Paint chips float on the surface of Oriental Harbor.
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.”
