The state's 50-foot stream buffer rule, expected to be approved in November, applies only to towns in the Neuse basin. Riparian buffers include the land along creeks, rivers and lakes, Doll explains. They play a key role in stabilizing the stream banks and filtering sediments, nutrients pathogens and other pollutants from runoff. Stream buffers can be havens for wildlife or provide attractive recreational or educational space for communities. Promoting Remedies Bill Hunt, a member of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Neuse Education Team, is a recognized leader in promoting storm water management methods.
Sand filters treat runoff from impervious areas such as parking lots.
This two-chambered system first slows the velocity of incoming water and then filters out toxic materials through the sand. Bioretention areas and rain gardens typically are excavated areas filled with gravel, sand, an organic soil mixture and plants. The runoff is filtered through the sand and the vegetation takes up some of the nutrients. Hunt has worked with the flood-prone city of Kinston on a project to demonstrate the effectiveness of using pervious materials for parking lot surfaces. The NC State stormwater specialist also has developed an on-line stormwater management course for planners and engineers in the Neuse River Basin.