Edenton residents recommend flood mitigation projects

A citizens committee is recommending the town expand bulkheads along Edenton’s shoreline, declare conservation zones to combat shoreline erosion, and construct a “living shoreline” along several areas as ways to reduce or mitigate flooding after storms.

The committee, formed under the auspices of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program, wrapped up its work on June 12, making suggestions for several projects that residents believe could reduce the threat of flooding in the event of storms.

Residents identified the areas most prone to flooding and made proposals on how to fix the problems. The committee evaluated the projects for their potential impact on the town. Engineers will now study the panel’s recommendations and propose them for grant funding if feasible.

David Stroud of WSP Engineering, the firm conducting the June 12th meeting, and Assistant Town Manager Dewayne Whealton took suggestions for flood-mitigation projects residents wanted funded, including:

• Expanded bulkheads along the town’s shoreline, including “photogenic bulkheads such as grid platforms” that could be constructed along Water Street.

• Conservation zones to combat shoreline erosion by limiting development in critical areas.

• Construction of a living shoreline along Water Street, Queen Anne Creek, and Hollowell Park. Residents suggested it would provide a wetland buffer to assist with drainage.

• Construction of stormwater drainage infrastructure near Court Street to carry water away from the area around the courthouse.

• Restoration of wetlands along Filberts Creek. Residents said it would provide marshy habitats that could absorb pollutants and assist with drainage.

• Improving stormwater drainage in northeast Edenton. Residents said it would carry water away more efficiently from those neighborhoods.

• Creating an inventory of the town’s stormwater system. Residents said it would identify older drainage infrastructure that needs updating.

The proposed projects may be viewed on the town’s website at www.townofedenton.com.