Clayton approves Sound Rivers MOU to install trash trap in Little Creek

The Clayton Town Council on Feb. 20 approved a memorandum of understanding allowing Sound Rivers to install a passive litter-capture device in Little Creek and to be responsible for purchase, installation and maintenance of the device. Samantha Cropp, Neuse Riverkeeper and director of advocacy for Sound Rivers, presented the project and requested the town's permission to site a trap on a small urban creek within Clayton.

The project matters because the traps intercept street and yard litter that wash into storm drains and creeks and ultimately into the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. Cropp said about 95% of the litter Sound Rivers collects is plastic and that microplastics can bioaccumulate in seafood and eventually in people.

Sound Rivers described the device as a floating, passive litter trap intended for small urban creeks. Cropp said the unit is roughly "2 feet high, 6 feet wide, 8 feet long, 250 pounds," made of galvanized steel, aluminum and mesh, and designed to allow aquatic life to pass underneath. Preferred installation sites have a bank width under 50 feet and historical peak flows well under 5,000 cubic feet per second, Cropp said. She told council the traps have an estimated annual collection rate of about 1,000 pounds on heavier‑litter urban creeks, that the nonprofit has engaged more than 300 volunteers and collected over 7,000 pounds through the program basinwide, and that Sound Rivers has an "adopt a trap" model for community groups to help with cleanouts.

Under the MOU presented, Sound Rivers requested permission to install the trap at a site on Little Creek, and offered to manage and hold liability for the device. Cropp said Sound Rivers would handle monthly cleanouts and coordinate community volunteer events. Councilmembers voiced support and noted interest from local volunteer groups; a council motion to approve the MOU carried by voice vote.

Council action leaves local staff to coordinate siting details and permits with Sound Rivers. No town funding or long‑term town maintenance obligations were adopted as part of the MOU; the nonprofit said it would cover purchase and upkeep per the presentation.

Speakers during the item included Samantha Cropp, who presented the proposal; Mayor Jody McLeod, who presided; and councilmembers who discussed volunteer support and county firsts. The council formally approved the trash installation and management MOU by voice vote.