Environmental Advisory Board Tuesday, December 3, 2019 6:00 PM Conference Room 10035 316 N. Academy Street, Cary Town Hall, Cary, NC 27513 December 3, 2019 Page 1 Scott Merkle: Present, Chair Rick Savage: Present, Partner Shweta Nanekar: Absent, Patricia Cervenka: Present, Lisa Falk: Present, Khara Grieger: Present, Vice Chair Nancy Daly: Present, Alternate Gary Cozzolino: Present, David Shouse: Present, Shuchi Gupta: Present. 1. CALL TO ORDER Savage called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Widmar introduced special guest, Katie Rose Levin, Executive Director at TreesDurham. Levin has been assisting town staff to review the board’s tree recommendations. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Savage requested to amend the agenda to include a presentation from Noel Lyons on composting. RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Scott Merkle SECONDER: Khara Grieger AYES: Merkle, Savage, Cervenka, Falk, Grieger, Daly, Cozzolino, Shouse, Gupta ABSENT: Nanekar 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1 Environmental Advisory Board - Advisory Board Meeting - Nov 12, 2019 6:00 PM RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Scott Merkle SECONDER: Khara Grieger AYES: Merkle, Savage, Cervenka, Falk, Grieger, Daly, Cozzolino, Shouse, Gupta ABSENT: Nanekar 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Liz Adams requested the board make a recommendation to the Town to oppose the proposed use of the Odd Fellows Tract for an expansion to the existing Wake Stone Quarry and to ask the RDUAA not to log the property which is in their name without the permission of the local governments who are on the deed for the parcel and the Town of Cary. Adams shared a handout with additional information on the topic attached to and incorporated herein as Exhibit A. 5. OLD/NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Composting (added agenda item) Speaker: Noel Lyons, President of McGill Environmental Systems Lyons presented on the importance of composting. He shared a PowerPoint presentation attached to and incorporated herein as Exhibit B. Members provided the following comments (unless otherwise noted): ▪ Stated 44% of Cary’s compostables are being sent to the landfill. Asked if the local industry could handle composting that percentage. o Lyons stated the industry could easily handle that capacity. ▪ Asked if Lyons sees a relationship between composting and reducing food waste in
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Environmental Advisory Board Tuesday, December 3, 2019
6:00 PM Conference Room 10035
316 N. Academy Street, Cary Town Hall, Cary, NC 27513
December 3, 2019
Page 1
Scott Merkle: Present, Chair Rick Savage: Present, Partner Shweta Nanekar: Absent, Patricia Cervenka:
Present, Lisa Falk: Present, Khara Grieger: Present, Vice Chair Nancy Daly: Present, Alternate Gary Cozzolino:
Present, David Shouse: Present, Shuchi Gupta: Present.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Savage called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Widmar introduced special guest, Katie Rose Levin, Executive Director at TreesDurham. Levin has
been assisting town staff to review the board’s tree recommendations.
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Savage requested to amend the agenda to include a presentation from Noel Lyons on composting.
December 2, 20152nd Annual Caribbean Water Leaders Summit
The Role of Compostingin Building A Sustainable City
Presented to theTown of Cary
Environmental Advisory Boardby Noel Lyons
December 3, 2019
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Composting in the U.S.
Source: BioCycle October 2017, Vol. 58, No. 9, p. 22
TotalComposting facilities
TotalComposting facilities
4,713
TotalTons composted
TotalTons composted
14,040,941
Total NCComposting facilities
Total NCComposting facilities
64
Total NCTons composted
Total NCTons composted
663,165
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Energy and Carbon ReductionEAB Work Plan 2019 Highlights
Examine and discuss carbon reductionand fossil-free goals from other communities, Paul Hawken’s book Drawdown, and other sources of information to inform and make recommendations to reduce carbon emissions in the community.
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
StormwaterEAB Work Plan 2019 Highlights
Advise staff and Council on innovative approaches and best practices for stormwater management, including the use of green infrastructure.
Design stormwater management such that it helps make us a more resilient community in the face of climate change (more severe storm events).
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Food waste Biosolids & water treatment residuals Yard waste and wood Paper and cardboard Sheetrock
Urban organic waste
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
What Cary composts
All yard waste and leaves
Residuals from the Cary-Apex Water Plant
A small portion of citizen's food waste
All Christmas trees
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
ON SUSTAINABILITY?
