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Sewer Spills Lead to New Hanover NC Building Moratorium |
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Friday, 11 May 2007 |
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Building Moratorium- Building Permits Halted in NEI
Effective immediately, Wednesday, May 9 2007 no new building permits will be issued by New Hanover County for the areas served by the North East Interceptor sewer line. The decision to stop issuing new building permits comes following receipt of a letter to the City of Wilmington by the NC Division of Water Quality, commenting on the city’s ten point plan to rehabilitate the NEI.New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Caster, and Water and Sewer District Chairman Bill Kopp Jr., say the county’s decision to halt all new building permits shows the willingness on the county’s part to resolve the sewer issues as quickly as possible.
Building Moratorium
"HEADS UP"
Building Permits Halted in NEI
(New Hanover County) Effective immediately, Wednesday, May 9 2007 no new building permits will be issued by New Hanover County for the areas served by the North East Interceptor sewer line. The decision to stop issuing new building permits comes following receipt of a letter to the City of Wilmington by the NC Division of Water Quality, commenting on the city’s ten point plan to rehabilitate the NEI.
The letter states based on the continuing increases in flow and questions that remain about the reliability of the NEI the City of Wilmington, County of New Hanover and Town of Wrightsville Beach should stop issuing building permits that would be tributary to the NEI.
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Caster, and Water and Sewer District Chairman Bill Kopp Jr., say the county’s decision to halt all new building permits shows the willingness on the county’s part to resolve the sewer issues as quickly as possible. We understand the seriousness of the state’s concern in regards to the NEI, said Water & Sewer District Chairman Kopp. We also understand the gravity this decision has on the entire building community, from the developer to realtors to trades people.
The building community and residents seeking building permits should be aware that while no new building permits will be issued for the NEI area, the order from the state does not completely halt construction in New Hanover County. Home and commercial builders developing property within the NEI may still seek permits for construction that will not add to sewer flow along the North East Interceptor such as houses on septic systems. New building permits will continue to be issued as well for areas not served by the NEI.
In a follow up discussion with both chairmen, state authorities clarified the directive to allow for building permits, so long as the construction does not add to flow in the NEI. Home and commercial renovations that do not add to NEI flow are not affected by the order. DWQ officials have agreed to meet with the county, city and town on May 15 to discuss how to resolve the issues affecting the sewer system.
Mark Boyer
Public Information Officer
New Hanover County, NC
910.798.7493
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