Community News Items
April 2010: Residential Solid Waste Pick-Up and Recycling Schedule Changes
Beginning May 1, 2010 and extending until Sept 30, 2010, Duck's residential solid waste pick-up schedule will return to twice a week (Mondays & Fridays).Beginning May 1, 2010 and extending until Oct 31, 2010, Duck's residential recycling schedule will return to once a week (Mondays).
March 2010: Work to Continue on NC 12 Storm Water Project
Work on the storm water project on NC 12 in the Town of Duck is continuing. The improvements to NC 12 in the southern portion of Duck, particularly at the intersection of West Tuckahoe Drive, are designed to relieve extreme nuisance flooding. The project is being funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) through discretionary appropriations to NCDOT requested by Senator Marc Basnight, Delegate Tim Spear, and Transportation Board Member Stan White. Construction on the project was temporarily delayed late last year to allow plans to be developed to relocate power, telephone, and cable utility lines that were in conflict with the improvements. Contractors are expected to begin to relocate these utilities beginning in mid-February and storm water improvements on the west side of NC 12 in the construction area are to be completed by mid-May 2010. All remaining construction on the project not completed by mid-May will be suspended for the summer months and construction will resume and be completed in the fall of 2010.March 2010: Semi-Annual Bulk Waste Collection Set for Friday, April 9, 2010
The Town of Duck Council has set the date for the semi – annual bulk waste collection for Friday, April 9, 2010. On that day, no later than 5:00 a.m., please leave bulk waste out by the curb for collection by employees of Waste Management. Bulk waste can include all large items that you want to dispose of except the following: refrigerators or appliances that contain hazardous waste refrigerant/Freon); hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, chemicals, etc.; building materials or demolition debris, roofing, soil, rocks, concrete and stumps. These materials will not be collected. Yard and vegetative debris will be collected; however they must be bagged or tied in bundles of four foot lengths or less with each bundle weighing no more than 50 pounds, otherwise it will not be picked up. Questions should be referred to the Town Manager at (252) 255-1234.January 2010: CDA Annual Fee Is Now Due
The annual Association fee, still only $75, is the primary source of funds for all activities. This fee covers maintenance of the three ocean access ramps/steps, maintenance of the sound access path, maintenance of the two Carolina Dunes signs and surrounding landscaping on NC 12, Association website, communications, letters, postage, special projects and all other Association expenses. The annual fee is a small amount for each homeowner to pay, and we ask that each homeowner kindly send payment to help support the Association, which is only community organization that specifically serves all homeowners in Carolina Dunes.All fees should be sent to Carolina Dunes Association, Inc, Box 8153, Duck, NC 27949. Write your check ($75) to Carolina Dunes Association, Inc. Please note your email address and Carolina Dunes address on your check.
January 2010: Duck Police Report Increasing Break-Ins
While break-ins and thefts in Duck were relatively low during most of 2009, there has been a recent rash of break-ins in the Town, including break-ins in Carolina Dunes. According to the police, many break-ins have occurred in large homes. Large screen TVs and other electronics are common targets.All owners are encouraged to review their home security. The police would be happy to review it with you and provide their advice. Also, absentee owners can sign up with the police to put their houses on a "watch" list. When this is done, officers periodically check for break-ins and signs of damaged/leaking water pipes. Lastly, the police can also video the contents of your house and provide you with a CD for insurance purposes. For more information on any of these items, contact Christie Moseman at the police department: cmoseman@townofduck.com
Often times the best security comes from neighbors being observant and reporting anything that looks suspicious to the police. Thieves often use cell phones to communicate while breaking-in. One thief may be driving around the neighborhood while another thief is breaking-in. Please be on the alert for suspicious driving.
December 2009: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
The Association Board wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.If you have been in Duck recently, you may have noticed the Carolina Dunes sign, with all of its decorations. We've just received word from the Town of Duck that the Carolina Dunes Association won a Holiday Community Appearance award for our display at the sign. Only two awards were made this year. A big thanks to Janet Ellison and Rosemary Blunck for their work on the sign and to Julie Blunck for the choice of gold ornaments!
