The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is currently drafting new state requirements (called “rules”) to address the increased nutrients in the High Rock Lake watershed that contribute to algal blooms, fish kills and other serious problems. These rules are expected to impact a wide range of nutrient sources, including, but not limited to, impervious surfaces, stormwater runoff, agriculture, wastewater and riparian buffers. The strategy is designed to address nutrient pollution comprehensively and adaptively, ensuring sustained progress toward water quality improvement in High Rock Lake.

In May 2025, NC DEQ released three draft documents of the rules. Link here to view and download a PDF with all three documents combined.  The three drafts included in the PDF are:

1) PURPOSE AND SCOPE - 15NCAC 02B .0760 HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT STRATEGY

2) PROTECTION OF EXISTING RIPARIAN BUFFERS - 15NCAC 02B .0764 HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT STRATEGY

3) LOADING REDUCTIONS FROM EXISTING MANAGED LANDS - 15A NCAC 02B .0762 HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

The 1HRL Team at the PTRC has included key takeaways for each document generated by the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. Please use your judgement in interpreting the takeaways as they are still under review, subject to interpretation, and based on a draft that is part of an ongoing process. Please be sure to reference the original documents using the links provided. Learn more about AI-generated summaries a t this link:  Adobe Generative AI User Disclosures.

Local government staff and stakeholders may contact NC DEQ staff with questions and concerns regarding implementation of nutrient management rules: Joey Hester, Nutrient Strategy Coordinator, joey.hester@deq.nc.gov; (919) 707-3675; Rich Gannon, Nonpoint Source Planning Branch Chief; rich.gannon@deq.nc.gov; (919) 707-3673. 

Download the DRAFT of 15NCAC 02B .0760
High Rock Lake Nutrient Strategy: Purpose and Scope

Below are key takeaways from 15NCAC 02B .0760 High Rock Lake Nutrient Strategy: Purpose and Scope, generated by the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. Please use your judgement in interpreting the information, and be sure to reference the original document as well. Learn more about AI-generated summaries at Adobe Generative AI User Disclosures.

1. Purpose: The strategy aims to restore and maintain nutrient-related water quality standards in High Rock Lake, address impaired conditions caused by excess nutrient inputs, and enhance protections in water supply watersheds.
2. Scope: The strategy applies to all lands and waters draining into High Rock Lake, requiring controls to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen loads from significant sources.
3. Nutrient Sensitive Waters Designation: High Rock Lake and its watershed are classified as Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW).
4. Critical Water Supply Watershed Designation: The entire High Rock Lake watershed is designated as a critical water supply watershed, with more stringent requirements than state minimums.
5. Goals:
• Achieve reductions of 50% phosphorus and 25% nitrogen loads from point sources within 10 years (baseline year: 2006).
• Reduce nutrient loading from agricultural operations and pastured cattle.
• Manage stormwater flows to limit nutrient loading from new developments.
• Annually reduce nutrient loading from existing developed lands and unregulated sources.
• Protect riparian vegetation to maintain stream stability and nutrient removal functions.
6. Nutrient Trading: Nutrient offset credits must be generated within the same subwatershed area where regulatory obligations occur, and transactions are measured in pounds delivered to High Rock Lake.
7. Adaptive Implementation: The strategy includes ongoing water quality monitoring, periodic assessments, and potential rule adjustments to address changes in nutrient sources and impacts.
8. Rules Enumerated: The strategy consists of multiple rules (.0760 through .0768), including riparian buffer protection and definitions.
9. Applicability: Implementation responsibilities are assigned to municipalities, counties, state, and federal entities with land in the High Rock Lake watershed. Interlocal agreements are allowed for shared implementation.
10. Enforcement: Non-compliance with the rules may result in civil penalties, criminal penalties, or injunctive relief.
11. Municipalities and Counties Involved: Specific municipalities (e.g., Lexington, Salisbury, Winston-Salem) and counties (e.g., Davidson, Rowan, Forsyth) are identified as responsible for implementation.

This strategy is designed to address nutrient pollution comprehensively and adaptively, ensuring sustained progress toward water quality improvement in High Rock Lake.

This summary of key takeaways was generated by the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. Please use your judgement in interpreting the information, and be sure to reference the original document as well. Learn more about AI-generated summaries at Adobe Generative AI User Disclosures.

Download the DRAFT of 15NCAC 02B .0764 - HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT STRATEGY: PROTECTION OF EXISTING RIPARIAN BUFFERS

Below are key takeaways from 15NCAC 02B .0764 HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT STRATEGY: PROTECTION OF EXISTING 1 RIPARIAN BUFFERS, generated by the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. Please use your judgement in interpreting the information, and be sure to reference the original document as well. Learn more about AI-generated summaries at Adobe Generative AI User Disclosures.

