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Project Overview
The Bowsertown Landfill reclamation project is a collaborative effort being championed by the Manteo Rotary Club. With the partnership of Dare County and the Coastal Studies Institute, their goal is to convert this abandoned waste storage site into a usable space for the community. Proposals have included open playing fields, sheltered picnic areas, working waterfront access, and a whole suite of mixed-use applications. Research and design development of the site is still in progress, and these groups will continue to work with the community to reach a common goal for the site.
History/Progress/Status:
The Bowsertown waste disposal site accepted municipal and construction waste from the early 1960’s until the mid 1980’s. The accumulated waste from this period covers approximately 13 acres with 15-20 feet of rubble. When the site was capped in the 80’s, it found continued use as a waste transfer station, where trash was loaded into large trucks and taken to waste disposal facilities on the mainland. It operated as a transfer station until early 2007, when it was permanently dismantled. The Dare County mosquito control service still operates out of a small structure towards the front of the property, but the majority of the site is closed.
Since the Manteo Rotary club inspired renewed interest in the site, there has been wide progress in working towards redevelopment. In an effort to gain input from the local community, two interest sessions have been held to inform locals of the changes proposed for the Bowsertown site, including a visioning session which allowed neighbors to voice their desired applications.
Initial funding was provided to test the waters surrounding the site, and a toxicology study performed by the Department Head of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology at NC State, Dr. Damian Shea found that the waters surrounding the site were relatively uncontaminated. While the data from the screening is not thorough enough to clear the site for improvement, it certainly opens the site for more formal proceedings for reclamation.
The most recent actions have included a coordinated student project with a Masters student from the NC State College of Design, and a semester-long feasibility study being performed by the UNC-Chapel Hill AEFS. As progress towards the reclamation of this site continues, the county will continue to work with its community partners and seek financing options for development.
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For more information on the Bowsertown project,  please click on the links below:
Press releases:
Toxicology report results
January 23, 2006 Community Meeting
March 13, 2006 Community Meeting
Community Meeting Information
January 23, 2006 Meeting Flyer
January 23, 2006 Meeting Agenda
March 13, 2006 Meeting Flyer
March 13, 2006 Meeting Agenda
Bowsertown Toxicology Report
Toxicology report
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