Photo courtesy of Takaaki Iwabu-N&O

The News & Observer has brought a very important issue to the foreground for local residents regarding a potential water quality issue in the Neuse River. 

The article, published in today’s paper, discusses the fact that Raleigh officials are asking for a waiver from state rules that would require an $80 million cleanup of widespread groundwater contamination around its Neuse River sewage-treatment plant.  

Due to years of pollution, the groundwater beneath more than 1,100 acres of fields is contaminated with high levels of nitrates, which can harm humans and trigger fish kills downstream near the coast. The city’s stance is centered around the concept that time and nature will eventually scrub the fields and groundwater of pollutants. 

The state Division of Water Quality is taking public comments through Oct. 5 on the city’s request for the waiver from state rules.

The state Environmental Management Commission, a 19-member panel appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, is expected to hear Raleigh’s request in November.

To read the article in its entirety on the News & Observer website, please click here.

To learn how you can get involved in protecting the Neuse River, please visit The Neuse River Foundation website.

Do you have an opinion on this issue?  Please post a comment to our blog!