1998 Success Stories

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Date: Fri Jan 30 15:32:52 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: cumberla
Person Reporting: George R Autry

The Cumberland County Christmas Tree Recycling Program was completed in January. 2800 trees were collected and sent to Caswell Beach and Long Beach in Brunswick County to be used for dune restoration work. This was a cooperative project between the Extension Services in Cumberland County, Brunswick County, Cumberland County Solid Waste Management, Cumberland County Sheriff's Department and Alliance Tractor Trailer Training Center in Benson, NC. The impacts are two fold. 2800 trees did not have to be chipped in Cumberland County and dune restoration will save a huge amount of money is beach erosion and structure damage in Brunswick County.

Date: Mon Mar 2 12:36:07 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: cumberla
Person Reporting: George R Autry

As part of our water quality program an aquatic weed control program has been initiated. Part of the program includes a demonstration on IPM methods of weed control in ponds. An aquatic weed control workshop was also held that included chemical, mechanical and biological control of aquatic weeds. 20 persons attended this workshop and received 2 hours recertification credit on their commercial pesticide applicators licenses. We also handle a large number of calls concerning aquatic weed control and proper management of ponds including farm, residential, golf course and recreational areas.
Date: Thu Apr 9 08:24:23 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: craven
Person Reporting: David H. Hardy

The Town Council of River Bend voted to adopt a resolution for assistance with a water management and wetlands enhancement through a proposal to the NC Division of Water Resources as prepared by myself and Bill Hunt, Urban Stormwater Specialist, NCSU. This grant has the potential to provide $36,814 for installation of constructed wetlands and riparian buffers to improve water quality and aid in flood control in this community. Educational sites with demonstration signs are proposed around a recreational field, pond park, and golf course to describe wetland and riparian buffer benefits to citizens. The local health and county planning departments are aqlso supportive. Consequently work here will also serve as a training site for developers and planners in designing improvements to other communities. Tom Glasgow, Extension Horticulture agent will assist with selecting plantings for riparian buffers.
Date: Mon May 4 13:15:37 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: caldwell
Person Reporting: Allen E. Caldwell

$50,00 in grant and matching funds were secured to establish a waste paper reduction program in Caldwell County. Program targeted county departments, school system and communities. We developed, printed and distributed over 5,000 recycling and composting brochures to convenience site operators, users, schools and local businesses. The following was removed/recycled from Caldwell County's waste stream: (1) Mixed paper...879.19 tons, (2)Card Board...1079.15 tons, (3) Alumium cans...25.08 tons.
Date: Mon May 4 13:21:06 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: caldwell
Person Reporting: Allen E. Caldwell

Nine oil recycling sites were established in Caldwell County. These are located at the major convenience centers. During the past year over 4500 gallons of used motor oil was recyled.
Date: Fri Jun 12 11:39:49 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: guilford
Person Reporting: Karen Neill

Each year thousands of ornamental plants are planted into Guilford county landscapes, as a result a stock pile of plastic nursery pots has occured. Unfortunatley these are not welcome in the current city recycling program so frequently are disposed of through the landfill. To prevent this a Recycling program was established with through the cooperative Extesion service with the help of Plastics revolutions a recycling compamy who does handle this type plastic. Television spots were conducted as well as newspaper articles to alert people to how these pots would be handled more environmentally friendly through our one day collection. We collected 5,500 lbs of plastic which will be used to make new nursery pots and parking car stops. We also collected 300 lbs which backyard propagators come and collected to reuse for producing landscape plants.
Date: Thu Jun 25 10:01:10 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Maurice McAlister

From July 1, 1997 through June 1, 1998 492,000 gallons of leachate water from a Sub-Title D land fill cell in Madison County has been applied through impact sprinklers to non food crops. This project is being conducted to investigate the cost effectiveness and environmental affects of this potential alternative method of leachate management. The net savings to date of operating costs is $3740 for Madison Co.
Plant, soil, and water samples from the treatment area have not revealed significant harmful affects. The completion of this project, without evidence of environmental degradation, can offer an alternative leachate management plan to other landfills in N.C.
Date: Fri Jun 26 14:08:37 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: burke
Person Reporting: Reagan Ammons

