Watershed Rules
Purpose
The Falls Lake and Jordan Lake rules are a nutrient management strategy designed to restore water quality by reducing the amount of pollution entering upstream. Both lakes provide a water supply for surrounding communities, serve as a recreation area, and provide critical habitat for many plants and animal species. Because of this, the protection and restoration of the lakes is essential.
To accomplish reductions of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), the strategies have goals for specific groups. Below are the rules as they apply to agricultural operations in the Jordan Lake and Falls Lake watershed.
Falls Lake Agriculture Rules
15 A NCAC 02B.0280-Agriculture
Rule
Collective N and P reductions for agricultural operations in two stages
- Stage I - reduction goals of 20% N and 40% P achieved by 2021.
- Stage II -reduction of 40% N and 77% P by 2036 AND may require buffering all cropland and excluding all pasture if agriculture does not meet Stage I goals.
Mandatory Registration of all ag operation with Local Advisory Councils.
Who does this apply to:
Anyone who engages in agricultural operations in the Falls Lake Watershed, including crops or horticultural products (excluding trees) primarily for financial profit or engages in research activities in support of commercial production or has the following:
- 5 or more horses
- 20 or more cattle
- 20 or more swine not in a feedlot
- 150 or more swine in a feedlot
- 120 or more sheep
- 130 or more goats
- 650 or more turkeys
- 3,500 or more chickens
- any combination that exceeds 20,000 pounds of live weight at anytime.
Jordan Lake Agriculture Rules
15 A NCAC 02B.0264-Agriculture
Rule
Collective nitrogen and phosphorus reductions for agricultural operations based on sub-watershed location. In the Upper New Hope Creek Watershed (SW Durham County), Agriculture is required to meet a collective reduction of 35% N and 5% P.
Who does this apply to:
Anyone who engages in agricultural operations in the Falls Lake Watershed, produces crops or horticultural products (excluding trees) primarily for financial profit or engages in research activities in support of commercial production or has the following:
- 5 or more horses
- 20 or more cattle
- 20 or more swine not in a feedlot
- 150 or more swine in a feedlot
- 120 or more sheep
- 130 or more goats
- 650 or more turkeys
- 3,500 or more chickens
- any combination that exceeds 20,000 pounds of live weight at any time.
Cost Share Programs
Qualified farms can apply to the NC Agricultural Cost Share Program (ACSP) to install Best Management Practices. These practices can help reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering surface waters.
In Durham County, the ACSP is administered by Durham Soil and Water Conservation District.