A. Webb, Jr.
Pete Thompson, Ex-Officio

PREPARED FOR THE TOWN OF EDENTON) NORTH CAROLINA

TOWN COUNCIL

Roy L. Harrell, Mayor

Jesse L. Harrell James C. Dail
Harry Spruill, Jr. Errol Flynn
Allen Hornthal W. H. Hollowell, Jr.
W. B. Gardner,, Town Administrator

Prepared by the

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Joe Lee, Chairman

C. B. Smith Novella Wilson
Jimmie M. Parrish Robert L. Bunch, Jr.
Ruth Vaughan Robert Weintraub
Henry A. Powell -Worth Hare Asa Griffin

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES

George Little, Secretary

DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

Billy Ray Hall, Chief

NORTHEASTERN FIELD OFFICE

Thomas B. Richter, Chief Planner
Justin Little, Community Development Planner

Debbie Branch, Typist
Peggy Sawyer, Typist
Wilber J. Walker, Draftsman

CHOWAN COUNTY - EDE'NTON LAND USE PLAN

Tabl.e of Contents

INTRODUCTION

I. LAND USE POLICY

A. TOWN AND COUNTY CHARACTERISTICS:
the context of the pZan ........................... 3'
B. MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES: what
people are concerned about ........................ 8
C. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND
REGULATIONS: what is curPently
being done ........................................ 18
D. LAND USE OBJECTIVES: direction
for the future .................................... 24
E. ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES:
implementation .................................... 26
1. Policies and standards ........................ @6
2. Land Classification map ....................... 29
3. Protection of fragile areas ................... 33

II. FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE LAND USE:
Detailed Reports

A. NATURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING
DEVELOPMENT: land use constraints ................ 49
Z. Physical limitations .......................... 5Q
a.. Climate ................................... 51
b. Flood hazard areas ........................ 54
c. Soil limitation areas ..................... 55
1) Septic tank limitat.ions ............... 56
2) Drainage limitations .................. S8
3) Foundation limitati.ons
(Uw-elling suitabil-i-t-y7 ................ 60
d. Estuarine erosive areas ................... 62
2. Fragile areas ................................. 64
a. Surf ace waters ............................ 65
1) Estuarine waters ...................... 69
2) Public trust waters ................... 71
b. Water supply sources ....................... 72
C. Complex natural areas ..................... 74
d. Areas sustaining remnant
species ................................... 76
e. Coastal wetlands .......................... 77

f. Areas containing unique
geological formations .................... 79
3. Areas of resou'rce potential .................. 80
a. Publicly owned land ...................... 81
b. Productive agricultural soils ............ 82
c. Potentially valuable mineral
sites .................................... 85
B. MAN-MADE FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT ......... 86
1. History ............................. o ....... 88
2. Existing land use ............................ 9S
a. Chowan County .... 9S
1) Summary description, .............
2) Significant land use
compatibiTity p-r-ob-T-ems ............... 96
3) Problems from un-pl-anned
development .......................... 96
4) Man-made Hazard areas ................ 98
5) Areas experiencing or
likely to experience major
land us-e --- c-17a-nge ...................... 99
b. Edenton
1) Summary descript on .................. 99
2) Significant land use
compatibility,,pr-o--67-ems ............... 100@
3) Problems from un-pTa-nned
development ........................... 101
4) Man-made hazard areas ................ 101
S) Areas experiencing or likely
to exp rience major lanE-
use change ........................... 102
3. Population and e@i_onomy ....................... 104
a. Population
1) Characteristics and brief
analysis ............................. 104
2) Populatl7on projection ................ 110
b. Economy
1) Existing economy ..................... 114
2) Economic projecfion .................. 127
4. Community facilities - -: ....................... 138,
a. Water .................................... 139
b. Sewer ......... ............. 141
c. Solid waste di sposal .... o............. 1.. 143
d. Thoroughfares ............................ 144
e. Schools ............. o .................... 147
f. Fire protection .......................... 148
g. Rescue squad/ambulance service ........... 150
h. Law enforcement .............. o ........... 151
i. Health services .......................... 154
j. Housing ..................... I ............. 1S6
k. Recreation ....................... o ....... 158
1. Financial capability ................... o . 160

APPENDICES

A. DATA SUMMARY AND RELATIONSHIP TO
PLAN
to Major conclusions ............................ 165
2* information used in the plan ................. 165
B. PUBLIC PART1UYPA=0y
Z. History -of CAMA planning effort .............. 170
2. Process use-d-to determine
objectives, policies a tandards
and alternatives considered .................. *.171
30 Survey resutts ............................... 174

INDEX TO STANDARD FORMAT ................................... 190,-

INTRODUCTION

In 1974, the General Assembly passed the Coastal Area Man-

agement Act into law. The provisions of the act are many, but

the underlying reason for its passage is as stated in the law:

The General Assembly therefore finds that
an immediate and pressing need exists to
establish a comprehensive plan for the
protection, preservation, orderly develop-
ment and management of the coastal area of
North Carolina.

The law requires, as the basis for this comprehensive plan,

each coastal county to prepare its own land-use plan. All the

coastal counties are submitting their plans to the Coastal Re-

sources Commission, a group created to administer the provisions

of the legislation.

This document is the land use plan for Chowan County and

Edenton, the major municipality in Chowan County. The town and

county have separate. jurisdictions. The town has adopted an

extraterritorial limit and controls development within that

area. The county government has jurisdiction over all develop-

ment in the rest of the county. Although the county and town

have separate jurisdictions, obviously developments in one

affect the other. For this reason and because the county and

town have worked well together previously, the land use plan

was prepared jointly by the town and county.

The plan consists of two major parts. The first section

discusses land use policy. After a summary of the existing

conditions, the major land issues in the county and town are

noted. The current land development policies and regulations are

summarized and objectives are set for the future. Areas in the

county and town suitable for future development have been mapped.

Areas that need to be closely protected from adverse development

have also been identified.

The second major section brings together information on the

many factors influencing future development in the county and

town. The opportunities and limitations of the natural resources

are examined. Analyses are also made of the local population,

economy, community facilities and existing land use. Much of

the information was provided by people in the county and town.

Also since Edenton and Chowan County had considered land-use

issues before, there was information avail-able from several pre-

vious reports.

This plan will need to be updated and revised in the future.

The Coastal Area Management Act requires that the plan be updated

every five years at least. As time passes and conditions change,

much of the information gathered here will be outdated. New

priorities will,demand attention; new situations may require new

policies.

Because of the many topics considered, the Edenton and Chowan

County Land Use Plan is a lengthy document. A summary or

synopsis has been prepared for those who want an overview of the

plan. A great deal of work by the planning boards went into the

preparation of this land use plan, but it is just a start. The

citizens of Edenton and Chowan County still have to make the

decisions and live with the results.

-k

I. LAND USE POLICY

-.1

A. TOWN AND COUNTV CHARACTERISTICS: the context oj the ptan

No one knows what Chowan County and Edenton will look

like in 25 or even 10 years. However, by closely looking

at the county's natural and man-made environments we can

determine what would be most likely to happen in the future.

Detailed information about the natural and man-made environ-

ments has been assembled in the second section of the plan.

The most important facts are summarized below.

Natural Environment

The natural resources of the county set limits on and

also provide opportunities for development. Chowan County

still is influenced by the fact that, ages ago, it was at

the bottom of the ocean. As a result, the topography is

quite flat and drainage is quite poor in large areas of the

county. The county's topography and location on a coastal

sound and river result in extensive floor-hazard areas.

The sediments deposited in that extensive, ancient ocean

are now the soils of Chowan County. Many of these fine

marine sediments are unsuitable for wastewater disposal or

foundations. The extensive high water table areas in the

county limit the land that can be used for productive agri-

cultural land or residential development unless efforts are

made to drain these areas.

Yet, undrained, certain of the county's wetlands provide

protection against erosion and flooding, a sink for sediments

and cleansing action for polluted waters. These wetlands

are also wildlife habitat and fish spawning areas. Both

commercial and sport fishing have been important in Chowan

County for many years. Like the county's wetlands, most of

Chowan County's other resources offer opportunities and pose

restrictions. The soils of Chowan County not only set limi-

tations, but also provide the base for the county's thriving

agriculture and forestry activities. In addition, some soils

are quite well suited for residential development. The Chowan

River and Albemarle Sound offer more than flood hazards and

erosion; besides the fishing and recreation opportunities, the

river and sound provide a beautiful physical setting for the

town and county that is highly valued by county and town

residents.

Man-made Environment

While the natural environment sets the context of limi-

tations and opportunities for land use, the activities of the

residents are the determining factor in how land is developed

in the county and town. How the land has already been developed

to date is certainly important. Edenton and Chowan County are

fortunate in that much of the past land use has not been poor,

but, in fact, has been carefully done and well preserved. The

town and county are famous for their historic sites. A large

part of the town has been placed on the National Register of

Historic Places in recognition of the town's many fine buildings

of previous years that are remarkably well conserved and pleas-

ing in appearance,
4

Nevertheless, not all of the past and existing land use

in the county and town is of good quality. Subdivisions of

land unsuitable for development have been made, platted and

lots have been sold. Wastewater disposal and water supply

have been problems. Certain roads have been poorly designed

and maintained. Substandard dwellings have been constructed

and are still occupied. Others have been abandoned, but are

still a health hazard.

The rate of land development in the county and town is

controlled by the local,population and economy. Edenton,

after its colonial days of prominence,became a local center

for an agricultural area. The county is still rural and

predominantly agricultural. Changes in farming practices

have had impacts on the county's population. As farms became

more mechanized, less jobs were available and, as a result,

many people left Chowan County to find employment elsewhere.

