PTRF strives to engage and empower the public through up-to-date information regarding the Tar-Pamlico River and watershed. Please check back to the website frequently to learn about the current state of the Tar-Pamlico and how you can get involved.
Priority Issues
The state determined in 2005 that the rules that have been in place since 1985 to control polluted stormwater runoff in the 20 coastal counties have failed to protect the quality of our water. In response, the N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC) has approved new, more effective rules that were the subject of four public hearings along the coast in the summer and fall of 2007. Read more.
PTRF in the News
North Carolina Waterkeepers request Cliffside Permit re-Opened
March 6, 2008 Washington, NC – Today, nine NC WATERKEEPER® organizations, the Southern Environmental Law Center and other conservation organizations took aim at Duke Energy’s proposed new Cliffside power plant and fired a shot across the bow of the NC Division of Air Quality. They petitioned the state to reopen and modify or revoke the air emissions permit because it fails to meet applicable state and federal laws requiring the state to protect public health and the waterways of NC from mercury. Read More.
Legislative Review (2007)
In a surprise last minute bill, (H859); the General Assembly updated the fees developers must pay to offset their nutrient impact via polluted runoff. Under Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River rules, new development must limit the amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorus (Tar-Pam only) runoff to local streams. Read more.
How to Reduce Your Impact
The good news is there are many simple things that we can do to reduce our nutrient impact on the Tar-Pamlico River and Sound. Click here to learn how.
Interactive Mapping Tools
PTRF is pleased to provide the public with two interactive mapping programs. The Citizen’s Watershed Monitoring Program interactive web map was developed to allow the public easy access to water quality data. The IM Rivers Interactive Map allows users to find locations of suspected pollution events or environmental law violations. Additionally, the site includes information on scenic locations, paddling, state parks, and other points of interest. Click here to enter map sites.