Thirty-four homeowners participated in a Backyard Composting workshop. Using a self-anchoring scale the homeowners showed a 39% increase in composting knowledge from the workshop. A small portable compost unit was given to each participant. A survey conducted two months after the workshop showed that all participants had an active compost unit in operation. Three participants ordered an extra unit and one participant built a pernament unit.
Date: Sun Jun 28 17:38:23 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: swain
Person Reporting: Nira Cope-Nations

Swain County had five members from the Mountaineer All-Breed 4-H Horse Club and Swain County Livestock 4-H Club to participate in the State 4-H Horse Bowl in Raleigh on March 7. The team members participated in the Mixed Division. Swain County placed as Reserve Champion out of 27 teams. One member also placed as the Top Scoring Individual in the Mixed Team Division.
Date: Mon Jun 29 22:28:07 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: gaston
Person Reporting: Kimberley A. Lough

Groundwater supplies drinking water to 50% of Gaston County's population. Yet, over 90 incidents of groundwater contamination have occurred. Extension linked with Gaston Quality of Natural Resources Commission and UNC-Charlotte to provide pollution prevention seminars for businesses and industries in two target areas. Attendees learned about their potential to pollute, liability as a polluter and pollution prevention options. Free environmental audits were offered. Of the 20 attendees, 3 called back for further advice, 6 requested site visits to verify sound pollution prevention practices on-site and 4 said they would make changes in their business practices. Information on Gaston County's wellhead protection program was new to 75% of the attendees. Thus, the seminar served an unmet need among key players in reducing groundwater contamination in Gaston County.
Date: Mon Jun 29 14:35:55 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: lincoln
Person Reporting: Amy G. Chilcote

Physical Science Teacher is introduced to the educational opportunities the North Carolina Cooperative Extension has to offer the classroom. As an expansion of the Storm Drain Stenciling Program, one local high school teacher incorporates program in water quality unit as a hands on lab. Through the program, twenty-six students interact with one hundred and thirty-eight residents on environmental concerns, clean storm drains, and do a river sweep. After the Storm Drain Stenciling lab, the teacher praises the program for teaching the students a very valuable lesson about the importance of their role in protecting their drinking water. It is felt by the teacher that if the lesson was taught in the classroom, it would not have been as effective. He, the teacher, also realizes the opportunity to collaborate with the Cooperative Extension on other program opportunities.
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:02:00 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: cumberla
Person Reporting: George R Autry


A christmas tree recycling program was initiated during the month of January with
approximately 5000 collected. Some trees were shipped to Brunswick Co for dune
restoration while the majority were chipped for mulch thereby creating a usable
product. The used oil program continued with gallons of oil being collected for
recycling. Also a program to take unwanted pesticides for farmers was intitiated
during this period in cooperation with Solid Waste Management and NCDA. Pesticide
containers were also picked up and grinded. 5000 lbs of used pesticide containers
were processed during the period.
Date: Tue Jun 30 17:23:50 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: iredell
Person Reporting: Sandra G. Compton

Private Well Water Screening was held March 23, 1998, at the Iredell Agricultural Center, lower level. Eighty-eight water samples were screened for nitrates; 73 samples screened for nitrate and triazine. Of 46 advance registrations received, 35 registrants brought water samples to the center. Fifty-three samples were screened that had not been registered. The screening was marketed through the local media (newspapers), with flyers, agent newsletters, and mentioned at speciality group meetings (beef cattlemen). A radio public service announcement during morning "prime time" the day of the screening is credited with creating major awareness.
Date: Tue Jun 30 14:22:15 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Dr. Diana Rashash

Surf City (Pender County) has road flooding problems after storm events. The Surf City Planning Board requested Extension to look into their stormwater problems and make recommendations. As a result of our suggestions, one member (who is a local builder) now incorporates stormwater control measures on each property he develops. The planning board has also taken a serious stance on the impacts of impervious pavement. It is hoped that through these efforts and continued public education that the flooding problems can be improved, even with continued development in the area.
Date: Tue Jun 30 15:52:04 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: pasquota
Person Reporting: Tom Campbell

Pasquotank County citizens now load up free mulches and composts recycled from yard wastes by the city and county solid waste departments. Sometimes, loads of mulch are depleted before the county can arrange to restock them as residents haul it away for use on their landscapes. Over 50 tons of lumch per year are recycled to the public. Over 12 tons of finished compost are recycled to the public who eagerly use it to improve soils in gardens and plant beds.
Date: Wed Jul 1 14:42:27 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: avery
Person Reporting: Connie Greene and Mike Pitman