Of the people that have stayed in the county many have below

poverty-level incomes and can only afford inadequate housing.

The trend of declining population and job opportunities

may be reversed by recent changes in the county's economy.

Several industries have located in and around Edenton in

recent years, diversifying the county's economic base.

Recent economic studies project that the county will not

continue to decline in population but in fact will grow in

the next 25 years.

The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis

made the following projections as a result of its OBERS "Ell

series of population projections.

1980 1990 2000
10,900 11,400 11,800

Town officials feel that these projections are low; they

expect the town to grow by 1000-1500 residents in the next ten

years. Assuming the rest of the county grows moderately or stays
stable, the following projections are closer to local estimations.

1980 1990 2000
12,000 13,500 14,SOO

Population projections for an area as small as Chowan Coun-

ty are difficult to do and risky to make. It would be best to

say that local officials are expecting a moderate amount of

growth in the county and town. Local officials have considered

it foolish to speculate on actual population levels 50 years from

now, as required by the guidelines for the Coastal Area Manage-

ment Act, but they have repeatedly stated their commitment to

orderly development.

Edenton has had a substantial percentage of the county's

population and this percentage has been increasing. Neverthe-

less, recent developments in the county have blurred the old

distinction between the densely settled town and the rural,

farming county. Industry has located out in the county. New

subdivisions have been developed outside of the city limits.

Although farmworkers have migrated out of the county, other peo-

ple have moved in that commute to industrial or retail and ser-

vice jobs. Increasing numbers of people have been coming

into Chowan County to visit the historic sites or enjoy

water recreation on the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River.

Some have weekend homes in the county. Others have come

to settle permanently and retire. To date, however, the

seasonal and retired population increase has not been large,

especially in comparison to other coastal counties of the

state.

This section merely provides an overview of the data

that has been gathered about the characteristics and trends

of the county and town to put the following land use policy

discussion into perspective. Much more detail on all the

characteristics and trends of the town and county make up

the entire second section of the plan.

B. MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES: what people are concerned about

One of the goals of the Coastal Area Management Act

sums up many of the concerns in the coastal area. The goal

is:

To insure that the development or preservation of the

land and water resources of the coastal area proceeds

in a manner consistent with the capability of the land

and water for development, use or preservation ....

In other words, development or use should take place only to

the extent that the land is capable of supporting development

or use. This idea implies that there is a limit beyond which

any development would be extremely expensive, damaging or

impossible. Unfortunately these limits are hard to define.

The scientific knowledge is not complete. Also changes in

technology, economics or values held by the residents can

change limits to development.

Probably the major controversy about the capability of

land in Chowan County centers on the issue of septic tanks.

The fact that septic tanks do not function properly in many

coastal soils has caused considerable arguments. The current

rules and regulations of the state Division of Health Services

have been criticized by some as being too strict and by others.

as being too lenient. The Sanitary Engineering Section of

the division itself has stated that existing rules and regu-

lations regarding septic tanks are not adequate to control

possible problems,,particularly where development is adjacent

to bodies of water. Researchers from North Carolina State

University say that septic systems in these areas may function

in the sense that the effluent does not always appear on the

ground surface; however in many cases the effluent is merely

passing into shallow groundwater and moving laterally into

the surface waters. At this time little information exists

as to whether this type of pollution has taken place on a

broad scale in Chowan County. The Cape Colony area is one

of the highest density areas that uses septic tanks and alsois

an area that has some soils unsuitable for septic tanks.

Surface water analyses done in the adjacent waters show the

water clean enough for swimming, so evidently pollution has

not been significant. It also should be noted that while

certain officials and scientists have been criticizing Health

0 Department regulations, homebuilders and lot owners have

complained that the regulations are too stringent. If the

Cape Colony area is sewered as the 201 study for Edenton has

proposed, the septic tank problem would no longer exist--an

example of how technology can change environmental limits.

Also important is the fact that much of the county including

Cape Colony is served by deep water well community water

systems, so that shallow groundwater.pollution is not as

serious as a problem as it is in areas that use shallow

groundwater-for.water supply.

While arguments are being made as to whether the limits

of groundwater pollution have been reached, few argue that the

limit for surface water pollution has been reached and, in fact,

has been exceeded at certain times in the recent past. Here

the problem is determining the cause of pollution. Runoff of

chemicals and manure from farms has been blamed along with

septic tank pollution and industrial discharges. Data as to

how much each source is contributing, if any, is lacking.

Several years ago, an incident of algal blooms and water degrad-

ation was solved when an agricultural chemical firm in Hertford

Countyvas forced to shut down. The fact that a source outside

of the county was responsible points out the limited ability of

the county and town to control pollution of the sound and river.

Nevertheless, the concern expressed by Chowan County residents

was important in action being taken.

The importance of other limits to development has been

stressed by the Coastal Area Management Act; namely, the ability

of community facilities to support further development and the

impact that development has on the life styles of the town and

county. However, the figures on the cost of providing services to

the residential growth that officials expect are hard to determine.

For various reasons, the costs of additional residential

development are different for the county and town. Costs to the

town will.be determined first.

Once the town's sewer plant is upgraded, certain capacity for

gkowth will exist. In addition, if the infiltration problem

can be solved, as is planned in the 201 study, much more of

the existing capacity could be utilized. Since the subdivi-

sion regulations require installed improvements and sewer

rates cover the cost of operation and maintenance, the town

can provide additional service for little net cost up to the

capacity of the plant. The capacity of the sewer system cannot

really be determined until the results of the 201 study and

construction are known, including the treatment plant upgrading

and the infiltration correction.

The water system of the town currently has a higher rate

of capacity than it does use. Determining the added costs

imposed on fire, police, and solid waste collection of addi-

tional residential development depends to a great extent on

the type of development that takes place. The face that the

town enforces the North Carolina Building Code and utilizes

zoni ng and subdivision regulations keeps poor development to a

minimum.

Several other considerations must be made about costs of

new development for Edenton. Edenton does not have the resort

residential growth like certain other coastal North Carolina

communities. If Edenton's residential growth is the result of

industrial location, and the industry is a well-sited, pollution

free industry, the overall result will probably be a rise in

revenues for the community. Also, it should be noted that the

town does not make expenditures for welfare or schools, facilities

that can be very sensitive to population growth. The town is in

the electricity business and raises close to a third

of its revenue from the sale of power. Like most utilities,

electricity revenues would rise from additionaf customers.

Tn addition, the pr'operty tak is sufficiently high

t'hat the costs of develop ment are somewhat offset by

revenues provided, particularly with high value developments.
All things considered, because of the services it does not

provide, the utility sales, the subdivision regulations and

the existing facilities, Edenton is in an excellent position

to undergo a moderate rate of residential development without

straining the community facilities and finances.

The county is in an altogether different position regard-

ing new residential development. The county currently does not

operate any facilities that provide net. revenue, although

the county water system is predicted to be able to pay for

itself. The county does provide certain social and welfare

services that could be sensitive to increased population, but

this would depend on the characteristics of the in-migrating

population.

Chowan County operates the school facilities under a

complicated arrangement that also involves Federal and state

funds. Per pupil costs are currently about $1200 of which the

county pays about 20%. However the county's outlays are not

as sensitive to school population changes as first might be

assumed. Under North Carolina law, the county is only re-

sponsible for the facilities. Thus increases in the number

of pupils would theoretically not greatly increase the coun-

ty's outlays until the capacity of the schools was reached.

In actual practice, the county does pay for certain per pupil

expenditures, salary supplements and supplies, but the large

percentage is fixed cost.

In addition to schools and social service, the county

also provides for fire protection in the county, law en-

forcement outside of Edenton, solid waste collection (by

means of dispersed dumpsters that are emptied periodically)

and recently, county water. Also the county contributes

toward library expenses, recreation activities, health

department expenses and the ambulance service. The effect

of increased residential growth on these expenditures can-

not be determined with any degree of precision. Too much

depends on when the growth takes place, where, how and who

moves in. However as has been pointed out repeatedly, the low

density sprawl that has occurred and is occurring in much of

the county is the most expensive type of development to

provide services for.

Certain costs result for the county regardless of whether

the development occurs inside or outside of Edenton. However,

since the county duplicates certain services that the town

also provides, residential development in Edenton probably

costs the county less money than residential developments out-

side of Edenton.

There has been some weekend and retirement home develop-

ment in the subdivisions along the Sound and river. (Details

on these subdivisions are included elsewhere in the plan.) Fur-

ther development of both seasonal, retirement and permanent family

homes is likely; but, to date, the few seasonal residents have not

posed major problems for the county's services. Also, retired

residents have had no major impacts on the county services. The

numbers involved are much fewer than in other areas of the coastal

region.

Several points should be made in summary about the costs of

growth to the county. The county, to date, has not provided exten-

sive services to new developments. The rate of new development

outside of Edenton has been slow,and currently there is little

evidence that the rate will increase substantially. The main

problem is that the development that is taking place is a very

low density,-unplanned sprawl that is costly to provide services for.

Although the Coastal Area Management Act is concerned with

facility problems from growth, Chowan County may be facing the

reverse problem--community facility problems caused by decrease.

The elementary school population has decreased considerably. If

no new students enter, Chowan High School in eight years will have

150 students, a size that the superintendent feels will be insuffi-

cient to operate a high school curriculum. Elementary school

population has declined, not just in the county, but in the town,

too--a fact that runs somewhat contrary to town officials' con-

tentions of continuing growth. The problems of the school sys-

tem will be solved by the commissioners, but growth control

measures are hardly the most relevant.

