Morgan Creek Interceptor (Phase I)

Construction start date: April 15, 2024

Estimated project length: 12 months

Purpose:

The economic (business) and population growth of this area requires a larger sewer capacity. Replacing the aging pipeline with more sustainable materials will also reduce breaks and leaks, protecting the ecosystems in and around Morgan Creek.  

Overview:

Phase I of the Morgan Creek Interceptor project is to upgrade 3,000 linear feet of the existing 24-inch sewer collection line to a 36-inch pipeline. Construction will take place along Morgan Creek on North Carolina Botanical Garden property near the Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. This phase of the project includes removal of large trees around the perimeter of the N.C. Botanical Garden. The tree removal is necessary to allow construction equipment to access the project area.

Environmental Protection:

While this project requires heavy construction equipment in and around Morgan Creek, the pipe replacement is a long-term investment in the environmental integrity of the creek by reducing risk of breaks and leaks for decades to come.

OWASA is partnering with the Town of Chapel Hill and experts at the N.C. Botanical Garden prior to, during, and after the project to minimize environmental impacts and restore the area following construction.

OWASA commissioned a bat survey at the recommendation of the N.C. Botanical Garden biologists and found the endangered tri-colored bat present near the project area. This knowledge allowed us to plan construction schedules to eliminate tree clearing and minimize other disturbance during the bats’ mating season.

This partnership with the Town and NCBG is a great example of how construction projects in areas of environmental concern can be well by ensuring all parties are educated and planning appropriately. OWASA is implementing environmental protections above and beyond what was required to secure the permits needed to complete the project.

Easement Restoration Plan: Following the project’s completion, OWASA will complete the following items as part of an approved Easement Restoration Plan with the Town of Chapel Hill:

• Native trees and shrubs planted and fertilized in temporarily disturbed areas at a density of 260 trees per acre at maturity
• Monitoring reports of vegetation success in restored areas quarterly for the first year
• Seeding throughout permanently disturbed area (within 30 feet of project centerline).

  Schedule: The project approach is divided into four phases: 

See below for photos of construction: 

Project Contact:  

Darren Berger

Project Manager

919-537-4240

dberger@owasa.org