This action approves funding in the amount of $19,999,967 under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the working lands trust, incorporated of north carolina

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 awarded $20.0 million under the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program (CFDA 66.616) to The Working Lands Trust, Inc. in North Carolina on April 1, 2025. This project grant, authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), delivers comprehensive environmental health and water quality improvements in an under-resourced area of Gold Hill, North Carolina. The primary deliverables include identification and replacement of lead service lines in residential homes and public facilities (churches, community centers); testing of well water from a minimum of 500 residential households and community water infrastructure systems for lead, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other contaminants; remediation of at least 425 building systems; and restoration of 28.16 acres of coastal wetland through cleanup, invasive species removal, and water management improvements.

The project incorporates substantial community engagement and capacity-building components to support long-term environmental resilience. Deliverables include 15 community workshops on water quality testing and remediation with weekly follow-up support for participants, 9 community outreach events focused on wetland restoration, 6 ecological and hydrological assessments and design surveys, and creation of an accessible entrance pathway to the restored wetland. Activities will be implemented through subawards to qualified subrecipients, ensuring local expertise and community-based implementation of lead pipe replacements, contamination testing, remediation efforts, and wetland restoration activities.

Specifically, the project will improve health and water quality in an under-resourced area of north carolina by replacing residential lead service lines with lead-free plumbing, and restore a neglected wetland to improve downstream water quality and climate resilience. Activities:the activities include the identification and replacement of lead pipes in homes and public facilities, including houses, churches, and community centers. Testing of well water for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), lead, and other contaminants will also be conducted. Additionally, the project proposes to restore a wetland through cleanup, invasive species removal, and water management. Subrecipient:activities to be implemented through subawards include but are not limited to the following: identification and replacement of lead pipes in homes and public facilities, including houses, churches, and community centers. Testing of well water for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), lead, and other contaminants will also be conducted. Additionally, the project proposes to restore a wetland through cleanup, invasive species removal, and water management. Outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include the testing of, at minimum, 500 residential households and community water infrastructure systems, and remediation of contaminants when identified. Remediation of at least 425 building systems is anticipated. Goal of 15 workshops for community education and engagement of the water quality testing/remediation, with weekly follow up for participants on the testing process. Restoration of 28.16ACRES of coastal wetland, with the completion of 6 assessments and design surveys from ecologists and hydrologists, creation of an entrance pathway for community accessibility. Anticipate 9 community outreach events for the wetland restoration and quarterly updates on project progress. The expected outcomes include the remediation and/or replacement of residential and community water infrastructure systems, increased water quality and wetland hydrological function. Better health outcomes for the affected communities are anticipated due to the improvement of water quality and removal of lead and other contaminants from the drinking water supply. Improved stormwater management, downstream water quality, and habitat function are anticipated as a result of wetland restoration. The intended beneficiaries are disadvantaged communities.