While the limits to growth are hard to define for communi-

ty facilities and natural resources, definitions are close to

impossible when considering the impact on people's attitudes

and life styles. The community survey revealed that many citi-

zens value the small town atmosphere and rural character of

the county: Contrarily, the majority of respondents favored

a moderate rate of growth. Trying to determine at what point

small town and rural values are destroyed is extremely diffi-

cult because it would vary from person to person.

It should be mentioned that while environmental issues

and preserving small town and rural character are issues, the

lack of job opportunities, commercial facilities, cultural

facilities, and extensive public services has also been brought

up in the survey and in public meetings. Far from discussing

limits., much evidence can be presented that the town and coun-

ty have considerable agricultural, industrial, tourist, and

commercial potential that can be developed. Poverty, lack of

job opportunities, and outmigration of the young are all prob-

lems that could be at least partially solved by further devel-

opment. As is evidenced by the current policies, the objec-

tives and the implementation section, the people of the town

and county want to guide growth, but they do not want to cap

it.

Not everyone in the town and county are concerned with

broad questions of growth and development, but, in fact, have

specific concerns that are equally important,

Outside of the Edenton city limits, county citizens have

expressed concern about developments that may conflict. The

Cape Colony section southeast of Edenton is being developed

for industrial and residential use. Residents want to insure

that future industrial development does not interfere with the

residential areas. Also farmers have expressed concern about

the non-farm residential growth in the county; they are

worried about possible rising taxes for frontage and conflicts

between farming and residential activities.

Conflicts between land uses are not the only development

issues that concern county residents. Drainage and mosquito

control are an issue of importance to many rural residents.

Several subdivisions were made before proper subdivision reg-

ulations were in effect. Currently these areas have many

problems--street maintenance, right-of-way and easement diffi-

culties, lots unsuitable for development and building code

violations. Throughout the county, poverty is probably the

primary cause of the widespread substandard housing, but

unplanned development and the lack of code enforcement are

contributing factors.

Within the city limits of Edenton many of the land use

issues are similar to the issues out in the county. Conflicts

between residential, commercial, and industrial land uses are

a concern to those affected. Substandard housing and code

violations are prevalent problems in certain areas. Storm

water drainage is a problem both in the county and town but

the adverse effects are more pronounced in the town because

of its higher density. Preservation of the town's many fine

historic buildings has been a concern for some time and,in

fact, is an issue that has been dealt with successfully,

though more could be done.

C. CURRENT PLANS., POLICIES., AND REGULATIONS: what is

currentZy being done

The town, county, state and Federal governments all are

influencing land use in the county and town. Each level of

government has prepared studies of the area to guide its

authority, and, in certain cases, has enacted regulations to

control development.

Many members of the community became concerned about the

town's development when the Marine Corps Air Base closed in

1959. A development corporation was formed and industrial

prospects were sought. The town initiated a population and

economy study (1967) and prepared a land development plan

(1968). Studies and recommendations were made about the

town's housing and neighborhoods (1970 & 1972). The town

has looked closely at its community facilities and has pre-

pared a schedule of public improvements (1970 & 1976).

In addition to analyzing its operations and preparing

plans for improvements, Edenton has adopted regulations to

guide development. Based on the land development plan, the

town established a zoning ordinance in 1969 and subdivision

regulations in 1972. These regulations have been revised

since their inception. The zoning ordinance has the usual

provisions about matters such as district divisions, allowed

uses, and non-conforming uses, but, in addition "has regula-

tions concerning floodplain developments., mobile homes and

historic district developments.. The subdivision regulations

set design and improvement standards for new developments.

Special provisions are included about waterfront developments,

open space acquisitions, and community facility sites.

REGULATIONS IN EFFECT

Current Edcnton Chowan Other
Regulations County Authority

Zoning ordinances x

Subdivision regulations x x
Floodway ordinances x x

Building codes x

Septic. tank regulations Chowan County
Board of Health

Historic district x
regulations

Nuisance regulations U.S. EPA, N.C.
Division of
Environmental
Management

Sedimentation codes N.C. Division
of Environmental
Management

Dredge-and-fill U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers,
N.C. Division
of Marine Fish-
eries

The subdivision regulations also require that the devel-

oper install, at his expense, streets and utilities. The

town will extend its sewer and water to the development, if
the area is already within the city limits or is annexed by the
town. The town wahts-to insure that these areas receiving town

services are under the town's jurisdiction.

The zoning administrator of the town also acts as a

building inspector. The town enforces the North Carolina

Building Code sections relating to construction, electrical

work, and plumbing. In addition to insuring that new con-

struction is done properly, the inspection department works

to remove or upgrade substandard housing.

The county has also been involved in assessing its

situation and guiding development. Subdivision regulations

were established in 1971 and revised recently. The regula-

tions set design standards and require certain installed

improvements. The planning board also prepared a sketch

development plan in 1973.

The county health department enforces the State Ground

Absorption Sewage Disposal Systems Act (1973). Before any

residence can install a septic tank, the site and the tank

have to be approved as suitable. Since the county health

department can approve or not approve a building site for

septic tanks, the health department has a great deal of land

use control in the county.

A complete report on Federal and State land use controls

in the coastal area is being prepared by the Coastal Resources

Commission, but some of the more significant legislation will

be discussed below.

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission

administers several state laws that have an impact on land

.use in the county and town. The commission has approval

authority over all septic tanks over 3000 gallons and any

point discharge into surface waters. Another section of the

commission supervises sedimentation control. Any one under-

taking a land disturbing activity must file a plan for

erosion and sedimentation control with the commission 30

days before the activity is started. Dredge-and-fill and

certain shoreline projects require a permit from the state

Division of Marine Fisheries. Any public road that is to

be constructed must have its design and paving approved by

the state Department of Transportation. Many other state

activities in areas such as grant administration, historic

preservation, industrial development and road construction

have direct and indirect impacts on land use in the county

and town.

The Federal government had its most direct influence

on land use in Chowan County when it operated the Marine

Air Base. Since that time, Federal influence has been felt

mainly through grants and regulations. The Army Corps of

Engineers has permit approval over dredge-and-fill projects

and certain shoreline developments. Environmental impact

statements are required for many projects involving federal

funds. The Federal Insurance Administration requires local

government control over floodplain developments that involve

.Federal funds. The Soil Conservation Service has been involved

in local water,management, erosion control, and drainage pro-

jects. Federal grants and loans have made possible a variety

of land uses--transportation, housing, water and sewer facili-

ties, and recreation areas to name a few.

Other public and private organizations are having a definite

impact on the county's land use. The Farmers Home Administra-

tion is using Federal funds to provide loans for housing, particu-

larly for low and moderate income families. The Federal Depart-

ment of Housing and Urban Development has provided financing

for low-income housing units in Edenton. The industrial develop-

ment of the town.and county has been guided by the industrial

committee of the local Chamber of Commerce which provides infor-

mation to possible industries and handles contact between the

potential industry and the local government.

Planning studies and regulations (that have been prepared
up to June, 19761

Edenton

Population and Economy 5/67
Land Development Plan S/68
Zoning Ordinance 5/69
Updated 8/7S
Neighborhood Analysis 1/70
Community Facilities Plan
Public Improvements Program 5/70
Capital Improvements Budget 8/70
Subdivision Regulations 3/72
Housing Element Update 4/72
Environmental Improvement Program S/73
Industrial Park Feasibility Study 12/7S
Community Facilities Report 6/76

Chowan County

Subdivision Regulations 4/71
Updated S/76
Land Potential Study and Sketch
Development Plan S/73
Zoning Ordinance (not in effect) 4/74
Mobile Home and Travel Trailer
Park Ordinance (not in effect) 4/74
Recreation Potential Study Not Dated
Community Facilities Report 6/76

D. LAND USE OBJECTIVES: direction for the future

In preparing the land use plan as required for the Coastal

Area Management Act, the county and town planning boards with

their citizen advisory groups held public meetings and distrib-

uted a questionnaire throughout the county and town. Many of

the previously mentioned land use issues were brought out.

As a result of this information and their own experience, the

planning boards and citizen advisory groups set the following

objectives that were approved by the town council and the

county commissioners.

Chowan County

1. Obtain a detailed soils map of the county to use as a basis
for planning.

2. Develop a county-wide drainage plan.

3. Protect shorelines and waterfront of the county from poor
development and increased erosion.

4. Improve the quality of the Chowan River.

S. Obtain a waterfront recreation site.

6. Plan for and obtain the needed facility sites.

7. Protect agricultural land.

8. Develop and protect local fishing industry.

9. Attract:.sound and small industry with increased attention to
proper industrial siting.

10. Develop tourist potential.

11. Improve code enforcement in the county.

12. Improve the existing subdivisions in the county.

13. Plan county and town development together through
coordinated planning and ordinances.

Edenton

1. Plan economic growth through industrial, fishing and
agricultural sectors.

2. Concentrate industry around existing industrial zones.

3. Harmonize industry with existing life patterns.

4. Protect the environment (water, air and land) espe-
cially from poor industrial development.

S. Promote tourism; provide better information and
facilities to tourists.

6. Improve historic preservation.

7. Improve shopping facilities.

8. Provide waterfront recreation.

9. Provide more and better recreation for the young
people of the town and county.

10. Provide better drainage in the town.

11. Improve the appearance of the town and county.

12. Improve code enforcement in the town.

13. Plan town and county development together.

E. ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES: impZementation

1. PoZicies and standards

Many of these objectives can be achieved by continued work

with existing policies and standards. The Edenton zoning ordi-

nance provides for industrial siting, and the town has been

active in promoting further industrial growth in the designated

area. The town has an existing policy of reviewing industrial

prospects to'insure that they will fit in with the natural and

social environments of the town. All further development will

continue to be guided by the subdivision regulations and zoning

ordinance.

