Universal Stormwater Program

		Guiding Principles: The following principles were used to guide the development of the Universal Stormwater Management Plan within DWQ:
		Develop a simplified set of requirements to replace the myriad of existing, confusing stormwater programs that are now in place.
		Develop a program that will be more protective of North Carolina’s water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and sensitive aquatic species.
		Develop a program that will attempt to address the serious flooding issues that are currently plaguing home and business owners statewide.
		Develop a program that is scientifically defensible.
		Develop a program that will provide a framework for continued growth, but in an environmentally sensitive manner.
		Develop a program that will emphasize stormwater control, not the limiting of impervious surfaces.
		Develop a program that can be readily used by a local government to facilitate the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques.
		Develop a program that will adopt a decentralized approach and that will promote involvement at the local level.
		Develop a program that will be user friendly and suitable for implementation statewide.