Mountain Island Lake Sampling Results
CRF collected water, sediment and fish tissue samples from Mtn. Island Lake on April 29, 2010. Analysis from an independent lab has found several heavy metal and PCB contaminants in those samples. This testing led to fish advisories being issued by North Carolina and South Carolina health officials in January 2011. Mountain Island Lake is the primary source of drinking water for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Gastonia and Mount Holly.
A sampling at Mountain Island Lake near the Duke Energy coal ash ponds has shown the water, bottom sediment and fish adjacent to the discharge are contaminated with heavy metals and PCBs. Using grant funds, Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation hired Pace Labs of Huntersville, NC to test three surface water samples, one sediment sample and a composite fish tissue sample from MIL largemouth bass. These five samples were analyzed for the presence of eight heavy metals and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The results of the tests were revealed in a June 16th Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation press release and June 17th press event by Catawba Riverkeeper David Merryman. According to Merryman, the results show Duke Energy's coal ash ponds at Riverbend Steam Station are a direct source of heavy metal contamination of the Catawba River and its sediments at Mountain Island Lake. "The water and sediments near this coal ash pond outfall indicate a direct input of heavy metals into our source of drinking water," stated Merryman. "Duke Energy's 80-year old facility continues to legally discharge these poisons into our drinking water supply. This must come to an end!"
For a larger version of the results chart click here
"PCB concentration found during this sample also show an immediate need for the NC Department of Health and Human Services to determine if fish consumption advisories are warranted for this waterbody," added Merryman.
Local TV Crew at the Neck Road Access press event.
The elevated concentrations of pollutants are significant since Mtn. Island Lake serves as the primary drinking water resource for nearly 1 million people in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Gastonia and Mt. Holly. The out-flow of two Duke Energy coal ash ponds, a source of the contamination discharges into the lake upstream of those municipal water intakes. While several governmental entities have collected and analyzed samples from our River during the past decade the results of this testing takes months, if not years, to reach the public. Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation believes in regular independent testing of our lakes, water and fish to ensure the health and safety of the people who depend on it as a municipal drinking water supply.
The map above shows the sample location and its location upstream of the municipal water intake for the City of Charlotte. For a larger view of the map click on the image.
Additional Information:
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Click here to learn more about the testing at MIL and the sampling process
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For information about fish advisories issued by North Carolina and South Carolina health officials in January 2011, click here.
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For a PDF of the CRF Sample Results Press Release click here.
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A Channel 36-WCNC Charlotte news story about the sampling can be seen below
- A copy of the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Utilities 2009 Water Quality Report can be seen here.
- For more information on the coal ash pond threat to drinking water issue, click here
- For more information on coal ash waste, click here
- Click here for a summary of mercury issues.
- Click here for more information about PCB contamination
- Go to the Mountain Island Lake Covekeepers page by clicking here
Go to the Catawba Riverkeeper Home Page by clicking here
Document Actions
- Upcoming Events
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Lake Norman Covekeeper Mtg
East Lincoln Fire Department, 406 S. Pilot Knob Road, Stanley, NC,
May 24, 2012 -
Spider Lily Eco-Tour
Landsford Canal State Park, SC,
May 26, 2012 -
Mountain Island Lake Covekeepers Monthly Meeting
Cook's Presbyterian Church,
Jun 11, 2012 -
Lake Wylie Covekeeper Meeting
T-Bones on the Lake,
Jun 13, 2012 -
Lake James Covekeeper Mtg
4794 E. Shores Dr., Morganton, NC,
Jun 14, 2012
- News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- Alliances
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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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Your River needs you as much as you need the River
- 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.
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- Report Pollution in the Catawba River
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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
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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.
