Soules Swamp, Columbus County, North Carolina, Reconnaissance Report.

Soules Swamp does not have a definable channel in its lower reaches. During periods of heavy rainfall, flooding occurs due to the dense growth of timber and underbrush in the flood plain. Flooding also occurs from the backwater effect of White Marsh Swamp. The drainage area of White Marsh at its confluence with Soules Swamp is about 209 square miles. When Soules Swamp overflows, flood waters damage homes, businesses, and public properties. Frequent flooding precludes the optimum utilization of some lands. The problem is becoming more acute as Whiteville continues to develop and low lands become more attractive for development because of their proximity to the business district of Whiteville. The proposed plan of improvement consists of constructing a perimeter dike with a length of 2.35 miles and a maximum height of 8.5 feet around the southern portion of Whiteville. The eastern end of the dike adjoins the Seaboard-Coastline Railroad embankment approximately 500 feet east of the town limits. The dike forms a perimeter along the southern town limits of Whiteville and adjoins the Seaboard-Coastline Railroad embankment on the western town limit adjacent to Mollie Branch and the property of Georgia-Pacific Lumber Corporation.