Land use and development plan for Hyde County, North Carolina

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

HYDE COUNT

11D Land Use Plan
211
N8
C36
1976

1976

ALAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

FOR

HYDE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

MAYj 1976

IN ACCORDANCE WITH:

THE 1974 NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT

THE PREPARATION OF THIS DOCUMENT WA� FINANCED IN PART THROUGH
r PLANNING GXANT FROM THE NATIONAL VCEANOGRAPHIC AND
ATMOSPHERI-C DMINISTRATION.

US Department of commerce
roAA coastal services center Library
2234 South Nobson Avenue
charleston, SC 29405-2413

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE RESIDENTS OF
HYDE COLUN, NORTH CAROL INA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

J. B. Berry, Chairman

Eddie O'Neal Mitchell P. Newman

Clifford Swindell, County Coordinator

LAND USE COORDINATING COMMITTEE

Leon Ballance June Liverman
Charlie Carawan Richard Mann
Howard Clayton David O'Neal, Sr.
Bennett Emory Betty Potter
Hank Harvey

COUNTY LAND USE COMMITTEE

H. L. Ballance Don Green Roger Shannon
Kirby Ballance Phillip Greene Joe L. Simmons
Billy Batchelor Morgan Harris Ben Simons
John H. Brickhouse Donald Harris Leonard Smith
Robert Bryant Wade Hubers Ross Smith
Carl Cahoon Al Hubers Ben Smith
Joyce Carawan Elmer Hubers Betty Spencer
Roy Clarke Tommy Jones Gratz Spencer
Edward Lee Clayton Bill Lawrence Roger A. Spencer
Scot Coble Pat Leigh R. S. Spencer
Jimmy Dunbar Leewood Lupton Roland Tooley
Alex Eley Dan McInnis Frank Wardlow
David Esham George O'Neal Thurman Whitley
C. J. Gibbs James Roberts Joe Williams
Lee Dale Gray Jack Willis

PROJECT STAFF:

Robert H. Loomis, Community Planner
Debra Ingalls, Secretary
Mary Noe, Secretary
Patricia Sheppard, Secretary
Danny Smith, Draftsman
Mike Yount, Draftsman

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

Cover Page i

Table of Contents ii iv

List of Tables v

List of Maps vi

List of Figures vii

Introduction 1

Existing Conditions 7
Population 8
Economy 17
Existing Land Use 21

Implications for the Future 34

Areas Likely to Experience Growth 37

Current Plans and Policies 38
Water Facilities 39
Transportation 45
Recreation 47
Open Space 47
Land Use Plans 48
Land Use Policies 48
Zoning Ordinance 48
Subdivision Regulations 48
Floodway Ordinances 48
Building Codes 48
Septic Tank Regulations 48
Historic District Regulations 49
Nuisance Regulations 49
Dune Protection Ordinances 49
Sedimentation Codes 49
Environmental Impact Statement Ordinances 49

Public Participation so
Future Population, Economic Trends S1
Housing and Services 53
Conservation of Natural Resources 54

Protection of Natural Environments S8
Land Use Objectives, Policies and Standards 59
Public Participation Program 63

Constraints Upon Development 68
Physical Limitations 69
Natural Hazard Areas 70
Soil Limitations 74
Water Supply Areas 79

Fragile Areas 82
Coastal Wetlands 83
Estuarine Waters 87
Public Trust Waters 90
Remnant Species 94
Complex Natural Areas 97

Areas With Resource Potential 97
Prime Agricultural Lands 98
Drainage 101
Mineral Sites 112
Public Forests and Parks 113

Capacity of Community Facilities 117
Sewage System 118
Water Facilities 119
School Facilities 120
Primary Roads 124

Estimated Demand 127
Population Projections 127
Carrying Capacity 131
Economic Projections 132

Future Land Needs 136

Residential 136
Commercial 138
Industrial 139
Agricultural 140
Forestry 140

Future Comunity Facilities 142

Plan Description 145
Land Classification System 146

Areas of Environmental Concern 153
Coastal Wetlands 155
Estuarine Waters 156
Public Trust Waters 158
Natural Hazard Areas 159
Complex Natural Areas 160

Conclusion 161

Bibliography 167

LIST OF TABLES

Table Number Page Number

TABLE I HYDE COUNTY POPULATION 1900 - 1970 9

TABLE II HYDE COUNTY 1970 POPULATION 10
DISTRIBUTION

TABLE III POPULATION BY TOWNSHIP AND AGE GROUP 12

TABLE IV MEDIAN FAMILY INC%1E 17

TABLE V FAMILIES BY POVERTY STATUS 18
3 TABLE VI COUNTY LABOR FORCE 19

TABLE VII HYDE COUNTY HOUSING UNITS 22

TABLE VIII AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 1960 - 1970 24

TABLE IX HYDE COUNTY RETAnSALES 27

TABLE X HYDE COUNTY C%MRCIAL FOREST LAND 31

TABLE XI HYDE COUNTY' SOIL INTERPRETATIONS 77

TABLE XII HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS 128

TABLE XI I I HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS 129
BY TOWNSHIPS

TABLE XIV CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE, PERCENT 133
EMPLOYMENT BY ACTIVITY

LIST OF MAPS

Map Number Description Page Number

MAP 1 LOCATION OF HYDE COUNTY 2

MAP 2 TOWNSHIPS WITHIN HYDE COUNTY 11

MAP 3 WATER SERVICE AREAS 41

MAP 4 FISHING WATERS OF HYDE COUNTY 56

MAP 5 SHORE EROSION FOR HYDE COUNTY 72

MAP 6 COUNTY SOILS DISTRIBUTION 76

MAP 7 FRAGILE AREAS 84

MAP 8 CLOSED FISHING WATERS 88

MAP 9 STREAM CLASSIFICATION 92

MAP 10 WILDLIFE REFUGE IDENTIFICATION 115

MAP 11 CavVUNITY FACILITIES 121

LIST OF FIGURES

FiRure Number Description Page Number

FIGURE 1 TYPICAL ARTIFICIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM 105

FIGURE 2 SEASONAL GROUND WATER FLOW CONDITIONS 107

vii

INTRODUCTION

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Introduction

This document is the Land Use Development Plan for Hyde

County, North Carolina, resulting from legislation enacted by

the North Carolina General Assembly, G.S. 113A-100, The Coastal

Area Management Act of 1974. Upon enactment, responsibility for

directing the land use planning efforts within the twenty

coastal counties of the state was delegated to the Coastal

Resources Commission and the Coastal Resources Advisory Council.

The purpose of the Coastal Area Management Act is to develop

a comprehensive plan for the protection, preservation, orderly

development, and management of the coastal area. The Act requires

that each coastal county develop a land use plan, incorporating

long-range goals and methods by which needed or desired growth

may occur, at the same time recognizing the capacity of the land

and water to sustain such growth. The Coastal Resources Com-

mission adopted the State Guidelines for Local Planning in the

Coastal Area under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974.

Hyde County is located in the coastal plain of North Carolina,

encompassing the southeast quadrant of the peninsula which

separates the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. More specifically,

the county is bounded by the Pungo River and Beaufort County on

the west, Washington and Tyrrell and Dare counties on the north,

and the Pamlico Sound on the south and east. Unlike most counties,

however, Hyde consists of two distinct sections, the mainland

portion, previously described, and the Island of Ocracoke.

Located approximately thirty (30) miles southeast, across

Pamlico Sound from the mainland, Ocracoke forms a portion of

the famous Outer Banks of North Carolina. A majority of the

island's area is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The county, therefore, represents divergent and complex land

use patterns and interests.

Public Participation

In January, 1975, the local planning effort was initiated.

The published guidelines stressed the concept of public partici-

pation, emphasizing a desire of the process was to achieve the maximum

possible degree of public participation by residents in the

design and development of the plan. Therefore, residents of the

county have been encouraged to make the basic determinations

regarding future land use policies of the county based upon their

perceptions of the county's future requirements and existing

inadequacies. To coordinate the county's effor-h, the Board of

County Commissioners contracted with the North Carolina Depart-

ment of Natural and Economic Resources' Division of Community

Assistance for a profe$s ional planner. Preliminary discussions

were held to discuss with the elected officials and community

leaders methods by which the plan could be developed. In ac-

cordance with the guidelinesthe role of the professional planner

was designated as a facilitator for public participation,

organizing citizens, providing technical assistance and serving

as an interpreter of the Coastal Resources Commission's

guidelines.

In anticipation of the guidelines' requirements for sub-

stantial public participation, the County Board of Commissioners

designated that a county-wide citizen organization be established

named the Hyde County Land Use Committee. This group evolved to

become the nucleus of the citizen planning effort in the county.

Early in the planning process, it became apparent that it

was impractical to assume that one person would have a specific

knowledge of the entire county; thus, the committee was divided

into subcommittees, along township lines. The role of the sub-

committees was to develop and recommend adoption of the county-

wide standards and policies.

While the township committees became the focal point of the

planning effort, this was not to the exclusion of the remaining

county residents. The planneralong with members of the township

committees met, with local civic organizations, single purpose

groups and open public meetings to discuss the planning effort,

the benefits of a land use plan; and the concept that a land use

plan is a flexible foundation for the future development and

conservation of the county's natural resources.

Recognizing the time constraints established by the Com-

mission's guidelines and the limitations upon individual com-

mitments, a county-wide coordinating committee was formed. Two

members from each township planning committee were selected to be

members of the coordinating committee. The role of the committee

wasto provide input to the planner about the issues raised at

their local meetings and to interchange these ideas with the

representatives from the other townships. Thus, there was a

continual flow of information.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Existing Conditions

The purpose of this section of the Land Use Development

ft Plan is to evaluate existing conditions within the county,

specifically demographic and economic patterns.

Population

It is significant to note that the population of the

county has been declining since the turn of the century. This

trend is not unique to only Hyde County but for a majority of

rural counties and communities as well. The primary cause for

this steady decline in population is due to the desire of young

adults to relocate. As they complete their education, many have

left the rural atmosphere seeking the amenities and life style

of the city. The Hyde County experience is consistent with

that phenomenon. It is noteworthy that during the decades of

the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's, when most cities experienced their

greatest growth, the county simultaneously witnessed its greatest

population declines. The following table illustrates the

population statistics for the county from 1900 through 1970.

TABLE I

HYDE COUNTY POPULATION 1900-1970

YEAR POPULATION NUMERICAL CHANGE PERCENTAGE CHANGE
40
1900 9,278 - -

1910 8.,840 -483 4.72

1920 8,386 -454 4.13

1930 8,550 +164 1.96

1940 7,860 -690 8.07

1950 6,579 -1,281 16.30

1960 5,765 -814 12.34

1970 5,571 -194 3.37

SOURCE: Census of the United States

The 1970 Census, however, reflects that there was a sharp

decrease in the rate of population decline, from over twelve

(12%) percent in 1960 to less than four (4%) percent in 1970.

At the present time it is premature to speculate upon whether the

population of the county will continue to decline, level off, or

experience expansion. Much of the future is dependent upon

economic decisions, land use decisions and philosophical values

that affect personal decision making. Current studies indicate

that the trend of out migration from rural areas of the United

States may be reversing, with individuals and families from

metropolitan areas beginning to relocate in rural areas. This

appears to be a result of high crime rates, high property tax

rates, and generally unfulfilled personal expectations with life

in the city.

The county's 1970 population distribution by townships is

illustrated in the following table:

TABLE II

HYDE COUNTY 1970 POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
Racial Composition

Township White Black Total

Currituck 609 485 1,094

Fairfield 370 212 582

Lake Landing 1,093 1,264 2,357

Ocracoke 412 7 419

Swan Quarter 788 331 1,119

TOTALS 3,272 2,299 5,571

SOURCE: 1970 Census, 5th Count

Table II reflects that a majority of the population resides

in three townships: Currituck, Swan Quarter and Lake Landing.

Geographically, the dominant population distribution occurs in

the southern portion of the mainland portion of the county. The

racial composition of the county, also denoted on the above table,

reflects that 58.7 percent of the county is white, while the

remaining 42.3 percent is black.
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The following table shows the population distribution by

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TOWNSHIPS
HYDE COUNTY

NORTH CAROUNA

township, according to age groups.

TABLE III

POPULATION BY TOWNSHIP AND AGE GROUP

TOWNSHIP 0-16 17-21 22-44 45-59 60+

Currituck 372 57 280 147 238

Fairfield 201 14 126 127 114

Lake Landing 928 231 501 326 371

Ocracoke 119 20 108 114 58

Swan Quarter 325 104 229 206 255

SUB TOTALS 1,945 426 1,244 920 1,036

PERCENTAGES 34.9 7.6 22.3 16.5 18.6

SOURCE: 1970 Census, 5th Count

The table shows that over fifty (50%) percent of the pop-

ulation is in age groups in which individuals may, to some

degree, be dependent upon others for support. This support may

be provided by either famili.es or public agencies. Recently,

the largest increases in the county's public ass:Lstance have

occurred in the payments made in old age assistance and aid to

families with dependent children. However, this should not be

interpreted to mean that all individuals over the age of sixty

or below age sixteen are receiving assistance; only that payments

to these age. groups have continually shown increases. The

10 12

significance of the preceeding fifty (50%) percent figure does

imply that there are serious problems when the county must rely

upon half of the population to produce its goods and services.

Thus, as may be expected, the tax resources of local government

decline while demands for services normally increase.

Seasonal Population

Hyde County, like other coastal counties of North Carolina,

has additional population concerns regarding part-time, seasonal

residents. This group is composed of two elements - tourists

and migrant workers. Generally these individuals and families

bring additional revenues to the county, although they at the

same time place additional demands upon various governmental

services.

The impact of the tourist industry in the county is predom-

inantly associated with the Island of Ocracoke. The permanent

population of the Village'is 419; however, during the tourist

season the daily population may exceed 1,300. This expanded

population reflects the total utilization of all motel rooms,

rental cottages and the National Park Service campgrounds. The

implications of this increased summer population upon the demand

for governmental services is obvious, especially in the areas of

police protection, emergency medical service, sewage disposal and

water supply. Police protection responsibilities are divided

among three agencies: the Hyde County Sheriff's Department,

the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the National Park Service.

The County Sheriff's Department generally employs two full-time

deputy sheriffs on the island. The department, however, does

not have a detention facility on the island; and should the need

arise, prisoners must be transported to Hatteras Island. This

is a cumbersome process encompassing a ferry ride, in turn re-

sulting in a fifty (50%) percent reduction in county provided

law enforcement capabilities.

In terms of health care requirements and needs, only one

physician is a resident and practices in the county. Therefore,

one of the island's deputy sheriffs also doubles as the emergency

medical service coordinator. A medical center is located in

Manteo; however, if hospitalization is required),the hospital

utilized by the island residents is in Beaufort, N. C. Trans-

portation to the center involves a ferry ride to Cedar Island,

approximately 2@2 hours in duration. Althoughin cases of ex-

treme emergency,the U.S. Coast Guard may provide air-medivac

services. In the main, medical services on the island are

primative.

In addition to the aforementioned services, the county

and especially the village experience a strain upon water

supplies, sewage disposal and solid waste disposal. Currently,

fresh water is supplied from two sources - rain water collection

and individual wells. While the water is not polluted, it has

an unpleasant taste, principally due to high concentrations of

saline elements. Therefore, to alleviate the problems associated

with water supply, peak demand and potential pollution, a central

water system is presently being designed.

Waste water disposal on the island is accLomplished via

individual septic systems. Soil characteristics indicate that

large scale development or a proliferation of septic tanks could

result in health hazards. The primary problem is that sandy

soils do not adequately remove undesirable nutrients from waste

water, due to rapid perculation-i resulting in potential pollution

of nearby waters which are presently sources of water supply.

Equally as difficult, is the removal and disposal of solid

waste. Recent federal legislation has caused the,closure of the

local trash dump, resulting in the off-island disposal of waste.

During the summer, the solid waste must be removed on a daily

basis to both the Buxton and Manteo facilities.

on the mainland of the county, the seasonal population im-

pact is not as significant and is generally confined to sports

fishing enthusiasts during the summer, and hunters during the

fall and winter season. Perhaps the only negative impacts

arising from these two groups relate to the lack of adequate

parking, which is a function of lot size requirements and parking

standards which do.not currently exist in.the county. In addition

,to the sports enthusiasts, migrant-workers also are a noticeable

seasonal population. Generally, the migrant workers arrive in

June and July and assist in the harvest of truck crops: cucumbers,

cabbage, and sweet corn. Although the number of migrant workers

varies from year to year, there are normally 300 to 400 workers

in the county. Perhaps the greatest concern raised by the

0
arrival of the workers is the adequacy of housing. Group

quarters are available in Fairfield.

Economy

The economy of,the county is dominated by three activi-

ties: agricultural production, commercial fishing and tourism,

with most of the county's residents being associated with

agriculture and fishing. The economic well-being of the county

is obviously a reflection of the intensity of the above-mentioned

activities as well as others. The measure of the economic status

of the county residents may more specifically be evaluated by

measuring the following economic factors: median family income,

employment statistics and the distribution of goods and services.

The first measure, median family income, is defined as that

level of income from which fifty (50%) percent of all the county's

families are above and the other fifty (50%) percent are below.

According to the 1970 census, the median family income level in

Hyde County is $4,478. This figure becomes more significant when

compared to the median family income figures for the State of

North Carolina.

TABLE IV

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

Hyde County $4,478

North Carolina $-7,774

United States $9,869

SOURCE: 1970 U.S. Census

The table illustrates that the county's median family income

was below the state and national average. In additionwhen

compared to the other 100 counties in the state, Hyde ranks

99 exceeding only Tyrrell County in median family income.

Another useful measure of the county's overall economic

status is the average family income. In 1970 the income figure

was $6,177, nearly $1,700 above the median family income. The

difference between the two figures pQints out that there are

significant segments of the population making less than the

average family income; and according to the 1970 Census,ap-

proximately 33.5 percent of all families in the county lived

below the poverty level. Table.V illustrates the distribution

of families living above and below the poverty level.

TABLE V

FAMILIES BY POVERTY STATUS 1970

TOWNSHIP FAMILIES ABOVE POVERTY STATUS FAMILIES BELOW POVERTY
STATUS

RECEIVING ASS'T NOT REC. RECEIVING ASS'T NOT REC.

Currituck 4 137 12 112

Fairfield 0 101 14 52

Lake Landing 27 338 26 143

Ocracoke 8 90 0 13

Swan Quarter 4 189 34 59

COUNTY TOTALS 43 855 86 379

SOURCE: 1970 Census, 5th Count

As of 1970, two townships appear to have the greatest

proportion of poverty level income families: Currituck and

Lake Landing, having forty-six (46%) percent and thirty-one

(31%) percent of the-families below the poverty level respec-

tively. From this information,-it may be assumed that the de-

mand for public assistance payments is high, although from

the table many families appear not to be receiving assistance

payments.