Avery County CES held a very successful water screening the week of May 18, 1998. We were able to check 80 households for Nitrate and 78 for Triazines. Most samples proved to be very low in both Nitrates and Triazines. We did find two households which were high or borderline in the presence of Nitrates and one which was high in Triazines. All participants were educated as to the importance of having their water screened and and to the dangers of a high Nitrate and/or Triazine level in their water supply.
Date: Wed Jul 1 12:59:17 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: franklin
Person Reporting: Ted B. Sanderson

This was the first year a christmas tree recycling program was established Franklin County by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Annoucements where made by using radio and newspapers to identify the drop off area at the Franklin County farmer's Market. The
Date: Wed Jul 1 12:11:22 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: guilford
Person Reporting: Karen Neill

Kitchen waste in Guilford county is either put in a garbage disposal or bagged.However with more people becoming concious about recycling, questins are arising as how to best handle this material. Vermicomposting is a program offered by the cooperative extension service to the schools as well as other youth groups. The Horticulture agent in Guilford Co. presented a vermicomposting program to the cub scout pack 158. A letter recieved from Loraine DeCelle, Den Leader,revealed," The boys and leaders learned everything we ever wanted to know about worms and More! We appreciate the service you offer to the community and the valuable resource you are to us and to other residents of our county. My worms are alive and well in their box under my sink. Our hope is that they will reproduce so that we can share our knowledge and get more people recycling."
Date: Thu Jul 2 11:25:27 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: nash
Person Reporting: Linda Aycock

We screened 82 well-water samples at a Farm and Home Safety Expo. The highest nitrate reading was 11. Upon visiting the family, it was found that their well was hand-dug and located under the family room floor. (Move the coffee table, lift the rug and lift the floor and there is the well.) We advised that they should purchase bottled water for drinking. We recommended that they also hook on to their son's well next door. After having his water screened, the son had his line extended to his parents house.
Date: Fri Jul 10 09:02:25 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: brunswic
Person Reporting: Phillip Ricks

Commissioners at their April 1998 meeting authorized the hiring of an engineering firm to plan a comprehensive total county wide long range sewer plan. This action resulted from 18 months work by the Stormwater & Sewer Oversite Committee. This commissioner appointed committee acquired resolutions of endorsement of a county wide sewer effort from 16 local municipalities. These are two very significant accomplishments for Brunswick county. Extension is involved in this planning effort.

Date: Mon Aug 3 11:32:00 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: person
Person Reporting: Craven Hudson

On March 13, 1998, Extension hosted a workshop on using "skimmers" in sediment basins to better clean up the water coming off construction sites. Local agents,specialists and the Orange County Sediment and Erosion Control Director led the workshop. Participants included engineers, developers,county employees from across North Carolina and officials from South Carolina DEHEC. Duke University sent their forester and facilities management employees.
As a result of the March workshop, Duke is installing "skimmers" at the Fuqua School of Business construction site. A followup consultation with Extension and the Orange S&E; Director was held at the site to insure the best implementation of the "skimmers" and optimium basin design. This sediment control best management practice is a direct result of Extension programming. Construction officials at Duke stated that they plan to use "skimmers" at other sites.
Date: Thu Oct 1 15:05:54 EDT 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: gaston
Person Reporting: Kimberley Lough

Johnny Robinson, a science teacher at Hunter Huss, struggled with how to get his students more interested in science. Hearing of the Gaston County volunteer stream watch monitoring program, led by Extension in cooperation with the Gaston County Quality of Natural Resources Commission and County Commissioners, Johnny attended stream watch training where he learned about streams and water quality and testing. Armed with a volunteer monitoring kit and excitement, he returned to school and monthly engaged 6 students in water sampling and 24 students in chemical testing. Now more than just hearing about water quality and the environment, his students became active participants.
Date: Mon Nov 2 15:15:55 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: gaston
Person Reporting: Kimberley Lough