Best wishes for 2010!
December 2009: Returning Trash Cans From The Street
Several absentee owners have asked about hiring someone to return trash cans from the street to their homes. It's not possible for the Association to do this for the entire community as the need for this varies from owner to owner. However, listed below are two vendors who are available, and any owner who may want to potentially use one of them to return their trash cans can contact them. They are:1. Ralph Kasper. His phone # is (252) 216-0007. He also provides lawn maintenance for a number of Carolina Dunes owners.
2. Phil Dombeck. His phone # is (252) 619-7300. He will be out of town until Feb 1st, but he is available after that.
3. Sterling Sadler. His phone # is (252) 441-8596, and his website is www.sterlingsadler.com
Feel free to contact either of these people if you have an interest in using their services.
December 2009: Carolina Dunes Ghost Ships - Please Do Not Disturb
The shipwrecks off of the coast and occasionally on the beaches are a unique and non-renewable resource that are in a constant state of change. The natural forces that work on North Carolina's barrier islands are also working on our shipwrecks. In many cases, the shipwrecks are the end result of the most extreme of those natural forces, while in other instances, the shipwrecks are the result of the most violent forces created by man.For the people who visit them today, the wrecksites provide the foundation for a sensitive ecosystem of incredible diversity and beauty. It is easy to forget that they were intially born as a scene of destruction, sacrifice, injury and death.
Please care for them as an ecosystem, respect them, protect them as our heritage and please do not remove parts of them.
December 2009: Carolina Dunes Crime Blotter
The following is based on a study conducted by Prof. Richard T. Wright at the University of Missouri-St. Louis based on interviews of 105 convicted burglars.Please take time to read and understand how the bad guys think, then do what you can to protect your home.
Things A Burglar Won’t Tell You:
1. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
2. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
3. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom -- and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
4. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
5. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions to somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.) If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
6. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
7. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
8. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. (If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television).
9. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
10. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
11. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
12. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
13. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation. Please watch your neighbor’s home and call if you see someone who is not supposed to be there!
You can find a list of helpful suggestions for making your home less attractive to burglars at http://www.crimedoctor.com/home.htm.
September 2009: Dare County Property Reappraisals Postponed until 2011
The Dare County Board of Commissioners voted to postpone the property tax revaluation for one year, effective January 2011, in an effort to give the economy time to stabilize.The state of North Carolina requires that counties revalue property at least every eight years. The purpose of a revaluation is to reassess properties at 100 percent of market value as of the revaluation effective date. A revaluation will change the county's and Duck's overall tax value, sometimes significantly, which can in turn affect the property tax rate for the county and town budgets. Dare County's last revaluation was in 2005 when property values were experiencing rapid escalations through an active real estate market. The market has since seen quite a downturn; foreclosures are at record highs; and typical qualified sales used to establish values in a revaluation are scarce.
Dare County's tax officials have collected preliminary data based on the current market in preparation for what would have been the next revaluation cycle in January 2010. Using the preliminary data and a projected tax rate that would produce revenues equal to those produced in the current fiscal year, County Manager Bobby Outten explained that 73 percent of property owners would experience a tax increase if revaluation was implemented in 2010 as previously planned.
September 2009: Carolina Dunes Community Signs - Special Thanks to Betty Plazola
The next time you visit Carolina Dunes, check out our two community signs on NC 12. No only has the lanscaping been improved, but the four ducks on the signs have been artisitcally painted by Betty Plazola (Pintail Drive). Thank you Betty for volunteering your time and painting the ducks. They badly needed it!September 2009: Removal of Dead Pine Trees
This summer has been hard on many pine trees on the Outer Banks, and there are a number of dead trees in Carolina Dunes. Unfortunately, they are a fire hazard, as well as being unsightly, so owners are strongly encouraged to remove any dead pine tree they may have. Furthermore, the dead trees may have been infected by the same pine beetle that has virtually destroyed many of the pine trees in the mountainous areas of Colorado. Pine bettles from dead trees can spread to healthy pines if not removed quickly. So, in order to save our healthy pines, owners probably need to remove the diseased ones from their property and any debris left from it. More on this can be found in the "Gardening in the Zone" article by Mike Hayes http://www.northbeachsun.com/North_Beach_Sun/Home.htmlUnless you have a chain saw and are very industrious, you may have to contact a tree removal vendor for this. One such vendor is Paul Watson (SWD Lawn and Tree Services) at (252) 202-4568.
