Preserving Bolin Creek: why paving isn’t the answer

OPINION

By Josh Lev
Carrboro resident

Preserving Bolin Creek: Why Paving Isn’t the Answer

In the wake of recent devastating storms across the southeastern United States, it’s crucial to reassess our approach to urban development, particularly when it comes to our waterways. The proposal to construct a multi-use paved bike road along Bolin Creek in our community raises significant concerns that deserve careful consideration.

Natural Buffers: Our First Line of Defense

Riparian zones – the areas immediately adjacent to streams and rivers – serve as critical natural buffers. These forested areas play a vital role in protecting our waterways and surrounding communities. They absorb excess water, filter pollutants, and stabilize banks, all of which help mitigate flood damage and maintain water quality.

Paving over these zones with impermeable surfaces like asphalt or concrete eliminates these natural protections. Instead of absorbing water, paved surfaces accelerate runoff, potentially turning our creeks into “hydraulic cannons” during severe storms.

Lessons from Recent Disasters

The tragic losses caused by Hurricane Helene across multiple states serve as a stark reminder of water’s destructive power when natural systems are compromised. Many communities are now grappling with the aftermath of damaged infrastructure, including multi-use trails constructed near waterways.

As climate change leads to more unpredictable and severe weather patterns, we must ask ourselves: Are we building resilient communities that can withstand these challenges?

The Hidden Costs of Paved Trails

While paved trails may seem like an attractive recreational amenity, they come with significant environmental and financial costs:

1. Increased flooding risk: Impervious surfaces increase the volume and speed of stormwater runoff, exacerbating flood potential.
2. Water quality degradation: Pollutants from paved surfaces wash directly into the creek, harming plants, animals and entire aquatic ecosystems.
3. Habitat loss: Paving requires removing vegetation, disrupting wildlife corridors and reducing biodiversity.
4. Maintenance burden: Flood-prone trails require frequent repairs and replacement, becoming a long-term financial liability for the community.

A Better Path Forward

Instead of paving along Bolin Creek, we should focus on solutions that enhance our community’s resilience and preserve our natural assets:

1. Restore and protect existing riparian buffers.
2. Improve bike infrastructure on existing roads, creating safer routes for cyclists without compromising natural areas.
3. Invest in green infrastructure solutions that work with nature, not against it.
4. Develop a comprehensive flood management strategy that prioritizes natural flood mitigation.

By learning from recent disasters and making informed choices about our local infrastructure, we can create a community that is both enjoyable for residents and resilient in the face of environmental challenges. Preserving Bolin Creek’s natural buffer is not just about protecting a local waterway– it’s about safeguarding our community’s future.

Josh Lev, MSc, is an interspecies culture ecologist and inventor whose work explores the dynamic cultural interactions between humans and non-human species within shared ecological contexts.