IMPACTBIG FAST LASTING
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Landfilling one wet ton of food scraps generates 0.76 tons of CO2 as methane
Source: The Compost & Climate Connection -CCREF
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Zero waste
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
When food waste becomes compost And ends
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Using one ton of compost sequesters 1,400 pounds of CO2
Source: The Compost & Climate Connection -CCREF
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Benefits of compost use
Healthier soils Decreased use of fertilizer Water-holding capacity
SOURCE: Faucette et al, 2009“Storm Water Pollutant Removal Performance of Compost Filter Socks”Journal of Environmental Quality
TSS Total N NH4 –N NO3 -N Total
P Sol. P E.coli. Oil Diesel
80% 35% 35% 25% 60% 92% 98% 99% 99%
Pollutant removal
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Sustainable City Initiatives
Social
$Economic Environmental
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Zero waste by 2040 Curbside composting
collection
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Before a newly constructed premise may be landscaped, property owners must amend their soil with compost so the soil more efficiently retains water. This rule applies to all new residential, commercial, government and industrial properties within Denver Water’s service area.
Soil Amendment Program
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Use Stormwater Soil infiltration is necessary for system function and Planting Soil for tree pits or other planted areas without infiltration requirements.
Compost and mulch (3” depth) will be added before planting.
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Best Management Practices6.7.3 Soil amendment and restoration
Soil amendment and restoration is the process of improving disturbed soils and low organic soils by restoring soil porosity and/or adding a soil amendment, such as compost, for the purpose of reestablishing the soil's long-term capacity for infiltration and pollution removal.
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Pullen Park Event Lawn
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Mandate that all disturbed soils increase organic matter by 1%
Implement curbside food waste collection program
Use compost on all city-owned properties
Use compost in stormwater projects
Suggestions for Cary
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Economics
$$
PeoplePeople
ClimateClimate
Soil Health
Soil Health
Organic waste
Organic waste
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
December 5, 2019
5.1.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it B
: P
rese
nta
tio
n_C
om
po
stin
g (
Co
mp
ost
ing
(ad
ded
ag
end
a it
em))
Environmental Advisory Board
2019-2020
Adopted: December xx, 2019
GOAL 1: Provide Input to Council and Staff on Existing and Emerging Issues Town Planning and Implementation
▪ Provide feedback on the Cary Community Plan implementation, with particular attention to recommendations regarding innovation, environment, transportation options, and energy
Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction
▪ Provide feedback on Strategic Energy Action Plan implementation and updates. ▪ Continue to examine and discuss measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If relevant,
goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from other communities may be considered. Continue to use the Project Drawdown project and other sources of information to inform and make recommendations to reduce GHG emissions in the community. Recommendations will be based on the results of the GHG emission inventory due to be competed first quarter of 2020.
▪ Collaborate with Town staff in developing plans for Greenhouse Gas emission reductions and provide feedback on phase 1 and 2 of the 2018 Community GHG Baseline.
▪ Provide recommendations as specified by the GHG Reduction Recommendations and/or new science-based information.
Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling
▪ Collaborate with Town staff on ways to reduce solid waste generated by the communities at the household level. This will include investigations into additional or alternatives methods to reduce waste, such as improved access to composting to reduce food waste.
▪ Collaborate with Town staff on waste reduction strategies, such as pursuing Zero Waste goals. ▪ Collaborate with Town staff on strategies to reduce recycling contamination.
Jordan Lake Drinking Water Supply ▪ Monitor Jordan Lake Rules for currently identified and monitored biological and chemical
contaminants as they are modified or changed at the State level. ▪ Support continued Town participation and leadership in stakeholder discussions, such as the
Jordan Lake One Water Association. ▪ Encourage Cary leadership and the JLOWA to explore creation of a Water Fund for conservation
best-practices in the watershed. Stormwater
▪ Collaborate with Town staff and Council on innovative approaches and best practices for stormwater management, including the use of green infrastructure.
▪ Provide recommendations based on the GHG Reduction Recommendations and the Tree Recommendations.
▪ Participate in regional monitoring of water data (flood sensors, rain gauges) to better understand the challenges of dealing with flooding due to climate change effects
Tree Canopy/Open Space
5.3.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it C
: D
raft
Wo
rk P
lan
(A
nn
ual
Wo
rk P
lan
)
▪ Support implementation of Goal 1, Objective 1.1 of 2012 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Master Plan: Continue to protect areas that are ecologically important and have a high wildlife habitat value.
▪ Collaborate with Town staff on policies to support tree canopy, native plants, and open space preservation as specified in the Tree Recommendations.
Sustainability/Performance Metrics
▪ Encourage use of metric systems to track, report, and measure progress on key sustainability indicators at the household and business level, such as those use by LEED.
▪ The Imagine Cary Plan specifies that a Sustainability Plan is to be created (pages 173 and 186). The plan should include a climate action plan that incorporates the GHG Reduction Recommendations, the Tree Recommendations, the GHG base line data and a Resiliency to the effects of climate change section. The EAB will collaborate with Town staff in the creation of this plan.
