Wayne County Advance Plan For Regional Wastewater System

WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Wayne County and several municipalities are moving forward with efforts to improve wastewater service, control long-term costs, and plan for future growth through a regional approach.

The initiative builds on collaboration among Wayne County, Goldsboro, Fremont, Pikeville, and Eureka that began in 2023. With assistance from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the Greater Wayne Regional Wastewater Committee recently completed a comprehensive system study funded by a $360,000 state grant and conducted by CDM Smith.

The study evaluated the condition of existing infrastructure, current and projected costs, necessary upgrades, and potential governance models for future wastewater management across the region.

According to officials, the analysis confirmed growing challenges facing local systems, including aging infrastructure, stricter environmental regulations, and rising maintenance costs. In some areas, limited sewer capacity is already restricting residential and commercial development.

After reviewing more than 10 governance options, the committee narrowed its focus to two alternatives: creating a regional sewer authority or consolidating control under the City of Goldsboro.

A regional authority would allow participating governments to jointly operate the system, share costs, expand capacity, and pursue state and federal funding as a unified entity. Under consolidation, the City of Goldsboro would assume full ownership and operational control, with surrounding municipalities required to connect to its system under city governance.

The committee voted 3-1 in favor of establishing a regional sewer authority, with Goldsboro casting the lone dissenting vote.

“The majority of the committee supported a regional authority because it ensures every participating community has a seat at the table and a voice in the future,” said committee chair and Wayne County Commissioner Chris Gurley. “Unfortunately, Goldsboro continues to push for full control of a countywide system rather than a partnership model that shares governance and responsibility.”

Officials said the regional approach is intended to provide long-term stability, maintain service reliability, and support economic development while keeping costs manageable for residents and utilities.

County Manager Chip Crumpler said delaying action is not a viable option.

“We cannot afford to keep kicking this can down the road while costs continue to rise,” Crumpler said. “A regional authority is the responsible path forward for our residents, our towns, and the future growth of Wayne County.”

Wayne County Commission Chairman Joe Daughtery thanked committee members and staff for their work on the study and planning process.

“We appreciate the time and effort invested by our municipalities, commissioners, and staff,” Daughtery said. “We believe a true regional approach, where no single city controls the future of wastewater for the entire county, is the best path to create fairness, stability, and long-term opportunity for all residents.”