DENR TAKES ACTIONS IN PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE BONNIE
RALEIGH -- The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is providing guidance to large livestock operations, local governments, fishermen and coastal property owners in preparation for Hurricane Bonnie.
“The best way to minimize pollution and protect the health and well-being of our people is through prevention,” DENR Secretary Wayne McDevitt said today. “I urge all of these groups to work diligently to do everything they can to make sure all necessary precautions are taken.”
DENR advised large animal operations and wastewater treatment facilities in eastern North Carolina to take precautions in case the hurricane strikes nearby. Over the past few days, state officials have reminded swine, poultry and cattle growers to check their lagoon levels and determine whether land applications of waste are needed. In addition, the Division of Water Quality advised municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities to test back-up power supplies and make sure they have emergency fuel in case electricity is lost. The operators were also reminded that standby communications should be verified in case phone service is disrupted, alternative routes need to be identified in case roads are blocked and precautions should be taken to protect plants and pump stations from potential flooding in low-lying areas. Operators were also told to take appropriate steps to optimize wastewater treatment plant operations and sludge handling in preparation for the storm.
To assist local property owners, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management today set up a toll-free hotline to answer questions about rebuilding following Hurricane Bonnie. The number is 1-888-472-6278, or 1-800-4RCOAST. Division staff will be on hand after the storm to provide basic information about rebuilding, including contact numbers and locations for applying for permits.
The N.C. Division of Waste Management today sent an advisory on how to handle disaster debris to local governments. The division, which provides technical assistance to the local governments during clean-up efforts, offered a list of recommendations for debris disposal and provided staff contacts to provide guidance on temporary debris storage sites and the burning of solid waste.
To protect seafood consumers, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries issued a proclamation, upon the recommendation of the State Health Director, to close all coastal waters to shellfish harvesting. The temporary closure, which applies to oysters, clams or mussels, goes into effect at noon Wednesday. The temporary closures are due to the expected adverse weather conditions associated with Hurricane Bonnie.
Emergency calls should be made to the appropriate DENR regional offices or the state’s Emergency Operations Center at 1-800-858-0368.
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Date Posted: August 26
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