Action Alert: Help Us Remove Debris From Our Rivers After Hurricane Helene

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Our rivers are in a state of emergency. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left our waterways choked with millions of tons of debris and pollution. While our communities have shown resilience in the face of this disaster, the task of restoring our rivers is a pressing and ongoing one. Below are photos from a recent scouting trip down the Swannanoa River that underscore just how much work is still left to be done.

Yet, we’re left anxiously waiting for the “Big Cleanup,” which will require millions of dollars in state investment. This will help us get boots on the ground and hire hundreds of out-of-work people in our region to clean up and restore our rivers.

Please take action today by emailing your NC Senate and House leaders to let them know that the recovery of our rivers and local outdoor economy needs their help. It is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and inclusion in Helene relief legislation expected to be taken up this week at the NC General Assembly.

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What’s at Stake:

Outdoor Recreation Drives Our Economy: Outdoor recreation contributes $4.9 billion in visitor spending annually to our region, supports 48,000 full-time jobs, and generates $197.5 million in county taxes.
Our Rivers Are Central to Recreation: 36% of visitors come to fish, 24% to swim, and 14% to paddle or tube. Without healthy rivers, these economic and cultural benefits are at risk. (MADE x MTNS Outdoor Recreation Participation Study)
A Unified Call for Action: The health of our rivers is not a partisan issue. It’s a matter of public safety, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality.

We need your voice to convince our lawmakers to swiftly pass a robust Hurricane Relief package that includes the funding we need to remove debris from our rivers and protect our outdoor economy.

Take Action Today:

Email Your Legislators Now:
Tell your NC Senate and House leaders why restoring our rivers matters to you and your community.
Make It Personal:
Share your story about how our rivers impact your life, whether it’s through fishing, paddling, swimming, or simply enjoying their natural beauty. Make sure your voice is heard.
Spread the Word:
Share this alert with friends and family. The more people who take action, the louder our call for restoration will be.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s restore our rivers, protect our outdoor economy, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and bounty of Western North Carolina’s waterways.

Sincerely,

Hartwell Carson
French Broad Riverkeeper
& Interim Clean Waters Director

Photos taken from a November 15 scouting trip down the Swannanoa

Protect the Broad River Basin: Comment on The 2024 Broad River Basin Plan for the Future of Our Rivers, Lakes, & Streams

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Paddlers enjoying the First Broad River.

Now is your chance to make your voice heard and help influence our Department of Environmental Quality in planning for a healthy Broad River Watershed.

The 2024 Broad River Basin Plan is being developed for the Broad River Basin by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR). DWR wants to hear from you – tell DWR to stand firm in their recommendations to:

Improve stream monitoring.
Offer financial incentives for the preservation or restoration of riparian areas.
Actively assess water quality in Kings Mountain Reservoir.
Evaluate and better support the staffing and resource needs of the biological assessment and ambient monitoring programs.

Ask DWR to do more by:

Developing a list of known significant violations or exceedances in discharge limits for permitted facilities, how these violations can affect water quality, and how DEQ staff should address and monitor these polluters.
Study the combined effects on water quality from the application of fertilizer (including poultry manure), sludge (land applied residuals) application to fields, and runoff from animal farming operations.
Develop minimum flow requirements for Lake Adger Dam into the Green River and Lake Lure Dam into the Broad River.
Acknowledge the extensive recreational use of our rivers for swimming, boating, and fishing, and protect these waterways for their current uses.
Planning for floods from storms like Helene and developing an extensive resiliency strategy for the future.

Resources

>> Click here to read MountainTrue’s comments

>>Click here to read the 2024 Broad River Basinwide Water Quality Plan Draft

MountainTrue Calls on EPA to Protect NC Waters from Legislative Sabotage

The following is a letter sent to our members on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, announcing MountainTrue’s decision to petition the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw North Carolina’s authority to regulate water pollution.

Dear members and supporters,

I’m writing to share some important news with you regarding the future of North Carolina’s water quality, environment, and public health. MountainTrue has always been committed to safeguarding the public water resources of Western North Carolina. Our mission to protect the health of our waterways and the well-being of our communities has never been more critical. However, the obstacles we now face have made it clear that the state cannot meet its obligations under the Clean Water Act.

Therefore, MountainTrue has joined the Southern Environmental Law Center, Cape Fear River Watch, Environmental Justice Community Action Network, and the Haw River Assembly in filing a formal petition asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw North Carolina’s authority to regulate water pollution. This action is necessary because the state legislature has crippled the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s ability to protect our waterways, drinking water sources, and communities from harmful pollution.

As with most states, EPA delegates authority to North Carolina to regulate pollution from industry and wastewater treatment plants into rivers, lakes, and other waters through the “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System” program. This means the state takes on EPA’s legal duty to issue water pollution permits that protect North Carolina waters, to solicit participation from the public, and to enforce against any polluters that violate water quality laws.

