Stormwater Management: Apex vs Raleigh

Why is stormwater regulation so strict in Apex?

Because Apex sits inside the B. Everett Jordan Reservoir watershed in the Upper New Hope arm — Jordan Lake is the public drinking-water supply for Apex, Cary, Morrisville, RTP, and parts of Chatham County. State nutrient rules at 15A NCAC 02B .0262 to .0273 (the Jordan Lake Rules) treat new development in the Upper New Hope arm with a 2.2 lb/ac/yr nitrogen cap and a 0.82 lb/ac/yr phosphorus cap. The new-development rule .0265 is currently suspended by the NC General Assembly pending readoption, but the riparian buffer rule .0267 remains in force, and Apex also operates a Phase II NPDES MS4 permit and the Jordan Lake Stage I Adaptive Management Strategy.

Where do I report a stormwater problem in Apex?

Call Apex Stormwater Field Services at (919) 362-8166 or submit a Report a Concern through the Town's website. Common reports include oil sheens, sediment plumes, soap or paint in storm drains, illicit connections, and illegal dumping into Jordan Lake tributaries such as Beaver Creek and Middle Creek. The Town runs Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) inspections under its Phase II NPDES MS4 permit; serious violations are also referred to NC DEMLR for state enforcement under NCGS 143-215.6A.

When is a stormwater management plan required in Raleigh?

A stormwater management plan is required for any land-disturbing activity of 12,000 square feet or more. Projects in the Neuse River Basin face additional nutrient export limitations.

What stormwater BMPs does Raleigh accept?

Raleigh accepts a range of structural and non-structural best management practices as outlined in the Stormwater Design Manual, including bioretention cells, wet ponds, constructed wetlands, sand filters, and permeable pavement.