News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stormwater Improvement Project Underway at Havelock High School

Craven County Schools
Havelock High School
101 Webb Blvd.
Havelock, NC 28532

Contact:
Stacie Friebel (Principal) Clay Barber (Projects Coordinator)
252-444-5112 252-414-1385
stacie.friebel@cravenk12.org clay@soundrivers.org

Havelock, NC, August 4th, 2020 – As part of Sound Rivers stormwater and restoration program, work will begin Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 to convert a grass swale into a constructed stormwater wetland at Havelock High School. Havelock High School and Sound Rivers have partnered with the NC State University Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department  to begin implementation of this project aimed at improving water quality and offering unique STEM learning opportunities. 

This stormwater project is fully funded through grants awarded by the Environmental Enhancement Grant, Bosch Community Fund, Harold Bate Foundation, and the Craven Community Foundation. The project aims to reduce flow of stormwater runoff while removing harmful pollutants with native plants and shrubs in a constructed stormwater wetland. The project will reduce flooding – such as flooding that occurs with hurricanes and tropical storms, like Isaias brought us this week – and nutrient pollution to improve the overall quality of the City’s important waterways.

Stacie Friebel, Principal of Havelock High School says – “We are thrilled to work with our community partners in a way that not only aids in improving water quality but also provides a real world example for our students.  This project allows us to model environmental stewardship while giving students a living classroom in their backyard“.

Katy Hunt, Lower Neuse Riverkeeper says – “Stormwater is a major source of pollution to our rivers, and yet it is also one of the least talked about sources. The campus stormwater project not only helps in mitigating pollution, but also educates and spreads awareness of the issue to students and provides a hands on learning experience by seeing the real world application of stormwater management”.

Sound Rivers is a nonprofit organization representing over 2000 members with a mission to monitor and protect the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River watersheds covering nearly one quarter of North Carolina, and to preserve the health and beauty of the river basins through environmental justice.

Construction will begin on Wednesday and should be completed by mid-August.

To find out more about stormwater treatment, go to www.soundrivers.org/stormwater