NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson joined partnership agencies today at the Town of Hot Springs Helene Recovery Celebration, featuring a ribbon cutting for the Town's wastewater treatment plant. The event celebrated the new, functioning plant funded with $4 million through the NC Collaboratory.
“Hurricane Helene tore apart Hot Springs’ wastewater and drinking water systems,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “With this ribbon cutting on a new wastewater system today we celebrate both the resilience of the people of Hot Springs and the strong partnerships that got this project done.”
The new wastewater treatment plant is an advanced treatment "package plant" that was deployed on the site that was severely damaged during Helene. The package plant can be placed on a semitruck and moved to a different location. The plant is currently operating and will eventually be moved to a site out of the floodplain.
Additional DEQ-funded projects will allow Hot Springs’ utilities to better withstand future storms. Since 2024, the Department has awarded $13.6 million for several Helene-related Hot Springs wastewater and drinking water projects, including installation of generators, a transmission line under the French Broad River, flood protection walls and replacement or repair of more than a mile of sewer line. More than 99 percent of the funds are in the form of principal forgiveness or a grant. Additionally, DEQ provided a $3.5 million Emergency Bridge Loan to Hot Springs after Helene, providing the town with critical cash flow until FEMA funds were distributed.
More information on DEQ’s Helene recovery funding is available online: Hurricane Helene Response | NC DEQ