Give Local this #GivingTuesday!

• CCRW staff has developed, written, and published a weekly newsletter to over 2,500 subscribers.This newsletter brings attention to water quality concerns and actions at the coast. Sign up, click here.
• Investigated significant pollution events and published outreach content to a social media audience of over 20,000 per month and 2,500 newsletter subscribers.
• Investigated potential pollution events in the White Oak River Basin from Cedar Island to Hampstead. Major events include potential pollution events from stormwater runoff in several developments, PFAS research in areas of significant concern and including Statewide and National research on PFAS in surface waters, plastics research in collaboration with a Statewide coalition project, and finding, investigating, and reporting on a significant harmful algae bloom in the lower New River.
• Advocated for the protection of coastal habitat, water quality, and quality of life by providing comments on legislation, policies, regulations, and local planning and development activities.
• Created and sustain gaps-in-service programming that protects water quality:
  • Wetlands Wednesdays, (NEW IN 2022)
    • Focus on educating the public on wetland science and eco benefits as well as anthropogenic. Types and sub-types, threats, locations and news in video, and image format.
  • Pure Farms, Pure Waters, (UPDATED IN 2022)
    • This work encompasses a comprehensive long-term strategy to create a just food system that does not damage water or communities.
    • Achievements for this program in 2022:
      • Continued this work in 2022 without additional funding from Waterkeeper Alliance.
      • Documented pollution and reported the impacts of CAFOs
      • Slowed the proliferation of directed biogas projects.
      • Supported funding and mechanisms for buyout of swine and poultry operations in the floodplain.
      • Building groundwork to achieve permitting for poultry operations.
      • Conducted water monitoring in waterways adjacent to CAFOs.
      • Advocated for more protective water standards.
      • Utilized DNA tracking to identify pollution sources
      • Provided support to communities being impacted by CAFOs.
      • Provided support to local sustainable farms and farmers.
      • Submitted 5 in 30 sample report data to the State for reclassification of waterbody (upper New River).

for Fisheries

Accomplishments

(so far) in 2022:

This work encompasses a comprehensive long-term strategy to study and advocate for water quality protection measures in coastal communities.

Achievements for this program in 2022:

• Collaborated and communicated with fisheries representatives to address concerns about how water quality impacts fisheries and next steps on prioritized project development.
• Collectively learned (from the WQ4F Assessment Process) what is currently being done in the State to address water quality issues impacting fisheries and use the information to develop prioritized project proposals to fund ongoing research and outreach efforts that will protect water quality for fisheries.
• Collaboratively made recommendations on what more needs to be done to improve water quality for fisheries.
• Proposed next steps that address gaps in addressing what is not currently being done to address water quality issues.
• Submitted three project proposals in 2022 to fund further WQ4F work.
• Screened the WQ4F Film “Tidal Alert” several times in-person and virtually in 2022 with an estimated audience of +5,000 people in 2022.
• Developed the Algae Bloom Response project in collaboration with commercial and recreational fishermen participating in the WQ4F program.
• Water Quality for Fisheries Prioritized Actions Items in 2022:
• Industrial Agriculture and Factory Farming Pollution:
• Advocated for updated waste management systems for industrial agriculture and factory farming practices.
• Advocated for improving the requirements for pre-storm preparation.
• Worked to bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers.

Stormwater Pollution:

• Advocated for the implementation of sustainable development techniques (wetland and forest protection, permeable surfaces, increased vegetated areas, on-site runoff treatment technologies).
• Advocated for green infrastructure policy development (standardize the use of permeable pavement, green streets, filtration systems, and nature-based infrastructure).
• Enhanced the monitoring of stormwater runoff.
• Publicized successful stormwater control efforts.

Industrial Pollution:

• Advocated for the reduction of industrial activities that utilize harmful industrial chemicals in their process and the development of new filtration technologies.
• Advocated for policies that enforces the maximum contaminant levels for municipal water treatment facilities.
• Increased education efforts providing information to consumers on PFAS-containing products.

Plastic Pollution:

• Advocated for changes in the manufacturing process of plastics that prevent plastic pollution.
• Advocated for single-use plastic-bans and extended producer responsibility.
• Advocate for the research of green chemistry (alternatives to current chemical composition of plastic) and research the physiological effects of plastic on fish.

