The number one pollution problem in North Carolina's waterways is contamination from stormwater runoff, including runoff from poorly managed construction sites. The extent of this problem became obvious this summer when State leaders passed a bill to protect Falls Lake which included increased requirements for construction sites relating to sediment, more popularly known as mud.

To help keep mud out of our waterways and protect Falls Lake, the Neuse RIVERKEEPER® Foundation and Haw River Assembly are hosting Muddy Water Watch (MWW), a series of workshops designed to provide N.C. residents with the knowledge and confidence needed to help their communities stop pollution at its source. Alissa Bierma, the Upper Neuse RIVERKEEPER® is looking forward to teaching the course upstream of Falls Lake for the first time, "This is a great program that can teach anyone, with or without a science background, how to get out there and make a big difference in the health of our waterways. I'm really looking forward to the courses this Fall!"

Participants will learn why mud poses a problem for our waters, what can be done to prevent damaging runoff, what current rules require, and how the average citizen can help ensure those rules are followed. Graduates who want to make a difference will be provided with all of the tools and support needed to keep mud out of their neighborhoods and out of North Carolina rivers and streams.

What Prior Participants Are Saying:

"I thought the training was terrific; the commitment of the staff was outstanding and even though I was nervous on my first monitoring visits I'm glad I made the effort. I've learned new skills and I hope to continue to gain in wisdom and experience."

"I really like the whole program, the whole construct of it as a means of civic engagement and citizen responsibility for the environment and as a means to help out the regulators who are strapped for time and resources...I think it is an excellent model and excellent way to get involved...you're actually going out and doing something and I like that."

Information on the Upcoming Durham Workshop:

Classroom work dates: Oct. 21 and Nov. 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Durham County Main Library) Site visit date: Oct. 31, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (location TBA). Guest Speaker: Chris Roberts, Durham Sedimentation & Erosion Control

Details: A complete workshop series includes two classroom sessions and one guided site-visit. The cost is $25 and includes instruction, materials, Foundation membership, and volunteer support following conclusion of the workshop. You can learn more online at http://neuseriver.org/muddywaterwatch.html

For more information, or to RSVP, please call (919) 856-1180 or email alissa@neuseriver.org

Related Links

1. http://www.muddywaterwatch.org
2. http://www.neuseriver.org/muddywaterwatch.html
3. http://www.hawriver.org