Redefine Environmental Sustainability: Core Value Chapter Synopsis• “Environmental sustainability is a foundational value and principle for the people of Hilton Head Island.” • This group has worked to develop a new understanding of environmental sustainability on Hilton Head Island. • The Our Plan Environment Work Group emphasized the following for environmental sustainability: o Reducing waste and increasing recycling and composting o Creating a new green brand for the Island with a Sustainable Practices Center, o Preserving and restoring water quality, o Transitioning away from treated drinking water for irrigation, o Monitoring the environment, o Strengthening environmental regulations, o Supporting wetland and forest management plans, o Conserving energy, o Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, o Preparing for and mitigating the effects of sea level rise and climate change, and o Recognizing the importance of and improving air quality.ISSUES/ EXISTING CONDITIONS/ CONSTRAINTS • However, Hilton Head Island is no longer at the forefront of sustainability; it “has not innovated or kept local practices on track with emerging contemporary developments in sustainability.” • There is a perception that the Island has reached the limit of development, particularly development supporting visitors, making the beach and roads overcrowded during the high season. • There is a perception of a lack of support among residents for env protection. • We need to respond to emerging environmental threats such as the increased number of hurricanes affecting the Island and climate change and resulting sea-level rise/flooding. • There is a growing concern about the supply of drinking water. • The Island isn’t efficiently handling solid waste. We need to increase recycling and composting.Environmental Sustainability WorkgroupESWG_6a09758c-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea00Anne CyranSubmitterTaylor LaddThis StratML rendition is based upon an E-mail attachment forwarded by Taylor Ladd on January 8, 2020._6a09771c-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea00_6a097848-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea00WasteWork towards a Zero Waste model Island-wide._6a097910-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea001Keyword: Waste; Recycling. Elements: Natural Resources, Community Facilities... About this Goal: • Nearly all waste produced in the Town is disposed of on the mainland. • Current waste collection practices and a lack of composting and recycling facilities on the Island create unnecessary traffic congestion, air pollution, and energy waste. • The Town should move towards the goal of a Zero Waste model by streamlining waste collection, increasing recycling and composting rates, supporting an off-Island waste transfer station and materials processing facility, and educate residents and visitors about recycling, composting, and litter control.HaulageExamine the lessons learned from the previous single waste hauler program and consider implementing a new program for single family residences that includes recycling services._6a0979e2-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea001.1Waste HaulersResidencesRecycling & CompostingExplore methods to improve recycling and composting rates._6cd74104-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.2HandlingInvestigate ways to ensure waste haulers property handle materials to be recycled._6a097a96-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea001.2.1Waste HaulersDisposalDevelop or adopt best practices in disposal of building and site materials, compost, and solid waste._6cd74244-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.2.2BusinessesExplore incentives to increase recycling rates for businesses._6cd7432a-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.2.3BusinessesNon-Residential SitesExplore requiring recycling containers at non-residential sites._6cd74474-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.2.4LabellingEncourage the standardization of recycling labelling to increase recycling rates._6a097b40-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea001.2.5UsagePursue ways to use recycled materials and compost locally._6cd7455a-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.2.6Commercial CompostingExplore requiring a certain amount of commercial composting._6cd74672-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.2.7BusinessesHazardous WasteEncourage Beaufort County to provide additional hazardous waste, such as electronics, collection opportunities on the Island._6cd74762-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.2.8Beaufort CountySludgeEncourage the development of a joint sludge composting operation on the Island with participation from solid waste disposal and recycling organizations._6a097bf4-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea001.2.9Transfer & ProcessingEncourage Beaufort County to create an off-Island transfer station and materials processing center._6cd74834-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.3Beaufort CountyConvenience CenterEvaluate the location of the Beaufort County Convenience Center on the Island to assess its capacity to meet current and future needs._6a097c9e-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea001.4Beaufort CountyEducation & PromotionPursue promotional and educational efforts to support recycling, composting, and litter control._6cd74906-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.5CompostingFacilitate composting models at highly visible sites, such as schools and Town facilities._6a097d48-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea001.5.1InformationPursue new ways to disseminate information on waste and recycling on the Town’s website to residents and visitors._6cd749ec-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.5.2Recycling & LitterPromote Beaufort County’s recycling and litter control programs._6cd74ac8-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea001.5.3Beaufort CountyRecognitionBecome recognized leaders in environmental protection and sustainability._6a097dfc-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002Keywords: Environmental Sustainability; Environmental Protection. Elements: Natural Resources, Community Facilities, Land Use, Economic Development... About this Goal: • Coastal municipalities are under increasing pressure to accommodate human-induced changes to the natural environment. • In order to sustain long-term wellbeing, the Town needs to employ, and encourage others to use, resource efficiency and low-impact development