Decentralized Wastewater Management Plan Update

Plan Update

The Todd Krafft Septic Health Initiative program (“the Initiative”), developed in 2000, is a long-term strategy for protecting water quality while allowing the continued use of on-site wastewater systems in the Town. The Initiative is a voluntary program that is available to property owners consisting of four major focus areas. The program offers free services along with financial assistance for septic pumping, repairs, or replacements. Free services from the Town include locating septic systems, discussing concerns about installation and maintenance, inspections to detect problems early, and a follow-up report that outlines system location and whether it is in need of pumping or repair. In some cases, the Town will assist as a mediator between the property owner and the contractor, or with necessary permitting. The Initiative is a one-of-a-kind program in the Outer Banks and the State and is one of a few in the Nation.

As a part of the Initiative, the Decentralized Wastewater Management Plan was created in 2005 (“the 2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan states that over 85% of all developed properties (4,339 total) were using onsite systems, and of those, 95% of the properties were in residential use. These numbers continue to grow with both the development and redevelopment of commercial and residential properties.

The Town of Nags Head (the “Town”) is in the process of seeking qualified consultants to update the 2005 Decentralized Wastewater Management Plan (“the 2005 Plan”). The intent of this update is to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Plan and the Town’s Septic Health program, recommend additional measures as necessary, and expand and integrate the Plan, taking into account the relationship between onsite wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater.

Town Seeks Volunteers for Advisory Committee for Plan Update

The Town of Nags Head seeks five volunteers to serve on the advisory committee for the Decentralized Wastewater Management Plan Update.

The purpose of this committee is to provide guidance and feedback to staff and the consultant on the update and development of the Decentralized Wastewater Management Plan. As an advisory team member, you will help to identify and engage stakeholders, attend community meetings, and provide feedback on the following plan elements – goals, policies, program incentives, engagement of the community in the septic health program, and overall future direction of the septic health initiative. Team members will attend periodic meetings over a 12-month period dependent on the project schedule. Although we invite all who are interested to apply, an interest or background in septic, groundwater, stormwater, and/or water quality is desired. 

All who wish to apply should email Kylie Shephard, Environmental Planner.  The deadline for submittal is Wednesday, October 28th at 12:00 p.m. Please provide email Kylie and respond to the following questions:

• Name
• Address (permanent and/or local property address)
• Occupation
• Educational Background
• Previous experience or knowledge with septic, stormwater, groundwater, water quality, and/or other related knowledge/experiences
• Why you believe you would be an asset to the Advisory Team (300 word max)

An overview of the Decentralized Wastewater Management Plan Update is available here. 

Please contact Kylie Shephard with any questions or concerns at 252-449-6047.