Fencing and the installation of alternative watering facilities, like the one pictured, helped improve 2.6 miles of Little Ivy Creek.

Pollution from nonpoint sources, including problems with agricultural operations, had affected the 60-000 acre Ivy River watershed for years. Little Ivy Creek in Madison County was suffering from high levels of fecal coliform, nutrients and sediment. The problem was so bad that even the aquatic insects that live in the stream were having a hard time. As a result, in 2002 the N.C. Division of Water Quality put Little Ivy Creek on its list of impaired waters.

In response, community partners came together to improve water quality in the creek. Several projects were launched with the primary focus on agricultural best management practices. More than 48,000 linear feet of livestock exclusion fencing was installed to keep livestock out of the stream - a big help in reducing the fecal coliform counts and erosion. A total of 170 alternative watering facilities were also installed. Pasture and hay managment plans protected 530 acres of natural area. In addition, a farm access road was constructed, 30 acres of streamside vegetated buffer and 25 feed/waste management structures.

As a result, the bug and fish populations improved and Little Ivy Creek was removed from the impaired waters list in 2008.

Joining DWQ in the effort to improve water quality were the state Division of Soil and Water, Madison County government, UNC-Asheville, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the state Department of Transportation, the stat Wildlife Resources Commission and the Tennessee Valley Authority.  Learn more about this project on the US Environmental Protection Agency Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/nps/success/state/nc_ivy.htm

The Revised General Permit to Discharge Stormwater from Construction Activities is Available

Did you know that in just one rain event, poor erosion and sediment control practices can contribute nearly a ton of sediment per acre to a stream? Construction activities - including clearing, grading and excavation activities -  which will result in the disturbance of one or more acres of total land area are subject to the requirements of this general permit. Included are requirements for implementation of an approved sediment and erosion control plan, monitoring of sediment and erosion control measures and areas where stormwater leaves the site, and providing the operation and maintenance practices necessary to maintain the optimal performance of the stormwater controls. Want more information? Click here..

The Environmental Management Commission is developing rules to protect and restore Falls Lake, in the upper Neuse River watershed. Following questions in 2004 about the condition of the lake, the N.C. Division of Water Quality began more intensive sampling to assess the lake's water quality. Based on water quality data collected between 2002 and 2006, the lake was listed as impaired for chlorophyll-a on the draft 2008 state impaired waters list. High levels of Chlorophyll-a often indicate problems with nutrients coming into the lake in excessive amounts. The portion of the lake above I-85 was also listed for tubidity - the suspension of soil in the water column.

Draft rules were approved by the Environmental Management Commission at their March 11 meeting. Opportunities for public comment will be scheduled after a fiscal note is developed and approved by the Office of State Budget and Management. To learn more, visit the Falls Lake Stakeholder Process Website.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (N.C. Economic Recovery and Investment) funds are being distributed through DWQ for local government improvements to wastewater treatment, stormwater management, green technology and water quality management planning.
North Carolina received a grant of $70 million to fund wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout the state. DWQ's Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program administers the funds which have been awarded to 56 projects in 51 communities from Cherokee to Carteret.

The projects include sewage collection system and wastewater treatment improvements and the implementation of green technologies that support wastewater reuse and stormwater management.  Visit the DWQ Construction Grants and Loans ARRA Website.

North Carolina has also received $714,400 for water quality managment planning of which $285,760 is being passed through, per Clean Water Act Section 205(j) requirements, to regional Council of Governments for projects supporting regional water quality managment planning. The division is using these funds to support 11 DWQ positions and, through the COGs, approximately 30 more private sector positions. To read more about the approved projects and view the ARRA 2009 N.C. 205(j) workplan, visit the DWQ 205j Water Quality Management Planning Grants ARRA Website.