Contact: Susan Massengale, 919/733-7015, ext. 227
Date: February 9, 2000
Impaired Waters List Available For Public Comment
RALEIGH -- The Division of Water Quality today released its updated draft list of impaired waterbodies in North Carolina, with 424 waters listed or 53 fewer than the previous report in 1998.
"Waters are taken off the list when it is determined that they fully support their designated uses, either from improved water quality or more accurate assessments," said Ruth Swanek, environmental supervisor in DWQ's planning branch.
"Sediment, fecal coliform and fish advisories for mercury are the top three known causes of impairment," Swanek said. "We pinpoint the specific causes and, when possible, sources of impairment so we can tailor the most effective action plan to correct the problem."
The Cape Fear River Basin has the most waters listed with 92 stream segments covering about 555 miles. The Neuse ranks second with 66 segments covering 481 miles followed by the Yadkin with 57 segments stretching nearly 398 miles.
Stream segment and mileage rankings for the other river basins are: Catawba - 49 segments, 203 miles; Lumber - 38 segments, 252 miles; French Broad - 34 segments, 137 miles; Tar-Pamlico - 20 segments, 80 miles; White Oak - 19 segments, 11 miles; Pasquotank - 12 segments, 45 miles; Chowan - 10 segments, 126 miles; Broad - 7 segments, 39 miles; Roanoke - 7 segments, 36 miles; New - 5 segments, 12 miles; Little Tennessee - 4 segments, 7 miles; Hiwassee - 3 segments, 30 miles; Savannah - 1 segment, 5 miles and Watauga - 0.
The list, required biennially by section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act, is a comprehensive accounting of waters that do not meet their designated uses such as water supply, fishing and water contact recreation. Waters may be impaired by pollutants such as nitrogen and fecal coliform bacteria or by pollution including stream bank erosion or degraded habitats.
Waters impaired by pollutants are prioritized according to health and other risks and may be targeted for development of Total Maximum Daily Load management strategies. TMDLs focus on reducing pollutants to acceptable levels when other regulatory controls are not sufficient.
The 303(d) list and a description of waters added or deleted is available DWQ's website at: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ or by writing: Jamie Smith, Division of Water Quality Planning, NC DENR, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 or calling (919) 733-5083, ext. 558.
Comments on the draft list should be submitted in writing no later than March 9 to Scott Almond at the above address. The final list will be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by April 1.
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