 Current Challenges to the Wetlands:
Trash Dumping and Flooding
By Ben B.
Two major challenges facing the wetland and the community are trash dumping and flooding. Twice a year citizens from around Raleigh participate in a trash clean up organized by PEJ. With each clean up, surprising items are found in places that had been cleaned just months before. Items such as old televisions, refrigerators, and even old toilets have been found in the wetlands near the State Street Bridge. There have also been many tires thrown into the river itself.
Flooding has been a recurring problem in the Rochester Heights community for many years. Parts of the neighborhood often flood after heavy rains. The City has responded to persistent calls from citizens for help and assistance in recent years. Some houses have been moved and drainage culverts have been improved. Yet while progress has been made, it seems flooding will continue to be a concern until the wetlands are fully protected from development. |