1. Purpose: The rule aims to protect and maintain existing riparian buffers in the High Rock Lake watershed to preserve their nutrient removal and stream protection functions. Local governments may implement stricter requirements.
2. Applicability: The rule applies to all landowners, local governments, state, and federal entities conducting activities within or impacting riparian buffers in the High Rock Lake watershed.
3. Protected Buffers:
• Riparian buffers are 50 feet wide and adjacent to surface waters (intermittent and perennial streams, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds), excluding wetlands.
• Wetlands within 50 feet of surface waters are regulated under a separate rule (15A NCAC 02H .0506).
4. Zones of Riparian Buffers:
• Zone 1: A 30-foot undisturbed vegetated area closest to the waterbody.
• Zone 2: A 20-foot stable vegetated area that may allow grading and revegetation, provided Zone 1 remains unaffected.
5. Exemptions:
• Certain uses, such as existing and ongoing activities, agricultural ponds, and man-made water conveyances, may be exempt from the rule.
• Exemptions are also granted for activities like dam maintenance, drainage of ponds, and specific agricultural uses.
6. On-Site Determinations:
• Landowners can request on-site determinations if maps inaccurately depict surface waters.
• Determinations are valid for five years and disputes can be referred to the Director.
7. Stormwater Runoff:
• Stormwater runoff through riparian buffers must meet dispersed flow requirements and avoid erosion.
8. Uses in Riparian Buffers:
• Uses are categorized as:
• Deemed Allowable: Minimal impact activities (e.g., archaeological activities, fertilizer application for vegetation establishment).
• Allowable Upon Authorization: Activities requiring written approval (e.g., streambank stabilization, new drainage conveyances).
• Allowable with Mitigation Upon Authorization: Activities requiring mitigation strategies (e.g., new ponds without riparian buffers).
• Prohibited: Activities like new landfills and certain vegetation removal.
9. Mitigation Requirements:
• Mitigation is required for certain activities impacting riparian buffers, with written approval and an Authorization Certificate.
10. Compliance with Other Laws:
• Compliance with this rule does not exempt entities from adhering to other federal, state, and local regulations related to water quality, land disturbance, and environmental protection.
11. History and Authority:
• The rule is authorized under various state laws and regulations, including G.S. 143-214.1 and G.S. 143-215.3(a)(1).

This document outlines a comprehensive strategy for protecting riparian buffers in the High Rock Lake watershed, emphasizing water quality, nutrient removal, and ecological preservation.

Note: These key takeaways from 15NCAC 02B .0764 HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT STRATEGY: PROTECTION OF EXISTING 1 RIPARIAN BUFFERS, generated by the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. Please use your judgement in interpreting the information, and be sure to reference the original document as well. Learn more about AI-generated summaries at Adobe Generative AI User Disclosures.

Download the DRAFT of 15A NCAC 02B .0762 HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: LOADING 1 REDUCTIONS FROM EXISTING MANAGED LANDS

Below are key takeaways from DRAFT of 15A NCAC 02B .0762 HIGH ROCK LAKE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: LOADING 1 REDUCTIONS FROM EXISTING MANAGED LANDS, generated by the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. Please use your judgement in interpreting the information, and be sure to reference the original document as well. Learn more about AI-generated summaries at Adobe Generative AI User Disclosures.

1. 1. Purpose:
   • The Rule aims to reduce nonpoint source nitrogen and phosphorus loading in the High Rock Lake watershed to achieve nutrient reduction goals and restore aquatic life and recreational uses.
   2. Applicability:
   • Applies to municipalities, counties, and state/federal entities with significant developed landholdings in the High Rock Lake watershed, excluding the NC Department of Transportation.
   3. Compliance Options:
   • Conventional Load Reduction Program: Requires quantification of baseline nutrient loads, reduction targets, and implementation of approved nutrient practices. Annual reduction pace must be at least 0.5% of baseline loading.
   • Individual Investment-Based Program: Parties can invest annually based on developed land cover acreage ($20/acre for over 300 acres, $5/acre for 300 or fewer acres). Investments must align with approved nutrient practices.
   • Group Compliance Option: Jurisdictions can form a group compliance organization to collectively meet reduction goals. Members must adhere to funding and implementation requirements.
   4. Eligible Practices:
   • Includes stormwater control measures, ecosystem restoration, conservation easements, agricultural practices, wastewater treatment upgrades, and other nutrient-reducing activities approved by the Division.
   5. Reporting Requirements:
   • Annual reports must detail implementation progress, nutrient reductions achieved, expenditures, and inspections of practices.
   6. Notification and Deadlines:
   • The Division will notify subject parties of their obligations. Parties must submit their chosen compliance option within six months and an initial load reduction plan within twelve months of notification.
   7. Program Revisions:
   • Parties can revise their programs to adopt more cost-effective strategies or address new factors. Once reduction goals are met, programs must ensure no load increases.
   8. Compliance Auditing:
   • The Division will audit local programs for compliance within the first 10 years of the Rule's effective date and every 5 years thereafter.
   9. Conservation Easements:
   • Up to 25% of investment requirements (or 15% for group compliance) can be directed toward conservation easements on forested lands with no nutrient applications.
   10. Implementation Flexibility:
   • Parties can switch to group compliance at any time, and alternative practices can be proposed if supported by scientific evidence.

