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 James Covekeeper Meeting
4794 E. Shores Dr., Morganton, NC,
Feb 09, 2012 -
Lake Wateree Covekeeper Mtg
Dutchman Creek VFD,
Feb 09, 2012 -
Mountain Island Lake Covekeepers Monthly Meeting
Cook's Presbyterian Church,
Feb 13, 2012 -
Lake Hickory Covekeeper meeting
Hickory, NC,
Feb 20, 2012 -
Lake Norman Covekeeper Mtg
East Lincoln Fire Department, 406 S. Pilot Knob Road, Stanley, NC,
Feb 23, 2012
- Covekeeper Meetings
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Join us for our monthly Covekeeper Meetings:
Lake James: 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. - 4794 E. Shores Dr., Morganton, NC.
Lake Hickory & Lake Rhodhiss: 3rd Monday at 7 p.m. - 320 Mauney Hall at Lenoir-Rhyne College
Lake Norman: 4th Thursday - East Lincoln Fire Department on South Pilot Knob Road off Hwy. 16.
Mountain Island Lake: 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. - Cooks Presbyterian Church
Lake Wylie: 2nd Wednesday at 7 p.m. - T-Bones on the Lake
Lake Wateree: 2nd Thursday at 7 p.m. - Dutchman Creek Fire Dept.
Please check the calendar section of the website to verify the meeting time and location.
- News
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Jan 30, 2012
Catawba River One of Top 10 Endangered Places in the South
On January 26, 2012, the Southern Environmental Law Center announced its annual list of the Top 10 Endangered Places in the Solutheastern U.S. The Catawba-Wateree River was back on the list as the 3rd most endangered place in the Southeast because of the threats from coal ash, power plant water use and unnecessary reservoirs. -
Jan 26, 2012
Soil runoff from Target project still damaging stream
Catawba Riverkeeper volunteers have been closely monitoring the development of the new Target store near Cox Road and I-85. This project required moving a large portion of a hillside and rerouting a stream. As reported in the article, it is questionable about whether it is feasible to limit sedimentation in the short-term and whether the site will be stable over the long term.
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Jan 18, 2012
Catawba Riverkeeper Files Lawsuit Against SCE&G
On January 12, 2012, The Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of Catawba Riverkeeper, filed a lawsuit against SCE&G to require a cleanup of coal ash ponds with a long history of leakage.
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Jan 07, 2012
Coal Ash Dumping on the Rise
The Environmental Integrity Project reports that toxic coal ash dumping on the rise in the South.
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Dec 15, 2011
Concerns Raised Again About Coal Ash Pond on Wateree River
Coal ash pervasive: 2 billion pounds of power plant waste gets in ponds, landfills in SC.
- 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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- Report Pollution in the Catawba River
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Tell your Riverkeeper if you see:
- Sewage Overflows
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Click here to fill out a pollution report or
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- 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.
