News

Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop and water-quality intern Samantha Lewis took to the skies last week for some aerial investigative work.

“We flew over Lick Creek, Falls Lake and the Eno River to assess flood damage and vulnerable industry and infrastructure,” Samantha Krop said. “It was just interesting to see all the storm damage from the sky.”

The damage was obvious in downed trees and debris that remains piled up along the Eno River after historic flooding in early July — flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal, which unleased more than 10 inches of rain in a short period of time.

Then, a Hillsborough wastewater treatment plant was overcome by floodwaters and multiple sewer spills discharged millions of gallons of untreated wastewater into the waterway. Now, Samantha’s concern is for other industry in the area that could be impacted by global-warming-fueled, excessive rainfall in the same area. 

“On our flight, we were looking for storm-vulnerable places,” she said. “We saw a mine on the river, and wastewater treatment plant that had trouble during the storm. We saw a lot of industry at risk of flooding, and, really, we should not be storing toxic stuff in the floodplain.”

For Samantha Lewis, the trip was a first.

“I had a wonderful time on the flight. It was my first time in an aircraft that was not a big commercial plane. I was a little nervous, but the pilot is very skilled at his job, and I felt immediately comfortable,” Samantha Lewis said. “Assessing the Eno aerially is something that I would have never considered to be an option in regards to types of field work. It was fascinating to see problem areas from an aerial perspective. Chantal was a significant environmental catastrophe that impacted many North Carolinians. Furthermore, I am glad to be a part of an organization that is working to help those in need.”

The Eno River is part of the Neuse River watershed, converging with the Flat River northeast of Durham and flowing into Falls Lake, a major drinking-water source for Raleigh.

Many thanks to SouthWings pilot Rolf Wallin!

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