News

Craven County is taking action to end the ongoing pollution of a beloved creek in Havelock.

Recently, the county health department issued a notice of violation to a homeowner in the area of Wolf Pit Branch, which Sound Rivers determined last year was one source of bacteria flowing into the creek.

“We are aware of recent water sampling results showing elevated bacteria levels in parts of Slocum Creek,” reads a statement from the health department. “Our department is investigating potential sources, including one nearby septic system found to be malfunctioning. A violation has been issued, and we are working with the property owner to ensure timely repairs. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if other sources may be contributing to the contamination.”

This is good news for the tributary of the Neuse River and popular recreational site, according to Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop.

“Problems are being identified and deadlines put in places and people who have issues are being held accountable,” Samantha said. “This a long road — this summer of Swim Guide sampling showed that this problem is as bad as it ever was, but we are hopeful that identifying the pollution sources and working with the county to require timely repair will result in a cleaner creek.”

Sound Rivers began tracking the Slocum Creek pollution problem in 2023, after the water samples collected for the Swim Guide program consistently failed to meet recreational water-quality standards. An investigation was launched, which led to identifying the source of bacteria as human through DNA testing, and tracking down the source of the bacteria through the process of elimination — testing samples collected upstream and downstream of Slocum Creek tributaries. Sound Rivers’ Riverkeeping team of Samantha, Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Katey Zimmerman and Water Quality Specialist Taylor Register reached out to first the Town of Havelock to share their findings, then pivoted to working with county officials when it was determined the likely source was located outside town limits.

Prior to issuing the NOV to the owners of the home with the malfunctioning septic system, the county health department also issued an NOV for septic issues to the owner of a nearby mobile home park. It is unknown whether the mobile home park is contributing, and how much it is contributing, to the creek’s pollution, according to Samantha.

“There’s a lot of outdated septic systems in the area,” she said. “But this creek is a valuable recreational resource, and it’s a key fishing area. It’s where the city’s recreation area is — the city has kayaks they rent there. We really value it, and part of that valuing is addressing the pollution issues.”

This summer, Slocum Creek failed Swim Guide testing 13 out of 14 times.

Samantha and Taylor are hosting a sunset paddle on Slocum Creek on Sept. 17 to not only highlight the beauty of the creek, but to put a spotlight on how its natural beauty is being compromised by pollution.

“We look forward to a future where we can host recreational events where we don’t have to worry about health, but that’s something we will be considering as we do the paddle next week,” Samantha said. “We hope for a future where that’s not an issue.”

Like the work your Riverkeeping team is doing to end pollution in Slocum Creek? We do! Donate today to support their work!

Want to see why Slocum Creek is one of Samantha and Taylor’s favorite places to paddle? Join them for the Slocum Creek Sunset Paddle and see for yourself! Hear about their efforts to end the pollution firsthand on Sept. 17.

Register to attend here.