Another measure of the overall economic status of the

county is the rate of employment. The following table reflects

the status of the county's labor force:

TABLE VI

COUNTY LABOR FORCE

YEAR TOTAL FORCE EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED UNEMPLOYMENT
RATE

1962 1,840 1,700 140 7.6

1972 1,710 1,540 170 9.9

The table reflects that two changes have occurred in the labor

force from 1962 to 1972: the size of the labor force-has been

reduced and the rate of unemployment has increased. This may

be a direct result of the county's population decrease, thus

causing a decrease in the employment opportunities. In terms

of the general welfare of the public and the allocation of

resources, this experience may cause serious complications

for the county.

The preceeding data does not paint an encouraging picture

of the county's economic status; however, there are many bright

spots. The county-wide retail sales and farm income figures

are encouraging examples. During the period from 1962 to 1972,

total retail sales for the county increased approximately

136 percent, from $2.57 million to $6.09 million. A large

proportion of this increase may be attributed to increased

tourism within the county. This trend may reasonably be ex-

pected to not only continue but also increase in the future.

According to recent estimates from the county's

Agricultural Extension Agent, agricultural receipts have

increased. The 1974 production year yields from corn and

soybeanswere approximately $13 million. This increase re-

presents yields from farm price increases as well as a greater

production effort. It may be assumed that agricultural

production will continue to remain a primary income producer

for county residents in the future.

EXISTING LAND USE

Existing Land Use

Prior to the formulation of a land use plan for the county,

a survey of existing conditions is required. The following section

will identify and analyze the existing use of land for residential,

agricultural, commercial, public purpose and recreational.

Accompanying the identification of these trends are implications

for future land uses in the county as well as a forecast of

areas likely to experience changes in the future.

Residential

The pattern of residential settlement in Hyde County is not

unlike other rural North Carolina counties. Single-family de-

tached dwelling units are the primary components of the housing

stock. According to the 1970 Census there were 1,923 dwelling

units in the county. The following table illustrates the dis-

tribution of housing units in Hyde County:

TABLE VII.

HYDE COUNTY HOUSING UNITS

COUNT OF ALL OCCUPIED VACANT
TOWNSHIP UNITS UNITS- UNITS
Currituck 374 324 so

Fairfield 195 175 20
Lake Landing 764 616 140
Ocracoke 198 144 54

Swan Quarter 392 345 47

TOTALS 1,923 1,604 311

SOURCE: 1970 Census, 5th Count

Of the 1,923 dwelling units identified, 311 were determined to be

vacant, and of the remaining 1,612 units a total of 153 were

identified as mobile homes. A land use survey of existing con-

ditions conducted in July, 1975, revealed that there were in ex-

cess of 285 mobile homes, an increase of 84 percent since 1970.

This increase, no doubt, reflects recent economic conditions which

make it difficult for individuals and families to purchase the

"traditional" single family home.

The majority of dwelling units within the county are single

family homes and, not including migratory labor housing units,

only one multi-family or apartment complex exists in the county.

That complex is located on U.S. 264 near the village of Swan

Quarter and has been developed by the regional housing authority,

financed partially by the federal government. The complex in-

cludes a total of thirty-five (35) units-which are available to

low and moderate income county residents.

The majority of residential units are located in rural

areas of the county, principally along the frontage of primary

and secondary roads of the county. There are, however, several

points of residential concentration scattered throughout the

county: Ponzor, Scranton, Sladesville, Fairfield, Swan Quarter

and Engelhard. Of the preceeding, Swan Quarter and Engelhard are

the most developed. None of the above developed areas have

incorporated.

Agriculture

Agricultural production is the principal source of income

in Hyde County. Crop production includes corn, soybeans, wheat,

cucumbers and other truck crops. Corn and soybean production

are the dominant activities. According to the 1969 Census of

Agriculture, Hyde County was the fifth largest producer of

soybeans in the state, with over 28,000 acres under cultivation.

The following table reflects some of the recent county-wide

agricultural trends:

TABLE VIII

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 1960-1970

1960 1970

Acres in Farms 80,000 103,719

Total Farm Income 2,422,000 6,062,000

Crop Production Income 2,039,000 4,495,000

Livestock Income 256,000 1,567,000

SOURCE: Census of Agriculture 1959, 1969

In addition to crop production increases, an increase in

livestock production has also been experienced. Livestock pro-

duction is centered in the nortl*estern quadrant of the county,

where the higher elevations are most prevalent. The above table

reflects that substantial income increases have accrued to the

livestock producers. The County Agricultural Extension Agent's

office has indicated that this trend has continued and income

from swine and cattle production exceeded the $6,000,000

(six million dollar) figure in 1974. Thus, when combined with

the crop production figure, the county realized income of

approximately $12,000,000 (twelve million dollars) for 1974,

nearly doubling the 1970 figure.

A majority of this income is produced by family farms,

although in terms of aggregate size, corporate or "super" farms

located in the county tend to dominate many conversations about

agricultural production. However, at the present time, the

family farm is the major income producer and is likely to remain

so for years to come. The three corporate ventures that exist

in the county are First Colony Farms, American Cynamid and the

Pamlico Partnership. In combinatiopthese corporate ventures

control approximately 120,000 acres or 30 percent of the county's

total land area. However, only a small percentage of this acreage

is under cultivation at this time.

Agricultural production in Hyde County is a complicated

process, and highly dependent upon the climatic conditions.

Briefly, the process for land preparation for cultivation re-

quires that two activities occur: first, the land be cleared of

trees, and secon4 a system of drainage canals be excavated. The

trees are first cut and the timber sold for either pulp or hard-

wood products. The remaining fibrous materials are placed into

windrows and burned. The compclexity@of the drainage system is

dependent upon the elevation of the tract of land and the degree

to which ponding occurs subsequent to rains. The importance

of the drainage system is not to be taken lightly; for without

adequate drainage,crop procluction in Hyde County would not be

possible. Generally, there are three types of drainage ditches

required: the main canals leading to a stream or other body of

water, the collector canals and the field ditches.

The man-made drainage system provides two functions: it

lowers the existing water table making cultivation possible,-and

secondly, provides accelerated drainage subsequent to heavy

rains. On the average, Hyde County receives approximately

55 inches of rain per year. However, in recent years up to 72

inches have been recorded. Not only does the average rainfall

pose problems as well as benefits, but it may come in short

periods of time causing flooding in the fields; and if not

removed quickly,the rain causes serious damage especially to

the valuable corn and soybean crops.

Commercial Activity

Comparison shopping opportunities in the county are limited

with the principal commercial centers located in Swan Quarter,

Ocracoke and Engelhard -the latter being the largest in the'

county. According to volume, Ocracoke may be the greatest
revenue source due to the tourist trade. In addition 'to the

major retail activity areasa minor,amount of sales and service

activity exists throughout the remainder of the county. Most

notably this activity occurs in Fairfield, the Scranton/Sladesville

area and in PonZer. Much of that activity is located along

primary transportation routes and at important crossroads. The

better opportunities for comparison shopping are located in

Belhaven, Washington and Greenville, North Carolina. Although

the retail sales of the county are relatively low, the following

table reflects that the county's sales have increased from 1960

through 1970.

TABLE IX

HYDE COUNTY RETAIL SALES

YEAR AGGREGATE AMOUNT

1960-61 2,539,767

1965-66 3,621,101

1970-71 5,801,429

1971-72 6,091,580

As illustrated above, retail sales since 1960 have increased

approximately 40 percent,- the greatest increase occurring in

the areas of food, automotive related and general merchandise.

The adequacy of the county's retail sales activity is

difficult to evaluate, adequacy being defined as providing a full

range of comparison shopping opportunities. As previously men-

tioned, the largest commercial activity center in the county is

located in Engelhard, providing a full range of shopping op-

portunities. However, it is not centrally located; thus,

residents in western portions of the county travel to Belhaven

and Washington, N. C. for purchases. A significant constraint

upon the expansion of the existing commercial activity is the

low population density and the great distances involved in

traveling from one side of the county to the other. Due to

the existing low density of population, the impact of commercial

activity upon adjacent land uses is not a detrimental factor,

unless they are located in an area which is subject to flooding

and/or they utilize an inadequate septic tank for the discharge

of their waste water.

Land utilized for wholesale and industrial uses is quite

limited. The development plans for the Pamlico Partnership,

however, does propose an industrial park development having

access to the Alligator River. Presently, the largest industrial

type activity is located in Lake Landing Township and is the

chip mill operated by the Pamlico Corporation. The mill
0
utilizes barges as the principal mode of transporting their

product from the county to Norfolk, Virginia, using the Intra-

Coastal Waterway. The impact upon the county is limited. Also

located in Engelhard is the county's largest grain wholesale

operation.

Commercial fish companies located in Engelhard, Swan Quarter

and Rose Bay are the county's m4jor source of commercial fishing

activity. Primarily supplying shrimp, crabs and oysters these

activities are some of the oldest commercial operations in the

county, contributing approximately 2 million dollars of revenue

to the Hyde County economy. Located along the northside of the

Pamlico Sound, these companies have established the county as a

center for the commercial fishing industry.

As in the past, the present level of industrial development
0
in the county is not great. This is probably due to several

factors: no railroad access, high water table and inadequate

sewage disposal facilities for intensive industrial development.

Recreation

Recreational opportunities in Hyde County are provided by

both the public (governmental) and private sectors. A wealth

of outdoor recreational opportunities existsin the county due to

its water resources, wildlife, scenic areas, campgrounds and

vacation sites.

The water resources of the county include both salt and

fresh water. For commercial and sports fishing the Pamlico

Sound and the Atlantic Ocean are directly available from the

county, from either the mainland or Ocracoke Island. New Lake,

Swan Lake, Lake Mattamuskeet, Alligator River and the Pungo River

all provide fresh water recreational opportunities.

Hunting may be one of the largest recreation-oriented in-

come producers in the county, with the exception of the Ocracoke

Tourist Industry. Contributing to the abundance of wildlife, 0

several animal refuges are located in the county.

Gull Rock Wildlife Area - State of North Carolina

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge - Federal 0

Swan Quarter National Wildlife Refuge - Federal

Pungo National Wildlife Refuge - Federal

In addition to the managed hunting on the wildlife areas, 0

the North Carolina Wildlife Commission maintains public hunting

29 0

rights on private land under the North Carolina Gamelands

Program. Hunting as an active recreational resource is very

important to the economy of the county. The passive recreational

activities associated with bird watching are also valuable

economic resources of the county. Many sightseers annually stop

to watch the various migratory birds which stop at Lake

Mattamuskeet for the winter.

The recently published study Wildlife and Land Use Planning

With Particular Reference to Coastal Counties relates that

relatively high deer and black bear populations are present in

the county. It is estimated that over 65,000 man days of re-

creational pursuit are derived from the deer and black bear

hunting season. Hyde County is recognized as one of the finest
0 hunting areas in the eastern United States for duck and geese

with over 42,000 man days of pursuit provided. Due to a change

in the wintering grounds of the geese, their population in the

county has declined from a high 100,000 to 25,000 birds. Ducks,

on the other hand,have increased slightly to approximately

135,000 birds.

Private recreational facilities are limited to the Ponzor

area and Ocracoke Island. The Riverside Campgrounds in Ponzor

is the only private recreational campground on the mainland

providing swimming, boating and a game room for its patrons.

Likewise, Ocracoke Island provides camping and fishing opportunities

with the camping facilities provided by the Cape Hatteras

National Seashore. The planned initiation of ferry service from

Swan Quarter to Ocracoke will doubtlessly increase Ocracoke's

importance as a recreational resource.

Forestry

Forestry and related activities have a great potential in

the county. Of the county's 392,320 acres of land, excluding

Ocracoke, approximately 245,000 acres are classified as wood-

lands and a large percentage of this area could be harvested for

commercial purposes. The following table reflects the ownership

of the commercial forest land in Hyde County:

TABLE X:

HYDE COUNTY COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND
BY OWNERSHIP AND PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL AREA

Federal Ownership 14,256 5%

State 12,850 5%

Forest Industry 39,635 16%

Farmer 46,468 19%

Corporate 82,613 33%

Individual 49,042 21%

TOTAL AREA 244,864 100%

The previous table reflects that the commercial forest in-

dustry owns approximately 16 percent of the total woodlands within

the county; a majority of this acreage is located within

Currituck Township and is subject to selective harvesting and 0

replanting. By and large, however, a majority of the county's

31 0

woodland, if harvested, would not be replanted for commercial

purposes and likely would be converted to agricultural land.

For example, corporate ownership of woodlands located in Lake

Landing Township approaches 83,000 acres and is projected to be

developed for agricultural production. Therefore, the normal

process allows for harvesting only once, then the use is con-

verted. The table also identifies that approximately 40 per-

cent of the commercial woodland is owned by individuals and

farmers; therefore, much of the forestry potential in the

county is dependent upon individual decision making.

The forest industry's 39,000 acres are primarily located

in the Scranton/Sladesville area, on the southside of U.S. 264

extending to the Pungo River. These lands are both selectively

cut and clear cut depending upon the species. The primary

species of timber found in Hyde County are the Pond Pine

variety, on approximately 172,000 acres and the Oak-Gum and Cypress

totalling approximately 54,000 acres. Like many coastal counties,

the soft wood stands in Hyde County are the dominate form of

woodland growth. in terms of productivity, the majority of the

county's forested areas are classified as capable of producing

less than 85 cubic feet per acre annually with over 120,000

being incapable of producing 50 cubic feet per acre annually.

For commercial purposes, the woodlands of the county are not

economically the prime areas for harvesting and reseeding

practices. Therefore, one may assume that forestry activities

may become more closely associated with land clearing practices

rather than attempting to produce high yield forests for commercial

activity.

EXISTING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS

Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems, and Major Problems
Which Have Resulted from Unplanned Development and Which Have
Implications for Future Land Use.

The existing land use map denotes that, at the present time,

there are few land use compatibility problems. Normally in the

"traditional" urban planning process, compatibility problems are

identified as those where two or more land use types are adjacent

to each other and one is restrained from expansion due to adverse

conditions, thus new investment is discouraged. More speci-

fically a land use compatibility problem may exist when indus-

trial development intrudes into residential areas, or the flight

pattern of air traffic into and out of an airport is over resi-

dential areas or other congested areas. For the purposes of

evaluation, with respect to Hyde County, these compatibility

considerations may be divided into physical and environmental

catagories.

Physical Conditions

The land use map reflects that physical development in the

county is relatively limited and has not advanced to a state
4D which causes serious compatibility problems. One area, the

Village of Ocracoke, however, does exhibit characteristics of

physical compatibility problems. The village is located at the

southern end of Ocracoke island occupying approximately 775

acres of the island's land mass. The remaining acreage is under

the jurisdiction of the U.S. National Park Service. The physical

compatibility problems present in the village are due to mixed

residential and commercial land uses, compounded by inadequate

off-street parking resulting in vehicular and pedestrian cir-

culation problems.

Future development in the village will almost certainly

occur; therefore,action to provide for adequate physical com-

patibility is required. The nature of this action is to provide

for the separation of land use types thus maintaining the current

atmosphere of the village as well as property values.

Environmental Conditions

On the other hand, there are also environmental considerations

and implications resulting from current development that one can-

not ascertain from the land use map. The environmental consid-

erations are two-fold; firsthaving to do with wastewater dis-

posal; and secondrelating to drainage. Wastewater disposal is

a county-wide consideration and no doubt isor shortly will be-

come,a major constraint upon future development. At the present

time, the more developed areas like Swan Quarter, Engelhard,

Ocracoke, to name a few, are most affected by sewage disposal

problems. Since a municipal sewage system does not exist, waste-

water disposal is accomplished through the utilization of on-lot

disposal techniques. The ability of these individual systems

to perform properly is dependent upon several factors, including

soil conditions, water table levels, and the proximity to other

units. The developed areas of the county do not have the best

soil conditions for septic systems although they may work

adequately on the mainland if they are given proper drainage

fields. The crowding of commercial or residential activities

together on small lots tends to cause wastewater pollution

problems. This is especially true on Ocracoke where the

sandy soils do not remove toxic wastes from the water and

transfers the waste directly into adjacent waters.

An important consideration for the future of the county

will be sewage disposal. Should development occur to any

degree, the environmental considerations of lot size, area

needed for on-lot disposal or the desirability of a central

system will have to be evaluated.

In addition to wastewater disposal, agricultural drainage

is an environmental consideration of growing importance.

Briefly, the question revolves around the need for agricultural

drainage ditches and at the same time the need to maintain the

integrity of the estuarine waters for shell and fin fish. Un-

fortunately, all the data is not in on many of the basic questions

concerning this issue. it may be reasonably assumed that the

issue will intensify in the future. It must be noted that the

central issue is not one of either or, but rather both. Again,

this is dependent upon adequate collection'and evaluation of

data and perhaps the development of new techniques. For a com-

plete discussion of this topic, refer to the section titled

"Areas witli Resource Potential".

Areas Experiencing or Likely to Experience Major Land Use Changes

At the present time, there are two areas of the county

experiencing land use changes, while one or two other areas

have the potential to change in the future. The existing land

use map denotes that the two major areas are undergoing a change

and are colored brown located in the northern section of Lake

Landing and Currituck Townships. These changes are totally

associated with the large corporate farms and, more particularly,

are reflections of their current land clearing activities. The

basic change is from woodland to agricultural land. The im-

plications for the future are,therefore,associated with agri-

cultural production and drainage.

In addition to those very obvious land use changes, the

only other major changes that may be anticipated are associated

with the new Ocracoke-Swan Quarter ferry. Those changes will

probably have a more noticeable impact upon Swan Quarter than

Ocracoke.

CURRENT PLANSj POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

Current Plans, Policies and Regulations

This element of the county's land use plan is an identifi-

cation of current plans, policies and regulations which will have

an impact upon present and future land uses. Specifically, this

includes transportation plans, community facility plans, utility

extension policies and other regulations. These items are signi-

ficant in terms of what they will or will not affect. For

example, if the county has a policy that it will provide central

sewage collection to every home in the county, growth is en-

couraged everywhere and at a very high cost to the county and

perhaps to adjacent land owners as well. The decisions made by

elected officials may either assist or hinder the future of the

county.

Water Facility Plans

in 1968, the Hyde County Comprehensive Water and Sewer

Study was completed. That study proposed that consideration be

given to the development of public water supply systems for the

existing population centers throughout the county: Swan Quarter,

Engelhard, Fairfield, Scranton, Sladesville and New Holland. The

study further recommended that as the population growth in-

creased along U.S. 264, consideration be given to the construction

of a county-wide water system. The study also recommended that

a detailed study be completed for the Village of Ocracoke.

Subsequent to the publication of the study and the in-

creasing demand for fresh water, two water associations were

formed and central supply systems constructed in Swan Quarter

and Engelhard. Later the water supply was extended to New

Holland and later central water supplies were available to

those residents of the county who lived between Swan Quarter

and Engelhard.

Recently, 1975, the County Commissioners purchased the

two independent systems from their respective water associates

for the purpose of establishing a county-wide water system.

