Neuse Nutrient Strategy

Neuse Strategy Overview

Since the 1980s, nutrient-related pollution has created water quality problems in the Neuse estuary. Excess amounts of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus have caused problems including low oxygen levels, extensive fish kills and harmful algal blooms. In response to these issues, North Carolina developed the Neuse nutrient strategy, a set of rules designed to equitably regulate sources of nutrient pollution in the basin including wastewater, stormwater, and agricultural nutrient sources. The rules also protect riparian buffers and mandate training for professionals that apply fertilizer. The rules went into effect in 1997 and seek to reduce nitrogen levels in the estuary by 30% from a 1991-1995 baseline. The ultimate goal of the strategy is the removal of the Neuse estuary from North Carolina’s impaired waters list.

General Resources

Agriculture

Agricultural operations in the basin are collectively subject to a 30% reduction goal for nitrogen loading.

2018 Neuse Agriculture Rule Progress Report
Division of Soil and Water Conservation: Neuse NSW Strategy
Nutrient Management Tools
Rules: 15A NCAC 02B .0238, .0239

Riparian Buffers

Riparian buffers are subject to protection under the Neuse strategy, with exceptions for uses that existed before the strategy was developed. Some new uses are allowable so long as impacts are appropriately mitigated elsewhere.

Buffer Rule Fact Sheet
DWR Buffer Mitigation Program
N.C. Division of Mitigation Services
Rules: 15A NCAC 02B .0233, .0241, and .0295

Storrmwater and Nutrient Offsets

Relatively populous areas in the basin are subject to rules that limit nutrient runoff from new development projects. If necessary, some nutrient loads can be offset by restoration projects in other areas after meeting onsite requirements. The following jurisdictions are subject to the Neuse new development stormwater rules:

Resources to assist in compliance with the Neuse strategy include:

Neuse Model Stormwater Program for Nutrient Control (1999)
DWR Nutrient Offset Program
DEMLR Stormwater Permitting Program
Rules: 15A NCAC 02B .0235, .0240

Wastewater

Wastewater dischargers in the Neuse basin are subject to nutrient limits as described in rule 15A NCAC 02B .0234.

Neuse River Compliance Association Permit (2018)

Monitoring and Assessment

DWR and its partners actively monitor water quality in the Neuse basin and routinely assess its performance against existing water quality standards.

Contacts

Neuse Nutrient Strategy Coordinator
Jim Hawhee
jim.hawhee@ncdenr.gov
(919) 707-3675

Nonpoint Source Planning Branch Chief
Rich Gannon
rich.gannon@ncdenr.gov
(919) 707-3673