Project 1: Pamlico Point (in Goose Creek GL in Pamlico County): It has been determined that to be able to continue to actively manage the impoundments at Pamlico Point, taking into consideration current damage and other needs as well as future conditions caused by the effects of climate change resulting in sea level rise and severe weather conditions, several improvements will be necessary. Nearly all of the perimeter dike (~30,000 LF) needs to be raised to an elevation of 3.5 to allow for an estimated 1.0’ of sea level rise over the next 25 years. It is also recommended that the internal dikes be raised to a minimum elevation of 3.0. This will require raising approximately 3,000 LF an average of 6”. The erosion of the external dikes on either side of the entry canal (2,400 LF) will need to be stabilized by pulling back a 3:1 slope shifting the adjacent dike toward the interior. In the area on the north dike with the narrowest fringe marsh protection (~2,650 LF), slope creation should be added to help stabilize the area should this protection be lost. In addition, it is recommended the dike be widened into the internal corner and the corner berm be built up to allow widening. The four water control structures that connect each unit to the external waters are to be replaced with water control structures that improve the ability to utilize tidal fluctuations for water removal and addition. The structures should be 60” aluminum half rounds with double stop log channels have external flap gate on the 48” aluminum outfall pipe, internal gates in the riser’s stop log channel, catwalks on each side for access and a lifting winch for the flap gate. A second pump should be added that is dedicated to dewatering. It is to be 24” stainless steel, located at the central pump basin and should be powered by a removeable diesel power unit. Alternate designs can be considered but a hydraulic pump in a concrete wet well, 48” HDPE pipe, a concrete discharge riser, vinyl bulkhead, concrete pad, fencing, a carport shelter, and removable diesel power unit are considered optimal. An area adjacent to the existing pump house (~35 LF) will need to be widened using the vinyl sheet pile to have room for the wet well installation. Returning the system to historic water level management regimes ensures crucial habitat for overwintering and migrating waterfowl as well as nesting and feeding habitat for various wading and shorebirds.
