Versions of this story were published in the Sylva Herald, March 4 edition
The Town of Sylva Supplemental Board of Commissioners on Feb. 26, heard about Watershed Action Plan on local water quality and discussed the manager’s report, police and public works updates.
The board heard a presentation on a new Watershed Action Plan by Executive Director Katie Price, that reported on the water quality findings of Scott Creek, and comparisons to Savannah Creek. The nine-element plan is designed to meet North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requirements, with the hopes of allowing the town and county to apply for grant funding to help the water quality.
This water has been repeatedly tested, and the results continue to be not ideal. Scotts Creek has struggled with water quality since 2008. While this presentation focuses on Scott Creek, it also connects to the Tuskasegee watershed.
“Week after week, these results are coming back that these waters are unsafe,” said Price. “Fecal coliform is the only water-quality parameter any stretch of the Tuckasegee is federally listed for. This is our bad parameter.”
The highest contributor to this poor water quality is human activity, followed by dogs. The readings also show agriculture as a contributor, but it is not a primary source.
The mud allows a place for incoming bacteria to settle and reproduce. Sediment fences are constantly found on the ground as a result of maintenance problems.
The Environmental Protection Agency has established recommended thresholds for bacteria levels to protect vulnerable populations, including children and those with weakened immune systems.
Septic systems and sewers also play a role in household contribution to local water quality. Often, septic systems are outdated, undersized and in need of being replaced, but they are not cheap.
“It costs like $10,000 to replace the septic tanks, but there is money and there are programs to help residents like this,” said Price. “We would have to consider failing sewer lines, leaking sewers as a lot of the problem too. But I have met with Daniel Manring and he did tell me that he is about to put in a $7 million upgrade to the sewers in Scott Creek.”
Approval of the nine-element plan will allow them to pursue grants and funding for water quality solutions. However, there is a stigma around where and who this funding comes from. People believe by accepting government funds, they are giving the government permission to come on their property and take control.
This water quality reporting continues to be relevant to public health, tourism and the economy. The Watershed Association proposal was sent in on Jan.16, and is under DEQ review.
The board also discussed the updated Manager’s report including recreational improvements, budget reports, and in progress activities.
The board approved applying for a $952,760 Small Business Infrastructure Grant to fund repairs to the Ritz parking lot.
The town received a notice to proceed for the new recreational trails program. The contractors have already started and they are expected to take approximately 40 days.
The application time period for police chief closed, and those candidates are now under review. A public assistance application remains under Environmental and Historic Preservation review and has been delayed by the federal government shutdown. The Geotechnical firm, SME, completed their soil sample collection and their results have been sent to the lab for review.
The public works report focused on the OT Park project, which remains on schedule and ahead of their deadline. Rough framing, plumbing, electrical work and exterior fencing upgrades have been completed, while fixtures and door frames are onsite.
The Scott Creek retaining wall project is taking its first physical step next week when they are scheduled to remove trees. An on-site meeting was held with SME regarding FIsh Creek Dam, and a detailed report on cost and repairs is on the way.
Lastly, Vance Street and Municipal Drive will be resurfaced as soon as weather allows.
The police report detailed the 773 police actions since the previous report. This includes 146 traffic stops, 34 traffic crashes, 9 felony arrests on 30 charges and 15 misdemeanor arrests on 20 charges.
Police bodycams were recently upgraded with the AI Axon system that allows for translation of 76 real-time languages, and the ability to ask important questions while on-site.
Upcoming meetings include the TWSA annual meeting on March 3, a joint meeting between county commissioners and municipalities on March 10 and a budget work session following the March 26 board meeting.
