Yadkin Riverkeeper 2024 Advocacy Priorities

The Yadkin Riverkeeper board approved the following 2024 Advocacy Agenda document at its August 29, 2024 board meeting. Thank you to the YRK board Advocacy Committee and YRK staff for developing the document. 

Yadkin Riverkeeper is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Yadkin River and its lakes and tributaries, which provide drinking water for more than 1 million North Carolinians. As part of that mission, YRK educates the public and government officials about threats to the River and advocates for policies and programs to protect and improve water quality and promote recreational uses.

The River faces a number of challenges that must be addressed in the near term to ensure future generations have access to clean drinking water and safe, water-based recreational opportunities. Please consider joining YRK to support our efforts to keep the Yadkin River and lakes clean and beautiful.  Remember, just like “Every Drop Counts,” every member counts.

Please see below for YRK’s top 2024 Advocacy Priorities

Priority # 1 - Reduction of Nutrient and Sediment Pollution in the Yadkin River and Lakes

The High Rock Lake Nutrient Management Strategy (HRL Rules) is a comprehensive plan to reduce levels of harmful nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) in the Yadkin River and High Rock Lake. In 2023, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) convened a HRL Stakeholder Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Groups, composed of a range of government, industry, agricultural, development and organizational interests, including the Yadkin Riverkeeper (YRK) and the High Rock Lake (HRL) Association. DWR charged the Steering Committee with developing recommendations for a regulatory framework to reduce nutrients and sediments going into HRL. The US EPA and NCDEQ consider HRL to be an impaired waterway requiring measures to address the sources of pollution, including agricultural runoff, urban stormwater runoff and municipal wastewater. The NC Environmental Management Commission has also established a site-specific chlorophyll-a standard for HRL, compliance with which will determine the effectiveness of the HRL rules. The NCDEQ has released the Phase 1 HRL Stakeholder Steering Committee Final Report and will be proposing draft rules in mid-2025. The rules are necessary to reduce nutrient levels to prevent the increased growth of harmful algal blooms or HABs, which can pose health threats to humans, pets and wildlife.

YRK Recommendations - High Rock Lake Rules to Reduce Nutrient Pollution

The NC Environmental Management Commission should adopt effective rules to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in the Yadkin River and High Rock Lake to prevent Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) including:

  •  Protection of 100 ' and 50' buffers along the river and tributaries respectively.

  • Significant reductions in phosphorus and nitrogen discharged from municipal wastewater treatment plants.

  • Increased oversight and monitoring of poultry waste management, including reporting of waste handling amounts and land application locations by third party  littler haulers.

  • Limits on land application of poultry waste on fields with high phosphorus levels (P index > 100).

  • Requirements for fencing out livestock from streams and the River.

  • Increased funding for farmers to implement best management practices, including livestock exclusion from waterways.

  • Increased funding for NC Cooperative Extension to develop and review waste utilization plans.

  • Increased investments and incentives for implementing stormwater control measures in all municipalities in the watershed, including post construction stormwater requirements on developments with more than 12 percent impervious surfaces.

What is YRK doing on this issue?

  •  Participating in the HRL Steering Committee and serving on Technical Advisory Groups on Riparian Buffers, Agriculture and Stormwater Management.

  • Advocating for rules that will reduce nutrient pollution in the River and HRL, which will benefit the other Yadkin Lakes.

  • Sampling on HRL to assess and monitor compliance with the new HRL chlorophyll-a standard, which is an indicator of excessive nutrients and potential harmful algal blooms or HABs.

  • Educating the public and government officials about the need for the HRL rules to protect drinking water and recreational uses of the River and HRL.

  • Organizing advocates to increase public support for the proposed rules, which are scheduled to be released for public comment in mid-2025.

 What can you do?

  • Attend public meetings and make comments in support of the HRL rules.