September 2009: Fall Yard Cleanup & Maintenance
Many property owners in Carolina Dunes have significantly improved their lots by clearing over grown brush around their homes, driveways and along the street. Many owners have also done significant landscaping in their yards. All of this is great, and the Association wants to recognize and thank these owners for their efforts on behalf of the entire community!Now that the Summer season is mostly over, and many owners are returning to Carolina Dunes for Fall visits, it is an ideal time to work on dead trees, brush control and yard maintenance.
For do-it-yourself owners, the Association kindly asks that you dispose of all yard waste and avoid leaving waste at the curb side. This can be done by cutting up yard waste and placing it in your solid waste container(s) for weekly pickup by Waste Management. If the amount of yard waste is too large for this, you can contact any landscape vendor to remove the waste. One such vendor is Paul Watson (SWD Lawn and Tree Services) at (252) 202-4568.
If you prefer to use a landscaping company to do all of your yard work, two such vendors are Todd Smrdel (SPM Landscaping), (252) 261-6201 and Paul Watson (SWD Lawn and Tree Services) at (252) 202-4568.
September 2009: Fall Bulk Pick-Up Coming
The Town of Duck has set the date for their Fall bulk waste collection. It is Saturday, October 17, 2009. On that day, no later than 5:00 a.m., please leave bulk waste out by the curb for collection.Bulk waste can include all large items that you want to dispose of except the following: refrigerators or appliances that contain hazardous waste (refrigerant/freon), hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, chemicals, etc., building materials or demolition debris, roofing, soil, rocks, concrete and stumps. These materials will not be collected.
Yard and vegetative debris will be collected, however it must be bagged or tied in bundles of four foot lengths or less with each bundle weighing no more than 50 pounds , otherwise it will not be picked up. Last Spring, there were a number of piles of yard debris in Carolina Dunes that were bypassed because the piles were not properly bagged/bundled.
Questions should be referred to the Duck Town Manager at 252-255-1234.
September 2009: Special Request to Clear Street Side Curb Area
On many streets in Carolina Dunes, the amount and size of natural vegetation (tree and shrubs) growing along the side of the streets has steadily increased over the past year or so. This makes it hard, at time, for walkers to share the street with trash containers and traffic.The Association asks that all owners consider removing (or significantly trimming) growth on the street in front of their home so that there is about 3 feet of cleared area along the side of the street.
If the amount of clearing or trimming is significant enough that you need a vendor with a bushhog, you may want to contact Paul Watson (SWD Lawn and Tree Services) at (252) 202-4568.
September 2009: Replacing Recycling Waste Containers
Rental properties are required to have a recycling container. To request a new or extra recycling container, or to report lost or damaged cans you should contact the Town Office at (252) 255-1234 or by email at info@townofduck.com. There is no cost to replace a broken recycling container.September 2009: Replacing Solid Waste Containers
Rental properties are required to have a minimum of two solid waste containers. For many large rental properties in Carolina Dunes, additional containers should also be purchased. To obtain new or replacement containers, contact Waste Management Customer Services at (800) 877-7531. The cost per solid waste container is $90.If your solid waste container needs new wheels, and the container was purchased from Waste Management, they will repair the damaged wheels. If your container needs new wheels, but the container was not purchased from Waste Management, you will need to purchase a new container from Waste Management. If your container has a damaged or missing lid, Waste Management will not repair it so you will need to purchase a new container.
If you are purchasing a new container to replace a damaged container, you must specifically request that Waste Management take your old container away, otherwise they will not dispose of the damaged container.
