Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary

KINSTON – Mayor Johnnie Mosley of Kinston today signed closing documents on the first of what is to be a series of junkyard purchases in the 100- year floodplain. Stanley’s Auto Yard, located on Highway 70 in Kinston, was the first junkyard to take advantage of a state offer designed to reduce the threat of potential hazardous waste contamination in the event of a flood.

After Hurricane Floyd, the legislature appropriated funds to address problems caused by flooding in the 100-year flood plain. Purchasing current junkyards and prohibiting the construction of new ones is a part of that plan.

The state has agreed to pay $30,000 for the property, although the title will remain in possession of the original owners. Essentially, the state is purchasing a conservation easement, which will be held by the city of Kinston. Before this purchase, approximately $3.6 million remained in the fund.

Conservation easements restrict the use of the land much like a restrictive covenant. Conservation easements typically restrict property usage in some fashion. In this case, the land is to be kept as undeveloped green space although some trails or benches may be added. "We plan to use the sites in an environmentally responsible manner that will protect water quality," Johnnie Mosely said.

The price on the Stanley property does not include relocation, demolition, assessment or any clean up that may be necessary at the property, although reasonable costs for these actions are eligible under the buyout program. While any environmental liability remains the responsibility of the property owner, the state is performing limited cleanups at priority locations.

The process to purchase the junkyard began early in 2000. "The reason we buy junkyards is to eliminate the threat of contamination and to preserve green space. Those are both important goals," said Dexter Matthews, director of N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ waste management division.

Additional junkyards should be purchased more quickly now that the process is intact, but junkyard owners must participate to make the program effective. At least four other junkyard owners in the Kinston area are negotiating with city and state officials at this time.

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