  • Contact state regulatory agencies, elected officials and community leaders to make them aware of the need for the HRL rules to protect water quality and recreational use of the Yadkin River and lakes.

  • Organize your neighborhood in support of the HRL Rules.

 

Priority #2 - Clean Up of Alcoa Hazardous Waste Sites and Reduce Water Contamination in Badin Lake and Little Mountain Creek.

The Alcoa Badin Business Park in Badin, NC, has not been accountable for the toxic waste left behind in West Badin, an historically African-American community, and the progress towards cleanup remains at a standstill. Yadkin Riverkeeper continues to support the state requiring excavation of contaminated soil in the areas of this community where Alcoa disposed of hazardous aluminum smelting waste in unlined landfills. Alcoa Badin Business Park, as the facility is currently known, has had more than 20 violations of its state-issued stormwater permit in the last three years.

YRK Recommendations-Removal of Hazardous Materials and Reductions in Water Contamination

  • More than 40 on-site solid waste management units have been identified in and around Badin and West Badin, NC. West Badin is an historic African American community that has been disproportionately impacted by the worst of these sites. While most of these sites have been determined not to pose a threat to public health and groundwater, several of the sites, including the Alcoa-Badin Landfill, which not only received hazardous aluminum smelting waste, but also served as the town landfill, continue to contaminate groundwater. YRK and the West Badin community are calling for the excavation and remediation of the Alcoa Badin Landfill and other contaminated sites.

  • The NC Department of Environmental Quality should immediately increase fines significantly for Aloca’s violation of its stormwater permit violations.

  • The soon-to-be issued new stormwater permit for the facility should eliminate all contaminated discharges into public swimming areas and access points and should include discharge effluent limits for aluminum at several outfalls and increase monitoring frequency at noncompliant outfalls. The current permit expired in October of 2022, and it is urgent that the state issue a new permit with more stringent requirements to protect public health and the environment.

What is YRK doing on this issue?

  • Working with the Duke University Environmental Law and Policy Clinic and Southern Environmental Law Center to explore legal and regulatory options to require Alcoa to reduce the discharge of contaminated stormwater into Badin Lake and Little Mountain Creek and excavate hazardous waste buried in unlined landfills that pose a threat to groundwater and surface water.

  • Advocating for more stringent NPDES stormwater discharge permit requirements and hazardous waste cleanup standards.

  • Supporting the Concerned Citizens of West Badin in their fight for environmental justice to require Alcoa to remove its hazardous waste disproportionately impacting the West Badin community.

  • Educating the general public and government officials about the impact of Alcoa’s legacy to toxic pollution.

What can you do?

  • Contact NC Division of Water Resources Director Richard Rogers and NC Division of Waste Management Director Michael Scott to support NCDEQ requiring Alcoa to excavate hazardous waste at sites threatening water quality and meet more stringent permit requirements for Alcoa’s stormwater management permit, including eliminating discharges contaminated with cyanide, fluoride, chlorine and aluminum at public swimming and boat access areas.

  • Support the Concerned Citizens of West Badin’s struggle for environmental justice by attending rallies and public hearings.

  • Comment on state environmental permits in support of the NCDEQ holding Alcoa accountable for cleaning up its hazardous waste.

