The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has commenced work on the Stoney Creek Watershed Flood Mitigation Pilot Project aimed at tackling persistent flooding in Wayne County and Goldsboro. Officials gathered today for a groundbreaking ceremony at Wayne Community College, where the project, backed by a $1.6 million investment, is set to introduce a stormwater wetland and detention basin specifically targeting flooding along Wayne Memorial Drive.
DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson stressed the importance of resilient infrastructure, stating, “It’s critical that we build, and rebuild, to be more resilient to devastating storms.” He added that such natural infrastructure projects are pivotal for making Wayne County a robust environment for residents and businesses.
The project is integrated with the greenway path along Reedy Creek to bolster Wayne Community College’s trail system and provide additional educational opportunities. WCC President Patricia Pfeiffer commented on the venture, remarking, “This will have a positive impact on our campus, our community, and the local businesses in Wayne County that are affected by this issue, and we appreciate the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for allowing us to be a part of the solution.”
The project site, adjacent to Reedy Creek, aims to manage runoff effectively, reducing water volume and peak flows to nearby streams. The initiative also includes native vegetation planting to enhance ecological stability.
Launched under the DEQ Division of Mitigation Services Natural Infrastructure Flood Mitigation Program, this project marks the inaugural demonstration site since the program’s establishment by the NC General Assembly in 2020. It underscores a strategic shift toward employing natural infrastructure to address flooding in focused areas, with an overarching aim to extend these practices statewide.
Following this initial pilot, DEQ plans to advance additional flood mitigation projects in the Stoney Creek Watershed throughout 2025 and 2026, supported by $8.5 million allocated by the NC General Assembly. The ultimate objective is achieving sustainable flood management through combined existing and prospective projects.