Wastewater Pollution:

• Advocated for preventative repairs and updates on current infrastructure.
• Advocated for the establishment of water quality standards for additional wastewater pollutants, including plastics and industrial chemicals.
• Worked with researchers to understand wastewater treatment infrastructure for coastal regions, with high water tables and flooding, to determine effective best management practices for reducing wastewater pollution.
• Increased community outreach support for improving wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Accomplishments

(so far) in 2022:

• Equity in the Environment, (NEW IN 2021)
  • Provided a $1,000 scholarship to one student in 2022.
• Algae Bloom Response Project, (NEW IN 2022)
  • Responded to Rust Tide (Harmful Algae Bloom on New River) from September 2022 – October 2022)
  • Weekly investigation by water and air.
  • SouthWings partnership (donated flights) for fly-over investigation.
  • Citizen science (Advocacy Team – click here to join) drone investigation.
  • Waterkeeper algae identification, reporting, and local notification (news media, boots-on-the-ground, and through connections with the local fishing community).
• PFAS Research and Outreach in Coastal NC, (NEW in 2022)
  • CCRW participated in multiple research projects on PFAS in coastal NC in 2022.
  • PFAS – National Study (White Oak River)
  • PFAS – NC Study (New River, Bogue Sound, Newport River, and North River)
  • PFAS in Foam
• Advocacy Book Club. (NEW IN 2022)
• Micro-plastics Research (NEW IN 2022)
  • CCRW participated in a Statewide micro-plastics research in 2022-23.
  • Provided information to increase participation in government actions.
• NC Plastic Policy Workshop (NEW IN 2022)
• NC Marine Debris Symposium (NEWLY ADDED POLICY WORKSHOP IN 2022)
  • Participated in and facilitated public speaking engagements on local government actions.
• We take legal action on behalf of communities when necessary and when legal representation is available:
• Address Impacts of Environmental Hazards to Human Health.
• Pure Farms Pure Waters: Continue our efforts to hold the industrial hog and poultry operations accountable.

Learn more about our accomplishments (so far) and keep posted here for updates.

Love how we work for the water and our community?

Click this link for #GivingTuesday donations. Recurring donations will be matched.

www.coastalcarolinariverwatch.org

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Poultry Farm Aerial Investigations

SouthWings is a nonprofit conservation organization that provides a network of volunteer pilots to advocate for the restoration and protection of ecosystems across the Southeast through flight. Partnerships with SouthWings provides unique opportunities to our own small nonprofit that allow the White Oak Waterkeeper to better observe pollution and assess water quality in our complex network of creeks and rivers.

Poultry operations in North Carolina that use dry waste systems (dry litter poultry operations) are not required to obtain permits from the Division of Water Resources. However, while these operations are not required to apply for permits, they must follow general requirements as outlined in statutes and rules. Following are the first two requirements for all dry litter operations over 30,000 birds.

1. Litter shall not be stockpiled within 100 feet of perennial streams, waterbodies, or wells.

2. Stockpiled litter shall not be left uncovered for more than 15 days.

Other requirements can be read here.

Poultry waste, mixed with bedding and carcasses is stored in large piles that, when left uncovered, can easily be blown away by wind. And though this waste storage method is called “dry litter” it still contains liquid waste that can drain out of the pile and into adjacent waterways.

This discharge is entering our waterways, causing fecal bacteria contamination and loading nutrients into rivers and streams. On top of that, many of these operations were built in areas prone to flooding. This makes water unsafe to recreate in and can cause harmful algal blooms and fish kills. Communities surrounding these facilities are impacted with diminished quality of life due to overwhelming odors and health complications from air and water pollution. Check out our Water Quality for Fisheries program for more information on CAFO pollution.

Most hog and poultry CAFOs in the White Oak Water Basin are located in and around the Town of Richlands but specific locations of poultry CAFOs are not readily known. Because of the limited regulations, the NCDEQ does not have information on the location or waste disposal practices of many of these industrial-scale chicken and turkey farms.

Poultry CAFOs can be identified by the long barns that hold the birds and a shed used to cover and store the waste piles. This is different than the hog CAFOs that have large liquid waste lagoons adjacent to long barns. Pictured below is a poultry farm in the middle and a hog farm in the upper right corner.

