Over the weekend, polluted runoff from the BB&T parking lot on Highway 105 in Boone, NC killed all life in a 1.5 mile long stretch of Hodge’s Creek. The incident was caused by a toxic asphalt sealant that a careless contractor failed to keep from entering the creek during rainfall on Saturday. Of the many fish that were killed, most were trout, including one that was 13 inches long.
Call 336-771-5000 to ask the local Deptartment of Water Quality to investigate the incident! The Appalachian Voices Waterkeeper Team is investigating and produced the video below.
The material data safety sheet (MSDS) for Asphalt Based Pavement Sealer reads:
SECTION VII — SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES SARA TITLE III: #302: No #304 CERCLA: No #313: No Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Ventilate the area. Wear approved respiratory protection. Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection. Coal Tar Driveway Sealer is a marine pollutant and should be placarded as such when transported in bulk over sea or large bodies of water. Coal Tar Driveway Sealer will harm waterlife and should be prevented from entering any body of water. Dispose of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
Stay tuned for more updates, CLICK HERE to visit the Upper Watauga River Keeper website, and don’t forget to call 336-771-5000 to ask the local Dept. of Water Quality to investigate the incident!
Jed GrubbsJed worked with Appalachian Voices as a Communications Specialist and the primary Front Porch blogger during spring/summer 2010.
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