Climate – Related Resiliency, Adaptation & Mitigation
▪ Collaborate with Town Staff on resiliency, adaptation, and mitigation issues including the Triangle Regional Resiliency Partnership.
▪ Continue to collaborate (Town staff and EAB) with the Cities Initiative, which is part of Executive Order 80.
Smart Cities
▪ Provide input to the Town on how to use smart city technology to enhance sustainability efforts. ▪ Participate in regional monitoring of water data (flood sensors, rain gauges) to better
understand the challenges of dealing with flooding due to climate change effects. Opportunities for Regular Collaboration with Other Boards
▪ Explore ways boards can regularly collaborate and consult with one another (for example, ensuring events are compostable, Lazy Daze Beer Garden, Spring Daze).
Advise on other issues as needed by staff or Council GOAL 2: Advise Staff on Opportunities to Increase Environmental Awareness and Public Participation related to the Sustainability Communications Plan
▪ Identify ways to the Town can better communicate its organizational commitment to innovation, including integration of meaningful infographics.
Initiatives and On-going Efforts Identify educational and environmentally relevant opportunities through:
▪ Cary Green Neighborhood Program ▪ Cary Garden for Wildlife - Provide education on how to deal with interactions between urban
wildlife and citizens ▪ Strategic Energy Action Plan ▪ Solid Waste Reduction ▪ Interpretive Panels/Environmental Education Signage ▪ Monarch Butterfly Engagement Initiatives ▪ Education on GHG reduction opportunities by Cary citizens ▪ Education on tree benefits where Cary citizens can participate
Commented [KG1]: Suggest giving a few examples of what this may entail.
5.3.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it C
: D
raft
Wo
rk P
lan
(A
nn
ual
Wo
rk P
lan
)
▪ Environmentally Speaking Film Series Participate in Cary Community Events
▪ Board members will volunteer for two or more events each year, including Spring Daze, Lazy Daze and/or other Town events
▪ Encourage participation of the private sector in environmental initiatives, establish partnerships that will help further goals of Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Work with Community Groups to Support Environmental initiatives Examples of community groups include:
▪ Black Creek Watershed Association ▪ Haw River Assembly ▪ River Keepers ▪ Cary Green Neighborhood Program Block Leader Program ▪ Information Services Advisory Board ▪ Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources - Collaborate on interpretive signage ▪ Walnut Creek Watershed Action Team (Confirm this) ▪ Other groups or partners that may enhance and extend educational outreach efforts
5.3.a
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it C
: D
raft
Wo
rk P
lan
(A
nn
ual
Wo
rk P
lan
)
Environmental Advisory Board
2019-2020
Adopted: December 3, 2019
GOAL 1: Provide Input to Council and Staff on Existing and Emerging Issues Town Planning and Implementation
▪ Provide feedback on the Cary Community Plan implementation, with particular attention to recommendations regarding innovation, environment, transportation options, and energy
Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction
▪ Provide feedback on Strategic Energy Action Plan implementation and updates. ▪ Continue to examine and discuss measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If relevant,
goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from other communities may be considered. Continue to use the Project Drawdown project and other sources of information to inform and make recommendations to reduce GHG emissions in the community. Recommendations will be based on the results of the GHG emission inventory due to be competed first quarter of 2020.
▪ Collaborate with Town staff in developing plans for Greenhouse Gas emission reductions and provide feedback on phase 1 and 2 of the 2018 Community GHG Baseline.
▪ Provide recommendations as specified by the GHG Reduction Recommendations and/or new science-based information.
Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling
▪ Collaborate with Town staff on ways to reduce solid waste generated by the communities at the household level. This will include investigations into additional or alternatives methods to reduce waste, such as improved access to composting to reduce food waste.
▪ Collaborate with Town staff on waste reduction strategies, such as pursuing Zero Waste goals. ▪ Collaborate with Town staff on strategies to reduce recycling contamination. ▪ Collaborate with Town staff to develop sustainable event guidelines and encourage their use by
all festival organizations.
Jordan Lake Drinking Water Supply ▪ Monitor Jordan Lake Rules for currently identified and monitored biological and chemical
contaminants as they are modified or changed at the State level. ▪ Support continued Town participation and leadership in regional stakeholder discussions, such
as the Jordan Lake One Water Association. ▪ Encourage Cary leadership and the JLOWA to explore creation of a Water Fund for conservation
best-practices in the watershed. Stormwater
▪ Collaborate with Town staff and Council on innovative approaches and best practices for stormwater management, including the use of green infrastructure.
▪ Provide recommendations based on the GHG Reduction Recommendations and the Tree Recommendations.
▪ Participate in regional monitoring of water data (flood sensors, rain gauges) to better understand the challenges of dealing with flooding due to climate change effects.