Priority # 3 - Reduce Pollution Coming from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOS) are large scale industrial farms raising cattle, swine and poultry. In NC, cattle, swine and poultry farms raising more than a certain number of animals in confined conditions must have a general permit that establishes requirements for animal waste management when liquid waste is involved.  Poultry farms of greater than 10,000 birds generating only dry litter (no wet waste)  are not required to have a general permit by the state, but are “deemed permitted” by the  state. These facilities are largely unregulated, but are required to have a waste utilization plan or WUP that governs how they manage and apply litter high in phosphorus and nitrogen. Recent surveys of poultry producers indicate less than 20 percent have the required WUP. More than 200 million chickens are produced in the Yadkin Pee Dee watershed, with the majority of those above HRL. The HRL watershed only has a few permitted swine farms, but YRK is concerned about the impact of those facilities statewide and proposals to install biogas digesters on hog waste lagoons to recapture methane. While there are a limited number of swine CAFOs in the HRL watershed, a  major tributary to the Yadkin and HRL, the South Yadkin River, has the largest concentrations of permitted dairy farms in the state.  While there has been an overall reduction in dairies in the watershed, the remaining dairies have significantly increased the number of animals on site resulting in much higher waste generation rates. Unfortunately, this waste is managed through an antiquated “lagoon and spray field system,” that is inadequate to protect groundwater and nearby surface waters.  Dairy and unregulated poultry CAFOs are a leading cause of nutrient and bacterial pollution from agricultural runoff from the land application of highly concentrated animal waste generated from these farms.

YRK Recommendations-Increase accountability of CAFOs.

  • Increase oversight and monitoring of poultry waste management, including reporting of waste handling amounts and land application locations by third party littler haulers.

  • Require all poultry operations of more than 10,000 birds submit required Waste Utilization Plans (WUP) to Cooperative Extension for review.

  • Limit the application of phosphorus containing poultry waste on fields with high (P index > 100) phosphorus levels.

  • Increased enforcement and oversight of dairy CAFOs general permit requirements to ensure no discharge to local waterways.

  • Require groundwater monitoring at CAFOs with unlined waste lagoons in the 100-year floodplain and/or installing biogas digesters that concentrate the waste in covered lagoons.

  • Annual reporting requirements for all CAFO general permit holders.

  • Use of the phosphorus loss assessment tool or “PLAT,” for land application of all CAFO generated waste and limits on application of phosphorus containing waste on fields with high PLAT ratings.

What is YRK doing on this issue?

  • Advocating for more regulatory oversight and additional requirements for CAFO general permit holders.

  • Recommending new requirements for poultry operators as part of the HRL Nutrient Management Strategy.

  • Sampling targeted streams near CAFOs for nutrients and bacteria based on citizen complaints and water quality investigations.

  • Responding to citizen complaints about improper manure management and land application.

  • Conducting regular aerial surveillance of CAFO facilities and reporting potential violations to state regulators.

  • Developing a watershed restoration plan, including nutrient and bacteria monitoring on the South Yadkin River, which is heavily impacted by dairy and poultry CAFOs.

  • Promoting agricultural “best management practices” or BMPs and small, river-friendly sustainable agricultural operations.

What can you do?

  • Support increased regulatory oversight of CAFO operations.

  • Advocate for new permit requirements for CAFO general permits.

  • Buy meat from small, sustainable river-friendly producers.

  • Advocate for environmental justice for communities of color living near CAFOs.

Priority #4 - Reduce Harmful Algal Blooms on the Yadkin Lakes.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been reported on High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir and Badin Lake. These blooms can be caused by excessive nutrients, poor water management, and warmer temperatures caused by climate change. HABs can appear as surface scum, discoloration, or mats of green or blackish growth on the water's surface. They can also cause changes in water chemistry, such as high pH and low dissolved oxygen. Cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae, can also produce harmful algal blooms or HABs, which have the potential to release toxins that can harm wildlife, pets, and humans and threaten drinking water supplies and recreational use of the Yadkin River and lakes. HABs near drinking water intakes and drinking water reservoirs also have the potential to significantly drive up drinking water treatment costs. Of primary concern in the Yadkin Lakes is the increasing growth of lyngbya wollei (recently renamed, microseira wollei) commonly known as black mat algae. Microseira is a cyanobacteria that can produce harmful cyanotoxins, which are currently not monitored or regulated  by the state or federal government.

YRK Recommendations-Mitigating Potential HABs on the Yadkin Lakes

  • Adoptions of effective HRL nutrient management rules by the NC EMC to reduce nutrients going into the Yadkin River and HRL feeding the HABs.