The county-wide system will combine the existing Engelhard and

Swan Quarter systems into a configuration that will ultimately

provide central water supply capabilities to the residents of

Fairfield, Rose Bay and Scranton. Future extensions are also

proposed for the Sladesville and Ponzer communities. Initiation

of@the first phase of construction occurred in late 1975.

The focal point of this new system is the Fairfield

community where a well field, treatment facility and 100,000

gallon elevated water tower are to be located. The new system

will connect into the Engelhard complex at the intersection of

S.R. 1311 with S.R. 1315 following S.R. 1311 along the north

side of Lake Mattamuskeet to the Fairfield community. From

the west side of Fairfield the main transmission line will

follow S.R. 1305 to the intersection of 1304, heading west

to Rose Bay intercepting a line from Swan Quarter at the

1304, U.S. 264 intersection-. One line will then follow

HYDE COUNTY

WATER SERVICE AREAS

LEGEND:

EXISTING SYSTEM SERVICE AREA

EXTENSION SYSTEM SERVICE AREA

FUTURE SYSTEM SERVICE AREA

MAP

L
- - - - - - -- - - - - - -

--- ---------

A K E M A i r. A M U S K 8 E 7

cz,

WATER

SERVICE AREA's".

HYDE COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

Alm

U.S. 264 to Scranton servic@-7-- area. The completion of this

phase of the water system will provide central. water service to

approximately 600+ potential consumers.

Construction plans for a central water supply system for the

Village of Ocracoke have also been completed. This portion of

the county water supply system is to be operated by an inde-

pendent water association. The Ocracoke system will provide

service to the residents and business ventures of the village

as well as to the U.S. Coast Guard Station and the National

Park Service. The system will be composed of two deep wells, a

desalination facility and two storage tanks with a combined

capacity of 500,000 gallons. This facility will provide a

four-day supply of water, based upon estimated peak usage

demands. Current estimates call for approximately 100,000 gallons

per day capacity required during the summer months, declining

to 25,000 gallons per day during the winter.

The proposed construction of these two systems has signi-

ficant implications for county land use trends. The provision

of central water supply and service is obviously one technique

which a community may utilize to stimulate growth. The provision

of basic services such as sewer and water have the tendency to

increase development of both commercial and residential sectors

of the economy. With improved access to central water, develop-

ment may increase; ho'Oever, solutions to adequate sewage disposal

will have to be discovered as well, and until then, development

may be restrained. The provision of central water services

to county residents is no doubt a blessing, especially in light

of the 1968 study which pointed out that approximately fifty

(50%) percent of the families did not have safe or approved

water supplies.

The county has employed a water system manager for the

mainland portion of the county and the Ocracoke system will be

managed by the Ocracoke Sanitary District. Perhaps the most

important aspect of the system other than the basic supplying

of water are the policies regarding the provision or extension

of service. There are two fundamental responsibilities of the

county, first the county may install its meter at the property

line or, at the county's option on the customer's property

at a location mutually agreed upon. Secondly, the county re-

serves the right to refuse service unless the consumer's lines

or piping are installed in such a manner to prevent cross-

connection and back flow from a private well. In order f.or a

person to gain access to the water systerr@an application form

must be completed and a deposit placed on account with the

water service manager.

The expansion of the existing system has been initiated.

During this period, all property owners adjacent to the water

line may request that a water meter be installed. During the

construction phase, the contractor will bear the cost of in-

stallation; however, upon completion of the system a substantial

tap-on-fee will be required of individuals requesting new or

additional meters.

The provision of central water may have an impact upon the

present land use pattern. The degree of that impact is difficult

to ascertain due to the overriding developmental consideration

of sewage disposal. It may be anticipated that increased develop-

ment may occur in the areas provided with central water and that

this growth would most likely continue to occur along the road

frontage. Thus, a continuation of the existing development

pattern will no doubt continue, until sewage disposal techniques

are developed which permit higher density development to occur.

Transportation Plans

Another great impact upon the future of the county will be

the initiation of ferry service between Swan Quarter and

Ocracoke. Although discussions regarding this proposal have

been occurring for more than ten years, the State General

Assembly in 1975 appropriated funds for the construction of a

ferry and docking facility. The construction of the ferry and
docking facility has been started and initiation of service is

anticipated in 1977. The completion of the ferry will, for the

first time, provide direct access from Ocracoke to the mainland

portion of the county.

As proposed by the North Carolina Department of Transpor-

tation, the docking site will occupy a 50-acre area approximately

seven-tenths (7/10) of a mile southeast of Swan Quarter on

S.R. 1128. The existing docking site on Ocracoke now utilized

for the Cedar Island Ferry is also to be used for the Swan

Quarter Ferry. The major transportation improvements are

primarily associated with the mainland docking site, and

improvements to S.R. 1128, between the terminal and

Swan Quarter proper.

The implications for the county may be substantial and

are associated with two phases: construction of the facilities

and the actual operation of the ferry. The construction phase

effects are short run in nature and may be associated with ex-

panded employment opportunities. These may occur in both the

public and private sectors, but, as noted,are only short term

in nature.

The operational implications of the ferry,no doubthave

the greatest potential to affect not only the land use pattern

but also the social and financial status of the county residents.

one of these significant impacts will be the direct access to

the mainland for the residents of Ocracoke. Previously, it was

a five or six hour one-way trip to the county seat for residents

of the island. Obviously, this has been an unfortunate hardship

upon the islandb residents

Upon the initiation of service, the ferry will increase

tourism in the county. It is from the increase in tourism that

changes in the land use pattern will result. The changes,

initially,may be expected to promote new commercial activity.

The county, at the present time, does not have a drug store,

motel or fast food establishments. The ferry will also place

Hyde County on the "tourist map" and pressures for development

may be strongest in the Swan Quarter area. Again, the greatest

constraint upon development will continue to be sewage and

waste water disposal. Immediate, explosive growth will probably

not result allowing the county to adequately direct future growth.

The additional growth that does occur will affect employment and

wages in the Swan Quarter area which mayin turn, affect new

housing starts or an increase in mobile homes, assuming no

sewage problems.

The only other transportation facility which is being

currently planned is an air facility on the north side of

U.S. 264, northeast of Engelhard. Upon completionthis will

become the only paved landing strip on the mainland.

Recreation Policies

The county's recreation is divided into active and passive

or non-intensive opportunities. The active recreational pro-

grams are funded by the county and expended by the county's

Recreation Committee. in general, the major emphasis of the

committee's focus is during summer vacation period. The com-

mittee develops and organizes programs which run during the week

from morning until sunset. The county does not have a set of

written policies regarding recreation, although it is the com-

mittee's goal to provide equal recreational opportunities to all

residents of the county.

Open Space Policies

The county does not have any written policies regarding the

provision or acquisition of open space.

10, 47

Prior Land Use Plans

The county does not have a previous land use plan.

Prior Land Use Policies

The county has not had any written land use policies.

Local Regulations

Zoning Ordinance

The county does not have a zoning ordinance.

Subdivision Regulations

The county does not have Subdivision Regulations.

Floodway Ordinances

The county does not have any regulations on floodways.

However, the county does qualify for the emergency phase of the

National Flood Insurance Program sponsored by the U.S. Department

of Housing and Urban Development..

Building Codes

The county, as a prerequisite to become qualified for the

emergency phase of the National Flood Insurance Program, adopted

the State of North Carolina Building Code.

Septic Tank Regulations

The county has adopted and through the sanitarian enforces

the State of North Carolina Septic Tank Regulations.

Historic Districts Regulations

The county has adopted no Historic District Regulations.

Nuisance Regulations

The county has not adopted any Nuisance Regulations which

relate to land use.

Dune Protection Ordinances

The county has not adopted any Dune Protection Ordinances.

Sedimentation Codes

The county has not adopted their own sedimentation code.

Environmental Impact Statement Ordinances

The county has not adopted any Environmental Impact

Statement Ordinances.

10 49

LAND USE ISSUES AND
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Principal Land Use Issues

This segment of the county land use plan is a discussion of

the major land use issues which face the county, the development

of local objectives, policies and standards as well as a dis-

cussion of the public participation activities associated with

the development of this document.

Major Land Use Issues

There are basically five components to this evaluation:

1) the population and economic trends; 2) the provision of

adequate housing and other services; 3) the conservation of

productive natural resources; 4) the protection of important

natural environments; and 5) the protection of cultural and

historic resources.

Future Population and Economic Trends

The future population of the county, according to those who

participated in the planning process, would ideally be somewhat

larger than the current population. The residents of the county

desire a moderate increase in the total population to a total

of approximately 7,000 to 8,500 people. However, they emphasize

that they do not desire to become known as "city folks" but would

rather gain additional population in a manner which would not

essentially change the current atmosphere and character of the

county. In general, the modest increases desired should be

,0
centered in areas which have experienced development, thus

10 51

reserving the vast majority of the acreage for agricultural pur- 40
poses. The ideal form of this growth would be natural, in other

words, reducing the incidence of net out-migration from the county.

obviously, there are circumstances which may occur resulting in

a potential influx of new residents; however, the over-all goal

is not to encourage rapid and uncontrolled growth.

The dominant economic trend in the county is agriculture,

with commercial fishing and tourism followi-ng at a distance. The

citizens of the county feel strongly that the basis of the local

economy should continue to be agricultural production and related

economic activities. It may be safely stated that the residents

do not desire the location of any "heavy" industries within the

county, such as massive factories which dominate the landscape

of,large industrial areas. However, the county would no doubt

welcome some form of small manufacturing operation which does not

pollute the water and air resources, but does capitalize upon the

available work force in the county.

The desires of the residents concerning the commercial fish-

ing industry are that the activity not only continue, but expand

where possible. The process of expansion is probably in two areas:

increased catches, including adequate fishing waters;and secondly,

an increase in the processing of fish products.

The tourist industry trends in the future will most cer-

tainly-increase, not only on Ocracoke but also on the mainland.

Due to a limited experience with summer tourism on the mainland,

which has previously been associated with sports fishing enthu-

siasts, there have been few feelings expressed concerning tourism.

The tourist experience by Ocracoke residents has been much longer

and is the principle source of their income.. The desires of

Ocracoke residents is that adequate facilities be established to

handle large summer population increases which the island an-

nually experiences

Provision of Adequate Housing and Services

The residents of the county have expressed several concerns

regarding the future of housing and other services. The major

concern revolves about the type of housing that the county would

prefer to have constructed. It is generally held that single

family detached housing would be the most advantageous type of

construction to have, as opposed to multi-family, apartment

building units. In addition, many feel that there has been a

significant increase in the location of mobile homes throughout

the county, and while not opposed to that type of housing, high

concentrations or inadequate facilities for mobile homes may cause

serious problems in the future.

In addition to the provision of new housing, the county will

also face the prospect of rehabilitating existing units, bringing

them up to minimum standards. Recent figures reflect that many

dwelling units in the county are substandard by reason of long

term vacancy which has led to a total state of disrepair or other

causes such as inadequate plumbing. A total of 633 units in the

county lack some orall plumbing, according to the 1970 census.
10 Of the 633 units, 460 were occupied, or approximately 28.5 percent

of the county's 1,612 occupied dwelling units.

10 53

A significant housing problem and service consideration con-

cerns the elderly. The elderly have represented one of the major

population segments within the county and many feel that their

needs are inadequately met. The residents would prefer not to

have to send their elderly family members to facilities outside

the county in order that they receive adequate health care,

housing and other needed services. At the same time,the residents

would like to see additional programs established which are

oriented toward the elderly and their needs

Perhaps one of the major concerns which the residents of

Hyde County have been attempting to find adequate solutions for

is sewage disposal. In light of recent federal legislation,

greater state involvement and future development in the county,

sewage disposal becomes a key issue. The residents of the

county recognize that central sewage disposal on a county-wide

basis is not only uneconomical but not warranted. The issue,

residents feel, must be approached from two standpoints - the

recognition that future "development" areas are going to require

a central sewage disposal system and that new, adequate on-lot

disposal techniques must also be developed. The reasons for

these needed techniques are obvious and greatly impact upon the

preservation of the productive natural resources.

Conservation of Natural Resources

The two most important natural resources in Hyde County are

the highly productive agricultural resources and the commercial

fishing waters. Agricultural production, as previously noted,

is and has been the base for the county's economy. The expansion

of agricultural production is highly desired and, to a significant

degree,is dependent upon the provision of adequate drainage. This

includes the initiation of new farm drainage canals as well as the

maintenance of the existing drainage canal system. The residents

of the county are most vocal about and dedicated to the need for

drainage. There are a few individuals who feel that drainage

from farm land is automatically harmful to the biological functions

of the estuarine waters. However, in generalthis is not true.

The drainage canals in many cases provide spawning areas for

marine life, at the same time, providing avenues by which nu-

trients from marshlands may flow to the estuarine waters. The

issue is not one sided however, and fortunately, all the data

required to make a final decision has not been collected and

evaluated by the scientific community.

Perhaps more importantly, the issue of agricultural pro-

duction versus the complete protection of the s;tate's estuarine

waters has not been addressed in terms or priorities. For

example, the world is faced with severe shortages of food, grains

and other edible.commodities,,and the United States is faced with

a loss of productive estuarine waters. A source of this loss may

be agricultural production, but in terms of the world-wide issues

there would appear to be an overriding public interest in gaining

maximum possible production. The residents of the county do not

take the position that agricultural production should be allowed

to indiscriminantly pollute the estuarine system if, in fact, this

54a

is true. But rather, the attitude is one of protecting both

resources to the extent that they are productive and economically

profitable. In other words, the complete protection of one re-

source without consideration for the validity of the other is

inappropriate. The county residents feel that a balanced

approach is necessary.

The maintenance of the estuarine system for viable com-

mercial and sports fishing is an important issue in the county,

as noted above. The extent of shell fish and fin fish resources

within the Pamlico Sound and waters adjacent to the county has

fluctuated. 'These fluctuations have been results of pollution

of the waters, changes in the salinity and other factors. In

general, however, the sports fishing industry has enjoyed in-

creasingly more participation each year. At the same time, the

commercial fishing industry, especially the county's important

shrimp and oyster businesses, have enjoyed equally good years

as well. This is not to imply that they could not have been

better.

Those residents of the county participating in the land use

planning process believed that the protection of these produc-

tive natural resources is indeed an important issue of the

future. Their concern is not that there will be too little pro-

tection, rather that the protective measures may preclude the

use of one resource in favor of another.

HYDE COUNTY

PRIME FISHING WATERS

LEGEND:

SHRIMP, CRAB, FISH NURSERY AREAS

STATE OYSTER MANAGEMENT AREAS AND NATURAL POPULATIONS
OF OYSTER, CLAM, &SCALLOPS

[w] PRIMARY ANADRAMOUS FISH SPAWNING AREAS

MAP

--- - ------

- - - - - - - - - -

A K 9 M A r r. A J@ s x e x r

PRI'

FISHING

00
HYDE COUNTY
777@7

NORTH CAROLINA

Protection of Natural Environments

The protection of natural environments has been defined by

the county's land use planning committee to be primarily associated

with wildlife habitat, unique geological areas and natural areas.

The issue was not believed to be a pressing one for Hyde County

due to the extent of federal and state land holdings in the

county. These holdings are primarily oriented toward the pro-

tection of wildlife habitat and exceed 100,000 acres within the

county. Therefore, the residents felt that adequate protection

of wildlife habitat and natural areas was sufficient.

Protection of Cultural and Historical Resources

The residents of the county who participated in the land

use planning process recognized that there were certain places

of local cultural and historical importance. However, without

an exact enumeration or complete documentation, it would be

impractical to attempt to protect these places. Therefore, an

accounting of these places and resources was recommended. Then

steps could be taken for their protection.

Alternatives Evaluated Prior to Objectives, Policies and
Standards Formulation

The alternatives that were evaluated prior to the formu-

lation of the county's objectives, policies and standards were

centralized upon two fundamentals: first, the expansion of

agricultural production and the associated need for adequate

drainage; and secondly, the recognition that the commercial

fishing industry is an important economic factor within the

county. Thus, many of the land use objectives are oriented to-

ward the expansion of these two industries, at the same time

recognizing the potential and growing importance of tourism.

The land use committee also felt that the objectives and

policies should attempt to be as specific as possible, thus phases

such as "a decent house for every county resident" do not appear.

The philosophy utilized in the county was that the adopted

policies and objectives should be generally programs which cOuld

reasonably be undertaken by the county government for the benefit

of all residents and visitors to the county. By remaining fairly

specific, it was felt that the policies could be measured in

terms of accomplishments and as an indication of the effective-

ness of,the county's governmental processes.

Land Use Objectives Policies and Standards

Policy:- Maintain agricultural production within Hyde County

1. Provide for the maintenance of all existing drainage
rights-of way.

2. Promote the development of a county-wide drainage plan
which would detail:

a. All drainage water courses, man-made and
natural,which are essential for agricultural
and forestry production.

b. The establishment of a spoil area for a minimum
distance equal to sixteen (16) feet, not to
exceed an area equal to twice the average width
of the existing water course for spoil disposal.

C. The spoil area be designed in a manner which
would not cause ponding of water behind the spoil
bank thus blocking the flow of nutrients into the
estuarine system.

d. That new or expanded drainage rights-of-way
be required to obtain and comply with State
and Federal permits and requirements.

3. To encourage the preservation of agricultural land
by directing housing and commercial development to
occur in population centers, especially those with
central water service.

Policy: Maintain and improve the quality of housing within
the county.

1. Promote the developmen'L@ of single-family detached housing
units rather than multi-family units.

2. Mobile homes which desire to locate within the county
be required to meet the minimum FHA requirements con-
cerning lot area size and health requirements.

3. A zoning plan be developed and initiated to protect
agricultural, residential and commercial developments
which currently exist, thus providing orderly and
timely growth.

4. That group housing quarters for migratory workers meet
the minimilm health standards, and not become a detriment
to the county.

5. The county investigate the feasibility of constructing
a residential home for the elderly.

Policy: Hyde County encourage the location of small industrial-
related industries that are environmentally sound.

1. Encourage industrial development which would provide
employment for the currently unemployed.

2. Encourage industrial development which can be related
to the existing economic base: agriculture, forestry
and commercial fishing.

Policy: Provide, preserve and enhance the educational, re-
creational activities and opportunities throughout
the county.

1. Encourage the county government to develop and expand
recreational activities by delegating more responsi-
bility and financial assistance to the County Activities
Board.

2. Encourage the development of tourist rest areas and
roadside tables along major transportation routes of
the county, initially investigating the intersection
of N. C. 94 and U. S. 264.

3. Inventory, preserve and restore the buildings, places,
and objects which remind us of our place in history.

4. Initiate discussions with the management of the
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge to provide im-
proved opportunities for bird watching- by connecting
and maintaining existing roads and by providing adequate
off-street parking at prime vantage points along the
northside of the lake.