practices. See Regional Strategy 4.5Sustainable Practices CenterCreate a Sustainable Practices Center that hosts regular presentations, has space for sustainability research and oversees the Town’s sustainable practices initiatives._6a097eb0-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.1ResearchInvestigate ways to support environmental ecosystem research._6cd74c1c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.1.1EventsSponsor an environmentally-focused event of regional or national significance._6a097faa-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.1.2PlanDevelop and implement a Sustainable Practices Plan._6cd74d5c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.1.3Requirements & IncentivesCreate requirements and incentives for sustainable development of structures and sites._6cd74e4c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.2BuildersSite DevelopersSustainability StandardsInvestigate implementation of environmentally sustainable standards, such as Sustainable Sites Initiative, LEED or Earthcraft, for all development projects._6a098130-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.2.1DevelopersImpactIntegrate a Low Impact Development (LID) menu of optional design techniques in the LMO._6cd74f3c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.2.2Provide an incentive for each LID technique.Green StandardCreate a green standard for all Town facilities and Capital Improvement Projects._6a0981ee-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.3Town FacilitiesContinue to pursue green certifications, such as Sustainable Sites Initiative, LEED or Earthcraft, for new and redeveloped Town facilities and infrastructure._6a0982b6-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.3.1EvaluationEstablish evaluation criteria to include during the solicitation process for potential contractors based on their use of environmental sustainability practices._6cd75036-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.3.2ContractorsRoadwaysPursue the use of recycled materials for roadways._6a098374-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.3.3Heat IslandsConsider the use of reflective paint for dark surfaces to reduce urban heat islands._6cd75180-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.3.4MaintenanceContinue green maintenance strategies, including the use of organic fertilizer and cleaning products, low-VOC paint, and carpet._6cd752de-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.3.5BuildingsContinue to increase building efficiency by using compact fluorescent and other high-efficiency bulbs for light fixtures and enhancing weatherproofing for doors and windows._6a09843c-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.3.6Eco-TourismEncourage eco-tourism businesses and events to apply for ATAX grants._6cd753f6-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.4Eco-Tourism BusinessesEnvironmental EducationExplore ways to expand environmental education efforts and programs, such as using new formats (videos) and promoting social media posts._6cd754fa-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.5Efforts & ProjectsContinue to implement effective environmental education efforts and projects, such as installing interpretive signs on Town property._6a09850e-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.5.1PartnershipsStrengthen existing and form new local, regional, and national partnerships with environmental organizations, governments, businesses, religious groups, civic groups, neighborhoods, POAs, schools and universities, etc, for environmental education purposes._6cd755f4-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea002.5.2Environmental OrganizationsGovernmentsBusinessesReligious GroupsCivic GroupsNeighborhoodsPOAsSchoolsUniversitiesLand AcquisitionIdentify smaller pieces of land for acquisition to provide localized benefits such as reduction of stormwater runoff, increased shading of impervious surfaces, and overall reduction of impervious surfaces._6a0985d6-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea002.6WaterEnsure our water is clean, abundant, available, and monitored._6a09869e-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003Keyword: Water. Elements: Natural Resources... About this Goal: • The Island must manage development and its effects on our water resources. Clean, abundant drinking water must be prioritized by reducing the waste of treated drinking water. • The Town must monitor water quality, reduce impervious surfaces, encourage environmentally sound stormwater and flood control practices, maintain buffers, and acquire sensitive properties.WatershedsPreserve healthy watersheds and restore impaired watersheds._6a098770-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.1QualityPublish water quality data in an annual report._6a098842-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.1.1StormwaterContinue to monitor water quality at stormwater discharge points and use the data to guide future infrastructure improvements._6cd7570c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.1.2WatershedsExplore incentives for applicants to use watershed friendly, low-impact planning strategies during plan review._6cd7581a-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.1.3Impervious SurfacesReduce impervious surfaces in sensitive areas through land acquisition._6a09890a-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.1.4HeadwatersExplore innovative methods to take development pressure off environmentally sensitive headwater regions._6cd75932-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.1.5Broad CreekContinue to implement the recommendations of the Broad Creek Management Plan and evaluate the need to update the plan._6cd75a54-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.1.6WaterwaysAvoid channelizing naturalized waterways solely for drainage purposes._6cd75bc6-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.1.7StormwaterIncentivize alternative stormwater management techniques, to include LID techniques such as bioretention, treatment trains, permeable pavement, and infiltration._6a0989e6-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.1.8IrrigationFoster the reduction of the amount of treated water used for irrigation and increase the amount of reclaimed water used for irrigation._6cd75e32-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.2 See Infrastructure Tactics 4.2.1 and 4.2.2PlantingsEncourage the use of drought-tolerant native plantings with high wildlife value (food and habitat)._6a098ab8-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.2.1TurfWork