  • Increased monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins by the NCDWR.

  • Establishment of state water quality standards based on US EPA guidance for the most common cyanotoxins (microcystin, cylindrospermopsin).

  • Increased funding for non-chemical HABs mitigation and native aquatic plant restoration projects, and other innovative HABs treatment technologies.

  • Creation of an interagency task force to address HAB monitoring and response criteria, including criteria for issuing no swimming and other health related advisories.

What is YRK doing on this issue?

  • Advocating for the HRL rules and increased monitoring of HABs and cyanotoxins.

  • Monitoring and reporting HABs.

  • Working with lake front property landowners, elected officials, FERC licensees (Cube Yadkin/Duke Energy), state agencies, private restoration firms and other stakeholders to address removal and mitigation of the black mat algae in the Yadkin Lakes.

  • Seeking funding for non-chemical, nature-based HAB mitigation and aquatic plant restoration projects.

  • Aerial tracking of HABs during the growing season (April - September)

  • Monitoring HRL for chlorophyll-a levels and nutrients.

What can you do?

  • Report potential HABs to the NC Division of Water Resources.

  • Support adoption of the HRL rules to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the River and HRL fueling HABs growth. 

  • Support community efforts to fund HABs mitigation efforts.

Priority #5 - Increased Oversight of Sedimentation and Erosion Control Permits and Stormwater Management

Erosion/Sedimentation/Stormwater Control issues impact the Yadkin River Basin every year during large storm events. Stormwater runoff worsens as development grows, adding more impervious surfaces (roads, parking lots and roofs) where there were once fields and forest. Stormwater runoff causes erosion and sedimentation by cutting away at the streambank as water moves rapidly, moving soil particles that can come from construction sites. These sediments carry nutrients into the River and Lakes leading to HABs. According to the US Forest Service the amount of developed land in the HRL watershed is projected to double by 2060, generating even more runoff. Agricultural and forestry operations are generally exempt from erosion and sedimentation control regulations and only larger municipalities are currently required to have stormwater management programs. These impacts are being exacerbated by more frequent and intense storms caused by climate change.

YRK Recommendations-Reducing the impact of development and stormwater runoff in the Yadkin watershed.

  • Require post construction stormwater management controls on all developments with a greater than 12 percent impervious surface.

  • Require forestry and agricultural land clearing operations of greater than 10 acres to obtain an erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) permit.

  • Provide public notice and comment for stormwater management and ESC permits being issued.

  • Require redevelopments to install stormwater control measures.

 What is YRK doing on this issue?

  • Supporting communities that are fighting developments impacting water quality.

  • Supporting statewide efforts to restore protection of isolated wetlands and headwater streams.

  • Advocating for more stringent post-construction stormwater management and river/stream buffer requirements as part of the HRL rules.

  • Supporting communities of color seeking equitable access to stream restoration funds.

  • Sponsoring “Creek Week” programs in Forsyth, Rowan, Davidson Counties and Elkin and Mooresville to build public awareness about the need for better stormwater management.

What can you do?

  • Attend local “Creek Week” events.

  • Encourage local elected officials to support stormwater management fees and programs.

  • Support the HRL rules and restoration of state programs to protect isolated wetlands and headwater streams throughout the watershed.

Priority #6 - Reducing “Forever Chemicals” in the Yadkin Pee Dee Watershed

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS/PFOS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s. PFAS chemicals have been found in 45% of U.S drinking water. New regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency are set at 4ppt for PFAS in US drinking water.

YRK Recommendations- PFAS "3-Legged Stool"

  • Increased funding for - for water filtration systems and new technologies to remove PFAS from municipal drinking water supplies.

  • The NC Environmental Management Commission should adopt statewide water quality standards for PFAS and maximum contaminant levels for drinking water based on EPA’s recommended guidelines.

  • Federal and state bans on use of PFAS  in new products and firefighting foam and protective gear.

