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For the Record

DENR officials must address contaminated water sites quickly

From Kirby Rootes-Murdy, a graduate student at Duke University's Nicholas School for the Environment:

For nearly 30 years, Marines and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to contaminated groundwater by drinking water from wells serving base housing. This tragedy gained national attention, highlighting the need to further examine the impacts of chemical contamination on both physical and mental health.
   A less well-publicized matter, but no less dangerous, is the contamination of groundwater by chlorinated solvents across the state. Road construction and other infrastructure development have contaminated groundwater in many areas. Some of these sites are well-documented. Others have received little attention and have awaited corrective action for years.
   According to a May 2008 report on N.C. Department of Transportation asphalt testing sites, there were about 46 sites statewide that were in need of a cleanup plan. The main concern is the presence of trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene in groundwater. Both of these chemicals have been determined by the Environmental Protection Agency to have serious health impact and are established carcinogens. Delays in monitoring groundwater pollution, informing the public and cleaning up the problem pose a danger to human health.
   Salisbury residents are all too familiar with the impacts of groundwater contamination on both mental and physical health. In 1989, A DOT site for asphalt production was found to have been leaking large quantities of TCE into the groundwater. From 1990 to 2000, the rate of brain cancer in the neighborhoods adjacent to the site was six times higher than the rate within one mile of the site, the incidence of lymphoma was five times higher and the rate of all cancers was 32 percent higher. Even so, it took 10 years before a cleanup plan was implemented.
   By not reviewing Corrective Action Plans quickly, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources contributes to cleanup delays. Many sites can remain in regulatory limbo for years.
  To protect human health, DENR needs to work to clean up the mess sooner. North Carolinians need to know that when a spill occurs, these incidents are handled properly and in a timely manner. When a cleanup plan is submitted, it needs to be reviewed quickly and the public needs to have a voice. DENR has outlined a quicker response time in its 2009-2013 Strategic Plan.

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WHAT WE STRIVE TO DO —

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Blue Ridge Environmental Defense

County takes erosion duty

SPECIAL TO THE R&L
June 17, 2009

The Iredell County Department of Planning and Development will take over responsibility for soil erosion and sedimentation control from the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources (NCDENR) in Troutman and Statesville. This change will become effective July 1.
   In 2007, Iredell County began enforcing the State's erosion and sedimentation control regulations for the unincorporated portions of the county. The intent at that time was to establish the program and examine the possibility of incorporating the local municipalities in the future. The county has recently been working with the municipalities to incorporate them in to the county's jurisdiction with respect to this program.
   The governing boards of Troutman and Statesville have both passed resolutions to allow the county to take over this responsibility. On May 21, the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission (NCSCC) ratified this action.

DENR officials (continued)

   This is a move in the right direction. But to make sure this goal doesn't fall by the wayside, DENR needs to address its policy and procedure institutionally. As a state agency that serves to protect both human and environmental health, DENR must not only respond to CAPs quicker, but also push preventive policies. Such measures don't require extra staff or funding. By helping agencies such as DOT dispose of harmful chemicals before they become a problem, DENR can serve everyone better.
   North Carolinians should let DENR know they prefer their groundwater uncontaminated. Tell DENR or your state representative that if there's a mess, it needs to be cleaned up sooner rather than later.