News

The public is invited to weigh in on water-quality concerns in the Runyon Creek watershed.

Sound Rivers, the City of Washington and the Mid-East Commission have teamed up to create a 9-Element Watershed Restoration Plan for the watershed, which will open doors to funding for stormwater projects to decrease pollution and flooding.

The first step is a survey to get an understanding of the public’s concerns about issues affecting Runyon Creek, from pollution and trash to erosion and flooding.

“We need on-the-ground information from those living in the watershed, and those who visit it often to produce the best plan,” said Clay Barber, Sound Rivers’ program director. “Local input helps ID problems or opportunities that may not be obvious from maps or engineering plans or GIS data alone. It’s a simple way to share your experiences and opinions and help shape a healthier future for the waterways we all depend on.” 

The Runyon Creek watershed drains agricultural, low-density residential areas — an area with both homes and businesses — on the east side of the City of Washington. Runyon Creek, itself, discharges to the Pamlico River between Havens Gardens and Washington Park.

“We’d like people who care about Runyon Creek and the Pamlico River to participate in the survey,” said Mid-East Commission Planner Jamie Heath. “With your input, we’ll build out a draft restoration plan with projects the public can review, including on-the-ground projects such as green stormwater improvements and other nature-based projects, potential investments in policy and regulatory actions and public education.”

The survey is available online at runyoncreeksurvey.org, and paper copies are available at the following locations: the Beaufort County Financial Services Center, Brown Library, Grace Martin Harwell Senior Center and at Washington City Hall.

The 9-Element Watershed Plan is funded by a North Carolina Land and Water Fund grant. In addition to Sound Rivers, the City of Washington and Mid-East Commission project partners include East Carolina University, Kris Bass Engineering and North Carolina State University.