 What is YRK doing on this issue?

  • Advocating for public utilities, state and federal government agencies to adopt and enforce regulations of PFAS chemicals in North Carolina.

  • Monitoring by sampling in the Yadkin-Pee Dee Basin to determine the level of contamination.

  • Supporting the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) outlined by the EPA, for a 3-year quarterly testing plan for PFAS and Genex chemicals in our watershed (2024-2027) and remediation within 5 years if PFAS levels are in violation of regulation standards (2029).

What can you do?

  • Test your water for PFAS with an affordable test kit like Cyclopure and install a water certified filtration device to purify it.

  • Contact your local water utility, Division of Water Resources or Public Health Agency for information on PFAS in your area.

  • Talk to your local healthcare provider about exposure to PFAS.

  • Actively attend local and state agency  meetings regarding water quality and PFAS regulation.

  • Write letters to your state representatives regarding your concern for PFAS regulation and remediation.

Priority # 7 – Increase funding for state paddle trails.

State trail funding is needed to continue YRK’s efforts to improve accessibility and safety on the 163-mile Yadkin River State Trail (YRST). Established as a state trail in 1985, the YRST needs improved/additional access areas, signage, campsites and other amenities. In 2022, YRK signed an agreement with the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to become the state’s official nonprofit partner for the YRST. As part of that agreement, YRK has received $100,000 in YRST capacity building funds and has access to additional resources for land acquisition and access area improvements through the NCDNCR’s Complete the Trail Program. The YRST is an economic driver in small communities along the Yadkin promoting ecotourism and outdoor recreation-based economic development.

YRK Recommendations- Maintain funding for projects that make the Yadkin River State Trail (YRST) more accessible, enjoyable and safer.

  • The NC General Assembly should continue funding capacity grants for state trail partner organizations like YRK.

  • Continued support for the Complete the Trail Program (CTP), which provides funds for land acquisition, trail construction, facility improvements, and signage for all designated state trails.

  • Continue funding for the Great Trails State grant program, including funding for paddle trails.

  • NCDNCR should streamline grant management and environmental review requirements to remove barriers to utilizing Complete the Trail Program funds for established river access and basic maintenance projects.

  • Provide tax credits for land or easement donations that will be used for public access projects. (NC General Assembly reinstated the conservation tax credit in 2024)

What is YRK doing on this issue?

  • Advocating for measures to improve water quality in the Yadkin and South Yadkin Rivers to ensure long term viability of recreational uses.

  • Serving as a charter member of the Great Trails State Coalition Steering Committee that advocates for increased trail funding in the NC General Assembly.

  • Hired full-time YRST coordinator to develop trail improvement projects and new access areas.

  • Obtained $69,000 in CTP funding for the purchase of the Burch Station access area at the Yadkin’s confluence with the Mitchell River.

  • Developed/updating online and printed YRST maps.

  • Applying for formal designation existing accesses along the YRST as part of the state trail, ensuring they meet minimum standards for accessibility and safety.

  • Petitioning the NC State Trails Committee to extend the YRST above the Kerr Scott Reservoir to the Wilkes County line.

  • Testing access areas during the summer for harmful e. coli bacteria as part of YRK’s Swim Guide program.

What can you do?

  • Ask your state legislator to support ongoing funding for the YRST and other state trails.

  • Participate in river and lake cleanups to beautify the YRST.

  • Volunteer for other access area improvement projects.

  • Join YRK for a paddle on the YRST.

Conclusion

YRK’s overarching goal of its advocacy work is to ensure future generations have a safe source of drinking water and water-based recreational opportunities based on sound science and ecological integrity. Keeping our waterways drinkable, swimmable and fishable is how we will measure our success long-term. Our approach of research, education, advocacy and action is essential to achieving these goals and building broad-based public support for policies and programs that improve water quality throughout the watershed. Clean water is everyone's right and responsibility and every drop counts.