District Projects
In an effort to improve and protect the water quality of Durham County’s many waterways, the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District is engaging in a number of projects throughout the County with this goal in mind. A few of the District’s programs, stream restorations, erosion stabilization, and stormwater wetlands, are highlighted below…
Sandy Creek/Duke University
The District partnered with Duke University’s Wetland Center on the competition of Phase III of a multi-phase project to restore and enhance the condition of Sandy Creek in Duke Forest. Before work began, the creek was the recipient of most stormwater run off from Duke Campus and as a result the water quality was highly impaired and the streambanks were severely eroded. Completed Phase III in spring of 2007 Utilized $160,000 Division of Water Resources grant Sandy Creek dedication held May 2, 2007; completed portions named Stream & Wetland Assessment Management Park (SWAMP) and opened to the public Future Phase IV: Reach 1 - District received grant from the Division of Water Resources for $243,636 Reach 2 - District submitted  additional grant to Division of Water Resources for $298,646
Un-named Tributary of Lake Michie
As the drinking supply for Durham County, Lake Michie’s water quality is extremely important. After identifying a tributary of the Lake as impacted and eroded with the potential to impair water quality, the District, with permission from the landowner, will be stepping in and completing a stream restoration to elevate the problem.  Received $275,000 Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant in November of 2006 Received 15 acre easement donation from landowner Applied for USDA’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program funds Construction to begin in the fall of 2007   May 14, 2007– Grant execution date
Lick Creek
Lick Creek, a tributary of Falls Lake, has been identified as severely impacted for water quality and its banks are highly eroded, resulting in high sedimentation of water flowing into Falls Lake. With the cooperation of the local landowner, the District has received funding for and plans a restoration of the most impacted portion of this creek. Received $539,000 Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant in August of 2006 Seeking 14 acre easement donation from landowners Presently working with Clean Water on revising easement language for donated land May 14, 2007– Grant execution date
Lake Vista
The Lake Vista dam in the Willowhaven neighborhood was experiencing severe erosion and destabilization. Flooding from the lake threatened several homes and erosion from the dam itself was threatening the water quality of downstream Eno River. After a request for help from neighborhood citizens, the District applied for and received a grant from NC DOT for the complete reconstruction of the dam. Installation underway on July 2, 2007 Completion deadline December 31, 2007
RN Harris Elementary School
In partnership with the RN Harris Elementary School in eastern Durham, the District plans a stormwater wetland and a stream restoration project on the school grounds. The proposed wetland will capture and treat stormwater runoff from the school grounds and up slope areas, while the stream restoration will restore a concrete lined stream that flows through the schools playground to a more nature and healthy state. Not only are these projects good for the environment, but they have far reaching educational potential for the students, teachers, and community. $163,000 grant from Clean Water Management Trust Fund $200,000 grant from Division of Water Resources Approximately 2 acre Conservation Easement on property