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USGS Finds 100% Mercury Contamination in US Streams
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USGS Finds 100% Mercury Contamination in US Streams

Mercury contamination is widespread. Mercury was detected in all fish sampled from 291 streams across the U.S. Concentrations about 27% of the fish sampled exceeded the criterion for the protection of humans who consume average amounts of fish, established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (0.3 parts per million, wet weight).

2009 USGS Hg in Fish- Full Report.pdf — PDF document, 6603Kb

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News
May 23, 2012 Duke Needs to do More to Clean Up Coal Ash
For most Charlotte residents, the concern about coal and its residue, coal ash, is as close as the next drink of water.
May 21, 2012 Mercury Contamination in the Catawba
North Carolina South Carolina have advise against consuming certain types of fish in the Catawba due to mercury contamination. Most of the mercury is coming from coal-fired powerplants.
May 21, 2012 Pharmaceuticals in the River
Small amounts of prescription and non-prescription medicines end up in our water. Help prevent pharmaceuticals from getting into the water or the wrong hands by disposing of medications properly. Catawba Riverkeeper is co-sponsoring Operation Medicine Drop events around the region.
May 07, 2012 2012 Mecklenburg State of the Environment Report
How’s the air out there? Is the water getting better? Are we recycling as much as we could be? According to an online Mecklenburg County survey, the verdict on all of the above, the answers are mixed, but encouraging.
May 04, 2012 Gaston County QNRC Cancels Coal Ash Forum
The Gaston County Quality of Natural Resources Commission (QNRC) cancelled a public forum and information session about the potential threats to drinking water from coal ash, which had been scheduled for May 3. The reasons for cancelling the forum are unclear.
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Alliances

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is a proud member of EarthShare North Carolina, River Network, the North Carolina Conservation Network, and the Waterkeeper Alliance.  EarthShare North Carolina makes it possible for employees to support the environment through workplace giving programs.  River Network’s mission is to empower and unite people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain the health of our country.  The NC Conservation Network supports, trains and coordinates diverse groups and directly advocates to achieve equitable and sustainable solutions for our environment.  The Waterkeeper Alliance is a worldwide network of advocates for protection of our water resources.  For more information about these organizations or to inquire about enrolling your employer in EarthShare NC, please contact CRF@catawbariverkeeper.org.

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Fish Advisories

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Fish advisories have been issued throughout the Catawba-Wateree River basin for various types of fish.  Many of these fish advisories are the result of testing initiated by Catawba Riverkeeper and confirmed by state and local officials.  For a chart identifying fish types with the applicable adisories for the Charlotte area, click here.   For more information about the fish advisories, click here.

River maps and Recreational options

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Report Pollution in the Catawba River

Help protect your River! 

Tell your Riverkeeper if you see:

  • Sewage Overflows
  • Failure to control sediment from construction sites
  • Illegal clearing of buffer areas
  • Fish kills 
  • Invasive aquatic species
  • Exceeding Pollution Limits
  • Discharges exceeding allowable limits
  • Unpermitted discharges
  • Other issues that concern you

Click here to fill out a pollution report or to report a spill to Catawba Riverkeeper by phone, call 1-888-679-9494 or 704-679-9494.  In addition, to informing your Riverkeeper, you should also report spills or contamination to federal, state and local environmental officials.

To report South Carolina spills or fish kills call 1-888-481-0125.

To report North Carolins spills or fish kills, call 1-800-662-7956.

To report spills and releases to federal authorities (EPA and Coast Guard), call 1-800-424-8802.

 

 

How to contact your NC Legislator

Sometimes you just can't get the action that is needed to protect our water without contacting your legislator.  To find out who represents you in the North Carolina legislature and how to contact them, click here.

 
421 Minuet Ln Ste 205 . Charlotte, NC 28217-2784 . Phone: 704.679.9494 . Fax: 704.679.9559