Unfortunately, the North Carolina General Assembly has systematically undermined the Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Management Commission to the point that the state can no longer effectively protect our waters.

These legislative actions have led to weakened permits, an inability to regulate toxic chemicals effectively, and a state budget that leaves DEQ severely underfunded. As a result, industrial facilities are allowed to operate under expired permits with outdated protections, efforts to better protect the public and enforce against polluters are routinely blocked, and North Carolinians are exposed to more pollution in our waterways and drinking water sources.

Moreover, recent changes to state law have given final authority over water pollution permits to the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, an entity that is not equipped to prioritize public health and environmental safety. This shift not only sidelines DEQ’s expertise but also cuts the public out of the permitting process altogether.

Given these circumstances, we believe that the only path forward is to request that the EPA reclaim its authority over water pollution regulation in North Carolina. This is a drastic measure, but one that is necessary to ensure that our waters and communities are protected from the serious threats posed by unchecked pollution.

We understand that this news may be concerning, and we want to assure you that MountainTrue will continue to fight tirelessly for clean water and healthy communities. We will keep you informed of any developments as the EPA considers our petition and takes action.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to protecting our precious public waters.

Sincerely,

Gray Jernigan
Deputy Director & General Counsel

Resources:

Press Release: Legislative actions leave North Carolina unable to protect water and communities, groups warn EPA – Southern Environmental Law Center

Petition: 2024.08.28-SELC-NC-De-Delegation-Petition.pdf (southernenvironment.org)

Take Action: Oppose Weakening Macon County’s Flood Protection Ordinance!

Let Macon County Commissioners know that you oppose weakening Macon County’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance by removing restrictions on the use of fill dirt to elevate new houses or expand development in high-risk flood areas.

Two ways to take action: *these actions have now expired, thanks to everyone who raised their voice in favor of flood protection!)

1. Attend the July 9 Public Hearing to oppose changes to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance:

Macon County Board of Commissioners Meetings
July 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Board Room, Courthouse, third floor.
5 West Main Street • Franklin, NC 28734

2. Email Macon County Commissioners and let them know you oppose gutting our floodplain protections.

Seventeen years ago, to better protect public safety and the environment in a region with steep mountain slopes and a higher risk of flooding, Macon County adopted an ordinance that is stricter than the state’s minimum standards. A natural floodplain allows water to spread out during a flood event, soak into the soil, and reduce a river’s speed and destructive power.

Now, Macon County Commissioners are considering weakening the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to allow property owners to use fill material in these areas — decreasing safety and increasing public and private losses due to flooding, including potential loss of life. Using fill dirt to raise houses, create driveways, or build more homes in flood-prone areas reduces the amount of floodplains that we have to mitigate flooding and puts more people at risk of floods by encouraging more homebuilding and development in floodplains.

Using fill dirt and materials in the floodplain will also increase costs for residents and taxpayers by raising insurance premiums and creating the need for the government to update floodplain maps routinely. The increased risk to life and property from accelerated flooding will also demand costly county resources and put county emergency personnel and volunteer rescuers at risk.

Because of Macon County’s steep slopes, narrow floodplains, and fast-flowing streams, former county leaders adopted stronger floodplain restrictions that have served the county well for many years.

Let Macon County Commissioners know that you support keeping our community safe by keeping these reasonable flood protections.

Read more:

2024 Western North Carolina Conservation Priorities

Support and Protect our Mountain Waters – and the Jobs and Businesses that they Sustain

Mountain rivers and streams are big business. A recent report conducted by economists at Western Carolina University found the total economic impact of the French Broad River is $3.8 billion annually, and river-reliant businesses create or maintain 38,554 jobs each year. Similarly, each dollar anglers spend to fish for mountain trout in Western North Carolina returns $1.93 to our economy and results in a $1.38 billion impact, according to new data from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

Unfortunately, stormwater pollution, man-made barriers like dams, and development pressure threaten this economic engine by making our waters unsafe for the thousands of recreational users and unsuitable habitat for a thriving fishery. One of the most popular areas for recreation, a 19-mile section of the French Broad River – from the Asheville Regional Airport, through the Biltmore Estate and the River Arts District in downtown Asheville – was added to NC’s list of impaired waterways in 2022.

