CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton is shining a spotlight on Andrew Lyons, its new Stormwater Engineer.
With a background in meteorology and environmental engineering, Lyons plays a vital role in safeguarding the health of Clayton’s rivers and streams. His expertise helps ensure these waterways continue to thrive as the Town grows.
In his role as a full-time Stormwater Engineer, he oversees the maintenance and improvement of the Town’s stormwater systems. He regularly inspects and updates infrastructure to manage runoff and reduce pollution. Lyons also works on projects to restore natural waterways, ensuring the sustainability of Clayton’s rivers and streams.
Lyons holds a bachelor’s degree in meteorology with a minor in mathematics from Ohio University, as well as a Master of Engineering from North Carolina State University (NC State). This educational background sparked his interest in stormwater management and gave him a solid understanding of weather patterns and their impact on the environment.
“My time with the Town of Clayton has shown me how stormwater systems can make a real difference for our community’s health and safety,” Lyons says. “I’m excited to keep learning and help make sure each system we put in place works well for our residents and the environment.”
While at NC State, Lyons researched stormwater runoff and its effects on local waterways, collaborating with Bill Hunt, an expert in the field. His research deepened his understanding of sustainable practices, and he presented his findings at conferences. After completing his studies, he joined the Town of Clayton as a stormwater intern, ready to tackle real-world challenges.
Lyons began his journey with the Town of Clayton as a stormwater intern in summer 2024, assisting with plan reviews, conducting inspections of stormwater control measures, and contributing to various projects. His hands-on involvement laid the groundwork for his current position.
“Managing stormwater in a growing town like Clayton has its challenges, but Andrew’s proactive approach and dedication to community education have made a significant impact,” said Joshua Baird, Water Resources Director and Lyons’ supervisor. “His commitment from day one has been instrumental in our progress toward achieving our long-term goals.”
Lyons envisions a community where residents understand stormwater management and actively participate in preserving local waterways. By prioritizing public education and outreach, he aims to empower residents to play a role in protecting their natural resources.
“It has been a pleasure getting to know Andrew and work with him to raise awareness about stormwater runoff pollution,” said Sterling McDonald, Stormwater Education Coordinator for Central Pines Regional Council. “Andrew’s passion for this cause was clear as he eagerly engaged with the community and went above and beyond to assist Clayton residents who shared concerns about stormwater challenges in their neighborhoods.”