The county in the Sketch Development Plan (1973) adopted

the following general standards for future growth. For specific

developments, other factors may be taken into consideration.

Residential areas should--

--have minimum lot size s; where community water
and sewer facilities are unavailable - 201000
square feet; either water or sewer facilities
are available but not both - 1S.000 square feet,

--be bound but not crossed by major thoroughfares,

--construct utilities including electric wires
underground,

--not locate in flood prone areas,

--not be adjacent to airports,

--provide locations for churches, schools, recrea-
tion, and neighborhood-serving stores near their
center, and

--be buffered from other land uses.

Commercial areas should--

--locate near intersections of major thorough-
fares to better serve trade areas,

--provide adequate off-street parking with
designated entrances and exits,

--not be allowed to develop in strips but,
rather in compact, grouped and consoli-
dated into functional units, and

--have adequate space; neighborhood shopping
centers should range from 3 to 6 acres in
size while for community shopping centers
1.0 to 30 acres in size.

Office and Institutional Areas should--

--serve as buffers between residential areas
and commercial or industrial uses,

--locate in planned office and institutional
parks, and

--have adequate off-street parking facilities.

Industrial Areas should--

--locate on nearly level ground,

--be well drained and on good load-bearing
soils,

--locate near railroads, major thoroughfares,
airports, navigable waterways, and major
utility and transmission lines, and

--provide sites large enough for expansion.

In addition to utilizing ciirrent policies, the town and

county have taken further steps toward achieving these objec-

tives. The county planning board is studying the costs in-

volved in a detailed soils survey and drainage management

study. The planning board feels that a detailed soils survey

will provide much better information on the suitability of vari-

ous areas for development including septic tank installation. If
the necessary arrangements can be made, the county will soon start
a building inspection program. County zoning and mobile.,home
ordinances are being considered as possible guides for future
development. The county subdivision regulations were recently
updated. The concerned observation and reporting of county citi-

zens have been important in maintaining local environmental qual-

ity and this concern will continue.

The county recently completed a county-wide water system.

The next priority for facilities is a new courthouse; the coun-

ty has already considered several sites and possible funding

sources. Depending on decisions about class size and the curric-

ulum to be taught, new school facilities may be needed within

the next ten years. The county is becoming involved in the Fed-

eral flood insurance program, and as a result certain adverse

shoreline developments will be controlled.

The town has been equally active in undertaking programs

that would achieve these objectives. The town has already com-

pleted a downtown project-that improves the historic district's

commercial area and makes it attractive to visitors. A conven-

tion center for conferences is a development town officials are

working hard to bring about. Landscaping and building renova-

tion studies may be prepared for suggestions to further improve

the town's appearance. Building codes are being strictly en-

forced and substandard vacant housing is being upgraded or re-

moved. The town has completed a waterfront park and is studying

ways to expand its recently established recreation department.

If funds are available, the town will have an engineering study

prepared for solutions to its drainage problems. Once mapping

is completed, floodplain development will be controlled. The

town has recently finished a feasibility study to guide the dev-

elopment of its industrial park.

The town and county have cooperated in a number of ways

that meet the objectives set by the planning boards. The rec-

reation department is supported by both town and county funds

and provides services available to all the residents in Edenton

and Chowa-n County. Both the town and county support the activ-

ities of Historic Edenton, Inc.; this organization promotes the

tourist potential the town and county are most interested in--

tourists who come to view the historic sites and utilize commer-

cial facilities in the town and county. The town and county are

also cooperating in many other areas such as fire protection,

water supply and law enforcement.

Certain objectives may be reached fairly soon; others are

long range goals. More important than any specific policy is

the fact that Chowan County and Edenton citizens have shown a

continued interest in their local affairs.

2. Land Classification map

As a further development guide and in keeping with the re-
*See land classification map in pocket inside back cover.

quirements of the Coastal Area Management Act, the county com-

missioners and the town council, with their planning boards,

have prepared a land classification map that summarizes existing

land use and suggests areas where future growth should occur.

The town council and planning board have prepared the map for

the area of its jurisdiction, up to the extraterritorial limits

of Edenton. The county commissioners and planning board, having 40

jurisdiction over the rest of the county, have prepared the

county map. Major development affecting both areas will be

coordinated. 40

The classification maps were based on previous maps that

the town and county prepared suggesting commercial, industrial,
residential, agricultural and conservation areas.1 However 0

these classification maps deal with future development densities.

The classification used is as follows:

a. Developed -- lands where existing population density 9
is moderate to high and where there are
a variety of land uses which have the
necessary public services. The land in
this category is completely within the
corporate limits of Edenton.

b. Transition Lands where local government plans to
accommodate moderate to high density
devel-opittent during the following ten
year period and where necessary public
serviccs will be provided to accommodate
that growth. Transition lands have been
designated adjacent to the corporate
limits of Edenton where, in keeping with
the town's utility extension policies,
services could be provided if the need

1 Land Development Plan, Edenton, North Carolina (1968)
Sketch Development Plan, Chowan County (1973)

arises. The county has not designated
any transition because, at this time,
it does not plan to provide sewer to
county residents. If a suitable
arrangement can be made, areas of the
county adjacent to Edenton and in the
Cape Colony section may receive sewer
during the Edenton 201 wastewater ser-
vices construction program.

c. Community Lands where low density development is
grouped in existing settlements or will
occur in such settlements during the
following ten year period and which
will. not require extensive public ser-
vices now or in the future. This cat-
egory is not applicable to Edenton;
within Chowan County there are several
such communities -- Valhalla, Tyner,
Cape Colony and others shown on the
map.

d. Rural Lands whose highest use is for agri-
culture., forestry, mining, water supply,
etc. based on their natural resources
potential. The majority of land in
Chowan County falls into this category.
Certain areas within Edenton's extra-
territorial limits not likely to develop
also have been categorized as rural.

e. Conservation--- Fragile, hazard or other lands neces-
sary to maintain a healthy natural
environment and necessary to provide.
for the public health, safety and wel-
fare. The areas within Chowan County
that are considered sensitive to devel-
opment are certain shoreline areas and
the millponds in the northern part of
the county. Within the extraterritorial
limits of Edenton, the conservation
lands are the wooded swamp areas south-
west of town.

Future residential, industrial and commercial uses should be

concentrated in transition and community areas. The combined

growth for the town and county for the next ten years probably

has an upper limit of 1SOO people or approximately 430 house-

holds.

The county has allocated approximately 11,000 acres of com-

munity land. The allocation of future growth cannot be done pre-
cisely on a one household to- one parcel basis. The county's

allocation of community land basically delineates existing rural
communities and suggests that further growth should take place in
these areas, since none are fully developed. If development is
limited to these areas, the standards set in the sketch develop-

ment plan would be met. Also the objective of protecting agri-

cultural land would be furthered. However,-where growth in the

county does,in fact,take place in community areas depends to a

large extent on the land use controls the county decides to im-

plement. The final decisions have not Veen made to date.

The town has allocated 900 acres of transition land. The

preliminary 201 wastewater planning report indicates that the

transition lands that are not already sewered will be. Like the

county, the population growth expected cannot be allocated

exactly on a household to acre ba.sis; but in considering the

land development plan of the town, the transition areas along 17

North will probably be developed for industrial purposes with

commercial and residential growth occurring in the other transi-

tion areas. This would meet the objectives of concentrating in-

dustry around existing industrial zones and would harmonize in-

dustry with the rest of the community.

3. Protection of fragiZe areas

Another method of achieving the land use objectives is the

protection of valuable or fragile areas. The Coastal Area

Management Act requires that this be done. The Coastal Re-

sources Commission, the administrators of the act, have pre-

pared a list of the areas that should be considered in coastal

North Carolina. These areas are:

1.0 Coastal Wetlands
1.1 Low Tidal Marshlands
1.2 Other Coastal Marshlands

2.0 Estuarine Waters

3.0 Resource Areas-Watersheds or Aquifers
3.1 Sma.ll'Surface Water Supplies
3.2 Special Aquifers Areas - Outer Banks
and Barrier Islands

4.0 Fragile, Historic Or Natural Resource Areas
4.1 Existing National or State Parks
4.2 Complex Natural Areas
4.3 Areas that Sustain Remnant Species
4.4 Areas Containing Unique Geologic
Formations
4.5 Historic Places
4.6 Registered Natural Landmarks

5.0 Areas Subject to Public Rights
S.1 Certain Public Trust Areas

6.0 Natural Hazard Areas
6.1 Sand Dunes Along the Outer Banks
6.2 Ocean Beaches and Shorelines (on the
Outer Banks)
6.3 Excessive Erosion Areas
6.3.1 Coastal Inlet Lands
6.3.2 Ocean Erodible Areas
6.3.3 Estuarine, Sound and River
Erodible Areas

Not all of these areas are found in Chowan County and

Edenton. However a preliminary identification of the areas in

the town and county that might be designated as areas of environ-

mental concern has been made. These areas are:

1.0 Coastal wetlands
2.0 Estuarine waters
4.2 Complex natural areas
4.3 Remnant species areas
4.4 Areas containing unique geologic formations
4.5 Historic places
5.0 Areas subject to public rights
6.3.3 Estuarine, sound and river erodible areas

These areas are defined, their significance is explained,

and appropriate land uses are discussed below. Since these areas

may be delineated legally, the information is quoted directly

from the Coastal Area Management Act guidelines or relevant

revisions:

1.0 Coastal Wetlands General

Coastal wetlands are defined as "any salt marsh or other

marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, in-

cluding wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the

marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses),

provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm

tides. Salt marshland or other marsh shall be those areas upon

which grow some, but not necessarily all, of the following salt

marsh and marsh plant species: Smooth or salt water Cordgrass

(Spartina alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus);

Glasswort (Salicornia spp.); Salt Grass (Distichlis Spicata);

Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.); Bulrush (Scirpus spp.); Saw Grass

(Cladium Jamaicense); Cat-Tail (Typha spp.); Salt-Meadow Grass

34 z

(Spartina Patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides)."