with PUDs and other communities with covenants to change turf grass requirements to eliminate or reduce the requirement to landscape with turf which requires more irrigation and fertilization than native, drought-tolerant species._6cd75f86-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.2.2PUDsOther CommunitiesNon-Residential SitesLimit the amount of turf grass and species requiring irrigation planted on non-residential sites through the review process with the Design Review Board, the LMO and the Town’s Design Guide._6a098b8a-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.2.3Design Review BoardReclamationEncourage infrastructure improvements needed to store and use reclaimed water._6a098c70-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.2.4Pollution & ConservationContinue efforts to educate the public on preventing water pollution and increasing water conservation._6cd760a8-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.3XeriscapingPromote sites like the Xeriscape Garden at Town Hall, and build new example sites and structures, such as a green roofs and rainwater harvest technologies._6a098d4c-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea003.3.1StormwaterHighlight resources for alternative stormwater management and designs for both single family and non-single family developments on the Town’s website._6cd761d4-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea003.3.2Natural EnvironmentProtect and restore the natural environment of Hilton Head Island._6a098e28-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004Keyword: Environmental Protection. Elements: Natural Resources, Community Facilities, Land Use. About this Goal: • The preservation of natural resources includes thoughtful planning techniques and sustainable land-use practices. The Town needs to establish goals and clear metrics for environmental preservation, use Town property as an example of environmental preservation, maintain healthy beaches and creeks, invest in well-planned green space, and protect and manage wetlands and forests. • While developing environmental regulations, consider the long-term implications. For example, the unintended consequences of banning plastic bags.Goals & MetricsEstablish goals and clear metrics for: water (salt and fresh) quality and quantity; tree coverage; pesticide and herbicide use; wildlife habitat and population and shoreline erosion._6a098f18-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.1Overlay DistrictsMonitor the effectiveness of the Coastal Protection Area Overlay (CPAO) and Transition Area Overlay (TA-O) districts._6a098ff4-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.1.1Overlay DistrictsSee LMO Sections 16-3-106.L and 16-3-106.MBeachesContinue to maintain and protect the beach ecosystem for wildlife (e.g. sea turtle nesting, island glass lizard habitat, piping plover critical habitat)._6a0990da-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.1.2Open SpaceContinue to preserve and maintain open space, including the improvement and enhancement of existing open space._6cd76314-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.1.3Town PropertyFind ways to use Town property to showcase environmental preservation._6cd7644a-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.2GreenwaysWhere applicable, establish greenways between Town properties and other areas of open space._6a099242-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.2.1HabitatPreserve and/or enhance wildlife habitat on Town properties using methods such as nesting boxes, nesting platforms, littoral shelves in ponds, wildflower patches, living hedges and thickets, and enhanced buffers._6cd7665c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.2.2BluewaysWhere applicable, establish blueways to link Town-owned properties._6a099558-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.2.3EasementsEncourage utility companies to maintain easements in a natural state._6cd767ba-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.3Utility CompaniesCorridorsReduce or remove obstructions in order to create corridors between blueways – especially between freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, and beaches._6cd76904-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.4DevelopmentSupport environmentally-neutral development._6a099666-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.5ForestsCreate a forest management program to preserve and enhance the Island’s forested areas._6cd76a44-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.6Native SpeciesInvestigate incentives to encourage all property owners to preserve and replant native trees and understory vegetation or traditional non-native species._6cd76ba2-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.6.1Property OwnersWetlandsMaintain and adapt the wetland management program to preserve and enhance our wetland system._6a099774-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.7BuffersEnhance, create, and maintain vegetated riparian wetland buffers with viewing corridors and windows._6cd76d32-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.7.1Town PropertyMaintain and protect wetland buffers on Town property by utilizing native plants and pervious surfaces._6a09986e-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea004.7.2RegulationsContinue to evaluate adapt wetland regulations to ensure wetlands and wetland buffers are protected._6cd76e90-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.7.3EducationEducate residents and visitors on environmental protection ordinances._6cd77002-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea004.8ResidentsVisitorsEnergyMaximize the efficiency of energy usage and expand the use of renewable energy._6a09995e-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea005Keyword: Energy Resources. Elements: Natural Resources, Community Facilities... About this Goal: • Reducing our consumption of fossil fuels will save money and positively impact the environment, as well as help to slow climate change and its negative effects. • Investing in the development of sustainable energy sources will contribute to the Island’s reputation as a leadership in sustainability and add a new aspect to the economy.BuildingsIncentivize the use of energy-efficient building techniques, such as Sustainable Sites Initiative, LEED, Earthcraft, green materials, appliances, etc. for residential and non-residential developments._6a099ab2-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea005.1Town FacilitiesUse Town facilities as examples of efficient energy use and