Kick off NCEC with an interactive, hands-on tradition led by NJIT TAB—the US EPA Region 4 Technical Assistance to Brownfields provider—alongside NCEC Steering Committee member Camilla Warren, NCDEQ, and Mainspring Conservation Trust. This collaborative workshop guides local governments, non-profits, academic partners, and state agencies through every step of the brownfield redevelopment lifecycle. Get an exclusive, inside look at Mainspring’s Simpson Gas and Oil Site in downtown Franklin, NC—a recently awarded EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant project showcasing cross-sector alignment along the Little Tennessee River. Participants will join facilitated working groups to translate these key takeaways into actionable strategies for their own community remediation, funding, and redevelopment goals.

The Lake Conestee Dam, built in 1892, and Ela Dam, built in 1924 and 1925 brought modern living to Carolina communities. As time progressed, these dams outlived their life spans and were considered either unsafe (Conestee) or no longer provided adequate return on investment (Ela). Decisions were made to manage both dams to support the continuing natural state – supporting natural habitats. In the case of Lake Conestee, a new Dam was constructed to ensure that the vast store of contaminated materials behind the historic dam would not be mobilized downstream if the historic dam failed. Ela Dam, however, was slated for removal with restoration of a riverine habitat, offering the opportunity to restore a healthy, free-flowing Oconaluftee River and deliver long-term environmental and community benefits to the region.