Tires: What's the problem and what can you do about it?
Mo Drinkard • March 6, 2024
Tires in our lakes, rivers, and streams
The Problem
What was once believed to be good for fish habitat, tires are now known to leach toxins and cancer causing chemicals, such as 6PPD-Quinone, zinc, and other heavy metals, into our waters and are absorbed by fish and humans. Last year, we removed 1,000 tires from local waterways and we know there's a lot more out there.
Two Things You Can Do About it TODAY!
- If you live in SC, tell your state senator to support S. 1020, which formally criminalizes the dumping of tires on land and in waters of SC when permission is not given. If found guilty, the offending party will be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Sign up to volunteer to remove tires from Lake Wateree while the water levels are down on Saturday, March 30th. Thanks to financial support from PalmettoPride, we'll have the equipment to get a lot of tires out in one day. But, we need volunteers to help with this special project. We'll meet at Molly Creek Landing at 10 AM.
Earlier this month, the Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition hosted their Summer Meeting at Confluence South Fork in Cramerton, NC. During the meeting, attendees received updates on projects occurring in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, including: Updates from Duke Energy on recreation, invasive species, shoreline management, and the current drought. Highlights from the latest Integrated Water Resources Plan including recommendations for ongoing and future management of our river system. Regional project updates throughout the river basin. You can view the slide decks shared at the meeting by clicking on the links below: Catawba Riverkeeper Update CWWMG Integrated Water Resources Plan Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition Shoreline Management Plan Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition Brief History Catawba-Wateree Recreation Use and Needs Study and Project Updates
Catawba Riverkeeper Floating Classroom
Whether you're planning a day at the lake or a weekend on the river, knowing if the water is safe for swimming is an important part of any outdoor adventure. Today, that information is only a few clicks away thanks to Swim Guide, a program that has grown from a local initiative into the world's largest recreational water quality network.
