More than 60 people representing government agencies, local advocacy groups, and private associations met November 3, 2010 to discuss plans for monitoring polluted Falls Lake. The rules, which take effect in January 2011, include a two-stage program to put the lower part of the lake, near Raleigh’s water intake, in compliance with federal water-quality standards within 10 years and the entire lake in compliance within 30 years. The NC Environmental Management Commission meets November 17th and 18th to finalize the clean up plan.
The current challenge lies in finalizing a ‘mutually agreeable’ water pollution monitoring program that multiple jurisdictions, several homebuilder associations, and a variety of environmental protection organizations are willing to collectively support.
Karen Rindge, director of the WakeUp Wake County citizens’ group, agreed. She wants to see “a strong, coordinated, regional approach to understanding the pollution levels in Falls Lake” and effective means to reduce them. “I hope everybody understands we can’t be piecemeal,” she said.
– ‘Agreement sought on Falls Lake monitoring’, News & Observer November 4, 2010.
WakeUP will continue to actively participate in the Falls Lake rules process and bring you news updates as they occur.