Mark Caldwell outlines Burke County's waterway cleanup strategy with Army Corps support

Burke County officials are making strides towards improving the management of local waterways, as highlighted in the recent government meeting held on March 17, 2025. Mark Caldwell, a representative from the county, detailed the ongoing efforts to secure assistance from the State Department of Emergency Management for a comprehensive cleanup of waterways within the county.

Caldwell explained that the process involves submitting a mission request through an online portal known as WebEFC. Following a recent change in protocol, requests made after February 28 now require individual review and approval. Despite this delay, Caldwell expressed confidence in the approval of Burke County's request, emphasizing the importance of timely communication with state officials.

The cleanup initiative aims to address debris and other non-organic materials in navigable waterways, particularly around public infrastructure such as bridges and municipal water intakes. Caldwell noted that while the Army Corps of Engineers will lead the cleanup efforts, their operations will focus specifically on Burke County's waterways, although they are also engaged in similar projects across neighboring counties.

In addition to the waterway cleanup, discussions included the management of construction waste. Officials confirmed that construction and demolition debris is being processed at the county's landfill, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to environmental management and infrastructure maintenance, with Caldwell and other officials committed to tracking the progress of the cleanup efforts. As Burke County moves forward, the collaboration with state agencies and the Army Corps of Engineers is expected to enhance the health and safety of local waterways, benefiting the community at large.