Loves Creek Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan

September 2022-March 2024

The project focuses on the Loves Creek watershed, an 8.2-square mile area in Chatham County, which faces water quality issues from stormwater runoff in developed and agricultural areas. Loves Creek is listed as impaired on the State’s 303(d) list, with stormwater being a major contributor.

PCC has received funding to create a Watershed Restoration Plan for Loves Creek, aiming to remove it from the impaired waters list by addressing the EPA’s 9 key elements. The plan will:

  • Identify causes of impairment and pollution sources
  • Estimate load reductions from management measures
  • Describe management measures for critical areas
  • Estimate technical and financial needs
  • Develop an education and outreach component
  • Create a project schedule and progress indicators
    The plan will also include a watershed inventory and highlight past partnership efforts by the Loves Creek Watershed Stewards.

Restoring water quality in Loves Creek will require a variety of approaches, including water quality projects, policy changes, and education programs. This report and online Story Map detail the stormwater reduction needed and list past and recommended management measures, such as:

  • 7 stormwater control measures
  • 14 stream buffer and restoration projects
  • 12 conservation projects
  • 4 program development projects
  • 12 educational tools

These efforts will be carried out by the Town of Siler City, Loves Creek Watershed Stewards, Chatham County, and other stakeholders, including local citizens, landowners, and businesses.

Location:

Loves Creek as it flows in Siler City, Chatham County, part of the Rocky River and Cape Fear River Basin

Partners:

  • NC Land & Water Fund (NCLWF) grant funds to PCC
  • In-kind contributions: Town of Siler City various dots, Chatham County SWCD, UNC Eco-studio interns, PCC Siler City Loves Creek implementation projects through USEPA-319 and NC-EEG
  • Biocenosis, LLC
  • Loves Creek Watershed Stewards 


Funding: $215,314 

  • NC Land & Water Fund (NCLWF) grant funds to PCC
  • In-kind contributions: Town of Siler City various dots, Chatham County SWCD, UNC Eco-studio interns, PCC Siler City Loves Creek implementation projects through USEPA-319 and NC-EEG
  • Biocenosis, LLC
  • Loves Creek Watershed Stewards 

Online Story Map

Companion Report