5. That the county investigate -@-ha feasibility development
of a technical education program in the county or pro-
vide financial assistance in the form of loans to
individuals who are in need of such assistance.

6. That all routes utilized by the county school bus
be paved.

7. That school buses be provided with adequate off-street
parking.

Policy: That governmental activities become even more efficient
and responsive to citizens'needs.

1. A county-wide citizens'advisory board be established
to improve citizen participation in county decision
making.

2. That deputies of the County Sheriff's Department be
trained in providing first aid in case of emergencies.

3. That a study be initiated to evaluate the need and
feasibility of constructing a central sewage system for
areas of the county with high concentrations of pop-
ulation and commercial activity.

4. Steps be taken to control dogs, at a minimum requiring
a dog tag and rabies shot tag on every dog.

5. That the county periodically disinfect the solid waste
disposal containers, reducing the nuisance of rodents
and insects.

6. That a mosquito control program be initiated.

Policy: To provide adequate health care and other facilities
and programs for all residents of the county.

1. That the county investigate the development of a
county medical center capable of providing and admin-
istering emergency medical services.

2. That the county encourage the creation of an emergency
service associated with the existing volunteer fire
departments.

3. That a study be initiated regarding the need for a
residential home for the elderly.

4. That a detention facility be constructed on the Island
of Ocracoke to improve police protection.

5. That the county continue to press for improvements of
N. C. 12 on Ocracoke Island.

6. That the county investigate the joint purchase of a
helicopter with the four adjacent counties for emergency
medical education.

Public Participation Activities

The Hyde County public participation experience may be best

viewed as one of joint responsibilities among three various

groups: the general population, elected officials and the

planner. The goal of the public participation element encom-

passed two principle components and an evaluation of the process

should be viewed with them in mind. The first aspect of the

process was to relate the implications and requirements of the

Coastal Area Management Act to as many county residents as pos-

sible; and secondlyrto solicit from the populus their desires

regarding future development, population expansion and future

land use patterns.

The participation of the elected officials has been.gra-

tifying. Their first decision was that the county, in fact,

desired to produce their own land use plan, rather than have

the state do it for them. The Board of commissioners, thus,

initiated the process by appointing a county-wide land use

committee composed of citizens from every township within the

county. This occurred prior to a planner being assigned to the

county. Since that time, the Board has publicly supported the

planning activities and have encouraged residents of the county

to participate in local meetings. In addition, the Board has

provided valuable insight into what the implications of some

local land use decisions have been an4 in fact, will be in the

future.

The appointed land use committee became the focal point for

the planning process. At the first meeting with the planner,

the committee stated that it would be most advantageous if the

group was divided into township committees, which would provide

the impetus at the local level for the planning process. The

township committees were thus formed and the first phase of the

public participation element was initiated - public education.

Through a series of township, civic club and single-purpose club

meetings, the educational process was accomplished. A number

of meetings were scheduled by the members of the land use com-

mittee to provide each citizen with the opportunity to learn

about and ask questions about the Coastal Area Management Act.

Most of these same groups were also approached to provide input

into the planning process, especially in the design and develop-

ment of the standards and policy statements of the plan.

The township committees also were given the responsibility

of developing local standard and policy statements which would

be later incorporated into county-wide statements. Thus, local

residents not only have had the opportunity to attend public and

civic club meetings, but have also had the opportunity to meet

with local township planning committees.

The role of the planner was just as delineated in the pub-

lished guidelines "not to dominate the process". The role of

the planner has been to act in a manner which would facilitate

the process by providing technical assistance and aiding in the

educational process. From the county-wide land use planning

committee, ten members were selected by the planner, with the

consent of the county commissioners, to form a coordinating

committee. Much of the planner's activity has been associated

with this coordinating committee. The committee met with the

planner approximately twice per month to discuss county-wide

and local issues regarding land use.

Thus, public participation as a process grew and developed

as planning activities continued and the plan began to evolve.

The flexibility of the public participation program allowed for

continuous inclusion of individuals as issues surfaced and then

receded. An objective was to include as many people as possible

and,at the same time, not require that participants attend a set

number of meetings or other requirements which, in many cases,

tend to become exclusionary. The opportunities for citizens

to provide input into the planning process have been multi-

faceted, ranging in scale from the personal one-to-one contact,

the:impersonal survey form to civic club meetings, township

meetings and county-wide meetings. The opportunity for input

is and always has been available. This is particularly a re-

sult of the organizational structure previously described. Al-

though well organized, the process is flexible, allowing citizens

to enter into the process at any point and at any level of par-

ticipation they desire to assume. Although the structure of the

process is open, that does not mean that every citizen of the

county has taken advantage of the opportunity and to imply that

this was fact would be erroneous. The basic point of the public

participation element, however, was not to "make sure" everyone

participated, only to give them this valuable opportunity.

The determination of the number of people directly providing

input into the plan is difficult to make. The process involves

not only the coordinating committee, but also the township com-

mittees and the various public meetings. Initially, the educa-

tional process provided the first opportunity for input, in

fact, that initial contact in many cases determined some of the

basic issues. From a statistical standpoint, approximately

30-40 percent of the county residents have provided direct input

by attending planning meetings, completing the survey, or re-

questing additional information from the planner. This percentage

includes individuals from all walks of life and every social

segment of the county. One important group in the planning

process are the young, especially those in high school. This

group will become the future leaders of the county, or they

will make a decision to relocate; in either case, the reasons

behind their personal decisions are important to the county and

its future'.- Perhaps the only group which has not been represented

to a great degree is the non-resident property owner. However,

this was not the result of a conscious effort to do so, only a

by-product of the attempt to achieve maximum public participation

among those residents who are full-time residents of the county.

A significant aspect of the public participation program has

been the participation of the County Commissioners. From the

inception of the CAMA program they have had a dual role, acting

in their capacity of the decision makers and also as citizens of

the county. The Commissioners have been active members of the

local township planning committees and most importantly they have

attended almost all the meetings scheduled in their townships.

This process enables the Board members to evaluate the plan from

two viewpoints and hopefully will add a greater commitment from

them when the plan is adopted and the implementation phase is

initiated.

The evaluation of the public participation program in Hyde

County is difficult, especially in terms of quality, and in

absence of a definition of the word. Recognizing, however, that

no planning of this type nor of this scale has ever occurred in

the county previously, the reaction of the county residents has

been significant. The impact of the public participation includes

not only the planning associated with the CAMA process, but also

new planning initiated in other areas as well, including health

care.

The meas urement of the success of the public participation

program at the bottom line will be realized when the plan is

finally adopted and the degree to which the policies, standards

and the development plan are followed by the decision makers.

However, in terms of attempting to avail the planning process to

all citizens of the county, the process has been successful.

Every township had not only public meetings, but also civic club

and planning meetings. It must be noted, however, that not all

areas of the county were as actively involved as others; although

this is to be expected, everyone is not an active participant in

the affairs of their community regardless of the issues.

Fi
@i@

I,*'-

N
71

0 CONSTRAINTS UPON DEVELOPMENT

@01

Constraints Upon Development

This section of the county's Land Use Plan is a discussion

of various factors which would tend to constrain development

within the county. These constraints fall into two major cat-

egories - those relating to land potential and those dependent

upon the existing capacity of community facilities. The basic

considerations included in the land potential evaluation and

analysis are physical limitations, fragile areas and areas with

resource potential.

Physical Limitations

Physical limitations upon development include both man-

made and natural hazard areas, soil suitability factors and

sources of water supply. Man-made hazard areas in Hyde County

are limited to existing and proposed airports. The county cur-

rently has four landing strips, one of which is paved, located

on the Island of Ocracoke. That landing strip, however, poses

no limitations upon development since it is located on land under

the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Likewise, the

three other landing strips, located in Fairfield, Lake Landing

and Swan Quarter Townships, pose few, if any, limitations upon

development. A new air facility is proposed for the Engelhard

area on the north side of U. S. 264 approximately three miles

northeast of Engelhard. Depending upon the ultimate design

capabilities of that facility, development in the adjacent area

should be designed to discourage or eliminate encroachment of

development under the landing and take-off flight paths.

Natural Hazard Areas

Natural hazard areas are areas which have been identified

as being susceptible to erosion or to coastal flooding. Erosion

has been subdivided into two classes, ocean erodible areas and

estuarine erodible areas. Hyde County has both types of erosion

phenomena. The ocean erodible areas are defined as areas above

the mean high water where excessive erosion has a probability of

occurring. The only area within the county that is affected by

ocean erosion is Ocracoke Island. Recent studies published by

the office of Water and Air Resources of the N. C. Department

of Natural and Economic Resources reflects that the portion of

the island with the greatest potential for ocean erosion is under

the jurisdiction of the U. S. National Park Service. Therefore,

as a limitation upon development, ocedn erosion appears not to

be a serious factor especially since the Village of Ocracoke is

located on the soundside of the island.

Estuarine erodible areas, on the other hand, affect the

total mainland area of the county which is adjacent to the

Pamlico Sound and the Pungo River. The Soil Conservation Service

in August, 1975,published a study entitled Shoreline Erosion

Inventory of North Carolina. That report denotes that the

average width of estuarine erosion for the past twenty-five (25)

years is seventy-five (75') feet, or an average of three feet

per year. The significance of this hazard area is that the

dynamic force of erosion must be recognized and if development

occurs within the area with the potential for erosion,

special design or protective measures must be taken to

minimize the likelihood of significant property loss.

In addition to erosion, the county is affected by flooding.

Coastal flood plains are defined as the land areas adjacent to

coastal sounds, estuaries, or the ocean which are prone to

flooding from storms with an annual probability of one percent

or greater (100 year storm). The extent of these areas is to

be determined by the state geologist.

Hyde County has recently qualified for the National Flood

Insurance Program which provides an opportunity for county

residents to purchase low cost insurance to provide additional

coverage in the event that storm waters partially or completely

damage structures on their property. At the same time, the

insurance program requires that certain building specifications

be met prior to the construction of new structures, if they are

to be located in a flood prone area.

In accordance with the U. S. Geological Survey findings,

much of the county is subject to flooding should the 100-year

storm occur. Therefore, prior to development of any scale,

the identification of the applicable flood proofing measures

required should be made. The most severe flooding is likely

to occur on land adjacent to the Pamlico Sound with the impact

of flood waters declining in the northwestern portions of

the county.

Mill

A K I z r
A r r A M U S

00 MOP

E" A
SHOREL

EROSION
HYDE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA Af
REAC

I-A

HYDE COUNTY

REACH NO. 1 REACH NO. 9
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank 1.1 feet Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 16.3 miles Length of shoreline eroding 6.7 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 16.3 miles Total length of shoreline 6.7 miles

REACH NO. 2 REACH NO. 10
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank 2.1 feet Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 7.4 miles Length of shoreline eroding 18.8 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 7.4 miles Total length of shoreline 18.8 miles

REACH NO. 3 REACH NO. 11
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank 1.8 feet Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 14.6 miles Length of shoreline eroding 19.2 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shore1ine 14.6 miles Total length of shoreline 19.2 miles

REACH No. 4 REACH NO. 12
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet Av.width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank 1.8 feet Av. height of bank .5 feet
Lengh of shoreline eroding 12.3 miles Length of shoreline eroding 14.9 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 12.3 miles Total length of shoreline 4.9 miles

REACH NO. 5 REACH NO. 13
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank .7 feet Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 13.8 miles Length of shoreline eroding 20.5 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Length. of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 13.8 miles Total length of shoreline 20.5 miles

REACH NO. 6 REACH NO. 14
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank .5 feet Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 18.5 miles Length of shoreline eroding 15.3 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 18.5 miles Total length of shoreline 15.3 miles

REACH NO. 7 REACH NO. 15
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank .5 feet Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 23.8 miles Length of shoreline eroding 11.1 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 23.8 miles Total length of shoreline 11.1 miles

REACH NO. 8
Av. width lost to erosion 75.0 feet
Av. height of bank .5 feet
Length of shoreline eroding 21.8 miles
Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles
Total length of shoreline 21.8 miles

Soil Limitations

The limitations upon development as a result of soil

suitability factors include the following elements: area of

shallow soils, poorly drained soils, areas representing hazards

to foundations, and soils which impose limiting factors upon

the use of septic tanks. It may generally be stated that the

soil conditions, in their natural state, pose limitations upon

most forms of development. The principle reasons for the limi-

tations are the existence of a high water table and poor drainage

capabilities. The end result is that there are areas which im-

pose limitations upon the use of septic tanks for disposal of

waste water.

The limitations upon agricultural development are generally

associated with the need for adequate drainage due to a high

water table. The county's drainage pattern includes numerous

slow moving-canals and ditches flowing into the Pamlico Sound,

Pungo River and Alligator River. The natural topography is

inadequate for the removal of storm water; therefore, man-made

canals and-'ditches have been located throughout the county. The

man-made system becomes the only means of water removal subse-

quent to severe storms.

The soil limitations upon residential and commercial develop-

ment are basically the same as for agricultural development

a -high water table. Generally, the water table is an average

depth of three feet below the surface; however, the closer one

goes toward the Pamlico Sound, the higher the water table. The

result is that houses and businesses cannot be constructed with

basements. The general rule is that dwelling units are con-

structed on approximately three or four cinder block pilings

above the ground.

This factor, however, is not the greatest limitation upon

development. The most important consideration is the ability to

dispose of wastewater. The z.,Dunty does not have a central sewage

disposal system; thus, reliance upon septic tanks is universal.

The implications of a high water ti@Lbl e inadequate soils

upon on-lot disposal systems are Thus, future develop-

ment in areas exhibiting the afozeraenticliad characteristics will

no doubt require either large lots or a central sewage system.

The following map illustrates the location and distribution

of the six soil associations found in the county. The map was

originally produced by the Soil Conservation Servcie. The

interpretations of the soil associations reflect that virtually

all the soil associations impose limiting factors upon the

operation of septic tanks; however, these limitations may be re-

duced or eliminated through intense maintenance, or special

design and soil reclamation projects. All alternatives are not

only difficult but costly; however, they are not unrealistic.

It must be noted that although the indications are that the

limitations are county-wide, each new development proposal must

be evaluated on a case by case basis.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

A S H I N G T 0 N
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'LqL@rz X1 HYDE COUNTY SOIL INMRPRETATION FOR
SELECTED DEVELOPMTAL ACTIVITIES

SOIL % OF % OF DWELLINGS WITH LIGHT ROADS AND SUITABILITY FOR
ASSOCIATIONS COUNTY ASSOCIATION SEPTIC TANKS INDUSTRIES STPEETS AGRICULTURE

1.
Nyatt-Bladen 7
Myatt 55 Sev. Wt. Fl. Sev. Wt. Fl. Sev. Wt. F1 Good
Bladen 30 Sev. Wt. Fl. Sev. Wt - Fl. Sev. Wt - Fl. Good

2.
Weeksville-
Pasquotank 11
Weeksville 65 bbd - to Sev. Wt @bd. to Sev. Wt. to Sev. Wt. Good
Pasquotank 20 Mod. to Sev. Wt. Mod. to Sev. @k. Phd- to Sev. Wt. Good

3.
Hyde-Bayboro 12
Hyde 40 Sev. Wt. Fl. Pem. Sev. Wt. Fl. Sev. Wt. Fl. Good
Bayboro 40 Sev. Ift. Fl. Pem. Sev. Wt - Fl. Sev. Wt. Fl. Good

4.
Capers-New Han. 6
Capers 65 Sev. Wt. Fl. Sev. Fl. Cor. Sev. Fl. Poor
New Han. 25 Sev. LFC. Sev. Fl. JYjod. Texture Poor

5.
Dare-Pungo-Dorovan 20
Dare 35 Sev. Fl. Sev. Fl - Cor. oev@ I-L!, Poor
Pungo 35 Sev. Fl. Sev. Fl * 'Sav 111SC Poor
Dorovan 15 Sev . Fl. Sev. Fl. Cor. F-1. TSC. Poor

6.
Ponzer-Belhaven
Wasoa 30
Ponzer 40 Sev. Wt. Fl Sev. Fl - Wt. Sev. Fl. TSC. Good
Belhaven 30 Sev. Wt. Fl. Sev. Fl. Wt. Sev. Fl. TSC. Poor
Wasoa 15 Sev. Wt. Fl. Sev. Fl. Wt. Sev. Fl. TSC. Good

SOUP,CE: United States Departnent of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service,
Raleigh, North Carolina, 1974.

Notes for Soil Interpretations:

Moderate (MOD)-: Soils have properties moderately favorable

for the ratad use. Limitations can be over-

come or modified with planning, design, or

special maintenance.

Severe (SEV):, Soils have one or more -r?roperties unfavorable

for the rated use. Limitations are difficult

and costly to modify or overcome, requiring

major soil reclamation, special design or

intense maintenance.

Abbreviations for Limiting Factors:

Fl. Flood Hazard

Wt. Water Table

Cor. Corrosion Potential

TSC Traffic Supporting Capacity

The suitability of soils for agricultural production was

based upon the production of corn, soybeans and other small

grain crops only.

Water Supply Areas

Commercial, residential or agricultural development is also

dependent upon adequate supplies of potable water. There are

basically two sources of water - ground water and surface water.

In terms of availability, surface water in the county is abundant.

Approximately one-half of the county's surface is covered by

water. This includes the various lakes, rivers and the Pamlico

Sound. Unfortunately, due to their high concentrations of salt,

the brackish conditions render them useless as a source of

potable water without disalinization or other costly treatment.

Therefore, the major source of water supply for the county is

ground water. There are two aquifers supplying water to the county.

The Castle Rayne aquifer consisting of predominantly porous shell,

limestone, and calcarous sand is a highly productive source of

water supply for the northwestern portion of the county. In that

section of the county individual wells may produce from 50 to 500

gallons per minute. The Castle Rayne aquifer lies approximately

250 feet below the surface, although many wells are only 40 feet

deep and can obtain water from the aquifer.

The principal source of ground water supply for the county

is the Yorktown Formation. This aquifer is above the Castle

Rayne and is composed of interbedded marls, massive clays, sands,

and shells. Wells drilled into the aquifer range from 125 feet

in the west to 250 feet in the eastern portiona of the county. Yields

from the Yorktown Formation have been reported to be 50 gallons

per minute from a two inch diameter well.

The recharge of the Yorktown Formation is directly at the

point of out crop and indirectly by the seepage of water through

the overlying surficial sands. Overlaying the Yorktown Formation

is a non-artesian or water table aquifer. This aquifer is the

most widely used source for domestic weils throughout the county.

This aquifer is recharged directly by precipitation and surface

storage. It is this non-artesian aquifer which is most susceptible

to contamination from septic tanks o--- other sources of ground

water pollution.

At the present time, much of the co-t:Inty is in the process

of obtaining water from a central water supply system. For a

complete discussion of the county's centrai water system, please

refer to the Community Facilities element of this document.

In terms of development, the most important areas of the

central water system are the well fields. Well fields are lo-

cated at Swan Quarter, Engelhard and a new field is being pre-

pared in Fairfield.

