BLADEN COUNTY N.C. In this instance, the pipes that were damaged under our streets have been turned into a home to marine life.
What You Need to Know
Artificial reefs can be made from many things, including old vessels, rocks and concrete pipes.
NCDOT and N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries collaborated to transform tons and tons of corroded pipes into artificial coral reefs
This project not only helps the environment, but also saves NCDOT about $65,000
Artificial reefs can be extremely beneficial. They provide a healthy habitat for marine life and help to restore low fish population.
A diver inspects an artificial reef made from old pipe. (Photo: Courtesy N.C. division of marine fisheries)
They can be made from any type of material, including concrete. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has a surplus of concrete.
After partnering with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries), NCDOT now sends tons of concrete pipe to Wilmington to be used as artificial reefs.
Ken Clark, a NCDOT District Engineer, inspects the pipes. (Photo: Natalie Mooney)
I was there with several Marine Fisheries people years ago, before COVID. Ken Clark, a NCDOT district engineer, said that I was there. And we were talking about what they need for their work offshore, and I asked them if they could use concrete pipe.
Most of the pipes that were collected over a 10-year span were damaged by wear and tears, hydraulic issues, and Hurricanes Florence & Matthew.
Clark stated that we have so far hauled approximately 1,200 pieces pipe down to the port. There are likely to be 400-500 more pipe pieces here.
Pipes damaged and ready to be transported by the port of Wilmington (Photo: Natalie Mooney)
It would be wasteful to send them to a landfill.
Clark said that it saves us probably tens or thousands of dollars. To dispose of the pipe we have hauled to the port so far, it would cost us approximately $70,000.
Clark believes that the project is well worth the cost, despite the fact that it will save money.
Clark stated that we know we are doing a good job by taking the pipe and reusing it to benefit the environment, as well as fisherman, divers, and others who fish. I believe it is a very beneficial program both for the agencies involved.
These pipes, which are currently at Wilmington’s port, will be loaded onto a barge to be transported off the Brunswick County shores in spring.
Click here to learn more about artificial coral reefs Here.