The multiple sedimentation/stormwater detention basins, required as part of a major Crinimal Justice/Human Services facility construction program, posed unique challenges in Gastonia. The general public and elected officials expressed significant concern regarding the basins' unsightly appearance and effects on local water quality. The NC Cooperative Extension Service's Stormwater and Erosion Control Program in Gaston County educates and technically advises city and county officials, engineers and planners of new designs that improve the water quality treatment and physical appearance in such basins. Bill Beasley, Public Works Director for Gaston County, contacted Extension for help with the Crinimal Justice/Human Services basins. Mr. Beasley commented that Extension "is providing valuable techical assistance that we will implement to enhance local water quality and significantly improve the aesthetics of each basin." Extension's stormwater management program again is making research applicable at the local level!
Date: Tue Nov 10 14:36:38 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: cumberla
Person Reporting: George R Autry

The pesticide container program continues to be successful. In 1998 2429 containers were ground for recycling with only 40 containers rejected. This represents a 1.6% rejection rate for 1998. We feel our efforts are paying off in educating producers in the importance of properly rinsing pesticide containers so they can be handled for recycling properly.
Date: Mon Dec 14 11:42:30 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Dr. Diana Rashash

There are many septic systems in coastal NC. Frequently, residents are unfamiliar with septic systems, what they do, and how they operate. This unfamiliarity has likely contributed to early septic system failures and drainfield problems. A refrigerator magnet, entitled "Not in My Septic System", was developed that lists key cloggers and killers of septic systems. The magnet also reminds homeowners to have their tank pumped and has spaces for filling in service information. Pumping and proper maintenance can help prolong the life of a system and prevent costly repairs. The magnet is very popular. Two common responses are "I didn't know that I shouldn't add coffee grounds!" and "I have no idea when it was last pumped!"
Date: Tue Dec 22 12:39:45 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: cherokee
Person Reporting: April L. Conley

The Cherokee County Extension Service staff and volunteer from across the county worked together to make Big Sweep 1998 a great success. Extensive media coverage brought much attention to the litter awareness campaign. Big Sweep is a nationally recognized waterway clean up that creates litter awareness and promotes proper waste disposal. this year was the second year that the Cherokee County Extension Service coordinated the event. A total of 70 participants cleaned litter from local rivers and lakes, collecting 146 bags of garbage and mnay large items such as tires and appliances that were eyesores to the beautiful waterway scenery. An estimated 19 miles of terrain was covered by Big Sweeper. Solid Waste Management brochures were desseminated to each participant in order to further promote proper waste management disposal, and to support the county's recycling program initiatives. T-shirts and door prizes were awarded.
Date: Tue Dec 22 12:38:17 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: cherokee
Person Reporting: April L. Conley

With the growing solid waste problems in our country, there is a great need for solid waste management education. To address these needs, the Family and Consumer Educator in Cherokee County visited an Environmental Science class at Hiwassee Dam School. The anatomy of a landfill was discussed and demonnstrated by the agent as she constructed a minature landfill. Hazardous wastes were also discussed. Students participated in an activity in which they divided into groups and read product labels to determine toxic level, safety, proper disposal, etc. of each product. 94% of the students said they had increased their knowledge and awareness of waste management principles, as a result of the program, and 50% said that they would improve waste management practices.
Date: Thu Dec 24 15:30:08 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: watauga
Person Reporting: Mike Pitman/Sue Counts

With rapid urban development and high intensity agriculture, water quality is becoming an increasing concern among local citizens. To assure that sufficient information is provided regarding local water supplies, the Watauga Cooperative Extension Service conducted an extensive water quality educational program that included well water screening for nitrates and triazines. Fifty-nine wells were screened, and two were found to have high levels of nitrates. In cooperation with the Health Department, these individuals were able to do further testing and take action to rectify the problem causing the excessive level of pollutants. One learned that the well was poorly constructed, and the well contractor repaired the well at no cost. Programs such as this highlights the need to assure clean water, but also indicates to the citizens that continued vigilance will assure a clean water supply both now and in the future.
Date: Mon Dec 28 12:37:19 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: forsyth
Person Reporting: Maurene S. Minton

Educating town citizens on the need for, the economics of, and the pros and cons of a new municapal waste water management system was a major need for the town of Walkertown in Forsyth County. In conjuction with Town officials, the Cooperative Extension service organized a public information campaign to inform the citizens of these issues. 70 citizens attended a Town Meeting in which all information about the issue was shared by Extension Specialists, City/county utility personnel, and other professionals. As a result, a town survey revealed that 88 percent of the citizens were better informed and in favor of persuing a new system.
Date: Tue Dec 29 09:16:25 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: alexande
Person Reporting: Lenny Rogers