Ocracoke Water Supply

The previous section has considered the water supply picture

for only the mainland. The main source of water supply for the

island has been obtained from either shallow wells or cisterns.

The wells are far from adequate in terms of volume required

and quality-producing water with higher than normal saline con-

tent. Since this supply is from a shallow strata it is subject

to pollution from septic tanks; and subsequent to stormswater

supplies are often contaminated by salt spray. The roof top

catchment areas are also susceptible to bacterial contamination.

The ground water supply is adequate for the full time resi-

dents of the island; however, it falls far short during the.peak

use periods during the summer. To reverse this current situation,

the island has recently received funding for a central water

supply system. Due to a lack of adequate aquifers, the key com-

ponent of the system will be a disalinization unit. For a com-

plete discussion, refer to the section covering Community

Facilities.

Excessive Slope

There are no areas in Hyde County under the jurisdiction

of the local government where the slope exceeds or approaches

twelve (12%) percent.

-N,

0
v-

2@ NATURAL FRAGILE AREAS

Fragile Areas

The following section is an inventory of the various elements

which may tend to limit development due to their environmental

characteristics. Thesa factors include the following: coastal

wetlands, estuarine waters, poblic [email protected] waters, complex natural

areas, estuarine erodible areas and [email protected] which sustain reminant

species. The significance of these iss that they are to

he considered for designation as 7nvironmental Concern,

in accordance with Section 113A-114 cf 'Coastal Area Manage-

ment Act of North Carolina. These areas include both land and

water resources in which uncontrolled or incompatible develop-

ment might result in irreparable damage, thus causing a degra-

dation of some factors which have made the coastal area both

aesthetically and ecologically rich.

The Act requires the identification of these environmentally

sensitive areas, describing the types of land use which may be

permitted in each classification. These land uses must be con-

sistent with established policy objectives and standards which

have been published in the guidelines.

Coastal Wetlands

The classification of coastal wetlands comprises two

elements: the low tidal marsh which is affected by the ebb and

flow of lunar tides, and other coastal marsh lands. In accordance

with the Act's definition, Hyde County is known to contain ap-

proximately 1,600 acres of regularly flooded salt marsh. This

HYDE COUNTY

FRAGILE AREAS

LEGEND:

.1. 1. 1
WITH ESTUARINE WATERS

COASTAL MARSHLANDS

COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS

MAP

C@-
. .................... . ......... .. ...........

L A T, 7 A. V, S. X E E r

FRAGILE AREAS
HYDE COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

total acreage is located on the sound side of Ocracoke Island,

within that portion of the island under the jurisdiction of the

U. S. National Park Service--The Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Thus, for developmental purposes, the county may consider that no

regularly flooded tidal salt marsh exists.

On the other hand, significant acreage of the county is

classified as "other coastal marshland," approximately 39,900
aL
acres. That acreage includes irregularly flooded salt marsh

and shallow fresh water marsh, the latter being only 3,400

acres. The term'bther coastal marsh!'is defined to include any

marshland which is inundated only as a result of wind tides,

except hurricanes and severe tropical storms.

The significance of these areas is, that depending upon their

biological and physical conditions, they are capable of sup-

porting a greater diversity of wildlife types than the limited

habitat of the low tidal marsh. For example, the irregularly

flooded salt marsh of the county provides not only nutrients

for shell and fin fish, but also provides habitat for racoon,

muskrat, otter and black duck. In addition, these same areas

serve as a deterrent to shoreline erosion, especially in marshes

containing heavily rooted species of Juncus roemerians, known

as Black Needlerush.

The location of the irregularly flooded salt marsh is ex-

tensive and found continuously from the mouth of the Long Shoal

River to a point near Able Bay in Currituck Township. Refer to

Map 7 for a graphic illustration. The location of the fresh-

water marsh is principally along the western boundary of the

county, on the banks of the Pungo River. Fresh water marsh may

also be located at the intersection of N. C. 94 and the intra-

coastal waterway.

Estuarine Waters

Estuarine waters are defined as "all waters of the Atlantic

Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters

of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of

the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and inland

fishing waters..." Hyde County contains vast areas which are

included within this classification: the waters of the Pamlico

Sound, Pungo River and Alligator River which are adjacent to the

land area of the county. The most complex area of the county,

concerning this classification, is the southwest quadrant of

the county, due to the numerous small tributaries which flow

int o either the Pungo River or the Pamlico Sound.

The significance of the estuarine system is that it is

one of the most productive natural environments of North

Carolina. It not only supports valuable commercial and sports

fisheries, but it is also utilized for commercial navigation,

recreation and aesthetic purposes. Species dependent upon es-

tuaries include menhaden shrimp, flounder, oysters and crabs.

These species make up over 90 percent of the total value of

North Carolina's commercial catch. These species must spend all

or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The high level

of commercial and sports fishing in coastal North Carolina is

dependent upon the protection and sustained quality of our

K E X A T r A 0 V
s K E v 7

,X.-

, lCt C-1

CLdSE13

FISHING WATEA. l<

HYDE COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

estuarine areas.

The great majority of fish and waterfowl that depend upon

the estuarine area for their existence is migratory. Adult

fish spawn off-shore, the eggs and larvae drift inshore and the

young migrate into the estuaries which provide protection and

an abundance of rich food. Therefore, the environmental con-

ditions in the estuarine nursery grounds influence their sur-

vival, and these conditions fluctate greatly. Map 4 illustrates

the prime fishing and spawning areas in the county for shell and

fin-fish. Map 8 indicates those areas currently closed to

shell fish harvesting due to some form of pollution.

The complete and total preservation of the estuarine waters,
dh much like areas of coastal marshlands, is impractical and no
.W
doubt impossible. Reduction in the productivity of these areas

will occur as development occurs and/or.greater national benefits

are derived. However, careful planning of proposed uses within

estuarine waters is needed to minimize the destruction of

fisheries habitat, thereby approaching an optimal balance between

development and the environment. The management of our estuarine

areas for the greatest national benefit means that decisions

must be made and compromises reached.

The extent of the estuarine system in Hyde County is vast,

extending from the mouth of the Long Shoal River at the Dare

County line in the Northeast and extending westward to the

head waters of the Pungo River in the northwestern portion of

the county. In addition to that area, the waters of the

Alligator River from Cherry Point Landing to the Albemarle

Sound are part of the estuarine system. The Pamlico Sound, for

example, is approximately 48,000 acres, measured from Wysocking

Bay to Rose Bay and extending an average width of two miles. A

complete recording of the areas included in the county's es-

tuarine system may be found in Catalog of Inland Fishing Waters

of North Carolina.

Public Trust Waters

Public trust waters are defined as "all waters of the

Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water

mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural

bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands

thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural

bodies of water and the lands thereunder to the mean or ordinary

high water mark, as the case may be, except privately owned lakes

having no public access; all waters in artificially created

bodies of water in which exists significant public fishing re-

sources or other public resources, which are accessible to the

public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public

ha's rights of navigation; all waters in artificially created

bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by pre-

scription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means."

The significance of the public trust waters is that the

public has certain rights to these areas including navigation

and recreation. These waters support valuable commercial and

sports fisheries, have aesthetic value and are important

potential resources for economic development. With respect to

economic development, one factor of a public trust waters' po-

tential is reflected in the stream classification system of

North Carolina.

The stream classification system is based upon the exist-

ing or contemplated best usage of the various streams and seg-

ments of streams in the basis, as determined through studies and

evaluations and the holding of public hearings for consideration

of the classifications proposed. This classification system

was originally adopted by the North Carolina Board of Water and

Air Resources on October 13, 1970, and approved by the Environ-

mental Protection Agency on January 20, 1971.

There are four surface water classifications applicable to

the county. They are "SA", IISCII, "C", and "C-Swamp."

"SA" waters are identified as having a best usage for shell-

fishing for market purposes and any other usage requiring waters

of a lower quality. These waters are not to be discharge points

for sewage and industrial wastes unless they are treated to the

satisfaction of the Board of Air and Water Resources and the

State Board of Health. The waters of the Pamlico Sound and ad-

jacent Bays are classified as "SA" waters.

"SC" waters are identified as having a best usage for

fishing and any other usage except bathing or shellfishing for

market purposes. The waters are suitable for fish propagation.

These waters may be receiving areas for sewage disposal only to

the extent that after a reasonable opportunity for dilution and

HYDE COUNTY

0)
STREAM CLASSIFICATION

LEGEND:

k.j. '. - -. - -. -'. -'. - -. SA
j

C SWAMP

Em c

I I t 1 46 d I a a I 1 4 1 1 ) , MAP 9

7@777""',,-7"-@
L A X 5 Af A r A )W" v s 8 'K T

S T RE AWf

CLASSIFICATION
HYDE COUNTY
4.,
NORTH CAROLINA

mixtures makes the waters unsafe or unsuitable for fish, shell-

fish and wildlife. Many of the larger canals within the county

fall within this classification. Larger bodies of water included

in this classification are the waters of Lake Mattamuskeet and

the Pungo River, north of Slade Creek.

Class "C" waters have a best usage for fishing, boating,

wading and any other usage except for bathing or as a source of

water supply for drinking, culinary or food-processing purposes.

The class "C" waters may also be a receiving water for effluent

from a sewage treatment plant to the extent that after a reason-

able opportunity for dilution and mixtures, makes the waters

unsafe or unsuitable for fish, shellfish and wildlife. The

"C-Swamp" classification indicates that the stream drains swamp

type lands and has the same potentials as the class "C" waters.

Areas that Sustain Remnant Species

Areas that sustain remnant species are designated as

places which support native plants or animals, rare or endangered,

within the coastal area. The continued survival of certain

native plants and animals cannot be assured unless the relative-

ly few well defined areas providing necessary habitat conditions

are protected from development or land uses that might alter

these conditions. The policy objective is to preserve these

habitat conditions, minimizing land uses which might jeopardize

these known areas.

10 A report recently published by the North Carolina Wildlife

Resources Commission states that the rare and endangered species

of the county include the brown pelican which is known to nest in the

vicinity of the Ocracoke Inlet, the bald eagle, peregrine falcon,

American alligator, red-cockaded woodpecker and the loggerhead

turtle. The Outer Banks King Snake, which is an endangered

species, is also known to be on Ocracoke Island. Recognizing

that endangered or remnant species exist in the county, un-

fortunately does not completely solve the ultimate question of

their protection. Until explanatory data regarding the specific

environments is received, designation of management areas is im-

possible to make. Forthcoming legislation will make it possible

to assemble more pertinent data about these species.

Complex Natural Areas

Complex natural areas are defined as "lands that support

native plant and animal communities and provide habitat condi-

tions or characteristics that have remained essentially unchanged

by human activity." These areas are to be determined to be rare

within the county or to be of particular scientific or educa-

tional value.

The significance of these areas is that they provide the

few remaining examples of conditions that existed within the

coastal area prior to settlement by Western man. Often these

natural areas provide habitat conditions suitable for rare or

endangered species, or they support plant and animal communities

representative of pre-settlement conditions. These areas pro-

vide a historical perspective to changing natural conditions

in the coastal area and together are important and irreplaceable

scientific and educational resources.

There are two such areas which have been identified within

Hyde County. One area is known as Salyer's Ridge Natural Area,

located within the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. The

area is approximately 75 acres in size and includes stands of

Loblolly Pine averaging 100 feet in height and Sweet Gum

averaging 40 feet in height and 50 years in age. The area is

located south of the Refuge's West Main Canal, in the extreme

southwest portion of the Refuge.

The other area is located in Lake Landing Township, north-

east of Engelhard. The site is owned by Pamlico,Incorporated

and is a Cypress swamp. The stand is unique to the county, with

some trees exceeding eighteen ('18) feet in diameter.

Areas Containing Unique Geologic Formations

Hyde County contains no areas of unique geologic formations

as defined in the Guidelines.

Registered Natural-Landmarks

Hyde County contains no registered natural landmarks.

AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL

.00

Areas With Resource Potential

The following section identifies and evaluates those areas

of the county with resource potential, including prime agri-

cultural lands, potentially valuable mineral sites, publicly

owned forests, parks and other non-intensive outdoor recreational

lands.

Prime Agricultural Lands

Prime agricultural lands are difficult to locatesimply due

to the absence of a universally acceptable definition. There-

fore, in absence of a definition, one measure of prime agri-

cultural lands may be ascertained from the county soil classi-

fication and from certain geographic configurations which are

best suited for agricultural production.

The generalized soil map interpretations previously dis-

cussed aid in the identification of these agriculturally im-

portant areas. The interpretations denote that the following

soil associations are rated as "good" for corn, soybeans, and

small grains: Myatt-Bladen, Weeksville Pasquotank and Hyde-

Bayboro. In addition, the Pon2er-Wasda-Belhaven association

is generally rated as good, with only the Ponzer portion rated

as poor for agricultural production. Although these interpre-

tations indicate positive implications for agriculture, each

tract of land must be individually analyzed. A review of the

generalized soil map for the county reflects that approximately

sixty (60%) percent of the area is rated good for the production

of corn, soybeans, and other small grain crops.

The geographic configurations which tend to make acreage

prime in Hyde County are directly related to land clearing acti-

vities and drainage. The existing land use map provides assis-

tance for this discussion. The map reflects that there are

several areas which are predominately oriented toward agricul-

tural production. The largest area in terms of aggregate

acreage is in Currituck Township, north of the Ponzer community.

A vast proportion of that land is owned by one of the corporate

ventures in the county. In the future, it may be expected that

the majority of the area from the Intracoastal Waterway north

and northwest will be actively cultivated.

The Scranton-Sladesville area is another prime agricultural

area, especially that area which lies north of the boundary

roads, S. R. 1143, S. R. 1145 and west of S. R. 1139. In the

future, a majority of this area,with the exception of the road

frontage will, no doubt, be under production. The other lands,

on the outside, generally exhibit a high watertable level or are

classified as wetlands, thus not appropriate for agricultural

production.

The next large areas are found around the "lake"; that area

between Lake Mattamuskeet and the boundary canal. This includes

the Swan Quarter and Rose Bay areas. In addition, the Engelhard

area of Nebraska and Middletown have vast areas which have been

drained, cleared and under cultivation.

An area which currently is being prepared for agricultural

production is located north of Engelhard. The area, approxi-

mately 70,000 acres, may soon qualify as being prime agricul-

tural land. Preliminary production yields have been very pro-

mising.

Agricultural production yields in the county have attained

the 150 bushels per acre mark for corn production. That yield

is also dependent upon climatic conditions; however, one must

have the proper lands initially. Within the county, most acreage

which is under production is considered to be prime land. This

is directly related to the investment of time, money and energy

which is required to transform raw land into productive acreage.

Therefore, with respect to population growth and expansion

of non-agriculturally related activities, a conflict between land

uses may arise. This is particularly true because land which is

productive farm land is also highly desirable for development

since it is not only cleared but also well drained. In the

future, there are two areas of the county which may experience

this conflict: the areas of Swan Quarter and Engelhard and the

road frontage of U. S. 264. As the water supply system is ex-

panded and completed, pressures for non-agricultural develop-

ment may increase. The land use decisions regarding growth that

will have to be made should take into account the existing land

uses and their importance to the county. Development proposals

must also be carefully evaluated in terms of their impact

upon adjacent land usesi especially for those developments

which are proposed and are not within service district

boundaries.

100

Drainage

Located on the peninsula between the Albemarle and

Pamlico sounds, Hyde County is confronted with vast agricultural

potentials and constraints. The most important facet of agri-

culture in the county is the drainage of the land. The drainage

issue composes two significant aspects: the maintenance of

existing drainage ways and the contruction of new drainage

outlets.

The natural drainage of the county, meaning that drainage

which existed before man started construction drainage ditches

and canals, was limited to a few short streams. Primarily, these

streams were the Pungo River and its tributaries on the western

boundary of the county, the Alligator River which forms a por-

tion of the county's northern boundary and the Long Shoal River

in the extreme northeastern portion of the county. An evalua-

tion of this natural system has not been possible to make due

to the numerous alterations made by man.

The soils of the county fall into the mineral or organic

classifications. The mineral soils consist of varying mixtures

of sand, silt and clay. The organic soils, on the other hand,

are referred to as muck or peat, consisting of tree fragments,

s4rubs and other vegetation mixed with small amounts of inor-

ganic materials. In terms of aggregate size, the latter classi-

fication is the dominant soil type which forms the county's land

surface. The very properties of that classification not only

101

present potentially valuable resources for agricultural pro-

duction once drainage and land clearing activities have taken

place.

Historically, the valuable assets of the county have been

recognized since the 1800's when the first record of drainage

activities was made. In 1830, the State of North Carolina ap-

propriated funds to construct drainage ditches for Lake

Mattamuskeet, Pungo and New Lakes. In 1838, the Lake Landing

Canal was completed connecting Lake Mattamuskeet to the Pamlico

Sound, being approximately five (5) miles in length. In later

years, other canals were completed as the attached map indicates.

These first canals were excavated for the purpose of promoting

development in the area. Those early efforts were generally

unsuccessful due to the fear of malaria and superstitutions about

ill health caused by breathing the air in swampy regions. Al-

though the degree of development may not have reached the desired

level, the canals provided new means of access to the county and

resulted in the partial drainage of the areas adjacent to the

canals. During the late 1800's and the early 1900's the county

did experience significant development.

Perhaps the most ambitious development scheme undertaken in

the region, prior to recent years, was the attempt to farm the

bottom of Lake Mattamuskeet. The lake bottom was considered ideal

for agricultural production because it only required drainage,

whereas adjacent land areas required both drainage and the re-

moval of vegetation. Thus, in 1917, a stock company was formed

to drain and farm the lake's bottom. The endeavor required the

102

construction of four steam powered pumps, having a combined

capacity of one million gallons per minute. This also required

the excavation of the Outfall Canal a distance of seven (7)

miles. The crops produced record yields during the years the

pumps operated; however, not to the extent that profits exceeded

costs. Therefore, due to extreme costs, pump failures and other

financial difficulties the venture was doomed to failure.

However, the crop yields prompted more investment in agricul-

tural production.

A large portion of that investment was associated with

land reclamation activities, especially drainage. The conver-

sion of swampy areas, bogs and forest areas to intensive farming

operations requires obvious changes to the landscape. A portion

of the change is the removal of vegetation which may consist of

second or third generation growth of trees and shrubs. Once

uprooted, the vegetation must be burned. The second phase con-

sists-of the excavation of drainage ditches and canals to remove

excess water thus lowering the ground water level, making culti-

vation possible.

The ideal drainage system consists of three types or sizes

-of,canals., The major element of the network is the main canal,

which generally extends from the interior to a natural body of

water,either a.stream or coastal water area. The width and

depth of these canals vary depending upon slope conditions and

the area to be drained. In general, however, an average main

canal is a minimum of 15 to 25 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet in

103

depth. The second type of canal in the drainage network is the

collector ditch. The function of the collector ditch is to

channel surface water from smaller ditches to the main canals.

