Mission

The mission of the Environmental Review Advisory Committee (ERAC) is to advise the Board of Commissioners on environmental policy and related county ordinances, including the watershed ordinance.

ERAC also serves as the Watershed Review Board which is required by North Carolina General Statute 160D-302.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Environmental Review Advisory Committee (ERAC) was created on February 19, 2007.

The responsibilities of ERAC include

• Conducting reviews of Environmental Impact Assessments for major subdivision developments, including recommendations for those deemed insufficient.
• Conducting special projects, as assigned, to protect the environment.
• Assist County staff with review of required state and federal environmental permits for projects in the county.
• Partner with towns and other interested governmental agencies on mutual concerns related to the environment.

Note: Once a major subdivision has submitted a First Plat application, the ERAC EIA review can be found with the other application documents on the Planning Department Case Explorer.

The responsibilities of the Watershed Protection Board include

• Review of Minor Variances in the Jordan Lake Watershed
• Review of text amendments to the Watershed Protection Ordinance

Membership and Terms

The following are the current members of the Environmental Review Advisory Committee and Watershed Protection Board. Each Commissioner appoints two members to the board from their district and one member is appointed by the entire Board of Commission. The Board of Commissioner District they live in is noted, along with their original appointment date, and termination date.

• Dan Jordan, District 1
  • Appointed March 24, 2026; Expiration February 28, 2029
• Mary Beth Koza, District 1
  • Appointed August 8, 2012; Expiration February 28, 2028
• Connor Jarvis, District 2
  • Appointed June 20, 2023; Expiration February 28, 2027
• Alicia Koblansky, District 2
  • Appointed June 21, 2021; Expiration February 28, 2027
• Jeannie Ambrose, District 3
  • Appointed June 17, 2019; Expiration February 28, 2029
• Lesley Pasman
  • Appointed March 24, 2026; Expiration February 28, 2028
• Elaine Chiosso, District 4
  • Appointed June 18, 2018; Expiration February 28, 2028
• Diana Hales, District 4
  • Appointed June 18, 2028; Expiration February 28, 2028
• Thomas Ayers, District 5
  • Appointed June 20, 2023; Expiration February 28, 2027
• Marisol Hydock, District 5
  • Appointed March 17, 2025; Expiration February 28, 2027
• Frank Stillo, Appointed by Full Board, District 2
  • Appointed January 21, 2020; Expiration February 28, 2029

Chatham County welcomes residents who wish to contribute to their community by serving on one of our volunteer boards or committees. Learn more about applying.

Get Information

Visit the Meeting page for details about upcoming and past meetings.  

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Staff Liaison

Rachael Thorn
Watershed Protection Director
rachael.thorn@chathamcountync.gov
919-545-8343