September 2009: Residential Solid Waste Pick-Up and Recycling Schedule Changes
Beginning Oct 1, 2009 and extending until Apr 30, 2010, Duck's residential solid waste pick-up schedule will be cut back to once a week (Mondays).Beginning Nov 1, 2009 and extending until Apr 30, 2010, Duck's residential recycling schedule will be cut back to the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.
June 2009: Update on Ghost Ship at Carolina Dunes
Some new material and pictures were added to the 'Ghost Ship' webpage under the 'News' link. Many thanks to the Claughs family for providing the new material.June 2009: Spring Landscaping Improvements in Carolina Dunes
There was an increase in the number of homeowners in Carolina Dunes who did a significant amount of Spring landscaping and yard improvement this year. The Association would like to recognize all of this effort and thank homeowners for the improvements that have already been completed.All owners in Carolina Dunes indirectly benefit from yard improvements that are made by others, and all owners are encouraged to undertake any yard improvements that they can.
If you need assistance identiying local landscapers feel free to contact the Association.
Also, if you need assistance identifying a vendor who can remove any yard debris on your lot that was not picked up on Duck's Spring bulk pick-up day feel free to contact the Association. There will not be another bulk pick-up day until this Fall.
May 2009: Ocean Walkway Maintenance
Fortunately mother nature regenerated some of the beaches in Carolina Dunes this Spring, and the 3 ocean walkways and steps didn't require much repair this year. The repairs that were completed (installation of small fences at the top of the steps, white painting on some steps to alert beach goers, improvements at the community sound entrance etc) were mostly completed by Memorial Day.May 2009: New Flowers at South Community Sign
You may have noticed the landscaping improvements at the south sign, which included planting lots of flowers that should bloom most of the Summer. There is an automated watering system in this area, which will help keep the new plants alive during the heat of the Summer.March 2009: Update on Dominion Power Work
There is a large Dominion Power project currently underway in Duck that everyone should be aware of. According to Dominion’s representative for the project, Jay Tutweiler, the purpose is to remove all Dominion power lines and poles from the sound from the southern end of Duck near Jay Crest and Nantucket Village north to the Four Seasons subdivision. This project will total approximately 1,000 man hours for Dominion employees and their contractors. Work is underway and will continue through the summer months. This will allow for easier maintenance of power infrastructure since everything will now be land based.In order to de-energize the power lines along the sound, Dominion is in the process of upgrading their overhead infrastructure along Duck Road. They have also been installing new underground cable in a number of subdivisions using their existing easements or rights-of-way. Most of the underground work has been completed. Mr. Tutweiler stated that they have made every effort to contact property owners in areas where work is being done to inform them of the project scope and its likely impacts. The subdivisions include Georgetown Sands, Amy Acres, Sea Acres (Plover), Jay Crest, Settlers Lane, Osprey Landing, and Sea Hawk. Dominion will permanently remove one small section of overhead line along NC 12 adjacent to Four Seasons. Once the upgrades have been made to the overhead and underground lines, Dominion will import a floating barge to complete the work in the sound. It is this portion of the work that will likely occur during the summer. For questions or concerns, contact Jay Tutweiler with Dominion Power at (252) 255-2149.
March 2009: Brochures and Magnets Available
The Town’s 2009 brochures and refrigerator magnets are now available at the Town Office, 1240 Duck Road, Suite 106 (The Waterfront Shops). You can stop by the Office during business hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday if you would like any of these.March 2009: Estimated Erosion Lines in Carolina Dunes for Selected Periods of Time 1925-2007
Researchers from the US Army Pier and the State of North Carolina have been studying beach erosion and have estimated the location of the dune line in Carolina Dunes for five different periods of time, 1925-1946, 1970-1988, 1996, 1997 and 2007. These dune lines are represented as five colored lines on an arial map.Click here to download the arial map in PDF format.
March 2009: Duck's Annual Fourth of July Parade
Duck's 4th of July parade will be held on Friday, July 3rd at 9 AM, with an after-event following at the Duck Town Park. For registration information, contact the Town at (252) 255-1234 or email the Town at info@townofduck.com.February 2009: Winter Snow in Carolina Dunes
Most of us think of Carolina Dunes and the Outer Banks as a Summer vacation hot spot. But, there are three other seasons during the year, and occassionally it does snow on the Outer Banks! Check out this picture, taken by Dave Stark. Dave and Carol Stark own a house on Pintail.
