Water Quality

Clean Coastal Waters and Reduced Coastal Flooding for a Healthy, More Resilient Coast

We’ve all jumped out of the car and into a flooded parking lot. Some of us have had inches or feet of rain seep into our homes. Reducing the volume of stormwater runoff is key for both minimizing flooding and restoring the health of coastal waters. That is why working for nature-based stormwater strategies that allow rain to soak into the ground will always be a priority for the Coastal Federation. Simply put, nature-based stormwater strategies work with the landscape and soil to capture and soak in rain where it falls, mimicking how the land naturally absorbs rain. These strategies should be considered for all land use activities to reduce flooding and protect surface water quality. In 2021, we joined state leadership, local governments and businesses who are embracing nature-based stormwater strategies to reduce flooding, improve water quality and help balance economic development with natural resource management.

Key Actions for 2021

1. Utilize the recently completed Nature-based Stormwater Strategies Action Plan to maximize the benefits and cost-savings provided by reducing the volume of stormwater runoff.
2. Work with community partners to develop a watershed restoration plan for Stump Sound to protect water quality and ensure its continued use for aquaculture and recreation.
3. Continue to implement the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan to reduce flooding and protect water quality at this national, state and local natural heritage treasure in Hyde County.
4. Collaborate with the towns of Pine Knoll Shores, Swansboro and Beaufort to reduce polluted runoff using nature-based stormwater strategies.
5. Restore 2,000 acres of wetlands and marsh at priority sites along the Northeast and Central coast to reduce billions of gallons of stormwater runoff.

The North Carolina Coastal Federation has developed a working map of sites along the North Carolina coast where stormwater projects have been completed. This map features descriptions, photos, funding agencies and more. Click on the various sites below and check back for new additions.

Advancing low-impact development

The federation brings together partners in urban and rural landscapes to use low-impact development (LID) techniques that slow down the flow of stormwater runoff and let it to soak into the ground. LID includes stormwater design techniques that infiltrate, filter, store and evaporate runoff. Instead of directing stormwater to ditches, pipes and ponds, LID maintains a landscape that captures and absorbs rain before it has a chance to become polluted runoff.

Using a variety of approaches, we work to promote and implement stormwater management programs at the state and local levels. By educating and assisting regional property owners, coastal communities and farmers, we are advancing LID as the next generation of stormwater management.

Retail Sources for Coastal NC Native Plants Now Available

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