Included in this statutory definition of wetlands is "such con-

tiguous land as the Secretary of NER reasonably deems necessary

to affect by any such order in carrying out the purposes of

this Section." (G.S. 113-230 (a))

For policy purposes, coastal wetlands may be considered

in two categories: (1) low tidal marsh; (2) other coastal

marshlands which have different significance and policy impli-

cations.

1.1 Coastal Wetlands - Low Tidal Marshland

a. Description. Defined as marshland consisting primarily

of Spartina. alterniflora and usually subject to inundation by

the normal rise and fall of lunar tides.

b. Significance. Low tidal marshland serves as a critical

component in the coastal ecosystem. The marsh is the basis for

the high net yield system of the estuary through the production

of organic detritus (partially decomposed plant material) which

is the primary input source for the food chain of the entire

estuarine system. Estuarine dependent species of fish and

shellfish such as menhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs

currently make up over 90 percent of the total value of North

Carolina's commercial catch.

In addition) the roots and rhizomes of the -partina alter-

niflora serve as waterfowl food and the stems as wildlife nest-

ing material. Low tidal marsh also serves as the first line

of defense in retarding shoreline erosion. The plant stems and

leaves tend to dissipate wave action while the vast network of

roots resists soil erosion. Marshes of this type operate addi-
tionally as traps for sediment originating from upland runoff

thus reducing siltation of the estuarine bottoms and consequent

detriment to marine organisms.

C. Policy Objective. To give the highest priority to

the preservation of low tidal marshland.

d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be

those consistent with the above policy objective. These marshes

should be considered unsuitable for all development which will

alter their natural functions. Inappropriate land uses include,

but are not limited to the following examples: restaurants and

businesses; residences, apartments, motels, hotels, and trailer

parks; parking lots and offices; spoil and dump sites; wastewater

lagoons; public and private roads and highways; and factories.

Examples of acceptable land uses may include utility easements,

fishing piers, docks, certain agricultural uses except when ex-

cavation or filling affecting estuarine or navigable waters is C

involved, and such other uses which do not significantly alter

the natural functions of the marsh.

1.2 Coastal Wetlands - Other Coastal Marshland

a. Description. All other marshland which is not low

tidal marshland and which contains the species of vegetation as

listed in the first paragraph under Section 1.0.

b. Significance. This marshland type also contributes

to the detritus supply necessary to the highly productive estu-

arine system essential to North Carolina's economically valuable

commercial. and sports fisheries.

The higher marsh types offer quality wildlife and water-

fowl habitat depending on the biological and physical conditions

of the marsh. The vegetative diversity in the higher marshes

usually supports a greater diversity of wildlife types than the

limited habitat of the low tidal.. marsh,. This marshland type

also serves as an important deterrent to shoreline erosion

especially in those marshes contai-ning heavily rooted species.

The dense system of rhizomes and roots of Juncus roemerianus

are highly resistant to erosion. Tn addition, the higher

marshes are effective sediment traps.

C. Policy Objective. To give a high priority to the

preservation and management of the marsh so as to safeguard and

perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic values.

d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be

those consistent with the above policy objective. Highest

priority shall. be allocated to the conservation of existing

marshlands. Second priority for land uses allocation of this

type shall be given to development which requires water access

and cannot function anywhere else, such as ports, docks and

marinas, provided that the actual location of such facilities

within the marsh consider coastal, physical and biological sys-

tems and further provided that feasible alternatives regarding

location and design have been adequately considered and need for

such development can be demonstrated. Such allocation may only

he justified by the projected land use demands and by community

development objectives, but in no case shall the allocation ex-

ceed the capacity of the marshland system to sustain losses with-

out harm to the estuarine ecosystem unless the losses would be

offset by a clear and substantial benefit to the public.

2.0 Estuarine Waters

a. Descr,iption. Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-

229 (n) (2) as, "all the water of the Atlantic Ocean within the

boundary of North Carolina and al] the waters of the bays, sounds,

rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing line

between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set

forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission

and the Department of Cons'ervation and Development filed with the

Secretary of State entitled.'Boundary Lines, North Carolina

Commercial Fishing-Inland Fishing Waters, revised March 1, 1965,11,

Am
or as it may be subsequently revised by the Legislature.

b. Significance. Estuaries are among the most productive

natural environments of North Carolina. They not only support

valuable commercial and sports fisheries, but are also utilized

for commercial navigation, recreation, and aesthetic purposes.

Species dependent upon estuaries such as menhaden, shrimp,

flounder, oysters and crabs make up over 90 percent of the total

value of North Carolina's commercial catch. These species must

spend all or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The

high level of commercial and sports fisheries and the aesthetic

appeal of coastal North Carolina is dependent upon the protec-

tion and sustained quality of our estuarine areas.

C. Policy Objective. To preserve and manage estuarine

waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, eco-

nomic and aesthetic values.

d. Appropriate Uses. Appropriate uses shall be those

consistent with the above policy objective. Highest priority

shall be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. The

development of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to

prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs where no

other feasible alternative exists are examples of land uses

appropriate within estuarine waters, provided that such land

uses will not be detrimental to the biological and physical

estuarine functions and public trust rights. Projects which

would directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation

channels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean

high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate

water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish

waters are generally considered incompatible with the management

of estuarine waters.

4.2 Fragile, Historic or NatUT@11 Resource Areas - Complex
Natural Areas

a. Description. Complex natural areas are defined as

lands that support native plant and animal communities and pro-

vide habitat conditions or characteristics that have remained

essentially unchanged by human activity. Such areas are surrounded

by landscapes that have been modified but that do not drastically

alter the conditions within the natural areas or their scientific

or educational. value. Such areas will be determined by the Com-

mission, after consideration of written reports or testimony of

competent experts, to be rare within a county or to be of particu-

lar scientific or educational value.

b. Significance. Complex natural areas provide the few re-

maining examples of conditions that existed within the coastal

areas prior to settlement by Western man. Often these natural

areas provide habitat conditions suitable for rare or endangered

species or they support plant and animal communities representative

of presettlement conditions. These areas help provide a historical

perspective to changing natural conditions in the coastal areas

and together are important and irreplaceable scientific and educa-

tional resources.

c. Policy Objective. To preserve the natural conditions of

the site so as to safeguard its existence as an example of naturally

occurring, relatively undisturbed plant and animal communities of

major scientific or educational value.

d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be

those consistent with the above policy objective. Lands within

the AEC shall not be planned for uses or kinds of development that

will unnecessarily jeopardize the natural or primitive character of

the natural area directly or indirectly through increased acces-

sibility. Additionally, lands adjacent to the complex natural

area should not be planned for additional development that would

unnecessarily endanger the recognized value of the AEC. The

variability between kinds of complex natural areas and between

land uses adjacent to those natural areas means that the range

of permissible uses and intensity of use must be carefully

tailored to the individual area.

4 . 3Fragi.'Ic, IHstoric or Natural Resource Areas - Areas that
S -- -ies
Sustain Remnant pec

a. Description. Areas that sustain remnant species are

those places that support native plants or animals, rare or en-

dangered, within the coastal area. Such places provide habitat

conditions necessary for the survival of existing populations or

communities of rare or endangered species within the county.

Determination will be by the Commission based upon accepted

lists published by the State or Federal Government and written

reports or testimony of competent experts indicating that a

species is rare or endangered within the coastal area.

b. Significance. The continued survival of certain

native plants-and animals in the coastal area that are now

rare or endangered cannot be assured unless the relatively

few well defined areas providing necessary habitat conditions

are protected from development or land uses that might alter

these conditions. These habitats and the species they support

provide a valuable educational and scientiEic -resource.

c. Policy Objective. To preserve habitat conditions nec-

essary to the continued survival of rare or endangered native

plants and animals' and minimize development or land uses that

might jeopardize known areas that support remnant species.

. d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be

those consistent with the above policy objective. Lands within

the AEC shall not be planned for uses or kinds of development

that will unnecessarily jeopardize the habitat conditions re-

sponsible for the continued survival of the respective plants or

animals.

4.4 Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Areas Contain-
ing Unique Geological Formations

a. Description. Areas containing unique geological forma-

tions will be identified by the State Ge ologist. These places

contain surface or near surface formations that are either them-

selves unique or are especially unusual or notable examples of

geologic formations or processes in the coastal area.

b. Significance. Unique geological areas provide surface

or near surface exposures of unique geologic formations or pro-

cesses of the coastal area. They are important educational,

scientific, or scenic resources that would be jeopardized by un-

controlled or incompatible development.
C. Policy Objectives. To preserve the scientific, educa-
tional or scenic values of unique geological formations so that

they may be available for future study and-enjoyment.-
d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be

those consistent with the above policy objective. Uses within

areas containing unique geological formations shall be tailored

to the particular unique qualities of the individual area.

4.5 Fragile, Historic or Natural Resource Areas - Historic
Places

a. Description. Historic places are those historical,

archaelogical and other properties owned, managed, or assisted

by the State of North Carolina pursuant to G.S. 121 and those

properties or areas that are designated by the Secretary of

the Interior as National Historic Landmarks.

b. Significance. Historic resources are both non-renew-

able and fragile. They owe their significance to their associa-

tion with American history, architecture, archaeology, and cul-

ture. Properties on or approved Eor the National Register of

Historic Places may be of national, state, or local signifi-

cance.

c. Policy Objective. To protect and/or preserve the

integrity of districts, sites, buildings, and objects in the

above categories.

d. Appropriate Land Uses. Appropriate land uses shall be

those consistent with the above stated policy objective. Land

use which will result in substantial irreversible damage to the

historic value of the area is i-nappropriate.

