Implementation and Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practice Retrofits in Wilmington, NC

Burnt Mill Creek, located within downtown Wilmington, NC, is on the EPA's 303(d) list for impairment due in large part to urban stormwater runoff. The urban nature of the watershed presents challenges for restoration because of the varying land uses including single and multi-family residential areas, recreational parks, and commercial and industrial areas. Restoration efforts are multiplying in Burnt Mill Creek as a result of passionate involvement from local community leaders, and partnerships with state organizations. The Watershed Education for Communities and Local Officials (WECO) coordinated a partnership, with NCSU BAE, the City of Wilmington, as well as several other key state and local organizations and citizens groups, to obtain an EPA 319 grant that addresses stormwater management in the watershed. Community involvement has led to several retrofit BMP opportunities, including pervious pavement and rain gardens at a local YMCA, two bioretention cells installed in the parking lot at Port City Java's corporate headquarters, a stormwater wetland in a city owned communal area, and several residential scale rain gardens in an urban low income community. Twelve rain gardens and twenty four rain barrels were installed at citizen's private residences in an urban neighborhood in downtown Wilmington. Although restoration takes time, momentum continues to build in the Burnt Mill Creek watershed as resources are devoted to thoughtful education and engagement with the public.