County approves interlocal with CFPUA to expand bacteria forensics in Pages Creek

New Hanover County commissioners on June 15 approved an interlocal agreement with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) to expand bacteria source‑tracking in the Pages Creek watershed.

County staff explained the agreement will add eight sampling locations and increase sampling frequency during dry and wet weather. The project pairs local field work with forensic analysis by Dr. Rachel Noble of UNC‑Chapel Hill, described by staff as a national expert in microbial source forensics. CFPUA will provide lab space for sample filtration; county staff will manage project execution and contract administration.

Staff said a final report is due three months after the final sample collection (the sampling window will be about four months), so the board can expect results within roughly a year. Commissioners welcomed the targeted forensic approach in an effort to identify sources of chronic contamination and to inform follow‑up remediation or enforcement steps.

"We'll be adding eight additional sampling locations beyond our monthly sampling locations," staff said, and noted the partnership structure with CFPUA for lab support while the county leads project management and reporting.