5.0 Areas Subject to Public Rights - General

Areas such as waterways and lands under or flowed by

tidal waters or navigable waters, to which the public may have

rights of access or public trust rights and areas which the State

of North Carolina may be authorized to preserve, conserve, or

protectunder Article XIV, Section 5, of the North Carolina Con-

stitution.

5.1 Areas Subject to Public*Rights - Certain Public Trust Areas

a. Description. All waters of the. Atlantic Ocean and the

lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward

limit of State jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject

to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high

water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands

there under to the mean high water mark or ordinary high water

mark as the case may be, except privately owned lakes to which

the public has no right of access; all waters in artificially

created bodies of water in which exists significant public fish-

ing resources or other public resources', which are accessible to

the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public

has rights of navigation; all waters in artificially created

bodies of water in.which the public has acquired rights by pre-

scription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means. In

determining whether the public has acquired rights in artifi-
cially.created bodies of water, the following factors shall be

considered: (i) the use of the body of water by the public;

(ii) the length of time the public has used the area; (iii) 41
the value of public resources in the body of water; (iv) wheth-

er the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the

extent that they can move into natural bodies of water; (v)
whether the creation of the artificial body of water required
permission from the State; and from one public area to another

public area.

For purposes of the description in 5.0 and 5.1 the follow-

ing definitions shall apply:

(1) Mean High Water Mark means the line on the-shore
established by the average of all high tides. It
is established by survey based on available tidal
datum. In the absence of such datum, the mean high
water mark shall be determined by physical markings
or comparison of the area in question with an area
having similar physical characteristics for which
tidal datum is readily available.

(2) Navigable means navigable-in-fact.

(3) Navigable-in-fact means capable of being navigated in
its natural condition by the ordinary modes of navi-
gation including modes of navigation used for recre-
ational purposes. The natural condition of a body of
water for purposes of determining navigability shall
be the condition of the body of water at mean high
water or ordinary high water as the case may be, and
the condition of the body of water without man-made
obstructions and without temporary natural obstruc-
tions. Temporary natural conditions such as water
level fluctuation and temporary natural obstructions
which do not permanently or totally prevent navigation
do not make an otherwise navigable stream non-naviga-
ble.

(4) Ordinary High Water Mark means the natural or clear
line impressed on the land adjacent to the waterbody.
It may be established by erosion or other easily
recognized characteristics such as shelving, change
in the character of the soil., C.lestruction.of terres-
trial vegetation or its inability to grow, the pres-
ence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means
which consider the characteristics of the surrounding
area. The ordinary high water mark does not extend
beyond the well defined banks of a river-where such
banks exist.

b. Significance. The public has rights in these waters

including navigation and recreation. In addition, these waters

support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic

value, and are important potential resources for economic devel-

opment.

C. Policy Object'ive. To protect public rights for naviga-

tion and recreation and to preserve and manage the public trust

waters so as to safeguard and perpetuate their' biological, eco-

nomic and aesthetic value.

d. Appropriate Uses. Appropriate uses shall be those con-

sistent with the above policy objective. Any land use which

interferes with the public right of navigation, or other public

trust rights, which the public may be found to have in these

waters, shall not be allowed. The development of navigational

channels, drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent

erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs are examples of

land uses appropriate within public trust waters provided that

such land uses will not be detrimental to the biological and

physical functions and public trust rights. Projects which would

directly or indirectly block or impair existing navigation chan-

nels, increase shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean

high tide, cause adverse water circulation patterns, violate

water quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish

waters are generally considered incompatible with the management

of public trust waters.

6.0 Natural Hazard Areas - General

Natural hazard areas are areas where uncontrolled or

incompatible,development could un.-Oeasonably endanger life or

property, and other areas especially-vulnerable to erosion,

flooding, or other adverse effects of sand, wind and water.

6.3.3 Natural Hazard Areas - Excessive Erosion Areas - Estua-
rine and River Erodible Areas

a. Description. Defined as the area above ordinary high

water where excessive erosion has a high probability of occur-

ring. In delineating the landward extent of this area a

reasonable 25-year recession line shall be determined using.the

best available information. The information necessary to iden-

tify these areas will be supplied by the State Geologist.

b. Significance. The estuarine and sound and river

erodible areas are natural hazard areas especially vulnerable

to erosion. Development within this type AEC is subjected to

the damaging process of erosion unless special development

standards and preventive measures are employed.

c. Policy Objective. To insure that development occurring

within these areas is compatible with the dynamic nature of the

erodible lands thus minimizing the likelihood of significant

loss of property.

d. Appropriate Land U ses. Appropriate land uses shall be

those consistent with the above policy objective. Permanent or

substantial residential, commercial, institutional or industrial

structures are not appropriate uses in estuarine and sound and

river erodible areas unless stabilization has been achieved along

the affected reach. Recreational, rural and conservation activi-

ties represent appropriate land uses in those erodible areas

where shoreline protective construction has not been completed.

7.0 Development Standards Applicable to All AEC's

a. No development should be allowed in a.ny AEC which would

result in a contravention or violation of any rules, regulations,

or laws of the State of North Carolina or of local government

in which the development takes place.
b. No development should be allowed in any AEC which would

have a substantial likelihood of causing pollution of the waters

of the State to the extent that such waters would be closed to

the taking of shellfish under standards set by the Commission

for Health Services pursuant to G.S. 130-169.01.

The final designation of areas of environmental concern and

the determination of appropriate uses will be made by the Coastal

Resources Commission.

II. FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE LAND USE
Ddtailed Reports
v

-1

-Y

A. NATURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVELOPMENT: Zand use constraints

4. PhysicaZ Zimitations

a. Climate 27

b. Flood hazard area's 29

c. Soil limitation areas 29
1) Septic tank limitations 30
2) Drainage limitations @1
3) Foundation 11mif-a-tions (dwelling suitability) 32

d. Estuarine erosive areas 33

2. FragiZe areas
a. Surface waters 34
1) Estuarine waters 36
2) Public trust wat-ers 37.
b. Water supply sources 38
C. Complex natural areas 39
d. Areas sustaining remnant species 40

e. Coastal wetlands 40
f. Areas containing unique geological formations 41

3. Areas of resource potentiaZ
a. Publicly owned land 42
b. Productive agricultural soils 43
c. Potentially valuable mineral sites 44

Physical Zimitations
0

Certain areas have characteristics that make the area un-
developable or developable only at high cost. Tf develop-
ment does not take these limiting characteristics into
account, subsequent problems will arise, often quite serious.
Within Chowan County the following factors pose limitations
for development.

a. Climate

b. Flood hazard areas

C. Soil limitation areas
1) Septic tank limitations
2) Drainage*limitations
3) Foundation limitiFf-Ions (dwelling suitability)

d. Estuarine erosive areas

a Climate

(from the March 1973 'Lah"d''Potential Study and'Sketch Dev-
elopment Plan for Chowan County)

The State Climatologist for the U. S. Environmental

Science Services Administration reports that the Elizabeth City
station serves as a good approximation for Chowan County.1

Thus, weather in Chowan County is generally similar to that of

Elizabeth City some 30 miles northeast of Edenton.

The Edenton area enjoys a moderate climate, with mild

winters and warm summers. The nearness of the ocean and the

large water areas of the Albemarle Sound has a moderating

effect on temperatures, both winter and summer. This is pro-

nounced when winds are blowing from northeast through south-

east, but is of little consequence when offshore winds pre-

vail. In the warm season, the cooling effect of the sea breeze

is-greatest in late spring and early summer, when coastal

waters are still cool, but it still brings some moderatian of

high temperatures in July and August.

Temperatures drop below freezing in this area on a little

less than half of the days in December, January, and February,

but daytime temperatures almost invariably rise above 32 de-
grees. There is,on the average, only one or two days per

1 Albert V. Hardy, "Climatological Summary" Elizabeth
City, N. C. Station, U. S. Environmental Science Services Ad-
ministration and N.C.S.U. Raleigh, N. C., 1965.

year on which the mercury remains below the freezing point

throughout an entire day Readings as high as 80 degrees can

occur at any time of year, but are very rare in winter. Tem-

peratures as low as zero very rarely occur.

Intermittent cool spells of several days duration occur

through June, but the weather is usually quite warm during

July and August. Although the average daily maximum temperature

is nearly 90 degrees in July, extremes of heat are comparatively

rare; on the average a reading of 100 degrees is reached on only

one day per year and sometimes two or three years pass without

any such occurrence.

The proximity of large bodies of water results in a longer

growing season than is the case over inland areas of North Caro-

lina. The average length of the freeze-free growing season in

the Edenton area is over 225 days. The average date of last

occurrence in spring of a temperature as low as 32 degrees is

March 27; of 28 degrees, March 12; of 20 degrees, February 12.

The average date of first occurrence in fall of a temperature

as low as 32 degrees is November 9; of 28 degrees, November

19; of 20 degrees, December 17.

Rainfall is usually ample and well-distributed throughout

the year. Average rainfall is greatest during the summer

months when the need for water to support crops and industry is

greatest. The driest weather usually comes in the fall, at the

harvest season. Winter rainfall comes from the effects of

moving low pressure storm systems, resulting in intermittent

rainy periods of from one to occasionally two or three days in

length. Summer rains come principally in the form of brief

showers and thunderstorms, which are seldom of more than a few

hours duration. While there are occasional dry spells of several

weeks in spring or summer, prolonged or severe drought during

the growing season is very rare. A series of closely-spaced

thundershowers or a storm moving northward in the coastal area

will occasionally cause a period of excessive rainfall.

