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Local resident reports sedimentation at Stanberry Creek, asks county to seek stop-work order
Summary
A resident reported sediment and wetland disruption at Stanberry Creek linked to the River Lake development and urged the county to investigate; county staff said they were not previously aware and will look into the report. The speaker also noted an upcoming public comment period on state wetland reclassification.
A Southport-area resident told commissioners he reported sedimentation, pollution and wetland disruption at Stanberry Creek and asked the county to investigate and consider a stop-work order.
Josh Kirby (Stone Chimney Road, Supply) told the board that, on April 24, he observed what he described as sedimentation and wetland disruption tied to the River Lake development and said he reported it to the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). Kirby said a culvert had been dug under Stone Chimney Road that is now releasing sediment into Stanberry Creek and that he had confirmation from Division of Water Resources staff that required 401 or 404 certifications were not in place. "So I think there should be a stop work order and, you know, I mean, a forensic audit of the permits that should have been there because there was no 401 or 404 certification," Kirby said.
Kirby also told the board there is a state public comment period on June 26 regarding a proposed change to the definition of wetlands that would align with the federal definition following the Sacket v. EPA decision. He said that change could remove protections for Stanberry Creek.
The county manager said he was unaware of the issue and that, to his knowledge, there had been no communication between NCDWR and the county on the matter. The manager told Kirby, "We will certainly look into it and see what we can find out about it." Commissioners and staff did not report any stop-work order in place during the meeting.
Why it matters: The complaint alleges unpermitted impacts to wetlands and waterways and cites a pending state-level redefinition of wetlands that could affect protections. County follow-up and state permitting determinations could affect remediation options and enforcement.
Ending: County staff committed to investigate the complaint and to follow up; the speaker was notified that the county would check into the matter and that no stop-work order had been reported at the meeting.