5.3.b
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it D
: F
inal
Wo
rk P
lan
(A
nn
ual
Wo
rk P
lan
)
Tree Canopy/Open Space ▪ Collaborate with Town staff on policies to support tree canopy, native plants, and open space
preservation as specified in the Tree Recommendations. ▪ Continue to protect areas that are ecologically important and have a high wildlife habitat value
as documented in the Imagine Cary Community Plan. ▪ Support the Town of Cary’s leadership in developing an Urban Forest Master Plan.
Sustainability/Performance Metrics
▪ Encourage use of metric systems to track, report, and measure progress on key sustainability indicators at the household and business level, such as those use by LEED or Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES).
▪ Collaborate with Town staff in the creation of a sustainability plan as called for in the Imagine Cary Community Plan (pages 173 and 186). The plan should include a climate action plan that incorporates the GHG Reduction Recommendations, the Tree Recommendations, the GHG base line data and climate change resiliency.
Climate – Related Resiliency, Adaptation & Mitigation
▪ Collaborate with Town staff on resiliency, adaptation, and mitigation issues including the Triangle Regional Resiliency Partnership.
▪ Continue to collaborate (Town staff and EAB) with the Cities Initiative, which is part of Executive Order 80.
▪ Participate in regional monitoring of water data (flood sensors, rain gauges) to better understand the challenges of dealing with flooding due to climate change effects.
Smart Cities
▪ Provide input to the Town on how to enhance sustainability efforts with smart city technology such as testing transportation efficiency options, use of solar panels, and collecting data on parking usage.
▪ Participate in regional monitoring of water data (flood sensors, rain gauges) to better understand the challenges of dealing with flooding due to climate change effects.
Collaboration with Other Citizen Advisory Boards
▪ Explore ways boards can regularly collaborate and consult with one another (for example, ensuring events are compostable, Lazy Daze Beer Garden, Spring Daze).
Advise on other issues as needed by staff or Council GOAL 2: Advise Staff on Opportunities to Increase Environmental Awareness and Public Participation Sustainability Communications Plan
▪ Identify ways the Town can better communicate its organizational commitment to innovation, including integration of meaningful infographics.
Initiatives and On-going Efforts Identify educational and environmentally relevant opportunities through:
▪ Cary Green Neighborhood Program ▪ Cary Garden for Wildlife - Provide education on how to deal with interactions between urban
wildlife and citizens
5.3.b
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it D
: F
inal
Wo
rk P
lan
(A
nn
ual
Wo
rk P
lan
)
▪ Energy conservation and usage by the community ▪ Solid Waste Reduction ▪ Interpretive Panels/Environmental Education Signage ▪ Monarch Butterfly Engagement Initiatives ▪ Education on GHG reduction opportunities by Cary citizens ▪ Education on tree benefits where Cary citizens can participate ▪ Environmentally Speaking Film Series ▪ Other emerging issues, such as algal blooms of local freshwater bodies
Participate in Cary Community Events
▪ Board members will volunteer for two or more events each year, including Spring Daze, Lazy Daze and/or other Town events
▪ Encourage participation of the private sector in environmental initiatives, establish partnerships that will help further goals of Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Work with Community Groups to Support Environmental initiatives Examples of community groups include:
▪ Black Creek Watershed Association ▪ Haw River Assembly ▪ River Keepers ▪ Walnut Creek Watershed Action Team ▪ Jordan Lake One Water Association ▪ Toward Zero Waste ▪ Keep the Canopy ▪ Other groups or partners that may enhance and extend educational outreach efforts
5.3.b
Att
ach
men
t: E
xhib
it D
: F
inal
Wo
rk P
lan
(A
nn
ual
Wo
rk P
lan
)
For December 2019 EAB Meeting:
PAST EVENTS
▪ America Recycles Day, November 16 o 1,052 participants, up 3% from 2018 o Citizens brought nearly 23 tons of sensitive documents to be
shredded
UPCOMING EVENTS
▪ Chinese Lantern Festival, November 22 – January 12 ▪ Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 7 ▪ Higgins Greenway Public Meeting, December 9 ▪ 25th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, December 27
UPDATES
2020 Biennial Survey Efforts are underway to conduct the 2020 Biennial Citizen Satisfaction Survey
at the start of January.
RECOGNITIONS
Hometown Spirit Award Anthony Blackman is the recipient of the Town of Cary’s annual Hometown
Spirit Award. Council honored the nominees at a reception before the
November 21 Cary Town Council meeting for their unique contributions to the
community. Blackman received an award, and the Town will recognize him on a
plaque inside Town Hall.
Police Department Accreditation The Cary Police Department recently received its ninth consecutive
accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement
Agencies (CALEA). Awarded at CALEA’s annual conference, accreditation
recognizes the police department’s commitment to meeting almost 400
standards for public safety professional excellence. CALEA first accredited the