While there is an occasional snowfall in the Edenton area,

it is usually very light, often melting as it falls. Some snow

falls during most winters, but no month receives an average of

as much as two inches. Heavy snowstorms have occurred, but they

are a rarity. Only very infrequently does any appreciable amount

of snow remain on the ground more than a few days.

Winds blow more frequently from the southwest than any other

(tirection during most of the year, but prevailing winds are from

the northeast in autumn. The average speed of the wind is about

eight or nine miles per hour. While the relative humidity varies

considerably with the time of day; on an average it raises to 80

percent or a little higher in the early morning hours, dropping

off steadily after sunrise and reaching 60 percent or lower at

mid-afternoon. More than half the daylight hours are sunny at

all seasons, and in summer the sun shines, on the average, about

twomthirds of the daytime period.

In summary, although development must take climate into

account, Edenton and Chowan County's warm temperate climate

poses few limitations on most types of development.

b. Flood hazard areas

Due to its flat topography and the large adjacent water

bodies Chowan County has extensive areas that are prone to

flooding. The areas mapped are those prone to flooding with

an annual probability of one percent (100 year storm). However,
this mapping is not accurate and is only preliminary.' Detail-

edmaps of the flood prone area in the county and town will be

completed for the Federal flood insurance program.

Because these areas have a certain probability of flooding,

inappropriate development within the flood plain can unreason-

ably endanger life and property. Buildings within the flood

plain should be properly designed and built to withstand the

100 year storm. Buildings should be prohibited from the flood-

way, that area immediately adjacent to the water. These devel-

opment policies will be undertaken when the county and town

become involved in the second phase of the Federal Flood Insur-

ance Administration's program.

1 Prepared by United States Geological Survey for Chowan
County. Prepared by the Flood Insurance Administration for
Edenton.

CHOWAN COUNTY C 0 U N I Y
NORTH CAROLINA.

34
91)I I . i -

KAU

I F R 0

C 0 u I y
FLOOD PRONE AREAS

AVY

0M.

e4
Legend
Flood Prone Areas

Source: United States Geological Survey in Cooperation
z %ith the Federal insurance Administration.

4f -9

Ile PER
C I NS
--00

YEI@

r
73

C@j 41

.M 29
N"
1\

Legend
Rood-Prone Areas Within
Town Limit

Source. Map prepared by the Federal insurance
Administration, Dept. of Housing and
Urban Development

Route 17 SY-P

c. Soil limitation areas

Soils are among the most important factors in determining

the appropriate land use for a site. Characteristics of soil

such as its porosity, permeability, depth to water table, drain-

age, and shrink-swell potential affect development and suitabil-

ity. Soils throughout Chowan County pose moderate to severe

limitations on development that can be overcome by higher expen-

ditures and special construction measures; in certain county soils ,

the limitations are so severe that development is almost impos-

sible.

The Soil Conservation Service's generalized soils map for

Chowan County is reproduced on the following page. Soils infor-

mation is available only at this broad scale, thus this map can-

not be used for site information. Nevertheless the generalized

information available can be used to consider the overall soil

characteristics of the county and how these characteristics will

affect future development.

Note: Much of the soils information in this report is based on
a regional soils report, Soil Associations of the Coastal
Area Management Region prepared by N.C. State University
and the Soil Conservation Service. Since the time the
land use plan's information was gathered, a revised Chowan
County soils report has been published. This county report
should be utilized for more specific and complete infor-
ination.

CHOWAN COUNTY 0 u N T r
NORTH CAROLINA

SCALE twAAQt.W$

000

R 6
110 R 0

UH I y
GENERAL SOIL ASSOCIATION MAP

6
F ;z Legend
constol-wando-Drogston
Blodeft-Leftalf-CrOoft
3 Madan- Bayboro. Portsmouth
4 Bertio-Tomolloy-Altovista
@2
5 Wickham -Altavista -Wobse

7 Dom-Ponter-Wasdo

6(
6 r Ij4 3
Nfi?Q
2

Z 4,

.4
2

04A

I-V _2@

1) Septic tank' limitations

A septic tank discharges water containing solids and bac-

teria into the soil. The soil acts as a filter and, as the

water passes through, the soil particles remove the bacteria

and waste material. However,not all soils perform this filter
function well. Water passes too quickly through certain sands

and not at all or too slowly through certain clays. If the

wastewater is discharged into soils with a high water table,

the wastewater is not filtered sufficiently before it enters

the groundwater.

According to information from N. C. State, many of the

soils found in Chowan are not suitable for septic tanks in

their natural state. The septic tank limitations are presented
on the following chart.1 Only the Conetoe-Wando-Dragston asso-

ciation has greater than 50% of a suitable soil type in the

association. Certain soils in the county can be modified to

make a site provisionally suitable depending on the density of

the development in the area.

The District Health Department requires on-site inspections

to obtain more specific information. The sanitarian takes into

account the filtering ability of the soil, surface drainage, the

size of the lot and other factors. Since only the area within

the corporate limits of Edenton is sewered, the suitability of

a site for septic tank installation is important for any pro-

posed development.

1 Source: Soil Associations of the Coastal Area Manage-
ment Region N. C. State University, SCS June 1975

SEPTIC LIMITATIONS

ssoc.'s % Association Soil Types % of Soil Type Suitability Suitability of
f Cty. Soil in Assoc. in Association of Soil Type Soil Association
for Septic Tanks for Septic Tanks
30 Conetoe-Wando-Dragston Suitable
Conetoe so Suitable
Wando 25 Provisionally suitable
Dragston is Unsuitable*
Other soils 10

43 Bladen-Lenoir-Craven Unsuitable
Bladen 50 Unspitable
Lenoir 20 Unsuitable
Craven 20 Unsuitable
Other soils 10

12 Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth Unsuitable
Bladen 40 Unsuitable
Bayboro 20 Unsuitable
Portsmouth 15 Unsuitable
Other soils 25

5 Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista Unsuitable
Bertie 30 Unsuitable*
Tomotley 30 Unsuitable
Altavista 20 Unsuitable
Other soils 20

2 Wickham-Altavista-Wahee Unsuitable
Wickham 30 Suitable
Altavista 30 Unsuitable*
Wahee 20 Unsuitable
Other soils 20

7 Dorovan-Johnston Unsuitable
Dorovan 70 Unsuitable
Johnston 10 Unsuitable
Other soils 20

1 Dare--Ponzer-Wasd'a Unsuitable
Dare 0 Unsuitable
Ponzer 5 Unsuitable
Wasda .8s Unsuitable
Other soils 10

Provisionally suitable with modifications
41 t I A I a a a 0 40 41

CHOWAN COUNTY C 0 U N T y
NORTH CAROLINA :d
d

SC."# FOR

.o"

H f R I F R D
SEPTIC LIMITATIONS
C 0 U N Iy Y

Suitable Solis
7 Unsuitable Soils
Z
Source: USDA,soil Conservation service
Soil As-sociotfc@ns & t
--@-*9-0QqtQl Are.
... ... @QnOgSmGnt Region.N.C. State Univ.

couvr

J
'-T

m A
N, A

2) Drainage limitations

Drainage is controlled by topography, rainfall duration

and the soil characteristics. A soil that is poorly drained

and prone to flooding poses limitations for many uses--roads,

buildings and even agriculture. However artificial measures

can be taken in certain cases to improve the drainage of a

soil and overcome its limitations for development. Poor drain-

age is a problem in many areas of the county as the accompanying

chart and map show.

The drainage characteristics of SO% of the soil types in

the association are used to determine the drainage character-

istics of the association.

Ex. W.D. Extremely Well Drained

W.D. Well Drained

M.W.D. Moderately Well Drained

S.P.D. Somewhat Poorly Drained

P.D. Poorly Drained

V.P.D. Very Poorly Drained

DRAINAGL LIMITATIONS

Assoc.'s Association Soil Types t of Soil Type Drainage Drainage
of Cty. Soils in Assoc. in Association Characteristics Characteristics
of Soil Type of Association

30 Conetoe-Wando-Dragston Well Drained
Conetoe so Well Drained
Wando 2S Ex. W. D.
Dragston is S.P.D.
Other soils 10

43 Bladen-Lenoir-Craven Poorly Drained
Bladen so P.D.
Lenoir 20 S.P.D.
Craven 20 M.W.D.
Other soils 10
12 Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth Bladen 40 P.D. Poorly Drained
Rayboro 20 V.P.D.
Portsmouth is V.P.D.
Other soils 2S

5 Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista Somewhat Poorly
Hertie 30 S.P.D. Drained
Tomotley 30 P.D
Altavista 20 N.W:D.
Other soils 20

2 Wiclbum-Altavista-Wabee Well Drained
Wickham 30 W.D.
Altavista 30 M.W.D.
Wahee 20 S.P.D.
Other soils 20

7 Dorovun-Johnston Very Poorly Drained
Dorovan 70 V.P.D.
Johnston 10 V.P.D.
Other soils 20

I Dare-Ponzer-Wasda Very Poorly Drained
Dare 0 V.P.D.
Ponzer 5 V.P.D.
Wasda 8S V.P.D.
Other soils 10

0 U Y
UNTY
:HOWAN CO
@4ORTH CAROUNA

jc@'u too ""GtM!N110

Ve
Legend
Well Drained
H E 0 1 f 0
Poorly Drained
0 u N I Y d
somewhat P oft, 010

very Poorly
Drained

0 08AINAGE LIMITATIONS

"'A
0

W A

PEROU

ti f

3) Foundation limita't*ions (dwelling suitability)

Building construction can be limited by several soil char-

acteristics. Certain types of clay may shrink and swell putting

stress on foundations. Certain clays also do not bear a load

well. Soils that have a seasonally high water table and are

subject to flooding also pose limitations for dwellings. Or-

ganic soils probably have the most severe limitations for dwell-

ings, because these soils will subside markedly under loads.