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch wants to see poultry CAFO’s regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Without proper regulation and enforcement, large facilities that produce as much waste as a large city will continue to pollute Coastal Carolina’s waterways and threaten our quality of water and quality of life.

This holiday season please consider supporting a small, local farm when searching for pork or poultry products. Small efforts like these, help our community businesses and help protect water quality in your back yard.

Though many CAFOs cannot be seen from the road, please keep an eye out for any hog lagoons or uncovered dry litter piles that look (or smell) off and let the White Oak Waterkeeper know!

Riley Lewis,

White Oak Waterkeeper – Coastal Carolina Riverwatch

RileyL

Your donation goes directly to programming that protects the quality of water and quality of life in coastal North Carolina.

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LOCAL WATER QUALITY

Lisa Rider

This time of year, we reflect on what we are most grateful for; family, friends, access to food, access to fresh water, and the comforts of coastal community heritage and home.

I too am thankful for these things, and like you I am grateful and proud to be a coastal NC citizen, but with that pride comes responsibility. The responsibility to protect the quality of water and life for now and future generations.

I am honored to work for the water and for our community.”

My favorite local seasonal food this year is Sweet Potatoes from

Ocean Farm Natural Organic Farm in Bogue, NC.

My favorite free experience is hiking the Croatan Forest (Neusiok and Weetok Trails).

My favorite cost experience is SCUBA diving with Sandtiger Sharks at Offshore Wreck Sites with Olympus Dive Center

My favorite local gifts to give are from local markets and experiences that facilitate the enjoyment of our coastal community environment (bird and bat houses, food and travel, locally designed and inspired, locally made art and classes).

My favorite local places to connect with water, this year, are Bear Island, part of Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro, NC and Springer’s Point in Ocracoke, NC

Stay Fresh and Salty this Holiday Season!

Riley Lewis

My favorite local food is the Pound Cake from The Friendly Market.

My favorite local free experience is exploring the trails and beach of Fort Macon State Park.

My favorite local cost experience is The Beaufort Ghost Walk, fun ghost stories and great history of the area.

My favorite local gift is something from one of the local vendors at the Topsail Beach Craft Market. Beautiful homemade jewelry and purses made from recycled fabric.

My favorite local place to connect with water is the Calico Creek Boardwalk in Morehead City. The boardwalk winds through the maritime forest and marsh along the creek and at dusk the sun creates a beautiful glow over the water and marsh grass.

Happy holidays and enjoy time with family, friends, and fish!

Kelly Burke

My favorite local food are the watermelons I get from Cedar Point Market.

My favorite free experience is searching out small wetlands in our Croatan National Forest via Google Earth and then trying to find them.

My favorite cost experience would be taking the ferry to Shackleford Banks for a solo camping trip in the fall.

My favorite local gifts to give are the various crafts you can find at Salty Air Market, whether baskets or chimes, paintings of the coast, etc.

My favorite local place to connect with water would be the riverine forest swamps in the Croatan forest. The darkness created by the canopy, the sound of the White Oak River slowly moving and the multitudes of cypress knees, all different shapes and sizes make it a magical place.

Jingle all the Way to Protect Water Quality!

Clean Water

this holiday season!

Your donation goes directly to programming that protects the quality of water and quality of life in coastal North Carolina.

Waterkeeper

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In Gratitude for Clean Water

“We are your boots-on-the-ground for water quality in

coastal North Carolina.”

– R.Lewis, White Oak Waterkeeper

CCRW work is funded by your donations and accomplished by an efficient and effective three-person staff, dedicated board of directors, top-of-their field scientific and research advisors, local government and industry community stakeholders, pro-bono attorney groups, captains and pilots, university partners, local sustainable businesses, and local advocates. We are grateful for community, clean water, and You!

Community and Clean Water

Here at Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, we are thankful, everyday, for

Community and Clean Water!

Have you ever heard the term “it takes a village”? At CCRW, we take an all-hands-on-deck approach to developing and providing water quality services to the community.

You are a part of this collaborative approach and process. You are a key stakeholder in the coastal village of water quality advocates and we are grateful for you!

In this time of food and family, CCRW is grateful for your role in our collaborative approach to working alongside local coastal farms and fisheries. In 2022, CCRW worked to communicate the connection between local and sustainable food sources and water quality protection. We did so through a village of collaborators that worked to prioritize, develop and provide services that benefit coastal NC. This work can be found in the accomplishments of the Pure Farms, Pure Waters and Water Quality for Fisheries programs.

