Orange County’s Erosion Control and Stormwater Division (EC&S) has been awarded the Best All-Around Local Program in Erosion and Sedimentation Control by the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission. The recognition was presented during the Commission’s Annual Local Program Workshop and Awards Program, honoring outstanding performance among local governments.
The award highlights EC&S’s comprehensive efforts to protect natural resources while supporting responsible development throughout the county. Serving more than 150,000 residents across nearly 400 square miles of regulated land, the division plays a vital role in permitting, inspecting, and enforcing compliance on land disturbance and stormwater-related activities.
“We are proud to be recognized for the effectiveness and dedication of our team,” said Orange County Planning and Inspections Director Cy Stober. “Our staff works tirelessly to ensure erosion and sedimentation control standards are upheld, and this award is a reflection of their commitment to environmental stewardship and public service.”
Members of the EC&S team include Division Manager Steve Kaltenbach; Erosion Control Officers Chase Ellis, Nathan Jacobsen, Kenny Owens and Tyler Sliger; and Permit Development Technician Hathir Galbraith Pfau. They are directly supported by Deputy Director of Development Service Patrick Mallett and County Engineer Christopher Sandt.
"The Orange County Erosion Control and Stormwater Division staff shows their dedication to the environment and the people of Orange County by providing educational outreach to schools, technical assistance to residents, and ensuring erosion control and stormwater standards are implemented at development projects thereby protecting natural habitats, and preserving water quality," said Erosion Control and Stormwater Division Manager Steve Kaltenbach. “This award shows the lengths that we go to in order to mitigate soil erosion, stormwater runoff, and flood risks to protect people, infrastructure and property.”
Comprehensive Program Impact
Over the past year, the EC&S Division has:
- Issued and monitored 176 land disturbance permits
- Conducted 1,042 site inspections
- Performed 33 surface water identifications
- Granted 11 buffer authorization certificates
- Issued 5 floodplain development permits
To ensure transparency and community awareness, the county maintains a public portal map of major projects: https://arcg.is/19nuXf2. EC&S also investigates violations, issues enforcement actions such as stop work orders and civil penalties, and provides monthly and quarterly reporting to state agencies and local municipal partners.
Orange County is one of 54 jurisdictions delegated authority by the NC Sedimentation Control Commission to implement the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act (SPCA) by adopting a local qualifying erosion and sediment control ordinance in compliance with North Carolina state requirements. The staff of the delegated Local Programs perform plan reviews and enforce compliance of the SPCA within their jurisdictions.
Community Engagement & Education
The division is deeply committed to public outreach, offering brochures, translated materials for Spanish-speaking residents, and personalized education for property owners. Staff frequently participate in community events like World Water Day and Creek Week, and visit schools to educate future stewards of the environment.
“Public education is a cornerstone of what we do,” continued Stober. “By equipping residents and developers with the knowledge and tools to comply with environmental standards, we reduce violations and protect our shared resources.”