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Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop joined forces with Haw Riverkeeper Emily Sutton and Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones to weigh in on potential revisions to North Carolina’s General Construction Permit.

“NCGO1 is up for renewal, which includes the possibility for revision,” Sam said. “However, there was no public hearing and very little was sent out by North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality regarding submitting written comments. That was not ideal.”

The three Riverkeepers submitted comments last week for Waterkeepers Carolina, the coalition asking for regulatory action to address the extreme sediment pollution that they have been documenting from construction sites across the state.

In the Neuse watershed, development of southeast Durham is causing rampant sediment pollution. The Haw also flows through the Triangle and the Catawba, through Charlotte.

“The Triangle and Charlotte are two of the fastest growing areas in our state, so they’re seeing the most development, and that’s coming with a water-quality price,” Sam said. “All we’re asking for is that there are water-quality assurances that come with construction operations. We want to make sure that construction sites and developers are upholding the Clean Water Act. Do turbidity sampling, and if that water is too dirty, turn off the valve and fix it.”

Read their full comments to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality here.

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