Overview

This project includes the design and implementation of stream restoration and/or stabilization measures at five different locations along the White Oak Creek Greenway between Davis Drive and NC Highway 55.

The project will benefit the White Oak Creek watershed by:

• Restoring aquatic and riparian habitat along the creek;
• Reducing sedimentation and inflows of nutrients to Jordan Lake; and
• Improving water quality for White Oak Creek.

The project was designed and is being constructed by the US Army Corp of Engineers, and is being primarily funded through their Section 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration program. The Town of Cary is providing a 35% match in funding, and will assume maintenance responsibility for the project once constructed.

Project Details

The design plan is based on the goal of controlling erosion rates and restoration of the aquatic and riparian ecosystem along this segment of White Oak Creek. A total of five (5) sites, located adjacent to Town greenway trails, will be for restored and/or stabilized.

Two dry ponds will also be constructed on the Davis Drive Schools site to address uncontrolled run-off. This run-off is a primary cause of excessive erosion of the channels downstream of the schools. Along with the construction of the dry-ponds, three (3) other sites have been identified for restoration along the tributaries that parallel the White Oak Creek Greenway. A total of 10 acres will be required to complete the project.

Implementation of project components will provide direct restoration and/or stabilization of the stream channels within the project area. Taking into account the buffer areas protected by ordinance along the project area streams, the project will benefit approximately 40 acres of greenway related habitat. The proposed plan would result in reductions in sediment loading to the White Oak Creek watershed.

Beginning April 2012, sections of  the White Oak Creek Greenway will be closed due to the construction of this project. Construction will generally occur weekdays from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; while construction may occur on Saturdays, a 48-hour notice by the contractor is required. All closures are anticipated to reopen by July 2012.

View a map of the project area.

View a map of the suggested detour.

Schedule

Final plans and specifications complete (Corps): Fall 2011
Easement acquisition complete (Town): Winter 2011
Project bid: Winter 2011/2012
Construction Begins: Spring 2012
Construction Substantially Complete: Summer 2012

Budget

The total estimated project cost is $1,800,000. A 65/35 cost share has been adopted; the Town’s cost is therefore estimated at $630,000, and the USACE contribution at $1,170,000.

Contact

Ben Lane
US Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager
(910) 251-4831
ben.lane@usace.army.mil

Charles Brown
Stormwater Program Analyst
Town of Cary Engineering Department
(919) 469-4038
charles.brown@townofcary.org

Doug McRainey
Parks Planning Manager
Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department
(919) 460-4973
doug.mcrainey@townofcary.org