Odie Street Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) 

Quickfacts: 

January 2022 – November 2024

Aimed at designing and constructing green infrastructure to control and treat runoff in the Eno River watershed, this project included the installation of 15 rain barrels, 4,000 square feet of native plantings, five educational events on stormwater pollution and green infrastructure for homeowners & local community. The NC Dept. of Environmental Quality Stormwater Nitrogen and Phosphorus (SNAP) Tool was used to estimate the nitrogen and phosphorus pollutant load reduction achieved by as-built conditions of the project. Based on the estimated pollutant loading from the bioswale drainage areas, the model results estimate the bioswales provide an 84% and 92% annual reduction in total nitrogen and phosphorus loading, respectively. 

A historically African American community that has since diversified and is also home to an older population, this area’s concerns were focused primarily on environmental justice, specifically involving a landfill that is not within the project’s vicinity. The Odie Street Green Infrastructure project provided a rare opportunity for a diverse, underserved community to benefit from stormwater green infrastructure (GI) while achieving important water quality and ecological benefits within the Neuse River basin. Overall, the green infrastructure improved drainage, reduced irrigation costs, added beauty to the neighborhood, and provided pollinator habitat. By directly addressing community needs, the project is expected to improve the quality of life for the residents and contribute social and economic benefits to the larger Fairview Community. 

The success of Odie Street’s green infrastructure serves as an inspiration for integrating green infrastructure with affordable housing projects. 

Location:

Odie St., Hillsborough, Orange County, Eno River watershed, Neuse River Basin

Partners:

  • Town of Hillsborough Stormwater & Hillsborough Tree Board
    • Technical assistance with invasive species control, volunteer recruitment
  • Orange County Habitat for Humanity
    • Communication with homeowners, volunteer recruitment.
  • Fairview Community Watch Group
    • Resident communication, volunteer recruitment, meeting space
  • Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
    • Technical assistance
  • Sub-Contractors:
    • Outdoor Science Labs (Diana Montgomery, Pascale Mittendorf)
    • KCI Engineering
    • Backwater Environmental

Funding: $242,624