These canals may vary in size, but a majority fall into the 10

to 15 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet deep catagory. The final aspect

of the drainage network is the field ditches or "v" ditches.

These ditches perform the function of lowering the watertable

and removing the rain water subsequent to rains.

These ditches are spaced approximately 330 feet, perpendicular

to the collector ditches and varying in width and depth.

Although the drainage network appears to be complex and may

approach the "ideal configuration", the effects of continued rain

showers are immediately noticeable in the fields. The frequency

and duration of rain become the determining variables in the

successful operation of a productive farm. Excessive rain

causes damage and in some cases,crop lossand when the county re-

ceives excessive rain, it surpasses the normal level of 55 inches.

As recently as 1975, the adverse effects of excessive rain have

affected the county's agricultural production. The drainage

network which traverses the county adequately removes excess

water which may occur in normal years; however, they are not
Ilk designed to carry off rain waters in years when the rainfall
exceeds seventy (70) inches. in the past decade, the rainfall

has surpassed the eighty-two (82) inch mark approximately five

(5) times. In addition to crop damage, the drainage network

may also suffer adverse effects.

104

itZ e,
10.,Js

1,n

Note Sketch not to scale

TYPICAL ARTIFICIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM-

The artificial drainage system that has been constructed in

the county is designed to prevent ponding of water on the land sur-

face during heavy rains and to remove excess waters. Ponding is

reduced by the close spacing of the field ditches and the slope

of the fields toward the ditches. The key to ponding is the water

table level. The construction of drainage ditches causes seepage

of ground water into the ditches lowering the water table level

and causing an unsaturated zone below the surface. During rains

water infiltrates into this zone; therefore, any overland flow

occurs only after the soil is completely saturated or rainfall

exceeds the infiltration rate.

Exact data on the seasonal fluctuations of the water table in

drained areas is not available. However, utilizing general

ground water hydrological principles@,coupled with seasonal ob-

servations of the water level and drainage ditch flowit is pos-

sible to outline general applicable conditions. The seepage of

ground water into the ditches causes the water table to gravitate

toward the ditches. The water table divides become most pro-

nounced during the spring and winter when the water table is

nearest the surface prior to receding in the summer and fall when

evapotranspiration losses are greatest. During the periods when

the field and collector ditches are dry, the deeper ditches exer-

cise primary control on the water table. The drainage network

lowers the water table approximately three feet during dry periods

from the normal one foot level to a position about four feet be-

low the surface.

106

SUMMER AND FALL CONDITIONS

Water table

------ op@

WINTER AND SPRING CONDITIONS

Collector Field Collector
Ditch Land Surface Ditch Ditch
e--

n e
G'-Ound-1010\@' Recharge to
Deeper Aquifers

SEASONAL GROUND WATER FLOW CONDITZONS

In7

Regardless of the cause, the drainage network requires

periodic maintenance. Without proper and timely maintenance,

crop production cannot occur at normal levels. The process of

maintenance can post significant problems to the individual,

especially if the drainage way traverses a coastal marshland or

discharges directly into the estuarine system. When these con-

ditions are met, and they exist for almost every farmer in the

county, a permit is required from the N. C. Division of Marine

Fisheries and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The process

usually takes in excess of three months and the conditions at-

tached to the permit are indeed difficult to comply with.

Therefore, the county is in the process of obtaining legal

authority from the permit-letting agencies which would enable the

county's farmers to maintain existing farm drainage rights-of-way

in a more realistic manner. The basic elements of that recom-

mendation are as follows:

a) Provide for the maintenance of all existing drainage
rights-of-way,

b) The establishment of a spoil area for a minimum
distance equal to sixteen (16) feet, not to exceed
an area equal to twice the average width of the
existing water course for spoil disposal,

c) The spoil area be designed in a manner which will
not cause ponding of water behind the spoil bank thus
blocking the flow of nutrients into the estuarine
system, and

d) That new or expanded drainage rights-of-way be
attained after s@tate and @ederal permits and require-
ments are satisfied.

The key to the previous statement concerns the concept of

maintaining all existing drainage rights-of-way, regardless o;@

108

whether they are natural or man-made. The major obstacles con-

cerning the maintenance of drainage ways have to do with the im-

pact of that activity upon the coastal wetlands and estuaries.

In the coastal area, the elevation or topography is approximately

at sea-level,-thereforp, subsequent to rains, the excess water which

is not absorbed into the ground must be removed. For the past

two hundred years, the method employed has utilized the drainage

ditch. These ditches must traverse, in many cases, coastal

marshland and then discharge into a portion of the estuarine

system.

Coastal marshlands in Hyde County encompass approximately

30,000 acres and generally is composed of irregularly flooded

marshland. This means that it is inundated only as a result of

wind tides and storm tides, not including hurricanes and severe

tropical storms. The location of the irregularly flooded salt

marsh is extensive and found continuously from the mouth of the

Long Shoal River to a point near Able Bay in Currituck Township.

The location of the freshwater marsh is principally along the

western boundary of the county, on the banks of the Pungo River.

Fresh water marsh may also be located at the intersection of

N. C. 94 and the intracoastal waterway. Thus, drainage from

almost any section of the county must go through a marshland area.

In terms of a marsh's viability, their benefits are dependent up-

on the aggregate acreage and a reduction of that area by small

amounts should have negligible effects upon the total productive

capabilities of the marshland. Thus, it must be understood that

109

it is not necessary to preserve every blade of grass on every

marsh; however, the considerations regarding the reduction of

salt/marsh area involves the making of intelligent choices since

there are no simple solutions. The residents of Hyde County deeply

feel that an intelligent choice is for the maintenance of existing

ditches. The completion of such projects ultimately destroys very

little marsh area, if any, due to the significant aspect of main-

tenance rather than the excavation of new ditches.

in addition to the significance of the maintenance aspect

is another facet regarding the extent of salt marsh areas which

currently exist. Within the State of North Carolina only one

county exceeds Hyde in total area classified as marsh. The

county also contains vast areas of waters which fall into the

estuarine system classification. Included in the estuarine system

classification are the waters of Pamlico Sound, Pungo River,

Alligator River and the Long Shoal River.

The great majority of fish and waterfowl that depend upon

the estuarine area for their existence is migratory. Adult fish

spawn off-shore, the eggs and larva drift inshore and the young

migrate into the estuarine which provide protection and an abun-

dance of rich food. Therefore, the environmental conditions in

the estuarine nursery grounds will influence their survival and

these conditions fluctuate greatly. Prime spaWning areas exist in

the county for shell and fin-fish; however, some of those areas

are currently closed to shell fish harvesting due to pollution.

The complete and total preservation of the estuarine waters,

110

much like areas of coastal marshlands, is impractical and no doubt

impossible. Reduction in the productivity of these areas will

occur due to certain forms of development, based upon the national

benefits which can be derived. However, careful planning of

proposed uses within estuarine waters is needed to minimize the

destruction of fisheries habitat, thereby approaching an optimal

balance between development and the environment. The management

of our estuarine areas for the greatest national benefit means

that decisions must be made and compromises reached.

As stated previously, the residents of the county recognize

their close ties to the estuarine system. The specific drainage

recommendations reflect that concern as well as the fact that

drainage ditches have been maintained for approximately two

hundred years and the productivity of the marshland has not been

seriously impaired. It would appear that the maintenance of

drainage ways has not changed the character of the salt marsh;

however, the methods utilized may be improved to insure that the

biological functions of the marsh are not impaired. Therefore,

the county has suggested that a spoil area be established for

each drainage ditch. The minimum distance would be sixteen feet,

not to exceed a distance of equal to twice the average width of

the existing drainage way. In other words, a drainage ditch

averaging twenty feet wide would receive a spoil area of forty

feet. Further, to insure the biological functions of the marsh,

the county proposes that the spoil area be arranged in a manner

which would facilitate the flow of nutrients into the estuarine

ill

system. The proposal calls for the placement of lateral ditches

which would cut through the spoil area to the drainage way. These

lateral ditches would then allow the marsh to biologically function

at their normal level and not cause ponding or trap nutrients

subsequent to rainfalls.

The proposals identified above take into account the bio-

logical value of both the estuarine system and the land mass

adjacent to that system. The drainage issue is the highest pri-

ority for the agricultural producer in the county for without dry

landcrops cannot be cultivated. Equally, without a healthy

estuarine system the commercial and sports fishing industries

cannot exist. The residents of the county believe that this pro-

posal will benefit the majority of the people at the local, state

and national level.

Mineral Sites

The county is underlaid by sedimentary rocks that range in

age from Cretaceous to Recent and represents deposition in both

marine and non-marine environments. The sediments form a wedge-

shaped body, oriented generally in a north-south direction, rang-

ing in thickness from about 1,000 feet in the western portion of

the county to about 10,000 feet at Cape Hatteras. Lithologically,

the sedimentary formations include beds of limestone, sand, un-

consolidated shells, marls, clay and unconsolidated sandstone.

Thin beds of indurated sandstone and siltstone occur locally; how-

ever, they do not compromise a major lithologic unit. The regional

dip of the strata is to the east with gradients ranging from 5 to

112

15 feet per mile. Throughout most of the area, sediments of the

Pleistocene and Recent ages form a layer 25 to 100 feet thick,

thus other older deposits are exposed only along the banks of

the major streams in the western portions of the county.

The county is reported to have definite deposits of shell,

limestone, marls, sand, gravels, ilments (titanium), clays, peat

and phosphate. The county is also one of the few in the state

which has possible oil and gas deposits in commercial quantities.

Although several exploratory wells have been drilled, they have

proved to be unproductive.

The most common mineral deposit in the coastal area is

phosphate which is available within the county although recovery

costs appear too prohibitive for commercial extraction at this

time. Thus, the county does not face the prospect of large scale

phosphate mining unless technological innovations make it pro-

fitable.

Publicly Owned Forests and Parks

Within the county,there are both federal and state land

holdings for wildlife refuges. These holdings include the Lake

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, the Swan Quarter National

Wildlife Refuge, the Gull Rock Wildlife Area and the Pungo

National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge was estab-

lished December 18, 1934, for the purpose of a refuge area and

breeding ground for birds and wild animals. Until recent years,

the refuge was also a shooting area under the management of the

113

U. S. Department of the Interior and the North Carolina Wildl ife

Resources Commissions. However, due to low populations of

wintering migratory birds, hunting has been discontinued. The

lake is the largest in North Carolina, encompassing 50,000 acres.

The refuge is most noted as a wintering area for Canadian

geese and ducks.

The Swan Quarter National Wildlife Refuge was initiated

June 23, 1932 on 15,500 acres located west of the Village of

Swan Quarter. Primarily the area is low woodlands or marsh areas

and has limited access. The lack of access and development has

left much of the refuge as a show case for the exhibition of

natural forces: birth, growth, maturity, calamity and death.

Therefore, the primary objective of the refuge is to maintain the

acreage in a natural setting as much as possible. The refuge is

also the wintering area for Diving Ducks and Canvasbacks.

The Gull Rock Wildlife Area is owned and under the manage-

ment of the State of North Carolina. Approximately 17,313 acres

in area, the wildlife area is primarily oriented toward the

preservation and management of big game including both,deer and

black bear. Studies also indicate that the American Alligator

may be located in the area between Juniper Bay and Wysocking Day.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore incorporates all of

Ocracoke Island with the exception of 775 acres within the

Village of Ocracoke. The National Seashore is managed by the

114

.. . .......

X.
X.

REFL)ME &

PARK AREAS
o o

HYDE COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

all

National Park Service. The Ocracoke portion of the total area

was opened in 1961 to the public and includes two campgrounds

and miles of ocean beaches.

The Pungo National Wildlife Refuge is partially located

in the extreme northwest section of the county. The primary

land holdings of the refuge are located within Washington County.

116

z
k*1

0 COMMUNITY FACILITIES

.0-0

Capacity of Community Facilities

The element of the county's land use plan is an evaluation

of the existing community facilities, including the water supply

system, transportation system and school system. Each facility

will be evaluated upon the following criteria: capacity, percent

utilization and policy regarding expansion. These facilities

are important in terms of future growth, especially in terms of

expansion costs.

Sewage System

At the present time, the county does not have a central

sewage disposal system. Therefore, the principle method of waste-

water disposal is via septic tank systems. In many instances,

the septic tanks are either inadequate or the effluent is piped

directly into drainage canals. The result is obvious, pollution

of surface waters becomes a real possibility. This becomes a

critical issue in areas where individuals and families are de-

pendent upon surface waters for water supply.

The outlook or future need for a county-wide sewage disposal

system is not justified, based upon the theoretical position that

there ought to be approximately one user per hundred feet. How-

ever, for areas of higher population concentrations such as

Engelhard, Swan Quarter and Ocracoke.central sewage systems may

be feasible. However, in order for a public sewage system to be

-40 practical, it must be both economically as well as environmentally

feasible. Thus, future growth whether it be residential,

118

commercial or industrial in these towns will be highly dependent

upon adequate sewage disposal.

Water Facilities

There are several areas of the county which are currently

served with public water supplies. The general area includes the

areas of Swan Quarter, New Holland and Engelhard. At one time,

there were two separate water associations located in Swan

Quarter and Engelhard; however, the county in 1975 purchased

the two independent systems combining them into one system which

is to be expanded into one county-wide water supply system, pro-

viding service to Fairfield, Rose Bay and Sladesville.

The former Swan Quarter wtkter system included two deep wells

and an elevated water tank, with a storage capacity of 75,000

gallons. The two deep wells are capable of providing approxi-

mately 100 gallons of water per minute. Total daily capacity

of the supply system is 150,000 gallons with a recorded peak de-

mand of 60,000 gallons per day. Therefore, the system at peak

demand has an excess capacity of 90,000 gallons per day, or

approximately 60 percent capability.

The Engelhard system also utilizes two deep wells, approxi-

mately 200 gallons of water per minute, with a capacity of

144,000 gallons per day. An elevated storage tank with a capacity

of 75,000 gallons provides excess capacity as well as unified

pressure throughout the system. Like the Swan Quarter system,

the Engelhard supply has never approached its full demand. Peak

demand upon the system has been approximately 75,000 gallons per

119

day. Subsequent to the completion of the Engelhard systeM it

was extended to the New Holland area.

School Facilities

The county school system consists of four facilities, one

located on Ocracoke Island and the remaining three on the main-

land. In general, the system has experienced a declining en-

rollment, and projections reflect that this trend will probably

continue until 1978-1979. As of 1975, The Hyde County School

Survey,published by the North Carolina Department of Public In-

struction, reflected that the elementary schools have a total

enrollment of 872 students, while the enrollment of high school

students was 359.

The three elementary schools are 0. A. Peay in Swan Quarter,

Davis School in Engelhard and Ocracoke. 0. A. Peay has a cur-

rent enrollment of 295 in grades Kindergarten through Sixth,

with a total capacity of 450. The excess capacity is approxi-

mately 155 students. Therefore, as a constraint upon develop-

ment, the Swan Quarter area isno doubt@ not facing a shortage

of classroom space. Davis Elementary School also appears to have

excess capacity with an enrollment of 329 students and a total

capacity of 375 students.

The Ocracoke School is the most unique educational facility

in the county and perhaps in all of North Carolina. The Ocracoke

School is a one-room school house having students in grades one

through twelve. The school enrollment is approximately 67 with

a total capacity of approximately 80-100, depending upon the

120

HYDE COUNTY

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

LEGEND:

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

A IFF. FIRE STATIONS

POLICE STATIONS

MAP

L A K 9 M A
r r.A m v s K r ff r

-If

compAwr\jITY

FACILITIES

HYDE COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

utilization of space within the building. The building was

constructed in 1971.

The only high school in the county is Mattamuskeet High

School, located on the mainland near the intersection of

U. S. 264 and N. C. 94. The current enrollment of the school

is 540 with a total capacity of 650. It appears, therefore, that

excess capacity currently exists and that future classes from

the elementary schools will not exceed the capacity of the

facility.

There are, however, two particular considerations which

may, in the future, affect the capacity of the county school

facilities; they are a continued population growth in Currituck

Township and constraints based upon transportation requirements.

At the present time, the students in Currituck Township attend

one of three schools - 0. A. Peay Elementary, Pantego High School

or Pungo Academy. In general, the majority of students north

of the Intracoastal Waterway do not attend school in the county.

A continued population growth in the township could place pres-

sure upon the school system for additional facilities and/or

equipment. The equipment wouldno doubt,be in the category of

mass transportation. Due to the location of the school facilities

and the many populated areas of the county, transportation of

students via buses is required. Therefore, if additional areas

become significantly populated, requiring bus service, the end

result may necessitate the purchase of additional vehicles. At

the present time, the county s-chool system operates and maintains

twenty-seven (27) buses, providing transportation to 1,071

123

of the county's 1,231 students.

Primary Road

There are two roads in the county which may be considered

"primary roads". one is U. S. 264 a two-lane thoroughfare which

traverses the county east and west. The second is N. C. 94,

also a two-lane road running north and south providing access

across Lake Mattamuskeet through Fairfield to Tyrrell County.

N. C. 94 is a north/south connector between U. S. 264 and

u. s. 64.

Each road has a design capacity of approximately 400-500

cars per hour, or 5,700 to 8,200 vehicles per day. The most

recent traffic count figures published by the North Carolina

Department of Transportation (1974) reflect that U. S. 264 and

N. C. 94 are lightly utilized at present. For example, the

average daily traffic count on N. C. 94 at the Fairfield bridge

is 380 vehicles, only .05 percent of total capacity. Thereforef

in comparison, almost unlimited traffic generation may be sus-

tained by the road based upon its present design capacity. The

utilization of N. C. 94 does increase slightly to 850 vehicles

per day when measured at the intersection of N. C. 94 and

S. R. 1305.

Like N. C. 94, U. S. 264 has relatively low traffic flows.

Unfortunately, the counting procedures do not provide directional

flow information. Based upon present utilization, vehicular con-

gestion is not a problem. For example, at the N. C. 94 and

U. S. 264 intersection the average daily traffic volume on the

124 0

east side was 1,050 vehicles while on the west side, toward

Swan Quarter.the daily vehicle count is slightly higher at

1,200. Utilizing the higher figure, this represents a 17 per-

cent use of the roads total capacity. It may be assumed that

the primary roadb in Hyde County are not presently approaching

the point where expansion is warranted based upon traffic

count information.

125

THE FUTURE: FORECASTS AND PROJECTIONS

Estimated Demand

This segment of the land use plan is oriented toward the

future and what perhaps may be in store for the county in the next

couple decades. This discussion will include an evaluation of

the future population and economy, future land needs and po-

tential community facilities demand. The significance of this

section is, that based upon certain projections and forecasts,

the county may be able to better prepare for the f-4ture; and,

if necessary, reorder spending allocations or other priorities.