To support our mountain waters and the local economy, MountainTrue supports the following:

Help property owners reduce stormwater pollution – The Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) allows local soil and water districts to help property owners reduce stormwater pollution. Unfortunately, demand for CCAP far outstrips its funding. $500,000 nonrecurring for CCAP program in the French Broad River watershed will significantly reduce stormwater pollution in an area that is heavily used for recreation.
Help rural families repair failing septic systems – MountainTrue and NC DHHS recently partnered to administer funding to fix failing septic systems in WNC, and the effort spurred Buncombe County to launch its own program. Help rural counties in WNC (outside of Buncombe County) administer their own septic repair programs with an appropriation of $400,000 nonrecurring to NC DHHS for grants to local health departments.
Expand Real-time E. coli Monitoring in the French Broad River – Recently, NCDEQ launched the first real-time sensor in the French Broad River in Buncombe County to give river users an up-to-date picture of bacteria levels. Two more sites in Henderson and Transylvania Counties are needed to automate bacteria monitoring across the upper watershed. Legislators can help by providing $100,000 nonrecurring for modeling and equipment to expand this service.
State Trail Designation for Two State Paddle Trails – The First Broad River (Cleveland County) and Watauga River (Watauga County) are popular paddling and fishing destinations with opportunities to expand access. State Trail designation will accelerate the development of paddle trails on these rivers and boost recreational and economic opportunities for local communities.

WNC Public Access, Restoration, and Recreation Investments:

Old Fort Finishing Dam Removal design phase is underway, but funds are still needed for the demolition phase ($350,000 nonrecurring to American Rivers). McDowell County
Craggy and Cullowhee Dam Removal projects need funding for required feasibility studies ($100,000 nonrecurring to American Rivers). Buncombe and Jackson Counties
Expand the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail to include one site in each WNC county and promotional materials ($150,000 nonrecurring to Mainspring Conservation Trust). All WNC Counties
Improve River Walk in downtown Murphy to extend the path to an affordable housing development ($250,000 nonrecurring to the Town of Murphy). Cherokee County
Improve public access to the Watauga River Paddle Trail by purchasing an additional access point in Watauga County ($500,000 nonrecurring to Watauga County). Watauga County
Develop a new public access point and riverwalk on Green River ($250,000 nonrecurring to Polk County Community Foundation, providing $250,000 match). Polk County
Enhance Chestnut Mountain Nature Park by expanding trails and improving the playground and creekside park ($450,000 nonrecurring to the Town of Canton). Haywood County
Complete the Wave and Riverside Park addition to the $32 million Woodfin Greenway and Blueway ($250,000 nonrecurring to the Town of Woodfin). Buncombe County

Other policy and funding initiatives that MountainTrue supports:

Support Abundant Housing Legislation – Opportunities for dense, energy-efficient housing located close to jobs reduces energy demand and transportation emissions. HB 409 passed the House in 2023, which would allow homeowners more freedom to build accessory dwelling units and add to available housing supply. MountainTrue supports the final approval of this bill by the General Assembly in 2024.\
Reduce Plastic Pollution – North Carolina took a step backward in addressing plastic pollution with language in the state budget prohibiting local governments from taking action. However, HB 28 – approved by the House in 2023, would initiate a study of plastic reduction opportunities. We encourage the Senate to pass this bill in 2024.
Plant Native – Non-native invasive plants harm ecosystems across the state, but SB 318 would require the use of native plants and seeds in state parks and on state highways. This bill passed the Senate in 2023, and we encourage the House to approve it in 2024.

TAKE ACTION to Protect the North Fork of the French Broad River in Transylvania County, NC!

Email Transylvania County Commissioners to encourage their support of the designation of the North Fork of the French Broad River as a Wild & Scenic River!

There is a once-in-a-generation chance to protect the North Fork of the French Broad, which is eligible for designation under the Wild & Scenic River Act. Congressman Chuck Edwards has indicated that he would introduce legislation for the North Fork with the support of the Transylvania County Commissioners. The Commissioners need to hear from Transylvania County residents, business owners, and property owners. Please take the time to send them a message.

Wild & Scenic River designation requires an act of Congress and typically enjoys broad popularity and bipartisan support. A Wild & Scenic designation for the North Fork of the French Broad would ensure that this section of the French Broad River is never dammed, and it would guarantee critical water quality protections and management by the US Forest Service to protect its biodiversity and recreational values. Transylvania County citizens defeated proposed dams in the past, and their hard-won success should be made permanent.

Email Transylvania County Commissioners

The North Fork is the headwaters of the French Broad River, a recreation staple in Brevard and Asheville. The French Broad River is responsible for over $3 billion dollars of economic activity annually. Good water quality in these headwaters is essential for local agriculture and recreation economies. Maintaining the health of the North Fork of the French Broad River is also critical to the protection of aquatic wildlife, including hellbender salamanders, musky, and trout.

Email Transylvania County Commissioners

The 3.2 mile-long river corridor proposed for protection (pictured below) is owned and managed solely by the US Forest Service. Therefore, no private lands would be affected by designating this stretch of river as Wild & Scenic. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act has no effect on private lands, including any private lands upstream or downstream of the designated reach.