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The North Carolina Global TransPark (NCGTP) is a state-of-the-art air cargo transportation facility that has always considered environmental stewardship as a central part of its mission. Planning has been ongoing since the early 1990’s including detailed environmental studies within 15,726 acres surrounding the former Kinston Jetport. An Environmental Impact Statement completed in 1997 set the stage for successful receipt of a Section 404 permit and 401 Water Quality Certification within a 5,775-acre permit zone. These permits allow up to 871 acres of wetland impacts.
As mitigation for unavoidable impacts, the NCGTP developed a detailed wetland mitigation plan involving more than 4,600 acres of formerly degraded streams and wetlands which will be restored and preserved. The plan calls for interconnection of fragmented parcels of wetlands and wildlife habitat on the NCGTP site involving over 1500 acres. Dover Bay, a unique 3,100-acre double pocosin bay near the TransPark, will also be restored. Stormwater master planning, development of a wildlife hazards plan, and implementation of a public involvement and education program have also been undertaken as part of the environmental program.
Phase I of the mitigation has been completed. This phase of work involved a majority of the required mitigation under our permit and included restoring 3000 feet of channelized stream in Stonyton Creek and enhancement within five miles (350+ acres) of floodplain wetlands within NCGTP boundaries. Enhancement included planting of native species (100,000+ trees), removal of potentially contaminated materials, and passive restoration of stream channels.
A comprehensive storm water master plan for the project has been developed. The Authority also intends to comply with Phase II stormwater regulations and has been issued a draft MS4 permit to handle stormwater management for the airport and NCGTP clients. A baseline water quality monitoring program developed and implemented with the goal of achieving a 30% reduction in nutrients going to the Neuse River system has also been completed.
The Authority purchased and restored 3100 acres of Dover Bay – a ecologically significant feature in eastern North Carolina. The mitigation work included 10 miles of ditch and road removal, planting of more than 150,000 trees, and construction of control weirs to regulate water entering and leaving the site. A monitoring program has been established to measure success.
The NCGTP public education program has been started. The Education Training Center (ETC), completed in 2002, is a high tech facility offering space for training and educational programs. Our community outreach program has included the Boy Scouts constructing and installing more than 170 bird boxes in habitat areas on the NCGTP complex. Presentations to school groups and other interested parties have been made to introduce the NCGTP environmental program and to inform others of our progress.
Phase II of the mitigation plan is currently being investigated. This task will focus on acquiring and enhancing approximately 1000 acres of interstream wetlands within NCGTP on-site boundaries and interconnecting all wetland systems through a series of wildlife corridors. Once acquired, trees will be planted and ditches filled to restore wetlands and to provide food and cover for various forms of wildlife. The functional benefits for wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and recreation will be greatly improved.
The Authority will also continue with its public involvement and environmental education program during Phase II. A wildlife pullover behind the Education Training Center is proposed, complete with walking trails to significant environmental features. Our community outreach will continue to include opportunities for the public to learn and participate in various environmental activities ranging from mitigation monitoring to learning about area wildlife.
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