Population Projections

Future population projections are important with respect

to forthcoming development; however, it is equally important that

these projections are not taken out of context. They are only

predictive in nature, and in many cases, extensions of past county

demographic experiences. They are not ironclad; and, due to

many unforseen events, it is difficult to predict the exact

future population level of the county. Although, through periodic

updating, future population trends may be fairly accurate. All

population projections take into account the following factors:

birth rates, death rates, age structure of the present population

and migration rates.

Three different population projections have been developed

for Hyde County by the N. C. Department of Administration. All

arrived at different conclusions. These differences result from

weighing certain factors more than others. For example, the

10 127

following projection.reflects that approximately 621 persons may

be expected to leave the county between 1970 and.2000 and will

not be replaced by new residents.

TABLE XII

HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTION

YEAR POPULATION

1970 5,571
1980 5,397
1990 5,205
2000 4,950

No C. Department of Administration, Raleigh, No Cot 1975

A second projection by the Carolina Population Center for

the Office of State Planning similarly indicates that the county's

population will decline to 5,200 by 19-80. This would represent

a-6.5 percent decline in population, accelerating the rate of

decline experienced between 1960 and-1970 of only 3.4 percent.

Population trends for the past thirty years indicate that

the rate of population decline in the county was beginning to

level off with the most recent decline recorded of 3.4 percent.

Thus, in accordance with past demographic experience, the know-

ledge of certain economic factors such as the Ocracoke-Swan Quarter

Ferry, the expansion of the mainland's water supply system and

the new water system for Ocracoke moderate pqpulation projection

has been selected by the Hyde County Land Use Committee for the

county. The projections for the county are by township and are

significant from the standpoint that they are utilized by the

128

United States Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate

sewage treatment plant grant applications.

TABLE XIII

HYDE COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY TOWNSHIP

YEAR
TOWNSHIPS 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 .2000

Currituck 1,319 1,128 1,133 1,100 1,110 1,080
Fairfield 676 573 541 500 490 450
Lake Landing 2,628 2,453 2,377 2,540 2,710 2,780
Ocracoke 509 475 541 600 670 720
Swan Quarter 1,347 1,121 958 930 890 830

Unorganized
Territory - 15 21 30 40 50

COUNTY TOTALS 6,479 6,765 5,571 5,700 5,900 5,910

This projection indicates that the county will realize a

gradual population increase through the year 2000. The six (6)

percent overall gain by 2000 reflects that the county's population

will stabilize and show moderate gains annually. With respect to

individual townships, the table relates that population gains may

be expected in Ocracoke and Lake Landing.

In general, however, the projections are predictive of

county and township totals and not necessarily for specific lo-

cations and densities. For example, the initiation of ferry

service between Ocracoke and Swan Quarter may cause an increase

in the village populations although the total Swan Quarter Town-

ship population could reflect an overall decline. This could
,0
occur if people living in the other portions of the township

129

move to the Village of Swan Quarter taking advantage of new

business opportunities rather than working in agriculturally

related activities.

Although the population projections are indications of

future resident populations, they do not in any way aid in the

forecasting of seasonal population increases. As noted pre-

viously, the seasonal population increases are associated with

summer vacationers, sports enthusiasts and migrant workers.

The past experience regarding vacationers and sports enthusiasts

,reflects annual increases. This trend will no doubt continue,

especially on Ocracoke Island. As the new ferry becomes opera-

tional, the mainland portion of the county will probably begin

to experience annual increases in tourism. The length of the

individual tourist's visit is dependent upon available accommo-

dations and other amenities and at the present time,the main-

land does not have an abundance of tourist motels, restaurants

and alike. The likelihood of a dramatic change in this area is

unlikely due to sewage disposal inadequacies. Until this situa-

tion is altered, seasonal tourist population increases on the

mainland will probably not be significant.

With respect to the populatio4 fluctuations resulting from

migrant workers will most likely continue; however, due to a

.growing emphasis upon mechanization, the aggregate number of

workers may reflect an annual decline. The prospect that the

number of migrant workers will increase is slight due to the

technology and other labor saving advances.

130

In general, the population projections for the county which

reflect that approximately 5,700 people may reside within the

county by 1980 is totally in agreement with the desires of the

county residents. This complies with their desire that the

county experience slow, but gradual growth. If the figures are

accurate, it would appear that few, if any, environmental pro-

blems would result.

Carrying Capacity

A specific issue regarding future growth and development

concerns the capability of the land and water to sustain these

changes. The carrying capacity of an area means the amount of

life a stable ecosystem can support. Although an ambiguous

definition, the issue requires that planning must take into con-

sideration the physical limits at which certain levels of

human activity lead to undesirable alterations in the environ-

ment. In the coastal area these detrimental effects are caused

particularly by sewage and waste water disposal. The effects

are noted in both ground and surface water quality; both, then,

act as a physical limitation upon development. These physical

limitations are fully developed in this land development plan

under the topics of "constraints" and "significant land use

compatibility problems-which have implications for future land

use." The "estimated demand" section also notes these limitations.

The primary problem is caused by poor soil conditions, which

are not conducive to on-lot disposal techniques. Specifically,

the problem is that the soils either do not perk due to a high

131

water table or, as in the circumstances of Ocracoke, the soils

perk too fast, not having an opportunity to remove toxic wastes.

Then these wastes are transmitted to adjacent bodies of water

ultimately causing degradation of water quality. Although the

present conditions may not be causing serious water quality pro-

blems, the implications are magnified by potential increases in

both population and economic activity.

Economic Projections

This section will evaluate various economic trends which

have and are occurring in Hyde County. The production and dis-

tribution of goods and services creates employment opportunities

and may impact upon land use by creating demands for new resi-

dential and/or commercial activities. The economic status of

the county, thus, may condition the developmental activity which

may or may not be expected to occur. An expanding economy with

new businesses and industries has associated growth implications

for land uses. Conversely, a stagnant or contracting economy

will not impact greatly upon existing land usesespecially in

terms of new uses and additional requirements.

The Hyde County economy has experienced significant changes

since 1930 when a majority-of the labor force was actively en-

gaged in agricultural productibn. This is not the case today,

although the status of agricultural production has not diminished,

continuing to be the primary income producer in the county.

Technological innovations and the mechanization of agricultural

production techniques are principally responsible for the labor

132

force realignment in the county. The following table illustrates

the changes in the labor force which have occurred since 1930.

TABLE XIV

CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE, PERCENT EMPLOYMENT BY ACTIVITY

INDUSTRY OTHER THAN
ACTIVITY AGRICULTURE
YEAR AGRICULTURE MANUFACTURING AND MANUFACTORY

1930 65.0 3.1 31.9

1940 61.1 2.8 36.0

1950 43.8 5.9 50.2

1960 37.8 10.3 51.9

1970 26.8 17.4 56.6

SOURCE: N. C. Population Trends, Vol. 3, 1974

As illustrated in the previous table, there has been a

steady decline in the number of individuals engaged in agricul-

tural production. As the same time, the county has experienced

an increase in the size of the average farm. This may be directly

related to technological advances. Mechanization of agriculture

has accounted for much of that change, resulting in fewer people

needed to operate farms. In 1930, the average farm in Hyde

County was approximately 62.5 acres increasing to 179.9 acres

in 1959 and by 1969 the average farm was 270.3 acres. This

ranked Hyde County second in the state in terms of average farm

size in 1969. Conversely, the percentage of the labor force em-

ployed in manufacturing activities has increased from 3.1 per-

cent to 17.4 percent in 1970. Manufacturing employment activities

133

include logging and wood products, food and kindred products,

dairy products and meat products.

Impressive gains have also been realized in the public

utilities, service, trade, government and all other non-agri-

cultural employment. Since 1930, this sector of the labor force

has realized an increase from 31.9 to 56.6 percent by 1970.

These trends, however, do not.completely reflect the employ-

ment disposition since 1930. Although significant changes have

occurred within the labor force, it must be also recognized that

the aggregate size of the labor force has also declined, and at

the same time growing older. These factors have resulted from

the steady population decline and out migration of the younger

age segments of the populus. The result is an aging labor force

which is not capable of renewing itself with younger workers en-

tering the labor force.

The outlook for the county's future economic condition is

.bright. There are two developmental activities which will have

the most positive implications upon the economic structure of the

county. They are first, the initiation of ferry service between

Ocracoke and Swan Quarter; second, benefits may accrue to the

county resulting from improvements to Wanchese Harbor. The

general implications of the ferry have been noted previously.

In summary, however, it is generally felt that the greatest im-

pacts will be realized on the mainland and more particularly in

the Swan Quarter area. The long term implications center on ad-

ditional commercial-development and some additional residential

expansion as well.

134

The economic implications of the improvements to Wanchese

Harbor are equally significant. Plans indicate that there are

to be a new harbor complex and improved access to fishing areas.

A total investment of state and federal funds of approximately

$20 million is currently anticipated. The direct result of the

harbor improvements will be better facilities for commercial

fisherMen, and it is estimated that total North Carolina landings

could increase 33 percent. These increased landings will re-

sult from off-shore as well as sound side fishing and with in-

creased catches, the need for processing will be obvious. one

natural location for processing of shell and fin-fish would be

Engelhard. Recently, one company has decided to locate in the

county while others are investigating the available opportuni-

ties. It has been estimated that total revenues from the harbor

improvement could approximate $10 million annually.

135

Future Land Needs

The previous section of this study briefly discussed future

projections of population and economic changes which the county

may experience. These changes may also have impacts upon the

present land use patterns. The object of this section is to

evaluate these changes as they may affect the following acti-

vities: residential, commercial and industrial land uses as

well as agricultural and forestry production.

Residential Land Use

The aforementioned projections suggest that population in-

creases are likely in two townships - Lake Landing and Ocracoke,

while a population shift may occur within Swan Quarter Township.

If these projections are realized, additional land will be uti-

lized for residential activity. In Lake Landing Township it

may be reasonably expected that the increases will occur in the

vicinity of Engelhard. Perhaps the most appropriate areas for

this increase are on the south side of U. S. 264 between S. R. 1311

and Engelhard proper and in the area between Engelhard and

Middletown on S. R. 1103, extending south to S. R. 1103. If

there is a limiting factor upon residential activity in the

township, it is associated with sewage and waste water disposal.

.Generally the soils of the area are not conducive to on-lot dis-

posal of sewage. Therefore, prior to the construction of resi-

dential units, individual lots must be tested for suitability

with regard to sewage disposal.

136

Ocracoke Township has also been identified as a potential

growth area in the county. If present trends continue, this

growth will include both seasonal and full-time residents. If

these increases are realized, and in light of the proposed cen-

tral water system, the most appropriate growth areas will be

within the boundaries of the water service district. In Ocracoke,

as in Engelhard, the disposal of sewage and waste water may pose

a significant problem. Although the soils are different on the

island and readily absorb waste water, the problem centers on

the treatment aspects of the soil. The absorption rate is so

fast that the treatment of pollutants does not occur with a

majority of the untreated wastes being deposited in the waters

adjacent to the island. In turn, this experience may cause a

degradation of water quality standards. Again, health officials

may require alternative waste water disposal techniques.

The circumstances in Swan Quarter center upon the impact of

the ferry on the Village of Swan Quarter. Should the ferry result

in increased residential activity in the vicinity of Swan Quarter,

.it may be expected that the activity will be centered along

existing streets within the village and in the area east of

S. R. 1129. The density of residential development, again, will

be conditioned by the ability of the soils to absorb and treat

waste water and sewage disposal. As with the remainder of the

county, no central disposal system exists and on-lot disposal

techniques must be employed.

A significant factor regarding new residential activity is

137

the form which this activity will take: multi-family units,

single-family units, and/or mobile home units. Due to the

existing constraints concerning sewage disposal, the prospects

for multi-family units is not good. Therefore, one may assume

that most residential activity will be allocated between the

traditional single-family house and mobile homes. Recent ex-

perience reflects a growing trend in the county toward the uti-

lization of mobile homes rather than the more expensive conven-

tional single-family home. If the present economic conditions

remain, it may be assumed that the trend toward mobile home units

will continue and increase in the future.

Commercial Land Use

There are two,factors which may impact upon the commercial

activity and commercial land use patterns - the Ocracoke-

Swan Quarter Ferry and the improvements to Wanchese Harbor. Per-

haps the most immediate impacts upon commercial activity will be

realized with the initiation of the new ferry service; long-term

commercial impacts may occur with respect to Wanchese Harbor.

.In general, a majority of commercial increases will probably

occur in Swan Quarter and Engelhard and to a lesser degree in
Ocracoke. The commercial increases in Swan Quarter will prob@-

ably relate to the tourist industry with the extent of develop-

ment being proportional to the utilization of the ferry by

tourists and their activities prior to departure and subsequent

to their disembarkation.

Engelha rd may also accrue economic benefits resulting from

138

the ferry; however, the improvements to Wanchese Harbor provide

a better opportunity for increased commercial activity. The

effect of the harbor improvements is expected to cause in-

creased commercial fishing in the Pamlico Sound and the need for

seafood processing facilities. With a little effort, Engelhard

could feasibly become a center for this activity. In addition

to the seafood industry, increased agricultural activity north

of Engelhard may also bring additional economic activity to the

village.

Throughout the remainder of the county, increased commer-

cial activity may occur, however, at a slower rate than in

Engelhard and Swan Quarter. That increase will probably be

primarily related to agricultural production and consumer con-

venience stores. Commercial activities related to agricultural

production may also be expected to occur in the Ponzer area,

specifically relating to grain storage and liveatockproduction.

Industrial Land Use

The prospects of large industrial type activities locating

in the county in the near future are remote. At the present

time, constraints imposed by the transportation system, sewage

disposal and a skilled work force almost preclude large indus-

trial location within the county. However, small industrial

activities which do not require large numbers of skilled laborers

could quite possibly locate in the county. However, the economic

and population projections do not indicate an industrial expansion

in the county. This does not include commercial fishing

139

processing activities.

Agricultural Land Use

Agricultural production in the county will, no doubt, con-

tinue to be one of the most important income producers in the

future.. The acreage which is presently being cleared and pre-,

pared for agricultural production may nearly double the acreage

devoted-to agricultural production. Primarily, the greatest

acreage being prepared is in Lake Landing Township by American

CyanamidIncorporated and by F@rst Colony Farms, Incorporated

in Currituck Township, located north of the Intracoastal Water-

way to the Washington and Tyrrell County lines. In addition to

these corporate land preparation activities, individual land

owners are engaged in site preparation activities. This indi-

cates that additional increases in agricultural receipts may be

expected to continue in the future. With increased income,

agriculturally related commercial activity may also be expected

to increase, specifically related to mechanized machinery sales

and service as well as grain storage facilities.

Increases in livestock production have been experienced in

recent years and this trend may also be expected to continue.

Past trqnds indicate increasing cattle and swine production

activities.

Forestry Production

.The land clearing activities currently taking place in the

county will have dramatic implications for the forestry industry

in the future. Initially, the impact is one in which the

140

forestry receipts increase; ther4 as the land is placed in

agricultural productio4 forestry receipts decline. Commercial,

long-term forestry is located primarily in Currituck Township,

operated by the Weyerhaeuser Corporation. The corporation owns

approximately 35,000 acres in the county with a majority of

the acreage being located west along the banks of the Pungo

River continuing along the southwestern shores of the county

adjacent to the Pamlico Sound.

141

Future Community Facilities Demand

With increases in the county's population and economic

activity projected, increased demands upon the public utilities

may reasonably be expected -particularly in the areas of water

service and sewage disposal. This section will briefly analyze

the implications of these demands upon existing and proposed

services.

The county's water supply system has been evaluated and

discussed previously in this report. Briefly, those findings

reflected that the water supply system for both Engelhard and

Swan Quarter were more than adequate. Present utilization of

both systems allowed for a fifty (50%) percent increase, by

volume, of the two systems. The new well field and lines ex-

tending from the Fairfield community are to link up with the

existing systems and will thus increase the volume capacity of

the total system. Therefore, the projected increase in popu-

lation and economic activity should not pose capacity problems

for water supply capabilities.

In addition to the mainland water systems, a contract has

been signed to initiate construction of a central water supply

system for the residents of the Village of Ocracoke. Utilizing

a desalinization process,the new system will provide adequate

water supplies for not only the full-time residents but also the

tourists which annually visit the island every year.

142

The disposal of sewage and waste water, on the other hand,

may become a significant issue in the near future. At the

present time, the utilization of on-lot sewage disposal is

universal, with septic tanks being the principal technique. The

greatest impact of new regulations, both state and federal, will

occur in the county's existing population centers - Swan Quarter,

Engelhard and Ocracoke. The impact of these regulations will

affect anywhere in the county where residential lot sizes are

one quarter acre in size or less.

The primary problem is caused by the soil conditions which

are not conducive to on-lot disposal techniques. Specifically,

the problem is that the soils either do not perk due to a high

water table oras in the circumstances of Ocracokethe soils

perk too fast not having an opportunity to remove tqxic wastes

from the waste water. In turn, these wastes are transmitted to

adjacent bodies of water and may ultimately cause a degradation

of water quality. Although the present conditions may not be

causing serious water quality problems, the conditions are

magnified by potential increases in both population and

economic activity.

143

LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

I
i
h

Plan Description

This element of the document is a designation of areas

which have not only experienced development, but also those areas

where future development ought to take place. Conversely, the

element also denotes those areas where conservation practices

should be instituted thus insuring that the valuable biological

systems and asthetic character of the coast will continue. The

major portion of this discussion is devoted to the land classi-

fication system.

The State of North Carolina Land Classification System

contains five classes. The five classes provide a framework

to be used by local governmental units to identify the general

use of all lands in each county. The land classification system

may also assist in the coordination of state and local policies,

standards and regulations. The significance of the system is

fivefold:

The classification system will tend to encourage
coordination and consistency between local land
use policies and those of the state government;

The system provides a guide for public investment
in land for school sites, transportation improve-
ments, recreation facilities and other public
facilities;

The system may provide a useful framework for
budgeting and planning of community facilities
such as w&ter lines, sewage disposal facilities
and new roads;

The system will aid in an improved regulatory sys-
tem between federal, state and local agencies in
areas requiring such regulations; and

The system may assist local governments in providing
guidance for a more equitable distribution of the
land tax burden.

145

The Land Classification System

The land use classification system is composed of five (5)

elements, each representing various degrees of development. The

elements are: developed, transition, community, rural and con-

servation and are defined as follows.

DEVELOPED - Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross

population density of 2,000 per square mile.. At a minimum, these

lands contain existing public services including water and sewer

systems, educational systems and road systems--all of which are

able to support the present population and accompanying land

uses including residential, commercial, industrial and insti-

tutional.

TRANSITIONAL - Transitional lands are those with a moderately

high density in which growth is to be encouraged and where any

such growth that is permitted by local regulation will be pro-

vided with necessary public services. Lands to be considered in

the transitional class shall be those which presently have a

gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile but lack

public services thus not qualifying for the developed class; or

lands which have all the necessary public services in place but

which lack the gross population density required, and all addi-

tional lands necessary to accommodate the remainder of the es-

timated transitional growth.