February 2009: NC 12 South Drainage Project On Hold
The NC 12 South drainage project, which will address water drainage problems between Bias Shores and Sea Hawk, was originally scheduled to begin in early 2009 and be completed by May 2009. This project has been put on hold due to state funding constraints.February 2009: Town of Duck Renewable Energy Source Online Survey Now Available
The Town of Duck is considering zoning regulations for wind turbines, solar panels, and other forms of renewable energy in the coming months. To help gauge the opinions of property owners, residents, businesses, and visitors, the Town is conducting a survey to gauge public opinion on renewable energy. To take the survey, please visit their web site at www.townofduck.com and click on the “Take Our Renewable Energy Survey” button which is midway down the home page.February 2009: Spencer Rogers, Coastal Construction and Erosion Specialist
The Association contacted Spencer Rogers in an attempt to find an individual who may be able to provide some level of assistance regarding beach erosion to Carolina Dunes owners.For more than 30 years, Spencer has helped private property owners, builders, designers, and governmental agencies to develop hurricane-resistant construction methods, understand shoreline erosion alternatives and implement marine construction techniques. He serves on the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science, and as adjunct faculty in the department of engineering at North Carolina State University.
Spencer has also co-authored and edited the latest edition of the FEMA Coastal Construction Manual, and co-authored The Dune Book, a guidebook on dune species, planning, and best management practices along developed shorelines. His research has been published in numerous scholarly journals, including the Journal of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and the Journal of Marine Education. He also is a regular speaker at conferences about coastal engineering and hazards, including the annual Solutions to Coastal Disasters.
Click here to download a copy of The Dune Book in PDF format.
January 2009: Dr Jesse McNinch, Beach Erosion Information from US Army Pier in Duck
Dr Jesse McNinch, from the US Army Pier in Duck, has been researching beach erosion on the Outer Banks for many years. He has agreed to join us at the CDA annual membership meeting on April 11th at 2 PM to discuss causes and effects of erosion.Dr McNinch has investigated shoreline behavior (erosional hotspots) and its relationship to underlying geology. Exposure of non-sandy substrates in the surf zone may lead to changes in nearshore bar behavior and, ultimately, elevated beach erosion and accretion at specific locations. He has been researching the role underlying geology plays in sediment distribution across the nearshore, bar development and migration, and shoreline response to storms in order to predict long-term beach behavior and improve shoreline management. Some of his projects include examination of physical and sedimentary processes on cape- associated shoals and a conceptual model for the development of cuspate forelands as well as small-scale sedimentary processes (e.g. scour, burial) around artifacts. His research approach often involves field observations, coupled with a modeling component, to challenge or test hypotheses. His training and expertise lie in observational techniques such as current and wave measurements, remote sensing, and surface and sub-bottom mapping.
Dr McNinch provided us with two informative articles that he has published in the Journal of Marine Geology that describe beach erosion, particularly in the Kitty Hawk area. The erosion issues at play in Kitty Hawk and the general erosion concepts in these two articles also apply to erosion that is occuring in Carolina Dunes.
Click here to download article #1 in PDF format.
Click here to download article #2 in PDF format.
Dr McNinch will provide additional material later that will be specific to erosion on the Duck beaches.
January 2009: CDA Annual Fee Is Now Due
The annual Association fee, still only $75 for each lot with a house, is the primary source of funds for all activities. This fee covers maintenance of the three ocean access ramps/steps, maintenance of the sound access path, maintenance of the two Carolina Dunes signs and surrounding landscaping on NC 12, Association website, communications, letters, postage, special projects and all other Association expenses. The annual fee is a small amount for each homeowner to pay, and we ask that each homeowner kindly send payment to help support the Association, which is only community organization that specifically serves all homeowners in Carolina Dunes.All fees should be sent to Carolina Dunes Association, Inc, Box 8153, Duck, NC 27949. Write your check ($75) to Carolina Dunes Association, Inc. Please note your email address and Carolina Dunes address on your check.
