Protecting Clayton’s Waterways with Engineering Innovation
When rain falls in Clayton, most people don’t think about where that water goes. But for Engineering Technician Joshua Cotten, managing stormwater is a daily responsibility – one that plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and keeping the Town’s waterways clean.
As part of the Town of Clayton’s Engineering Department, Cotten works to make sure that stormwater runoff from roads, neighborhoods, and construction sites doesn’t carry pollution into local streams. “Storm drains don’t lead to a treatment plant,” he explained. “They flow straight into our waterways. That means anything on the ground… trash, chemicals, oil… can end up affecting wildlife and vegetation downstream.”
As Clayton celebrates Engineers Week from February 16-22, the Town recognizes the significant contributions of professionals like Cotten, who work behind the scenes to keep Clayton running. Their job isn’t just about inspections – it’s about education. Every day, they partner with contractors, site superintendents, and residents to raise awareness about stormwater management.
“We inspect construction sites to make sure sediment and pollutants aren’t washing into our streams,” Cotten said. “But we also work with the community, helping people understand that small actions – like keeping trash out of storm drains or properly disposing of oil – make a big impact.”
Clayton’s Engineering Department is looking to expand community involvement, planning outreach events such as stream cleanups and educational programs. “When people know how their actions affect the environment, they’re more motivated to help,” reiterated Cotten. “That’s how we create lasting change.”
This Engineers Week, the Town celebrates the unsung heroes who protect Clayton’s infrastructure, including the engineers who are making sure that every drop of rainwater is managed responsibly. To learn more about the Engineering Department, visit townofclaytonnc.org.
