What is the Jordan Lake Nutrient Strategy?
The Jordan Lake Nutrient Strategy (often called the Jordan Lake Rules) is a set of state water quality rules designed to restore and maintain water quality in B. Everett Jordan Reservoir by reducing nutrient pollution—primarily nitrogen and phosphorus—entering the lake from sources throughout the watershed. These nutrients contribute to algal blooms, poor water clarity, and other water quality problems that affect drinking water supplies, recreation, aquatic life, and habitat.
Why was it created?
Jordan Lake has long struggled with excessive nutrient levels, often resulting in eutrophic conditions (high algae and low oxygen). In response, the state classified the lake and its tributaries as nutrient-sensitive waters and developed the nutrient strategy to address this issue through regulatory limits and best practices.
Key Goals of the Jordan Lake Rules
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Restore and maintain water quality to protect drinking water, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat.
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Reduce average annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the lake compared to historical baseline levels.
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The strategy uses nutrient reduction targets tailored to different sub-watersheds of Jordan Lake.
Implementation and Updates
The Jordan Lake Rules took effect in August 2009 and have undergone updates and stakeholder engagement processes to refine requirements and implementation. NCDEQ continues to work with local governments and stakeholders on rule readoptions and adaptive management planning.
Who It Applies To
The Jordan Lake Rules apply throughout the Jordan Lake watershed, affecting landowners, developers, farmers, local governments, and wastewater facilities. All sources of nutrient pollution are regulated to meet the strategy’s goals.
The Jordan Lake Riparian Buffer Rules are state regulations adopted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to help protect water quality in Jordan Lake and its tributaries. These rules preserve natural vegetation along streams and waterways, which helps filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and limit nutrient runoff before it reaches the lake.
What Is a Riparian Buffer?
A riparian buffer is a vegetated area located along streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Buffers slow stormwater runoff, trap sediment and nutrients, stabilize streambanks, and protect aquatic habitat.
Buffer Width and Zones
In the Jordan Lake watershed, a 50-foot riparian buffer is required along certain streams and waters. The buffer is measured horizontally from the top of the streambank or the normal water level and is divided into two zones:
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Zone 1 (First 30 feet):
Closest to the water. This area must remain undisturbed natural vegetation and provides the highest level of water quality protection. -
Zone 2 (Outer 20 feet):
Limited uses may be allowed, but vegetation must be maintained to continue filtering runoff and protecting the stream.
Where the Rules Apply
The buffer rules apply to:
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Streams, rivers, and other waters identified on official maps or determined in the field
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Properties located within the Jordan Lake watershed
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New development and certain land-disturbing activities
Allowed and Restricted Activities
Some activities are allowed within buffers, while others are limited or prohibited:
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Allowed activities (with conditions):
Stream crossings, utility lines, water-dependent structures, and certain maintenance activities -
Restricted or prohibited activities:
Most buildings, large areas of impervious surface, and land-disturbing activities that would remove or significantly alter vegetation
Some activities may require state or local authorization before work can occur in the buffer.
Purpose of the Rules
The riparian buffer rules are intended to:
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Reduce nitrogen and phosphorus entering Jordan Lake
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Protect drinking water supplies
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Improve water clarity and aquatic habitat
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Support recreation and long-term watershed health
Permits and Approvals
Any activity proposed within a regulated buffer may require review or approval from NCDEQ and/or the local government. Property owners and developers are encouraged to identify streams early in the planning process to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
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