Soils that have limitations for foundations or dwellings

are not impossible to develop. Lowering the site's water table,

the construction of special Eootings, and the use of special

materials can modify the site's limitations. Certain limita-

tions can be overcome easily; for others the costs necessary

would be so high that the site is completely unsuitable.

Only the Conetoe-Wando-Dragston association has greater

than 50% of the soils in the association suitable for founda-

tions. Special measures to modify the site are necessary in

the other soils. For certain soils these special measures are

minimal; for other soils, particularly the organic soils, the

special measures would have to be quite extensive.

CHOWAN COUNTY C 0 U N T y
NORTH CAROLINA +
A-,

SLMf

FOUNDATION LIMITATIONS

H ER I f 0 RD
$0

No Limitations
C 0 U N I y

Moderate to Severe Limitations
@7
Source: US D@,S,il conservation service

lc_w

J +

CO(,

..Op

A
.... ......
1 r4
0

M A

DWELLINGS (BUILDING FOUNDATIONS)

Assoc.'s % Association Soil Types % of Soil Type Suitability Limitations
of Cty. Soils in Assoc. in Association

30 Conetoe-Wando-Dragston
Conetoe so Suitable
Wando 25 Suitable
Dragston is Unsuitable SHWT
Other soils 10

43 Bladen-Lenoir-Craven
Bladen so Unsuitable Floods SHWT
Lenoir 20 Unsuitable Shrink-swell SHWT
Craven 20 Unsuitable Shrink swell
Other soils 10

12 Bladen-Bayboro-Portsmouth
Bladen 40 Unsuitable Floods SHWT
Bayboro 20 Unsuitable Shrink-swell SHWT
Portsmouth is Unsuitable SHWT
Other soils 25

5 Bertie-Tomotley-Altavista
Bertie 30 Suitable
Tomotley 30 Unsuitable Flooding SHWT
Altavista 20 Unsuitable Flooding SHWT
Other soils 20

2 Wickham-Altavista-Wahee
Wickham 25 Suitable
Altavista 20 Suitable
Wahee 20 Unsuitable SHWT
Other soils 30

7 Dorovan-Johnston
Dorovan 75 Unsuitable Organic soils SHWT
Johnston 20 Unsuitable Organic soils SHWT
Other soils 5

1 Belhaven-Ponzer-Wasda
Belhaven 10% Unsuitable Organic soils SHWT
Ponzer Unsuitable Organic soils SIJWT
Wasda 60% Unsuitable Organic soils SHWT
*SHWT-Seasonally High Water Table Other soils 30%

d. Estuarine erosive areas 0

The Guidelines for the Coastal Area Management Act describe

these sites as the area above ordinary high water where exces-
sive erosion has a high probability of occurring. 0

The land in Chowan County bordering the Albemarle Sound and

the Chowan River is eroding. In a recent study completed by the
Soil Conservation Service,l it was determined that over 149

acres of land has been lost to the sound and river since 1938.

Although the study is continuing, certain conclusions have been

reached

1) Soil type does not seem to be as important
a factor as the exposure and fetch of the
shoreline.

2) The long term cause or the erosion is the
rising sea level. In the short term, storms
are the primary cause.

3) Land use along the shoreline is important.
All other things being equal, open crop land
has lost more than forest covered shorelines.

The rate of erosion varies along the shorelines of the

county. In Chowan County the most severe erosion has taken

place in the Yeopim area near Drummond's Point and Nixon's

Beach. Making certain assumptions, the rate of erosion and the

width of shoreline lost can be projected for the next 25 years.

1 Shore Erosion Inventory USDA, Soil Conservation Service

Reach Annual Average Width Projected Erosion
(refer to map) of Shoreline Eroded (Annual average x
(1938-1969) 25 yrs.)

(1) 1.62 ft. (per year) 40.50 ft.

(2) 1.14 ft. (per year) 28.50 ft.

(3) 1.64 ft. (per year) 41.00 ft.

(4) 1.38 ft. (per year) 34.50 ft.

(5) .77 ft. (per year) 19.25 ft.

(6) .20 ft. (per year) 5.00 ft.

Construction along an eroding shoreline is in danger of

being lost and can, in fact, increase the rate of erosion. The

added expense of bulkheading can protect the property but ero-

sion will increase on either side of the bulkhead. Thus one

indiv.idual can affect the property of another. A unified

approach is needed but can be considerably expensive. Leaving

the shoreline in wooded cover, particularly cypress groves, is

perhaps the most effective, least cost method of deterring

erosion.

Note: Estuarine erosive areas may be designated as an Area of
Environmental Concern. The Coastal Resources Commission's
deFinition and policies iii the implementation section of
this report should be reCerred to.

CHOWAN COUNTY C 0 U T y
NORTH CAROLINA

sc@t fox

p 0R D

C 0 UN I Y

ESTUARINE EROSIVE AREAS
hy
Iz

Legend
Low Erosion Reaches
Medium Erosion Reaches
(4)W High Erosion Reaches

"FtQ
V.
5

<
Y

2
mug

2. Fragite areas

Fragile areas are areas that are important in an ecosystem,

or valuable for other reasons, that can be destroyed by poor or

inappropriate development. Fragile areas do not necessarily pose

the problems or threats to development that physical limitations

do, but inappropriate development within a fragile area can

cause destructive effects that are felt beyond that particular

site. Among the fragile areas in Chowan County are:

a. Surface waters
1) Estuarine waters
2) Public trust waters

b. Water supply sources

C. Complex natural areas

d. Areas sustaining remnant species

e. Coastal wetlands

f. Areas containing unique geologic formations

Surface waters

The pollution and degradation that have occurred in the

natioii's surface waters definitely points the fragility of these

important resources. Surface water is prevalent throughout and

around the county, the major bodies being the Albemarle Sound

and Chowan River; the smaller creeks are tributaries of the

sound and river.

The Chowan River has been the subject of considerable

study. The N. C, Division of Environmental Management, EPA,

USGS and the Virginia Water Control Board have joined with uni-

versity researchers to Study the POIALItiOll Of the river. In

recent years the river has had algal blooms and fish kills

that have caused considerable concern among area residents.

One of the results of the study will be recommendations for

preventing further pollution of the river.

As part of environmental protection policy, the surface

.waters of the state have been classified. The intent of the

classification system is to set minimum acceptable quality

requirements for streams in order for them to be maintained

for their present intended and best uses. Major surface waters

are monitored for degradation below their classification. Dis-

charges should not degrade a stream below its classification.

Briefly the classification system is:

CLASS DBSIGNATIONS FOR WATBR -QUALITY STANDARDS

FRESH WATERS:

Class A-1 Suitable as source of water supply for drinking,
culinary, or food processing purposes after treat-
ment by approved disinfection only, and any other
usage requiring waters of lower quality.

Class A-11 Suitable as a source of water supply for drinking,
culinary or food processing purposes after approved
treatment equal coagulation, sedimentation, fil-
tration, and disinfection, etc. and any other usage
requiring waters of lower quality.

Class B Suitable for outdoor bathing and any other usage
requiring waters of lower quality.

Class C Suitable for fishing and fish propagation, and any
other usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Class D Suitable for agriculture and for industrial cooling
and process water after treatment by the user as may
be required under each particular circumstance.

SW Swamp waters that have pH and dissolved oxygen
standards different from the standards for other
streams.

TIDAL SALT WATERS:

Class SA Suitable for shellfishing for market purposes and
any other usage requiring water of lower quality.

Class SB Suitable for bathing and any other usage except
shellfishing for market purposes.

Class SC Suitable for fishing and any other usage except
bathing and shellfishing for market purposes.

Class SD Suitable for navigation and any other usage except
fishing, bathing, and shellfishing for market puy-
poses.

Data Source:
NCDNER, EnViTonmental Management Division

Currently the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River have been

separated into different sections for monitoring. In the Chowan

County area the Division of Environmental Management estimates

that between 6% and 13% of the segments are degraded below the

standards. The Divisions of Environmental Management has sup-

plied the following information about the surface waters in

Chowan County:

Name Description Class

Catherine Creek From source to Chowan River C

Catherine Creek drains principally agricultural lands. There
are no point sources tributary to the stream. While no data is
available, it can be assumed that the quality of water in Cath-
erine Creek is that of a natural stream in the area.

Warwick Creek From source to Catherine Creek C

Same as above.

Stumpy Creek From source to Chowan River B

This is tributary to Chowan River, which is classified "B" for
recreation. Stumpy Creek, like numerous other streams in the
area tributary to Chowan River, are for the most part backwaters
of Chowan River. Therefore, the quality of water in Stumpy
Creek, which receives no pollution other than that from woodlands
and agricultural lands, is not subject to man-made pollution and
is, therefore, considered to be of natural water quality.

Dillard Creek From source to Chowan River B

Same as Stumpy Creek above.

Indian Creek From source to Dillard Creek B

Same as Stumpy Creek above.

Rocky Hock Creek From source to Chowan River B

Same as Stumpy Creek,above.

Albemarle Sound Section at mouth of Chowan River B

Monitored water quality data available.

Edenton Bay Entire Bay C

Monitored water quality data available.

Pembroke Creek From source to Edenton Bay B