Gov. Easley Signs Bill That Weakens Protection For Swift Creek

(20 August 2003 - Raleigh, N.C.)  Several North Carolina environmental groups today expressed strong disappointment after Gov. Mike Easley signed into law a bill that weakens regulations to protect water quality and rare species in Swift Creek, a stream in the upper Tar River basin.  Last year, after a lengthy rulemaking process, the state Environmental Management Commission adopted rules that would have limited development along the entire river.  The bill signed by Gov. Easley modifies those rules by suspending downstream regulations.  Environmental groups had encouraged the governor to veto the bill and thereby ensure that protections remained in place for the entire creek.

“Governor Easley has signed a watered down bill,” said Environmental Defense attorney Daniel Whittle.  “Three years ago the governor pledged to protect water quality in all 17 river basins.  Unfortunately, this law does just the opposite and leaves a significant portion of Swift Creek subject to unrestricted development.”
 
“Swift Creek is among the highest quality streams in the state and has been relatively free of the pollution and excessive development that have plagued watersheds throughout North Carolina, particularly in urban areas,” said Heather Jacobs, the Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper.  “Upstream populations of mussels and other at-risk species depend in part on maintaining clean water in downstream portions of the creek.”

“Runoff from development and other sources is the number one cause of water pollution in North Carolina,” said Elizabeth Ouzts, director of N.C. Public Interest Research Group.  “The bill that Governor Easley signed into law yesterday fails to protect one of the state’s most precious streams from runoff pollution.  Worse still, controls for the downstream portion will disappear altogether unless the General Assembly adopts new protective legislation next year.”