A moratorium on the use of lagoons to treat swine waste in North Carolina required the development of new alternatives for waste management and treatment. In 2000, four alternatives were presented to the Governor of North Carolina for consideration including constructed wetlands wastewater treatment technology.

Working with researchers from North Carolina State University’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Cavanaugh planned, designed and permitted the constructed wetlands treatment facility. Cavanaugh was also provided construction administration and observation for the facility.