http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/hurricane-isabel-could-unleash-factory-farm-pollution-in-north-carolina As the new home of NCPIRG's environmental work, http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/hurricane-isabel-could-unleash-factory-farm-pollution-in-north-carolina Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/6500-comments-to-state-officials--save-jordan-lake http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/6500-comments-to-state-officials--save-jordan-lake Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/24-major-facilities-in-north-carolina-in-violation As the new home of NCPIRG's environmental work, http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/24-major-facilities-in-north-carolina-in-violation Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/local-group-files-petition-to-protect-tar-river-encourages-protection-of-water-quality-statewide http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/local-group-files-petition-to-protect-tar-river-encourages-protection-of-water-quality-statewide Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/general-assembly-approves-plan-to-control-polluted-runoff http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/general-assembly-approves-plan-to-control-polluted-runoff Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/our-favorite-local-lake-showing-signs-of-pollution   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/our-favorite-local-lake-showing-signs-of-pollution Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/senate-approves-legislation-protecting-north-carolina39s-lakes As the new home of NCPIRG's environmental work, http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/senate-approves-legislation-protecting-north-carolina39s-lakes Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/citizens-call-for-protection-of-jordan-lake  As the new home of NCPIRG's environmental work, http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/citizens-call-for-protection-of-jordan-lake Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/north-carolinas-waters-threatened-by-polluted-runoff2   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/north-carolinas-waters-threatened-by-polluted-runoff2 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/22-of-major-facilities-in-north-carolina-in-violation  Groups Call For Enforcement Of The Clean Water Act http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/22-of-major-facilities-in-north-carolina-in-violation Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/taxpayers-not-polluters-pay-to-clean-up-north-carolinas-toxic-waste-sites http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/taxpayers-not-polluters-pay-to-clean-up-north-carolinas-toxic-waste-sites Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/state-officials--drinking-water-lakes-experiencing-pollution http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/state-officials--drinking-water-lakes-experiencing-pollution Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/north-carolina-tops-nation-in-clean-water-act-violations   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/north-carolina-tops-nation-in-clean-water-act-violations Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/apex-fire-underscores-need-for-safer-chemicals http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/apex-fire-underscores-need-for-safer-chemicals Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/proposed-bush-administration-toxics-rule-lets-polluters-off-the-hook http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/proposed-bush-administration-toxics-rule-lets-polluters-off-the-hook Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/polluters-continue-to-contaminate-north-carolina39s-waterways Raleigh, NC— More than 49% percent of industrial and municipal facilities across North Carolina discharged more pollution into our waterways  in 2005 than the Clean Water Act permits, according to Troubled Waters: An analysis of Clean Water Act compliance, a new report released today by Environment North Carolina. “As the Clean Water Act turns 35, polluters continue to foul our rivers, lakes and streams,” said Environment North Carolina Field Organizer Margaret Hartzell.  “With so many facilities dumping so much pollution, no one should be surprised that nearly half of America’s waterways are unsafe for swimming and fishing.  But we should be outraged.”    The goals of the 1972 Clean Water Act are to eliminate the discharge of pollutants into waterways and make all U.S. waterways swimmable and fishable.  Over the last three and a half decades, this landmark environmental law has made significant improvements in water quality, but the original goals have yet to be met.   Using the Freedom of Information Act, Environment North Carolina obtained data on facilities’ compliance with the Clean Water Act between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005.  Environment North Carolina  researchers found that: ­Fifty seven percent of all major U.S. industrial and municipal facilities discharged more pollution into U.S. waterways than allowed by law at least once during 2005. The average facility exceeded its pollution permit limit by 263 percent, discharging close to four times the legal limit. More than 49% of North Carolina’s industrial and municipal facilities exceeded their Clean Water Act permits at least once in 2005 On average, North Carolina facilities exceeding their Clean Water Act permits did so by more than 340%. Polluters in North Carolina reported 62 instances in which they exceeded their Clean Water Act permit by at least 500 percent over the legal limit, ranking North Carolina 10th in the country  “Facilities in North Carolina and across the country continue to dump more pollution into our waterways than is allowed by law,” said Hartzell.  Hartzell noted that the findings are likely just the tip of the polluted iceberg, since the data that Environment North Carolina analyzed includes only “major” facilities and does not include pollution discharged into waters by the thousands of minor facilities across the country.   Over the last six years, the Bush administration has proposed or enacted numerous policies that weaken the Clean Water Act.  These include: two separate policies that eliminate Clean Water Act protections for streams and wetlands that feed and clean treasured lakes, rivers and bays; funding cuts to EPA’s budget, including significant cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund; and policies that allow more sewage pollution into waterways.  Environment North Carolina called on the Bush administration to end its efforts to weaken federal clean water safeguards and for Congress to pass the Clean Water Restoration Act, legislation to ensure all U.S. waterways are protected by the Clean Water Act.  Environment North Carolina applauded Rep. David Price, Rep. Brad Miller, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, and Rep. Mel Watt for sponsoring this important clean water bill.   “Instead of holding polluters accountable, the Bush administration is allowing more—not less-- pollution to enter our waterways.  Now more than ever, Congress should step in to protect all of America’s waters,” concluded Hartzell.     http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/polluters-continue-to-contaminate-north-carolina39s-waterways Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/state-moves-to-protect-pristine-north-fork-first-broad-river  Rutherford County—Thursday, January 11, the Environmental Management Commission approved the reclassification of the North Fork First Broad River as an Outstanding Resource Water.  