NCSU gets new EPA designation

N.C. State University has been designated a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It's the first such center in North Carolina to receive that designation. It will allow NCSU, through its Water Resources Research Institute, to continue developing partnerships with other agencies to protect and restore wetlands, said Michael Voiland, the institute's director, in a news release.

“This designation is made partly in recognition for excellence in research and outreach related to watershed science, but also to raise the potential for NC State and the UNC system to engage in joint research/outreach partnerships, to receive funding support and to be tapped by EPA for special projects,” Voiland says.

Watersheds, also known as river basins, capture precipitation in lakes, streams, creeks and rivers.

To become a recognized EPA Center of Excellence, an institution must demonstrate technical expertise; conduct watershed research involving students, staff and faculty; possess the range of relevant disciplines; demonstrate financial capacity; build effective partnerships; and garner support from the highest levels of the organization.