School's stormwater wetland project
will double as outdoor classroom

The major sources of water pollution such as nitrogen and sediment in Wake County are runoff from construction sites and developed areas associated with urban growth, according to the state N.C. Division of Water Quality (DWQ).

These pollution sources were emphasized as the county's population and economy grew significantly since 1990. That growth put pressures on our precious water resources, streams and wildlife habitats and prompted the DWQ to support projects that control urban stormwater, restore eroded streams and their channels and plan for long-range sustainable growth.

"Without addressing this issue," says Mitch Woodward, a Neuse Education Team (NET) member, "the county can expect continued problems from sediment, nutrients and other pollutants associated with urban runoff."

Agreeing with the state, Wake County Commissioners unanimously approved the development of a comprehensive watershed management plan to control stormwater runoff and protect and restore water resources through best management practices.

In one example of how the NET responded to the need for a stormwater-control project, at Creech Road Elementary School in Garner, N.C., stormwater from impervious areas such as roof tops and parking areas eroded a ditch section along the school grounds' northern boundary. Sediment and nitrogen were entering the water, negatively impacting a local stream and ultimately, the Neuse River.

Working with volunteers and several partners, including David Bidelspach, an Extension associate in N.C. State University's Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Woodward installed a series of small stepping-stone-type stormwater wetland cells along the ditch.

"The wetland cells are attractive, contain a variety of native wetland plant species and are constructed to hold nine-to-12 inches of water, the normal pool depth," Woodward says. "These wetlands reduce unwanted nutrients and sediment to local streams and the Neuse River by slowing the flow of water and providing advanced treatment of stormwater running from school parking areas and rooftops."

"We give highest priority," Woodward says, "to sites that have the potential of offering on-site environmental education opportunities for Wake County Schools' students and teachers."

James Overman, the school's principal, is pleased with that approach. "We're excited about the opportunities this will provide for an outdoor educational setting for the students," he says.

Cooperative Extension is working with the school to provide water resources teacher training to highlight use of the wetland in the curriculum, Woodward says.

Project partners included the NET, Creech Road Elementary School PTA, the Town of Garner, N.C. State's Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Wake County's forester, and the county's Public Schools and Parks and Recreation Department.

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