Environment North Carolina and Concerned Citizens of Rutherford County have been working to ensure that the river remains unpolluted by seeking Outstanding Resource Water classification. This classification ensures that as growth and development occur in the watershed, the river will be protected from pollution caused by polluted runoff, wastewater discharges, and other sources. “The North Fork First Broad River is one of the state’s most pristine waters,” says Christine Wunsche, Environment North Carolina Clean Water Attorney. “An Outstanding Resource Waters designation recognizes the river’s unique beauty and unspoiled water quality and ensures it will remain that way for generations to come.” The North Fork First Broad River, located in northern Rutherford County, is home to unspoiled water quality, as well as rare animal and plant populations. The river’s excellent water quality and unique ecosystems make the river eligible for the protective Outstanding Resource Water classification. In 2004, Concerned Citizens of Rutherford County and Environment North Carolina worked together to file a request with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to reclassify the river with a more protective designation. Environment North Carolina will continue working to protect unpolluted rivers and streams across the state. “This reclassifying of the North Fork First Broad River is an excellent example of what citizens can do to protect their local rivers and streams,” concludes Wunsche. The reclassification will next go to the Rules Review Commission for approval.   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/state-moves-to-protect-pristine-north-fork-first-broad-river Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/north-carolinians-call-on-state-officials-to-protect-the-horsepasture-river Raleigh, NC-Today, the Division of Water Quality closed its public comment period regarding the reclassification of the Horsepasture River as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW). Environment North Carolina collected and submitted more than 1,300 comments from citizens in support of the reclassification. The Environmental Management Commission is considering a proposal to designate the Horsepasture River an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW). To classify the river as ORW, officials must determine that it has excellent water quality and that it meets one additional standard set by the state. Additional standards include having an outstanding fish habitat or fisheries, having a high level of waterbased recreation, being an important component of state or national park or forest, having ecological or scientific significance, or having a special state or national designation such as Wild and Scenic River. Known for its spectacular waterfalls, the Horsepasture River is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, Gorges State Park, and the Toxaway State Gamelands. After extensive testing in 2006, the Division of Water Quality found the lower portion of the river, below N.C. 281, to have excellent water quality. As a National and North Carolina Wild and Scenic River, the river meets another standard by having a number of fish species that hold special state designations. Environment North Carolina and the Pisgah Group of the Sierra Club petitioned the state to begin the reclassification process. “The need to reclassify the Horspasture River is clear. As development in the area increases, even our most pristine rivers are at risk,” said Environment North Carolina Field Organizer Margaret Hartzell. John Edwards of Sapphire Valley supports additional protections for the river. Edwards and his wife Phyllis have lived in the area for 20 years. “We feel reclassifying the Horsepasture River an Outstanding Resource Water will be of benefit to all who value the natural beauty of the area and who would like to see it protected for the present, as well as for future generations,” said Edwards. If the Horsepasture River receives the Outstanding Resource Water designation, pollution discharges into the river will be limited and vegetated buffers will filter pollutants along the river and its tributaries. The Environmental Management Commission is expected to vote on the reclassification in the coming months. According to Environment North Carolina research, across the state, more than 70 other unspoiled rivers and streams like the Horsepasture lack the protections they deserve under state and federal clean water rules. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/north-carolinians-call-on-state-officials-to-protect-the-horsepasture-river Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:19:57 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/local-citizens-call-on-state-officials-to-protect-the-horsepasture-river Cashiers, NC-On the thirty-eighth anniversary of Earth Day, local citizens gathered at a public hearing in Cashiers to speak in support of a proposal that would give the Horsepasture River one of North Carolina’s strongest clean water protections. The Environmental Management Commission is considering a proposal to designate the Horsepasture River an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW). To classify the river as ORW, officials must determine that it has excellent water quality and that it meets one additional standard set by the state. Additional standards include having an outstanding fish habitat or fisheries, having a high level of waterbased recreation, being an important component of state or national park or forest, having ecological or scientific significance, or having a special state or national designation such as Wild and Scenic River. Known for its spectacular waterfalls, the Horsepasture River is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, Gorges State Park, and the Toxaway State Gamelands. After extensive testing in 2006, the Division of Water Quality found the lower portion of the river, below N.C. 281, to have excellent water quality. As a National and North Carolina Wild and Scenic River, the river meets another standard by having a number of fish species that hold special state designations. Environment North Carolina and the Pisgah Group of the Sierra Club petitioned the state to begin the reclassification process. “The need to reclassify the Horspasture River is clear. As development in the area increases, even our most pristine rivers are at risk,” said Environment North Carolina Field Organizer Margaret Hartzell. John Edwards of Sapphire Valley was among many citizens supporting additional protections for the river at tonight’s hearing. Edwards and his wife Phyllis have lived in the area for 20 years. “We feel reclassifying the Horsepasture River an Outstanding Resource Water will be of benefit to all who value the natural beauty of the area and who would like to see it protected for the present, as well as for future generations,” said Edwards. If the Horsepasture River receives the Outstanding Resource Water designation, pollution discharges into the river will be limited and vegetated buffers will filter pollutants along the river and its tributaries. The Environmental Management Commission is expected to vote on the reclassification in the coming months. According to Environment North Carolina research, across the state, more than 70 other unspoiled rivers and streams like the Horsepasture lack the protections they deserve under state and federal clean water rules. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/newsroom/clean-water-news/clean-water-news/local-citizens-call-on-state-officials-to-protect-the-horsepasture-river Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:05:51 -0500