Help Protect Water Quality and

the Quality of Community Life

in Coastal NC

“The ability to successfully and sustainably farm and fish is an indicator of water quality and quality of community. We all play a role in keeping local sustainable farming and fishing a part of our coastal community heritage.” – Lisa Rider, CCRW Executive Director

Three years ago, CCRW made a commitment to getting-the-word-out about local sustainable food choices “as a tool, in our tool box, for helping improve water quality while also protecting the quality of life here in coastal NC.”

Since 2019, CCRW has supported over 15 (and growing) local farms, farmers, and farmer’s markets in the White Oak River Basin by featuring their sustainable work on a permanent basis on our website and through weekly features (#FarmFriday).

In 2022, CCRW held a Pure Farms, Pure Waters Sustainable BBQ, with partners 34 North, featuring local (Newport, NC) and sustainably-raised pork BBQ and vegan BBQ supporting NC products and farmers. The event supported several coastal farms and farmers and reached hundreds of folks with outreach materials regarding sustainable farming and how to protect the quality of water through sustainable agriculture advocacy.

Local coastal consumers are the glue that holds a sustainably-sourced food-web available to a community. “If you do not support it, it will not be around forever.” In addition, it has been showcased many times, here in the CCRW newsletter, how industrialized agriculture and factory farming practices can and have-had significant impacts on our coastal water quality. As consumers, we play a big role in “voting with our wallet” support for where our money goes relative to whether or not something is made or grown sustainably, locally, and with water quality in mind.

The staff at CCRW go a step above “the talk” about sustainable farming and fisheries. “We personally support these farms and farmers.” At CCRW, the staff and board members support local farms, markets, fishers, and local artisans. “Supporting our local sustainable farms and fishers in our daily lives, for the food we eat and materials we need, is just a part of how we are committed to community and water quality.” It is important that we “walk it like we talk it.”

We are grateful for access to local and sustainable foods in coastal NC. If you would like to learn more about impacts of industrial agriculture and factory farming on water quality, please check out our Pure Farms, Pure Waters Program and Water Quality for Fisheries Program.

Check out our social media program #FarmFriday, highlighting a different coastal farm or market each week and click here for more information. For local fish markets, please click here.

Click here to Support CCRW Programming in 2023.

– K.Burke, Administrative Assistant

Please consider donating today to support programming in 2023.

“Wards creek, where I live, is a beautiful body of water and deserves protecting. I support Coastal Carolina Riverwatch to protect the quality of water and life in Wards Creek and throughout coastal NC.” – Rick Kearney, Board President

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The North Carolina Coastal Conference

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch’s White Oak Waterkeeper attended this year’s conference to network with other North Carolina organizations and stay updated on current research and projects that help the environmental needs of our coastal communities.

The first day of the conference began with opening comments from Susan White – NC Sea Grant Executive director, Elizabeth Biser – NC DEQ Secretary, and Jonathan Pannock – Natinal Sea Grant College Program Director. The remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration and the need for increased resiliency efforts along the coast.

According the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Coastal resilience means building the ability of a community to “bounce back” after hazardous events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, and flooding – rather than simply reacting to impacts.

The sessions that followed expanded on current resiliency plans being developed by the State of NC (like the Resilient Coastal Communities Program), projects being implemented in coastal communities (like the Todd D. Krafft Septic Health Initiative Program), and environmental threats that still need to be addressed.

In a session called “Buying Time Along the Coast” listeners heard from Karen Amspacher with the Core Sound Museum and students working with the Down East community to tackle the threat of Sea Level Rise and the resulting ghost forests encroaching on their homes. The Down East community is especially vulnerable because of their low elevation and susceptibility to flooding which can lead to water quality degradation in areas of flooded septic tanks. They are also an unincorporated community which can make it more difficult to be assisted by the State’s many different resiliency projects.

The last day of the conference began similarly with opening comments from Susan White, Randy Woodson – the Chancellor of NC State University, and Mladen Vouk – the Vice Chancellor of Research at NC State University. These remarks discussed the importance of data collection and the continual analysis of coastal environmental threats and human response.