146

COMMUNITY - The community class identifies existing and new

clusters of low density development not requiring major public

services. This class will also provide for all new rural growth

which only requires minor public services and can utilize on-lot

disposal techniques of sewage and waste water disposal.

RURAL - The rural class identifies land for long-term management

for productive resource utilization, and where limited public

services will be provided. Development in such areas should be

compatible with resource production.

CONSERVATION - The conservation class identifies lands which

should be maintained essentially in its natural state and where

very limited or no public services are provided. These lands

are least desirable for development due to the environmental

characteristics which make them either biologically or

aesthetically valuable.

The Developed areas as defined above should ideally be

lands where existing population density is moderate to high and

where there are a variety of land uses. In addition? these areas

should have the necessary public services. With respect to

Hyde County, a strict interpretation of the definition would

necessarily signify that developed areas do not exist. Upon a

visual inspection, however, this simply is not fact; there are

four areas of the county which are considered developed.by the

county residents. These areas are or shortly will be serviced

by central water supplies, and each area has a definite

147

commercial and residential area. Specifically, these areas
include p6rtions of Swan Quarter, Engelhard, Ocracoke and

Fairfield. On the classification map, these areas are denoted

by a solid rust color.

The significance of these areas is that continued develop-

ment or redevelopment should be encouraged, thus providing for

the orderly growth of the area. The one major deficiency of the

developed areas in the county is, however, that they do not have

central waste water disposal facilities. Thus'. for Hyde County,

continued growth will be highly dependent upon waste water dis-

posal criteria and techniques until central services are available.

Transitional areas are those which may or could be ex-

pected to accommodate moderate to high density development within

the next decade, based upon the population and economic pro- 40
jections. In addition, these areas must be capable of being
served by necessary utilities. The transitional lands are denoted

by a hatched rust color; the classification map denotes the three 0

areas are designated as transitional: Swan Quarter, Engelhard

and Ocracoke.

One portion of the transition area in the vicinity of Swan 0

Quarter has been designated by the Board of County Commissioners

in a resolution adopted August 4, 1975. The resolution denotes

that an area between the Ben Martin Ditch and the Oyster Creek 0

Landing be designated as a commercial development area. Although

the natural habitat of the area is marshland, the county is of

the opinion that the best use of the area would be for commercial 0

148
0

purposes. The area in question contains approximately 680

acres of marsh; however, when compared to the county's total

marshland acreage in excess of 29,000 acres,it would appear that

the impact of development upon the county's marsh production

would be minimal at most.

The area was designated appropriate for development because

of two principal. factors: the desire to expend the county in-

fluence in the commercial fishing and sports fishing industries

as well as the recognition that the ferry terminal for the

Ocracoke-Swan Quarter ferry was to be located in the area. The

location of that complex would place obvious pressures upon the

county and various regulatory agencies for development. The

county also recognizes the spirit with which the Coastal Area

Management Act was adopted. That spirit was not to prohibit

development within marshland areasibut rather to plan for the

protection of this productive resource. Thus, by planning now

for the future,the productivity of the marshland areas could be

insured. The residents of Hyde County do not believe that the

goal of the Act was to protect every blade of marsh grass.

In addition, certain development standards imposed upon

land use changes virtually protects areas from development which

could cause environmental degradation. For example, based upon

current regulations,the only types of development that may occur

in the marsh are those which are water related. This means sea-

food processing and fish houses,like shrimp and oyster companies,

and marinas. This, however, does not grant the developer the

right to fill in marsh areas by spoil deposits. Any spoil must

149

be removed and placed on high ground. Thus, the marshland area

will, no doubtcontinue to exist, although there will be a de-

crease in its productivity in direct proportion to its removal.

Due to the aggregate size of the county's marshlands, the develop-

mental impact upon total marsh production in the county will,

no doubt@ be insignificant.

The Swan Quarter area imposes one more significant re-

striction upon future development, namely sewage disposal. A

developer may meet all other criteria and protect the marsh

from destruction from spoil and still not be permitted to pro-

ceed with construction, until adequate sewage disposal is ac-

complished. Therefore, the net amount of development which may

occur'on the south side of S. R. 1128 will be relatively little

until central sewage disposal techniques are developed.

The county notes that developmental pressure will be

equally significant on the north side of S. R. 1128 from Oyster

Creek Landing to the developed area of Swan Quarter. Unlike

the-south side of S. R. 1128, this area would, no-doubtinclude

both residential and commercial activity. Again, the sewage

disposal issue is paramount, affecting commercial activity more

than residential.

The transitional area in the Engelhard area duplicates the

complexities previously noted in Swan Quarter. Due to the im-

provements to Wanchese Harbor, the area may accrue secondary

benefits of seafood processing plant expansion. Thus, in anti-

cipation of that potential expansion of the seafood related

150

business, approximately 225 acres of marshland areas have been

designated appropriate for such development. The area, as denoted

on the Classification Map, is located south of U. S. 264 from a

point near the intersection of S. R. 1101. In addition to that

area of marshland designation, an area between S. R. 1101 and

S. R. 1103 was also designated as appropriate for developmental

purposes.

once again the principle consideration is sewage disposal.

It has become obvious to the residents of the county that in

order for any development to occur, sewage disposal inadequacies

must be improved. If a satisfactory solution to this problem is

not found, then the prospect of guiding growth appears unlikely

or difficult at best. Thus, it is almost impossible to accu-

rately document the number of structures which may be permitted

in the transition area.

The transition area in Ocracoke does not include any marsh-

land areas, although the sewage disposal problem is equally as

significant and perhaps more difficult to find an adequate so-

lution. The transition area conforms to the water service

boundary as published in the Ocracoke Village Land Use Development

Potential Study. The total number of dwelling units and com-

mercial structures which may be permitted to locate on the island

is highly dependent upon the health department regulations re-

garding on-lot disposal of waste water.

There are several community classifications located through-

out the county. As noted previously, the community class

151

identification denotes existing and new clusters of low density

of development not requiring major public services. With respect

to those areas designated as "community" the Ponzer, Sladesville,

Scranton and Rose Bay areas are probably the most likely to re-

flect population gains in the future. The "State Guidelines"

state that these areas should not require major public services;

however, as a result of the county-wide water supply system, all

the community areas, with the exception of those in the Ponzer

area,will have access to public water supplies.

The Rural classification denotes lands that are or will be

utilized primarily for agricultural or forestry endeavors. By

definition, a majority of the county's land area falls into this

classification. Although designated for agricultural and forestry

use, this classification does not exclude limited development.

On the other hand, however, large scale development should be

directed to those areas where necessary and adequate services

are available.

The conservation class, unlike the other elements of the

land classification system, is inappropriate for development due

to either the existence of natural or man-made hazards or the

quality of the natural environment is defined as a fragile area.

The lands within this class are those which should be maintained

in a natural state and where very limited or no public services,

for example roads, are provided.

152

POTENTIAL AREAS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

t
I

The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 re-

quires that particular attention be given to the protection and

appropriate development within Areas of Environmental Concern.

It has been noted that the coastal area, and the estuaries in

particular, are among the most biologically productive regions

of this state and of the nation. However, recent years have

witnessed increasing pressures for development within these areas

resulting in conflicting needs and desires of society. One goal

of the Act is to attempt to control these pressures by coordinated

management, thus perpetuating the very features of the coast which

make it economically, aesthetically and ecologically rich.

This section is, therefore, devoted to the identification of

areas within the county which fall in the Area of Environmental

Concern (AEC) classification. For purposes of clarification, this

plan will recommend to the Coastal Resources Commission those

areas of the county which, by definition, may be considered as

appropriate for designation as an interim Area of Environmental

Concern. The Commissionafter deliberate review and discussion

at a later date, will designate the permanent AEC's. Several

different types of land conditions exist within the county and

may be considered as appropriate for inclusion in the Area of

Environmental Concern classification. They are - coastal wetlands,

estuarine waters, public trust waters, areas that sustain remnant

species and complex natural areas.

154

Coastal Wetlands

The guidelines defined coastal wetlands as "any salt marsh

or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides,

including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the

marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), pro-

vided this shall not include hurricane or tropical stormtides.

Salt marshland or other marsh shall be those areas upon which

grow some, but not necessarily all, of the following salt marsh and

marsh plant species: smooth or salt water Cordgrass (Spartina

alterniflora); Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus); Glasswort

(Salicornia spp); Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata); Sea Lavender

(Limonium spp); Bullrush (Scirpus spp); Saw Grass (Clandium

Jamaicense); Cat-Tail (Typha spp); Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina

patens); and Salt Reed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides). The defi-

nition further divides all wetlands into two subcategories: low

tidal marshlands, defined as those consisting of primarily

Spartina alterniflora, usually subject to inundation by the

normal ebb and flow of lunar tides; and other coastal marshlands

defined as those not included or defined as low tidal marshlands."

A previous discussion in the section titled, Constraints,

evaluates the extent and character of the county's wetland areas.

Therefore, this discussion will concern the policy objectives and

appropriate land uses in areas defined as "other coastal marsh-

lands."

Policy Objective - To give a high priority to the preserva-

tion and management of the marsh so as to safeguard and perpetuate

their biological, economic and aesthetic values.

155

Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be those

consistent with the above policy obj!ective. Highest priority

shall be allocated to the conservation of existing marshlands.

Second priority for land use allocation of this type shall be

given to development which requires water access and cannot

function anywhere else, such as ports, docks and marinas provided

that the actual location of such facilities within the marsh

consider coastal, physical and biological systems;and further pro-

vided that feasible alternatives regarding location and design

have been adequately considered and need for such development can

be demonstrated. Such allocation may only be justified by the

projected land use demands and by community development objectives

but in no case shall the allocation exceed the capacity of the

marshland system to sustain losses without harm to the estuarine

ecosystem unless the losses would be offset by a clear and sub-

stantial benefit to the public.

Estuarine Waters

The guidelines define estuarine waters as "all the water of

the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all

the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers and tributaries thereto

seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and

inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted by

the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Conser-

vation and Development filed with the Secretary of State entitled

'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing Inland Fishing

Waters, revised March 1, 19761, or as it may be subsequently

156

revised by the Legislature."

Policy Objective - To preserve and manage estuarine waters

so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and

aesthetic values.

Appropriate Uses - Appropriate uses shall be those con-

sistent with the above policy objective. Highest priority shall

be allocated to the conservation of estuarine waters. The devel-

opment of navigational channels, the use of bulkheads to prevent

erosion and the building of piers or wharfs where no other feasi-

ble alternative exists are examples of land uses appropriate

within estuarine waters provided that such land uses will not be

detrimental to the biological and physical estuarine functions and

public trust rights. Projects which would directly or indirectly

block or impair existing navigation channels, increase shoreline

erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause adverse water

circulation patterns, violate water quality standards, or cause

degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered incom-

patible with the management of estuarine waters.

An important aspect of the above statement which directly

affects Hyde County concerns the degradation of shellfish waters.

At the present time, the waters of the Pamlico Sound adjacent to

the county are state oyster management areas and have natural

populations of oysters, clams, scallops and shrimp. in recent

years, the waters have experienced a degradation of water quality

standards thus causing several areas of estuarine waters to be

closed for harvesting. Among these closed areas are portions

of the Pungo River, Rose Bay, Wysockin*g Bay and Engelhard Bay.

157

Public Trust Waters

The Guidelines characterize public trust navigable waters as

those areas in which the public has rights including navigation

and recreation. By definition, navigable means "dapable of being

navigated in its natural condition by the ordinary modes of navi-

gation including modes of navigation used for recreational pur-

poses. The natural condition of a body of water for purposes of

determining navigability shall be the condition of the body of

water without man-made obstructions and without temporary natural

obstructions. Temporary natural conditions such as water level

fluctuation and temporary natural obstructions which do not per-

nanently or totally prevent navigation do not make an otherwise

navigable stream non-navigable."

The implications for Hyde County are that the waters of the

Pungo River and tributaries north of Durants Point are classified

as public trust waters. in addition, the waters of the Alligator

River, south from the Cherry Ridge Landing in Tyrrell County and

its tributaries are included in the public trust definition.

Policy Objective - To protect public rights for navigation

and recreation and to preserve and manage the public trust waters

so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and

aesthetic value.

Appropriate Uses - Appropriate uses shall be those consistent

with the above policy objective. Any land use which interferes

with the public right of navigation or other public trust rights

shall not be allowed. The development of navigational channels,

158

drainage ditches, the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion and

the building of piers or wharfs are examples of land uses appro-

priate within public trust waters provided that such land uses

will not be detrimental to the biological and physical functions

and public trust rights. Projects which would directly or in-

directly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase

shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, cause

adverse water circulation patterns, violate water quality standards

or cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally,considered

incompatible with the management of public trust waters.

Natural Hazard Areas - Estuarine and River Erodible Areas

The estuarine and river erodible areas have been characterized

as the area above ordinary high water where excessive erosion has

a high probability of occurring. in delineating the landward

extent of this area, a reasonable twenty-five (25) year recession

line shall be determined using the best available information.

Policy Objective - To insure that development occurring

within these areas is compatible with the dynamic nature of the

erodible lands thus minimizing the likelihood of significant

loss of property.

Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be those

consistent with the above policy objective. Permanent or sub-

stantial residential, commercial, institutional or industrial

structures are not appropriate uses in estuarine and sound and

river erodible areas unless stabilization has been.achieved along

the affected reach. Recreational, rural and conservation

159

activities represent appropriate land uses in those erodible

areas where shoreline protective construction has not been

completed.

Complex Natural Areas

Complex Natural Areas have been identified as lands that

support native plant and animal communities, providing habitat

conditions or characteristics that have remained essentially

unchanged by human activity. These areas are normally surrounded

by landscapes that have been modified but in a manner which does

not significantly alter the conditions within the natural areas,

or their scientific or educational value.

Policy Objective - To preserve the natural conditions of

the site so as to safeguard its existence as an example of naturally

oc curring, relatively undisturbed plant and animal communities

of major scientific or educational value.

Appropriate Land Uses - Appropriate land uses shall be those

consistent with the above policy objective. Lands within the

AEC shall not be planned for uses or kinds of development that will

unnecessarily jeopardize the natural or primitive character of the

natural areadirectly or indirectlythrough increased accessibility.

Additionally, lands adjacent to the complex natural area should

not be planned for additional development that would unnecessarily

endanger the recognized value of the AEC. The variability between

kinds of complex natural areas and between land uses adjacent to

those natural areas means that the range of permissible uses and

intensity of use must be carefully tailored to the individual

area.

160

CONCLUSION

The preceding account has illustrated the formulation of

our policy regarding land use and future development. The next

steps concern the development of methods by which we can realize

our goals and objectives, at the same time preparing for future.

growth. Basically, there,are several options,available including

zoning, subdivision regul'ations,,housing codes, capital improve-

ment programming and perhaps.the employment of a full-time planning

staff., By using.these toolqwe can improve and protect various

aspects of our life style while looking toward the-future.-These

elements are more specifically developed below.

Zoning

County-wide or township zoning insures that various land

uses within the county are properly situated in relation to one

another and provides adequate space for each type of development.

The zon ing process involves the division of land into designated

districts allowing for control of the density of development within

the districts, compatible land uses and adequate public facilities

including streets, schools, utility systems and.other public
services. The zoning process can direct new growth into appro-

priate areas and protects existing property owners and uses by

preventing undesirable or incompatible uses which may tend to

depreciate property values or curtail existing activities-.-,

The adoption of a zoning resolution would@become one,tool

for implementation of this:document jand should conform@to the

162

various recommendations and objectives found herein. This re-

lationship is very important since the land development plan

represents county policy and what is considered the best use

of land.

Subdivision Regulations

In addition to zoning, a subdivision control ordinance is

a method of implementing the concepts of the land development

plan. Subdivision regulations enables a jurisdiction to guide

new development by establishing minimum standards of street

design and construction, by determining what improvements in the

form of utilities and drainage and site design shall be required.

The regulation basically requires that the developer of a tract

of land submit a plat for approval to the review agent of the

county anytime the subdivision of land is to occur. Prior to

approval, the plat should be reviewed by the local highway

engineer and planning board to determine whether or not the plan

conforms to adopted guidelines and policy. This process insures

that the development of a new area will provide adequate utilities,

they will function properly and thus the costs of new development
0
are not born by the county but rather by the developer. The

regulations, if properly enforce4 protect all parties by insuring

that all aspects of development have been evaluated.

Housing-Related Codes

The purpose of.housing related codes is to protect the

health, safety and welfare of the individuals by establishing

minimum construction standards for all types of structures.

163

Housing-related codes include the following: building codes,

housing codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, utility codes

and fire codes.

Hyde County has already adopted the State of North Carolina

Building Code as a preliminary step to qualify for inclusion in

the flood plain insurance program of the National Flood Insurance

Administration. The limitation of the building code is that it

only applies to new construction starts, and does not apply *to *existing

housing conditions.

Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinances

The adoption of a sedimentation and erosion control ordi-

nance would provide the legal means by which the local officials

could insure that the water quality of streams and estuarine

waters could be protected from sediment pollution resulting from

development adjacent to these areas. The regulations provide for

control of extensive vegetative removal thereby preventing erosion

of the soil and resulting sedimentation in water bodies. Without

some type of regulation for sedimentation, degradation of water

quality standards could cause the closing of additional commercial

fishing waters.

Capital Improvements Programming

A capital improvements program for the county would identify

all new public improvements, their priority, costs, benefits,

their location and timing for construction. A program of this

type is updated annually and maintains a five year lead time,

164

thus allowing adequate time to insure that the most needed

facilities receive the earliest consideration.

In addition to providing services to developed areas, the

county may directly influence areas of new growth by directing

public services to these areas. The extension of public services

to an area is a method of encouraging growth in areas prede-

termined suitable for such growth. The Land Use Plan identified

potential growth areas, thus coordination with the capital

improvements program may easily be accomplished.

Employment of a Fuli-Time Planning Staff

The employment of a planning staff is another tool which

the county could utilize to implement the provisions of the

Land Use Plan. Such a staff, or person, could make professional

recommendations to local boards and elected officials upon which

they could base their decisions concerning the orderly develop-

ment of the county. In addition, the planning staff could pro-

vide assistance in the decision-making process regarding all

ordinance enforcement.,,,

The planning process which we have undertaken reflects that

a certain amount of growth is likely to occur. Depending upon

where and how much growth takes place will determine the need

for new facilities and services-which must be'borhe by those of.us who

live in the county. This means using our tax revenues and

seeking sources of state and federal money when possible.

Regardless, a portion of the cost of new growth ultimately

165

resides with us and it is important that we properly plan for

that growth.

As stated, the plan is based upon our present desires; and

if our desires change, then the plan should be changed too.

Today, a majority of us would like to see the county experience

moderate population growth and economic development but not to

the expense of our natural resources or the character of our

life style. This plan represents the work of many of us and

we hope that you recognize and agree with the findings of this

report.

166

I I @ .1

BJBLIOGAAP"@

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