January 2009: NCDOT Street Repairs
The Association contacted NCDOT and reported several problems (i.e., a pot hole and 2 water drainage issues) on Carolina Dunes streets. NCDOT is now looking into these problems.December 2008: Duck Police Department Offers Property/House Check Program and Video Service
The Duck Police Department offers a property/house check program to the Town's property owners. As part of the program, the officers make periodic checks of residences that are not occupied during the off-season. The officers look for open windows and doors and other signs of unauthorized entry, as well as looking for other items such as water leaks. If an officer finds anything at a residence, the homeowner or rental company will be contacted so the residence can be secured. Additionally, if it appears that a crime has occurred, the incident will be investigated.The Duck Police Department is also offering a video service to residential property owners. As a homeowner, your property can be vulnerable to natural disasters, theft, and fire. It’s important to take preparatory steps and have an inventory of your property complete with photographs or video. If you are interested, a Duck Police Officer will come to your home and videotape your personal property. As part of the service, you will receive a copy of the video on CD for your records and the police department will also keep a copy for its records in a secure database as a back-up.
To sign up for either of these programs or if you have additional questions, please contact the Police Department at (252) 261-1112 or via e-mail at policeinfo@townofduck.com.
November 2008: Shrubbery Pruned at CDA Sign on NC 12
Thanks to volunteer efforts by Mike Kopnski, Dave Elison and Christopher Blunck, the overgrown shrubs surrounding the south CDA sign were nicely pruned. At the same time, some sign repairs were made. Christopher Blunck later made electrical repairs for the sign lights and for the irrigation timer. Thank you Mike, Dave and Christopher!November 2008: New Signage at Ocean Access Paths
Thanks to volunteer effort by Charlie Pratt, several of the old signs at the 3 ocean access paths were replaced.Thank you Charlie!November 2008: Residential Trash & Recycling Container Stickers Are Now Available
Stickers, brochures and magnets can now be obtained by stopping in the Town offices, calling (252) 255-1234, or e-mailing info@townofduck.com and the Town will mail them to you. The stickers contain useful instructions for trash and recycling and can be physically attached to your containers. Your property management company can also pick them up. For additional information on the Town’s waste collection program, visit http://www.townofduck.comOctober 2008: Carolina Dunes Street Sign Repairs
The Association contacted the Town of Duck and asked them to replace missing street signs and adjust ones that were not straight. The Town agreed and is now in the process of doing this work.October 2008: Mid-Currituck Bridge Project Update
According to the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, the range of alternatives under consideration for the Mid-Currituck Bridge Project has narrowed to three alternatives. Two alternatives would involve a bridge and one would only involve widening of existing roadways.Click here to view the October status report from North Carolina.
October 2008: NC 12 Road Drainage Project for South Duck Approved
To address severe drainage problems, the NC 12 roadway from Bias Shores to Sea Hawkin in the southern part of Duck will be elevated and new drainage infiltration chambers will be installed next to the roadway. This work is expected to be completed by May 2009.October 2008: Residential Recycling Schedule Change (Effective Nov 1st)
Beginning Nov 1, 2008 and extending until Apr 30, 2009, Duck's residential recycling schedule will be cut back to the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.Also, a new brochure overviewing the Town’s residential recycling program is now available at the Town Office, as well as on-line. Stickers for both residential recycling and regular trash containers will be available by November 14, 2008 (this is a slight delay from the stated date in the Town’s newsletter). Magnets will be available within the next few months. An e-mail will go out when the container stickers and magnets are ready to go.
