Muddy Water Watch
CRF periodically offers a 4-session class on how ordinary citizens can help enforce the erosion and sedimentation control rules. Generally, classes are held in the evening or on weekends and run for 2 hours per session for four weeks. In addition, there are opportunities once a week to make a visit to a construction site with a sedimentation expert. For additional information about upcoming classes, please contact Pam Beck at pam@catawbariverkeeper.org or call the CRF office 704.679.9494.
What is Muddy Water Watch (MWW)?
MWW is a state-wide initiative to reduce stormwater runoff from construction sites by providing training workshops and materials developed specifically for volunteers on the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 and the NC NPDES General Permit for construction stormwater runoff. Over the course of this two year project, trained volunteers will be able to properly identify sedimentation and erosion violations from active construction sites, as well as poorly maintained Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
Who is involved in MWW?
In North Carolina, MWW is sponsored by the 7 North Carolina Riverkeepers®, including the Catawba Riverkeeper®. We also are partnering with Southern Environmental Law Center, Conservation Council of NC and other water shed groups across the state to help stem the tide of sediment— NC’s #1 water pollution problem—from further impacting our rivers, streams and drinking water supplies. Volunteers from all over the state will be trained by the Riverkeeper in their watershed to help improve compliance with the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.
How can you help?
MWW organizers are looking for volunteers. No previous knowledge of erosion and sedimentation is needed, just a motivation to learn. We are looking for people to:
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monitor construction sites and take pictures of potential violations
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document and report streams, creeks, and other waterways that are polluted with excessive sediment
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learn how to use several data storage websites-take aerial photographs after heavy rainfalls
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MUCH MORE!
How do I learn more about MWW?
For additional information or to sign up for a Muddy Water Watch class, please contact Sam Perkins at sam@catawbariverkeeper.org or call the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (704-679-9494). To see case studies from the Muddy Water Watch program in the Catawba basin, click here. To learn even more about MWW, visit www.muddywaterwatch.org. Here, you will find additional descriptions, contact information, training dates at other locations, training materials, and much more. To file a report about sedimentation or muddy water, go to http://muddywaterwatch.org/.
Less than 1% of all the water on the planet is available fresh water
