The Stink Goes On…
I had the opportunity to participate in New Bern’s Neuse River Bridge run this past weekend. While I didn’t set any records, I did get the opportunity to run across the Neuse River Bridge, a mile bridge that rises to feet. While I was…
Kill is a sign of Imbalance
News coming from down east last week wasn’t good. Recent weather changes combined with excess nutrient runoff from heavy rains earlier this year that I documented in a previous post have combined to create excess algal growth and low oxygen conditions in the Neuse…
Urban BMPs – Costly but Effective
A recent news item was published on the State’s Ecosystem Enhancement Program’s dedication of a stormwater best management practice (BMP) funded through impact fees dedicated to reducing nutrients in the Neuse River Basin. An article in New Bern’s Sun Journal describes the BMP as…
Wetlands-Nature’s Nutrient Solution
The University of Illinois recently published research further substantiating the value of wetlands. The study looked at the benefits of restoring wetlands for reducing nitrogen verses technological improvements at waste water treatment plants. No doubt that both these mechanisms have water quality benefits. In…
Nutrient Reduction Costs/Benefits
The multiple benefits of reducing nutrients to our State’s waters include reduced algal blooms, improved aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife, and reduced costs for treating drinking water. A rub, however, with these benefits is that efforts to reduce nutrient pollution are costly. For…
Rainfall depletes soil nutrients
I wanted to post this story that was recently in the news. While things have dried out some here lately in the North State, the heavy rains from earlier in the summer have resulted in the runoff or leaching of many things applied to…
Paddle Boating in Pea Soup
A recent visit to Raleigh’s Pullen Park revealed a less than pleasant lake for park goers to gaze upon. Though next to Rocky Branch, the lake has no visible inflow from that stream. Runoff from the park is likely to be the main nutrient…
Bees Good for NC?
I like and keep bees. Their pollination activities are a critical ecosystem service. Our bees, however, are different from those being used in a demonstration project that recently received state funding. My bees, you see, don’t circulate water to reduce the affects of excess…
Delay is not Pollution’s Solution
Since being passed in 2008, six laws have been passed by the NC legislature that have either modified or delayed six of the 13 Jordan Clean-up rules. That was prior to 2013. The latest effort by the legislature seems to be heading toward an…
Heavy rains & runoff, then what?
North Carolina has experienced a wet first half of the year with some areas experiencing record breaking rainfall. While some rain may be good for gardeners and farmers, too much of it coming early in the year can cause problems for our estuaries. That’s…