   This Rule establishes a structured framework for reducing nutrient loads in the High Rock Lake watershed through various compliance options, eligible practices, and reporting mechanisms.

This strategy is designed to address nutrient pollution comprehensively and adaptively, ensuring sustained progress toward water quality improvement in High Rock Lake.

This summary of key takeaways was generated by the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. Please use your judgement in interpreting the information, and be sure to reference the original document as well. Learn more about AI-generated summaries at Adobe Generative AI User Disclosures.

Created in 1929, High Rock Lake serves as the boundary between Davidson and Rowan County in the western Piedmont of North Carolina.  It is the second largest lake in North Carolina (15,180 acres) and is a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation. The lake also provides many recreational opportunities including boating and fishing.   

The High Rock Lake watershed covers 3,974 square miles and includes 5,394 miles of streams and rivers beginning in the Appalachian Mountains in southern Virginia.  This region includes 46 municipalities and 20 counties. The watershed is only partially a drinking water resource and has not been subject to any NPS pollution rulemaking outside of basic floodplain regulation.

High Rock Lake has faced high nutrient levels since the 1970s and was declared “one of the most eutrophic lakes in NC” in 1992 by the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR).  Targeted monitoring and data collection regarding the Lake’s water quality began in 1989. Since that time various approaches to monitoring, public engagement and education has occurred and been led by different groups concerned with the nutrient rich waters in the Lake.  In 2005, PTRC was part of a Technical Advisory Committee convened to guide the lake and watershed monitoring efforts. Data collected was used to create the High Rock Lake Hydrodynamic and Nutrient Response Models (2016). There is a need to restore and protect the High Rock Lake watershed through alternative approaches, partnerships, collaborations and consensus building.

What are "excess nutrients" and why is this a water quality problem?  Water quality is affected by many pollutants, such as dirt, trash, and hazardous waste products; but it may come as a surprise that one of the biggest problems in High Rock Lake comes from too much of a good thing: excess phosphorus and nitrogen. While these nutrients are always present in water and essential building blocks for life, an overload of one or both of these nutrients can lead to algal blooms and mass fish kills.

How are excess nutrients getting into our creeks, streams, rivers and lakes in the Piedmont?   There are many sources of excess nutrients in the High Rock Lake watershed. Wastewater Treatment Plants release wastewater discharges at designated, permitted locations. This discharge carries higher nutrient levels. Farms with large numbers of chickens, pigs, and cattle can contribute high nutrient loads through animal waste. Developed areas see nutrients enter the storm system during rain events. Residential neighborhoods often contribute nutrient-rich runoff from pet waste that is left on the pavement, or from the overuse or misapplication of fertilizer. Even forested areas contribute to the total nutrient load! With so many sources of nutrient loading, the 1HRL project identified stormwater as the "common denominator of nutrient sources"; the source that everyone can help do something about. See the Educating the Public section of the Toolkit for more information.

How long has this been a problem in High Rock Lake?  High Rock Lake has faced high nutrient levels since the 1970s and was declared “one of the most eutrophic lakes in NC” in 1992 by the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR).  Targeted monitoring and data collection regarding the Lake’s water quality began in 1989. Since that time various approaches to monitoring, public engagement and education has occurred and been led by different groups concerned with the nutrient rich waters in the Lake. There is a need to restore and protect the High Rock Lake watershed through alternative approaches, partnerships, collaborations and consensus building.

The 1HRL Toolkit was made possible by a 205(j) WQ Management Planning Grant awarded by the NCDEQ Division of Water Resources

In early 2023, PTRC, in partnership with the Centralina Regional Council (CRC), were awarded funding from NCDEQ Division of Water Resources through the Clean Water Act Section 205j/604b to help communities in the High Rock Lake watershed understand and prepare for nutrient management rules, with a focus on laying the groundwork for collaborative partnerships across sectors and throughout the watershed. Starting with a "One Water" approach - with the belief that all water has value - the 1HRL Project evolved with the project goals: 

1. Identify the main challenges that small and mid-sized communities are likely to face throughout the nutrient management rules process
2. Provide cross-sector networking opportunities that foster collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders in the watershed
3. Construct an resource library - The 1HRL Toolkit - to be hosted and maintained by the Regional Planning Department at the Piedmont Triad Regional Council.