The Town of Wake Forest Engineering Department recently received one of two top statewide awards presented by the NC Sedimentation Control Commission. The awards program has two categories based on staff size, with Wake Forest winning the top award for programs with more than three full-time staff members.
Wake Forest received the honor during the March 23 Local Programs Workshop and Awards Banquet at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts. The annual workshop brings together delegates from each of the local programs throughout the state and specializes in training and discussion of erosion and sediment control issues in North Carolina.
The NC Sedimentation Control Commission sponsors the awards program to recognize the value of local erosion and sedimentation control programs in reducing sediment pollution in our waters.
North Carolina has approximately 53 delegated local erosion and sedimentation control programs. These jurisdictions often have ordinances that are more restrictive than the state requirements.
The Town of Wake Forest was nominated by Ashley Rodgers, State Sediment Specialist with the NC Energy Mineral and Land Resources. In her nomination narrative, Rodgers cited staff’s commitment to the implementation of the town’s erosion control program, along with its educational efforts for designers, contractors, and citizens, and to projects which benefit both the environment and the local community.
Created in 2006, Wake Forest’s local erosion and sedimentation program reviews and approves erosion and sediment control plans throughout the town for projects over one-half acre in size. As part of the program the town holds developers to higher standards by requiring Erosion and Sediment Control Specific performance bonds until construction is complete and the work site is stabilized.
“We are very proud of our erosion and sediment control program,” said Town Manager Kip Padgett. “The award is a testament to our staff’s dedication and commitment to protecting our surface waters.”
Gaston County won the top state award for smaller-sized local programs.