The Alexander County Government came to Extension asking for
assistance in implementing a county-wide Swap Shed. The Swap Shed is designed to house useable items that some people want to do away with, but still have a useful life. After receiving a $5,000 grant and using local prison labor equating to $4,800 value, Alexander Extension managed to construct the 20' x 30' facility. The shed is loaded with shelves and a large clothing rack where clothes on hangers can be hung. Items recycled and kept out of our county's waste stream include: couches, recliners, baby cribs, bed rails, TVs, windows, blankets, clothes, books, lamps, bicycles, and much more. People can leave items or pick up useful items. This helps those in need and it helps keep items out of our waste stream. In six months, 34 pieces of furniture and 9 tons of trash have been diverted from our waste stream.
Date: Thu Dec 31 11:47:54 EST 1998
SMP #: 18
Local System: cabarrus
Person Reporting: David N. Goff

When Cabarrus Co. Commissioners decided to fund a first-ever Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, Extension Agent was asked to co-chair the event due to Extension's past efforts in solid waste. Extension mobilized a number of volunteers, made arrangements with NCDA to remove pesticides, and coordinated steering committee meetings. Results: 625 participants; 63,557 lbs. HHW collected, including 2,400 lbs. of pesticides; 234 lead-acid batteries; 1250 gallons used motor oil; and 4,580 lbs. scrap tires collected. Participant surveys rated event very positive, and suggested a bi-annual event.
Date: Mon Jan 4 15:21:34 EST 1999
SMP #: 18
Local System: northamp
Person Reporting: Tyrone L Fisher

The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) received an EPA grant to test lead, nitrate, and pesticides in drinking water in homes of school-aged children in Northampton and Bertie counties. Shallow or damaged wells due to weather conditions or age, and metal pipes and fixtures in older homes in rural/low economy areas show a need for frequent testing. While working through these county school systems, a presentation was made to each class on drinking water issues and concerns. Children in over 1500 homes were given water bottles with instructions on taking a sample. These samples were tested the next day. Lead and nitrate testings were conducted at our office. The pesticide test was done at North Carolina State University. Results showed more problems in nitrates than lead or pesticides. Families have been contacted and both county health departments are working with the CES to solve their water drinking problems.
Date: Wed Jan 20 08:49:39 EST 1999
SMP #: 18
Local System: wake
Person Reporting: Mitch Woodward

Few homeowners understand that their lawns can impact water quality in the Neuse River. Wake County Extension and the Town of Cary have teamed up to educate homeowners and lawn care professionals about practices they can use to protect water quality. Called " WaterWise Gardener", the program focuses on teaching techniques that keep excess nitrogen off lawns and out of storm drains. Over watering is also a concern the program addresses. Homeowners receive information via websites,telephone hotlines, lawncare open houses in neighborhoods,tv,newspapers, radio, flyers mailed with water bills, and a block leader program. Future plans include point-of- purchase displays for retailers, workshops for lawncare companies, an education program provided through the NC Turfgrass Council, and master gardener program.
Date: Wed Jan 20 14:11:00 EST 1999
SMP #: 18
Local System: yancey
Person Reporting: Johnny Hensley

The Yancey County Christmas tree recycling project was very successful for the sixth season. County employees and community volunteers, in cooperation with the Yancey County Commissioners turned more than 900 Christmas trees into useful mulch. The chipped mulch created a volume of approximately 120 cubic yards. The mulch was hauled away by county residents within just a few days. Area residents have found several uses for the mulch, including composting, mulching landscape plantings and erosion control on steep slopes.
Date: Wed Jan 20 14:11:30 EST 1999
SMP #: 18
Local System: yancey
Person Reporting: Johnny Hensley

A series of Master Composting Workshops were conducted by the Yancey County Extension Staff with the aid of a grant from the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance in cooperation with the Yancey County United Way and Learn and Serve America. Fifteen trained adults and 4 youth were certified as Master Composters. Additionally, more than 100 county residents were given simple wire composting bins and "How to Compost" literature. A composting demonstration site was established at the Extension Center. Several of the certified master composters also established worm bins for vermicomposting household food scraps.
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