Citizens press Durham County on watershed protections; board approves Southeast Durham Watershed Improvement Plan agreement

Three residents urged the Board on March 11 to strengthen protections for Durham’s watersheds and to ensure transparent reporting as the County considers participating in the Southeast Durham Watershed Improvement Plan.

Pamela Andrews told the Board it should "stop allowing developers to mass grade, clear trees and build near critical watersheds in Durham." Tammie Sawaya said the plan "needed revisions" and asked what the County would get out of the plan, requesting that Preserve Rural Durham and residents receive monthly progress reports. Tom Freeman asked the Board to "stop all high‑density construction until the outcome of the finding was received and reviewed." Chair Nida Allam directed staff to follow up with the citizen speakers.

Ryan Eaves, Stormwater and Erosion Control Division Manager, said the department is planning "robust outreach sessions" to hear from stakeholders and that he would contact the citizen speakers to provide information. County Manager Dr. Kimberly Sowell said the Interlocal Agreement allows approval of the project and that public outreach and engagement would be held in the future.

Following those comments, Commissioner Heidi Carter moved, seconded by Commissioner Wendy Jacobs, to approve Item 24‑0076 (the interlocal agreement with the City of Durham for the Southeast Durham Watershed Improvement Plan, including a County contribution of $910,895.51 toward plan development as listed in the agenda materials). The motion carried unanimously.

The board record indicates staff will proceed with outreach and coordination with the City of Durham and will follow up with the citizen speakers who requested additional information and reporting.