What happened in the 1990s that made the public aware of the quality of water or health of our rivers in North Carolina?
I N THE 1990 S , several crises elevated rivers in the public consciousness. First came Pfiesteria, a lethal organism that killed millions of fish in coastal waters. Then a series of hurricanes brought river and development issues to the fore – front.
What issues are facing NC’s river basins?
The Neuse and Cape Fear rivers have repeatedly suffered harmful algal blooms and massive fish kills— a symptom of nutrient pollution. Nutrient pollution has also led to chronically low oxygen levels in two of the most important aquatic nursery systems in the world— the Pamlico Sound and the Cape Fear Estuary.
What is the White Oak River basin famous for?
More than 80,000 acres of the Croatan National Forest lie within the White Oak River Basin. It hosts the largest population of carnivorous plants of any national forest and is the second largest habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. White Oak River Basin abounds with coastal and freshwater wetlands.
What is the water quality like in the Lumber river basin?
Water quality in the Lumber River Basin is generally good. Growth in human population and animal farms, however, has been significant. The number of people in the basin is expected to increase 30 percent by 2020.
What is the river basin that is our river basin for Mecklenburg County and what does it supply to our county and city choose best answer?
The Catawba River Basin covers 3,285 square miles of land area and has 3,005 square miles of streams. The river is impounded 11 times as it flows through 14 counties. It provides drinking water to major cities like Hickory, Charlotte, Gastonia, Mount Holly and Belmont.
How can we protect our river basins from pollution?
Conserve water every day. Take shorter showers, fix leaks & turn off the water when not in use. Don’t pour toxic household chemicals down the drain; take them to a hazardous waste center. Use hardy plants that require little or no watering, fertilizers or pesticides in your yard.
Is the Pamlico River polluted?
Sadly, the Pamlico River has been plagued with environmental problems. Municipal treatment plants discharge wastewater into rivers and streams and runoff from nonpoint sources, such as farmland, timber operations and urban areas, also contribute pollution.
Why is runoff the biggest environmental concern in river basins?
Runoff picks up fertilizer, oil, pesticides, dirt, bacteria and other pollutants as it makes its way through storm drains and ditches – untreated – to our streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean. Polluted runoff is one of the greatest threats to clean water in the U.S.
What animals live in the White Oak River basin?
Several endangered animals are found in the white oak river basin: including the leather back sea turtle, the west indian manatee, a short nosed sturgeon, the logger head sea turtle, the green sea turtle, and the American alligator.
Are there alligators in the White Oak River?
Habitat. The White Oak River runs through a variety of habitats including swamps, hardwood forests, and salt marsh flats. Along the river, there are reports of bald cypress trees over one thousand years of age. Many alligators can be found along the river.
Are there alligators in the Lumber River?
The Lumber River also provides habitat for the federally threatened bald eagle. American alligators, a federally threatened species in the state of North Carolina, can be found in the river.
Is it safe to swim in Lumber River?
Water is a complex issue but the Lumber River has survived in its splendid isolation. The future of the river looks brighter all the time. So jump on in; the water is fine.
What is the White Oak River basin?
The White Oak River Basin includes an area known as the Onslow Bight that stretches from the lower Northeast Cape Fear River to the Pamlico River.
How can I help protect the White Oak River basin?
You can gain a sense of community pride by learning more and helping to protect streams, rivers and lakes in the White Oak River Basin. The contacts listed below can help you do just that. To find out about local river organizations and conservation groups, contact your local soil and water conservation district.
Several rare and endangered animals are found in the White Oak River Basin, including the leatherback sea turtle, West Indian manatee, shortnose sturgeon, red-cockaded woodpecker and roseate tern, which are on the endangered species list. The loggerhead sea turtle T
Are there alligators in the White Oak River basin?
The American alligator is state-listed as a threatened species, and coastal North Carolina, including portions of the White Oak River Basin, is the northernmost part of its range.