Clean vs cost: County's proposed stormwater ordinance will cost developers more

It will cost commercial developers more to build their projects if Beaufort County changes its stormwater ordinance.

At a stormwater utility board meeting Wednesday, officials discussed the proposed

changes that would create tougher regulations for new developments.

The board postponed the issue for one month to give the county time to post the ordinance on its Web site and seek public comment.

Under the current ordinance, developers must follow rules that protect nearby waterways from runoff containing bacteria and phosphorus.

The proposed new ordinance would create controls on one more pollutant -- nitrogen.

Nitrogen occurs naturally, but also comes from pesticides and fertilizers. It can cause algae blooms to form, degrading water quality. In excessive amounts, it could cause fish to die.

The plan would require commercial developers to design projects with more open space and site features such as pervious pavement and vegetation to reduce runoff. In the May River watershed, developers also would abide by Bluffton ordinances regarding pre- and post-construction water

quality monitoring. Countywide, developers would have to fill out weekly forms that certify their sediment and erosion controls are working properly.

"This is a significant change," County Engineer Bob Klink said. "This would get into developer pocketbooks. It would be very controversial."

County staff did not have a definitive recommendation for the utility board, but will provide one at next month's meeting.

"I think we should implement this thing and see what happens," said Eddie Bellamy, director of Beaufort County Public Works. "If someone thinks it's too strict and can prove that, then we back off."

Some members said the board's purpose is to protect water quality. Being lenient, they said, should not be an option.

But others worry about the consequences of adopting the ordinance without public input.

If the utility board approves the change, it goes to committee and then to County Council.

Part of the problem is the county doesn't have data to back up its new ordinance that shows the impact of nitrogen in local waterways.

"This needs more study," board member Brad Samuel said. "I don't know the unintended consequences -- either good or bad. I'm not saying delay it, but I'd like comments from the development community."

Regardless of economic hardship on developers, board member Allyn Schneider said protecting Beaufort County waterways will come at a cost.

"Yes, future commercial developers will have to invest more money, but that's what's required," he said.