renewable energy systems._6cd77156-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea005.2CertificationsContinue to pursue Sustainable Sites Initiative, LEED or similar certifications for Town buildings, project sites and facilities._6a099bb6-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea005.2.1Appliances, Lighting & HVACContinue to install new and replacement (as needed) energy-efficient appliances, lighting, HVAC systems, etc. in Town buildings and facilities._6cd772aa-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea005.2.2RenewablesConsider installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, on Town buildings/property to demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy sources._6a099cb0-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea005.2.3RestrictionsEncourage the removal of any private restrictions on the installation and use of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels._6cd7741c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea005.3Palmetto ElectricPromote Palmetto Electric’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to residents and visitors._6a099dbe-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea005.4Palmetto ElectricResidentsVisitorsSantee CooperEncourage Santee Cooper to increase the use of sustainable energy sources._6cd7757a-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea005.5Santee CooperClimate ChangePrepare a plan for and to mitigate the effects of climate change._6a099ec2-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea006Keyword: Climate Change; Resiliency Elements: Natural Resources, Land Use, Priority Investments... About this Goal: • As a low-lying barrier island, Hilton Head Island will be one of the first communities in the region to experience the effects of sea level rise from climate change. • We must anticipate the long-term consequences of current development and investments and adjust our standards and choices accordingly.LaboratoryBecome a living laboratory for managing the effects of climate change._6a099fc6-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea006.1Coastal FloodingDevelop and implement a resiliency or adaptation plan to address coastal flooding, sea level rise and other issues the Island could face due to climate change._6cd776d8-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea006.1.1See Infrastructure Strategy 3.1TechnologyUse the latest technology to better understand the long-term implications of sea level rise and climate change on the Island’s natural resources._6a09a0de-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea006.1.2CodesAdjust Town codes to minimize the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on private property._6cd778b8-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea006.2Private Property OwnersNonconformitiesConsider eliminating the grandfather clause for nonconformities in the Coastal Protection Area Overlay (CPA-O) and Transition Area Overlay (TA-O) districts._6a09a1ec-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea006.3.1Overlay DistrictsProperty OwnersThis will protect private property from storm surge and sea level rise as well as maintain a mature, intact dune system.New StructuresExamine the benefits and costs of requiring new structures to be elevated above the minimum requirements._6cd77a2a-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea006.3.2ExemptionsConsider eliminating or reducing exemptions when permitting the redevelopment of nonconforming structures._6a09a2fa-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea006.3.3Flood MapsAnticipate the effects of new FEMA Flood Maps, adoption of which will allow construction below current minimum elevations, by changing requirements to maintain or exceed current minimum elevations._6cd77b9c-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea006.3.4FEMABeach RenourishmentMaintain all programs required to support and continue the beach renourishment program._6a09a412-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea006.4Wetlands & Flood-Prone AreasContinue to acquire wetlands and other low-lying and flood-prone pieces of land in order to decrease development in flood-prone areas._6cd77d36-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea006.5EducationEducate residents and visitors about climate change and how it will affect the Island._6cd77ea8-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea006.6ResidentsAir QualityImprove air quality by reducing/minimizing emissions._6a09a52a-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea007Keyword: Air Quality. Elements: Natural Resources, Land Use, Transportation, Community Facilities... About this Goal: • Air quality has a proven affect on human and environmental health. • The Town can take steps to improve air quality by promoting: o The use of alternative transportation (mass transit, walking, bicycling, etc.), o Providing incentives for energy efficiency, o Monitoring and improving tree and vegetation coverage, o Continuing to purchase property to preserve open space and trees/vegetation and to remove potential density and resulting vehicle traffic, and o Educating residents and visitors about the importance of air quality.Public TransitExplore opportunities for the further development and use of public transit (prioritizing vehicles that use renewable energy) and other innovative transportation strategies._6a09a638-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea007.1See Infrastructure Strategy 1.8TransportationPromote the use of human-powered and electric transportation._6a09a82c-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea007.2 See Infrastructure Strategies 1.8 and 1.9TreesPreserve and plant trees for reduction of the urban heat island effect, to lessen the formation of disease-causing ground-level ozone and remove particulate matter and carbon dioxide generated by vehicle emissions._6cd78024-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea007.3Density & TripsContinue to purchase property to decrease the total available density and the number of peak hour trips on Island roads._6a09a958-328a-11ea-a204-bf4d0f83ea007.4Municipal FleetContinue to convert the Town’s municipal fleet of vehicles to those that use hybrid, electric, or similar technology whenever practical._6cd781c8-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea007.5EducationEducate residents and visitors about air quality and its impact on human and environmental health._6cd78358-3307-11ea-a2fa-5b322e83ea007.6ResidentsVisitors2020-01-062020-01-09OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net