The following session titled “Cross Cutting Coastal Resilience Efforts and Building Strategic Climate Partnerships” consisted of coastal resiliency resources being developed throughout North Carolina. The panel included government staff working on the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan (CHPP), NC Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan, Resilient Coast Communities Program (RCCP), and Regions Innovating for Strong Economies & Environment (RISE). There were also representatives from the Nature Conservancy and the NC coastal community who discussed their experience executing projects.

Many of the projects being developed by the State seem to be collaborating and specialized for different aspects of coastal resiliency. The projects are meant to be used by local governments and towns that are looking to update their resiliency strategy but that can leave unincorporated communities with less access. The RCCP includes the use of community action teams that encourage community lead decisions and can be used by unincorporated areas to facilitate community organization.

Riley Lewis,

White Oak Waterkeeper

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch

RileyL

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Building Coastal Resilience, One Community at a Time

The services provided by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management offer assistance to local governments to develop critical plans that serve to reduce impacts to coastal habitat and water quality.

The objectives of the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program include:

• Addressing barriers to coastal resilience in North Carolina at the local level (limited capacity, economic constraints, and social inequities);
• Assisting communities with risk and vulnerability assessments and developing a portfolio of planned and prioritized projects;
• Advancing coastal resilience projects to shovel-readiness, or ready for implementation; and
• Linking communities to funding streams for project implementation.

Mackenzie Todd, Coastal Resilience Specialist, manages this program. Mackenzie is a subject matter specialist in the area of coastal resilience, coastal climate adaptation, coastal flooding, hazard mitigation planning, and related public policy issues. Mackenzie is a coastal resiliency advisor to Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, seen above in the photo, and works directly with the Waterkeeper on ways that we can collaborate to enhance water quality protection actions.

Reach out to Mackenzie herefor assistance with projects related to coastal resilience. This service includes assisting local communities with resilience evaluations and planning, outreach and communications focused on coastal hazards.

The Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) has NOT been permanently sustained by funding from the State Legislature. The program needs long-term funding from the NC Legislature to continue providing service. You can help by sharing your stories about the importance of coastal resiliency.

Please consider reaching out to your legislators with your story of support for this programming. Let your legislators know that this is a crucial service being provided to underserved rural coastal communities.

Program Basics Overview

As part of this process, presentations are available for different audiences about resiliency efforts in North Carolina. Request a presentation here.

This program handbook provides guidance to communities and program partners for the completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the Program.

All 26 Resilience Strategies (Phase 1 & 2 Final Deliverables) have been updated on the website. Click here for the direct link to those strategies.

Want to support additional collaborative community-based advocacy and outreach efforts? Click to donate today.

Riley Lewis,

White Oak Waterkeeper

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch

RileyL

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Nationwide PFAS Study finds no toxic “forever chemicals” in surface waters around Maysville

PFAS are a group of chemicals that are used in non-stick cookware, stain repellent, waterproof coatings, and many other manufacturing processes. These “forever chemicals” do not break down over time and instead accumulate in people, wildlife, and the environment. PFAS have been found in surface water, air, soil, food, and many commercial materials. PFAS are widely linked to serious health conditions such as cancer, liver and kidney disease, reproductive issues, immunodeficiencies, and hormonal disruptions.

When sharing the results of our sampling, the Town Manager of Maysville, Schumata Brown, said that he is “relieved to know that the contamination is not being found in the surface waters.”

The Town of Maysville has closed their drinking water well for the town and are currently receiving water from Jones County municipal water. The town has recently received a combined $6 million for infrastructure updates, including a new well and water treatment system. Mr. Brown let us know that the “updates should be completed and running by the early summer of 2023″.

Despite serious health risks, there are currently no universal, science-based limits on the various PFAS chemicals in the United States. For many PFAS chemicals, the EPA has not even set a health advisory limit that would give the public a baseline to determine what amount of PFAS is unhealthy in drinking water. In most cases, the EPA is not doing adequate monitoring for these chemicals, which is why these findings are so unique and important.

Your support can help turn PFAS legislation into a reality. Contact your Members of Congress today in support of this urgently needed legislation.

Want to support additional PFAS sampling in coastal NC, collaborative community-based advocacy and outreach efforts? Click to donate today.

For more info about local water quality information, please contact:

Riley Lewis,

White Oak Waterkeeper

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch

RileyL

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