Chatham County to Keep, Paint Bynum Water Tank After Lead Testing; Community Garden Soil to Be Replaced

Chatham County commissioners voted on Oct. 20 to retain and encapsulate (paint) the decommissioned water tower in Bynum after soil testing found elevated lead and chromium near its base, and directed staff to remove and replace contaminated garden beds. The low bid for demolition received in May was just under $32,000; the low bid for repainting was roughly $52,000 and contractors agreed to honor those prices for a limited time.

Assistant County Manager Carolyn Miller said the initial grid testing showed contamination concentrated near the tank and DEQ recommended removing garden-bed soil: "The tank is painted with lead paint," and after the grid sampling DEQ recommended removing and replacing the top six inches in garden beds and a private residence bed. Community members, including Maggie France and Logan Frederick, urged preservation of the tank as a local landmark and a quick relaunch of the community garden that has missed two growing seasons. The board approved a motion to keep and paint the tank, with the county assuming responsibility for long‑term maintenance while staff explores potential community partnerships to share ongoing costs.

The county staff plans to remove and replace contaminated topsoil from the garden beds and a private yard as DEQ recommended, schedule the painting/encapsulation work and add safety and inspection steps to avoid future disturbance. The board was told Tri River (the new regional utility) will not take responsibility for the tank or the booster station and that the booster will be disconnected and capped; Tri River declined to fund clean-up because the property is not an active utility asset. Commissioners said they expect staff to move quickly so community gardeners can plan for the next season.