Earlier this year, Chatham’s Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program received one of two top statewide awards at a banquet hosted by the NC Sedimentation Control Commission. The awards program has two categories based on staff size, with Chatham winning the top award for programs with no more than three full-time staff members.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners honored the program’s staff for their accomplishments at its April 7th meeting.

The NC Sedimentation Control Commission sponsors the awards program to recognize the value of local erosion and sedimentation control programs in reducing sediment pollution in our waters. Chatham County received the Local Program Award, even though it is a relatively young program created in 2006.

The state has 50 local erosion and sedimentation control programs, which means that those jurisdictions can exercise more control over activities to reduce erosion or sediment pollution problems. For example, they may inspect construction sites more frequently than would happen under the state’s program. Local programs also may have ordinances that are more restrictive than the state requirements.

John Holley, regional engineer for the NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, nominated the county program. He noted that the program was born “in a volatile political climate relative to issues affecting development activity…It is significant that the program, particularly Jim Willis as its field inspector and plan reviewer, has received favorable support from local environmental interests, namely the Haw River Assembly.”

Holley added that one of the major strengths of the Chatham County program, which covers 705 square miles, is that they have a very involved citizenry concerned about protecting the county’s natural resources. The county government, including its Environmental Review Board, works closely with local environmental groups to promote smart growth.

Chatham’s local erosion & sedimentation program is part of the County Public Health Department’s Environmental Health Division, which is led by Andy Siegner. The program reviews and approves erosion and sediment control plans throughout the county, except for those located within the jurisdiction of Siler City, Pittsboro and Cary.

When it was created in 2006, Chatham County adopted the state’s model ordinance for erosion and sedimentation control to give the program time to learn what changes might need to be made later.

Chatham’s program works closely with the Planning Department to hold performance bonds from developments that are not returned to developers until construction is completed and the work site is stabilized. The program also requires a pre-construction conference for large-scale developments.

Holley said that Willis has worked tirelessly to build the foundation for the program, serving as the sole plan reviewer and inspector for more than a year. Rachael Thorn joined the program as a second reviewer and inspector. This gives the county 2.5 full-time staff positions for the program, including a half-time processing assistant.

County Health Director Holly Coleman said, “The Board of Health and the Health Department are very proud of staff’s accomplishments in implementing the local ordinance to protect the county’s surface waters. We are fortunate to have dedicated employees and we appreciate the recognition this state award gives to well-deserving Health Department employees.”

Elaine Chiosso, who serves on the NC Sedimentation Control Commission and leads the Haw River Assembly, added her commendations. “We congratulate the outstanding work Jim Willis has accomplished in the short time that the program has been running in Chatham County.”

She added, “I have lived in Chatham County for 35 years and have seen serious problems in the streams due to the recent surge in development construction. Jim has carried out an energetic and proactive program to address these issues, and has been given strong support by the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Health.”

The Town of Cary, which also is in part of Chatham County, won the top state award for large-sized local programs. The town has won the award three times in 11 years.