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We did an interview with Mr. Todd Kelly, who works
for the Carteret County Soil and Water Conservation
Mr. Todd has worked there for eighteen years. At his job he
takes samples of soils from peoples houses and helps farmers
come up with waste problems hat affect the ground water. He
is from Carteret County and grew up in Newport on a farm.
Growing up on the farm is what got him interested about
soil, because farming has a lot to do with soil. After
graduating from high school he went to NC State University
and got a degree in agriculture. He has been working with
soil ever since.
Wetland
soils are mostly made up of clay, sand and dirt. They have a
high water density. The clay is an issue with the soil
because when the waste is poured out into the field then the
clay will not allow the waste to run through very fast and
then it will just pile up. With high water density you can’t
build anything because the soil is so close to the water.
A septic
tank is a place waste is broken down and stored. These are
also used for people who live far away from people. Septic
tanks have a place for good water, a place for scum, and a
place for bad water. This is how it works. First, water goes
through the sink, toilet or tub. Then it goes through a
pipe to the septic system. After that, it is separated
between good water and other things. The good water goes to
the drainage field.
Groundwater
contamination and high density development are two issues
that are influenced by soil type. Wetland soils pose
problems in these areas because the water table is high and
water can easily become contaminated. The soils don’t drain
well, and are not suitable for wastewater disposal.
A challenge
for Down East is that there is a lot of waterfront property
and the area has been discovered. Many people want to build
on the water. Much of Down East contains wetland soils which
makes it unsuitable for development.
Some of the
solutions for groundwater contamination are to not develop
as many houses and businesses. Also yearly checks for septic
tanks and sewage pipes would prevent waste getting into the
soil. We’re very lucky because we have marsh grass as a
natural solution. Marsh grass acts as a filter and cleans
out the water in the estuaries and groundwater.
Mound
systems and constructed wetlands are possible solutions to
wastewater treatment in eastern North Carolina. Mound
systems are and above ground soil filter for treating
domestic waste water. The effluent is pumped through a
pressure dosed pipe system. Mound systems are a good
solution because they help with the soil limitations we have
like seasonal high water tables and clay which is not very
permeable. Constucted wetlands and mound systems are being
tested by NC State scientist as a effective low cost waste
water treatment solution. If we don’t come up with some more
solution we might be drinking contaminated water in the
future.
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