Sound Rivers and multiple state agencies are investigating what has been an ongoing issue of paint removal from vessels while they are still in the water. Last week, reports of a crew grinding paint from a fishing vessel and paint chips covering surface water of Oriental Harbor brought on the investigation.
“This is a clear violation of state water quality laws and we’re asking North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to promptly issue a notice of violation and proceed with significant fines,” said Sound Rivers Executive Director Heather Deck. “This is a business that has continued, even after previous warnings from state agencies, to violate state law and harm the water resources in Oriental. They must be held accountable for their actions.”