Brochures, stickers, and magnets (when available) can be obtained by stopping in the Town offices; calling (252) 255-1234, or e- mailing info@townofduck.com and the Town will mail to you. Your property management company can also pick them up. For additional information on the Town’s waste collection program, visit http://www.townofduck.com
October 2008: Residential Solid Waste Pick-Up Schedule Change (Effective Oct 1st)
Beginning Oct 1, 2008 and extending until Apr 30, 2009, Duck's residential solid waste pick-up schedule will be cut back to once a week (Mondays).October 2008: Controlled Burn of House at 118 Canvasback Drive
The house at 118 Canvasback Drive is planned to be demolished by the Duck Fire Dept in a 'controlled burned' on Friday, Oct 3rd. Included below is the text of a letter from the Duck Fire Department that is being sent to adjacent owners and explains the controlled burn and the impact it will have on driving and parking on Canvasback Dr on the 3rd.To Owners. I am writing to inform you that the Duck Volunteer Fire Department will be conducting a live burn training exercise on Friday October 3, 2008 followed by immediate demolition by fire of the structure located at 118 Canvasback Drive, Duck, NC. We expect to start the training at 2:00 pm. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday October 4, 2008. Deputy Chief Bill Walker and I will be in charge of the exercise. We follow NFPA 1403, a guideline for live fire training evolutions. We have conducted several live fire trainings in Dare County: most recently at the former Herron’s Restaurant in Duck in December 2006 and February of this year in the Sea Ridge Subdivision. Our number one priority is firefighter safety. Several factors can determine whether we burn--weather most predominant. Wind speed and direction must be ideal in addition to temperature. As Chief, I will have the final authority on whether we burn and if I have any concerns I will cancel the exercise/demolition by fire.
In order to properly and safely conduct the exercise we will need to use both hydrants located on Canvasback Drive. Five inch hose will be connected to both hydrants and then connected to fire apparatus. In addition, we will be staging fire apparatus on Canvasback Drive. The impact on the subdivision will only be that of blocking driveways for the following homes on Canvasback: 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 115,117, and 119. They will be blocked from approximately 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Occupants may be in their homes but they will need to park their vehicles outside of the operational area.
We at the Duck Fire Department pride ourselves on the training opportunities we bring to our membership that in turn helps the community we serve. We have been given a tremendous opportunity and while eager to conduct this live burn training, I re- emphasize that the conditions need to be perfect on the day in question. Be assured that the Duck Volunteer Fire Department will take responsibility for any damage to adjacent structures. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 252-261-3929. Signed. Donna Black
September 2008: Beach Erosion May Be Tied to Ancient River
According to the Town of Duck, an Army researcher recently doing sand/soil samples north of the Army pier inadvertently discovered sediment believed to be from an ancient river along the Carolina Dunes beaches. At this point, the researcher thinks that about 4,000 years ago (before the OBX barrier islands existed) there was a a river that flowed from the NC mainland and emptied into the ocean here. As a result, the sediment on the ocean floor in this location is different from normal ocean sediment, and some of the sediment has mounded perpendicular to the beach rather than parallel to it. At this point, the researcher thinks this may be the cause for larger-than-usual ocean waves in Carolina Dunes, which is what has then led to more beach erosion.As an historical perspective, the normal average long-term beach erosion is around 2 feet per year. In Carolina Dunes, the average is now up to 3 feet per year.
The researcher has also discovered two larger ancient river basins that flowed into the ocean in the Kill Devil Hills and South Nags Head areas. Both of these areas have also had higher-than-average erosion levels in recent years.
Beach Picture Taken in 2002
Beach Picture Taken in 2008
September 2008: Bulk Waste Pick Up Scheduled for Friday, Oct 17th
The Town of Duck has set the date for their semi – annual bulk waste collection for Friday, October 17, 2008. On that day, no later than 5:00 a.m., please leave bulk waste out by the curb for collection by employees of Waste Management.Bulk waste can include all large items that you want to dispose of except the following: refrigerators or appliances that contain hazardous waste (refrigerant/freon), hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, chemicals, etc., building materials or demolition debris, roofing, soil, rocks, concrete and stumps. These materials will not be collected.
Yard and vegetative debris will be collected, however it must be bagged or tied in bundles of four foot lengths or less with each bundle weighing no more than 50 pounds , otherwise it will not be picked up. Last Spring, there were a number of piles of yard debris in Carolina Dunes that were bypassed because the piles were not properly bagged/bundled.
Questions should be referred to the Duck Town Manager at 252-255-1234.