Dye Branch - Pollution Problems

Pollution Problems

As it flows through Old West Durham, Dye Branch is surrounded by various auto and muffler shops, large surface parking lots, a plumbing shop, funeral home, photo studio, small apartment complex, a chemical storage facility, Southern Railroad, Business Hwy 70, a Duke warehouse, and an old gas station. Many of these sites have direct run-off into the creek. The storm drains in the vicinity lead directly into the creek as well (pairs of storm drains near Hillsborough and Anderson streets are easy to spot).

As it flows through the Walltown neighborhood, the creek has actually cut deeply into the soil, causing property damage, and creating dangers for residents.

There is also a large "dye pond" surrounded by a screened fence near the creek. The dye pond remains from the Erwin textile mill. Run-off from the mill operations used to flow into the neighborhood (apparently, in the past, the area often smelled like a big laundromat from the warm, soapy water that flowed out of the mills).

The troubled creek also flows under the large parking surfaces at Northgate Mall and along the northern edge of Interstate-85 (the widening of this major corridor will have a direct impact on the creek and its surroundings).

Potential risks associated with these pollution sources include possible residues in the water or leaching into the surrounding soil and creek bed.

At its peaceful confluence with Ellerbe Creek, one could almost forget the troubled history of these waters. Few stretches remain that can still be protected. Fortunately, we understand that South Ellerbe is covered by Durham's new Resource Protection Ordinance (its headwaters drainage basin is greater than 25 acres (100,000 m2) and the creek is designated on the USDA map). So, any new development would require stronger buffers.

Coordinates: 35°44′45″N 81°34′15″W / 35.7459201°N 81.5709395°W / 35.7459201; -81.5709395