RALEIGH - Opponents of new rules to control stormwater runoff in 20 North Carolina coastal counties have come to Raleigh seeking some relief, as well they should.

Those who dispute the tenets of environmentalism in general, or the mandate of these rules in particular, complain of weak science behind the new runoff rules, questionable improvements in water quality and real economic hardship for low-income residents and small businesses.

Simply stated, the new rules require more stormwater to be captured and treated to reduce polluted water flowing into streams. There are ongoing disputes about science, methods and results, but some effects are predictable.

Affordable rental housing takes a big hit, according to Scott Farmer of the N.C. Housing Finance Agency. More land must be purchased and fewer houses can be built. Engineering costs escalate, and the few projects that can support the additional costs will only do so by passing those costs on to the residents through higher rents.

Local governments would spend more for the buildings they must construct. Coastal landowners would bear the full weight of increased setbacks, buffers, impervious surface limitations and expensive engineered stormwater retention plans. Large developers hope to pass on costs. For the small businessman, building becomes financially impossible.

As things stand, the Environmental Management Commission has approved these new rules and unless blocked they may take effect Aug. 1. These rules will produce an economic "Silent Spring" for coastal North Carolina.

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CITIZENS PETITION THEIR GOVERNMENT for relief. The General Assembly is often the field on which this battle is waged. A fascinating process begins when the parties converge in Raleigh.

I am an advocate in the fray. I represent 12 northeastern counties for which the coastal stormwater rules threaten a terrifying mandate. I like a good fight, and this one is worthy of energetic lobbying by all sides.

Despite sad excesses in our recent past, the General Assembly remains an honorable gathering. Coastal brogues, mountain twangs and a symphony of local accents echo in the legislative offices. These voices command us to march toward the middle ground of communal responsibility and common sense.

Yes, North Carolinians want clean water. We also require our government not to deny us the rightful use and enjoyment of our property. Small business people want the chance to succeed with minimal cost and red tape. Planners, scientists and mortgage lenders want stability, simplicity and reliability. Local governments struggle to adjust to a panorama of regulations, uncertain revenues and increasing responsibilities.

"Disapproval" bills, such as the one we seek to block the stormwater rules, can be filed, but it is not inevitable they will pass or even be heard. There is scant time to educate all 170 legislators about the complexities of the rules. Unless there is a compromise, the rules may lock into place.

So the Coastal Stormwater Rules Working Group meets weekly. Many educated voices are heard. Despite efforts to maintain civility on the field, advocates bristle and egos are bruised. Everyone seems sure the opposing parties are gaining ground. The issue becomes personal, even for me. My roots go deep in Eastern North Carolina. I do not trust environmentalists to plan my future. Cumulative regulations are the source of my clients' problems. But I do not trust profit motives to preserve my own sanctuary, a small farm and woodland near Oriental.

Eventually, points are conceded and revisions written. Compromise grows increasingly attractive as the legislature moves to pass its budget and adjourn. l l l

NORTH CAROLINA'S FUTURE is determined in such debates on a multitude of issues. Telephones begin to ring. E-mail and letters arrive from the mountains, the Piedmont and the coastal plain. This is the part I admire about our representative government. When the home folks speak, legislators find their truest voices.

Parties begin to yield, still extracting concessions wherever possible. At some point, the results are published. Broader inquiries and debates are held in House and Senate committees.

Finally, sitting in the House and Senate chambers, North Carolina presses the voting buttons. Green for go, red for no. When the vote comes, I hear the voice of North Carolina. When the legislature heeds its truest voice, the people win.

(S. Henri McClees is a registered lobbyist for Beaufort County and is executive director of the Fisheries Development Foundation of N.C., Inc.)