JOIN US for the Launch of Muddy Water Watch in the High Country!

JOIN US for the launch of Muddy Water Watch in the High Country!

The first MWW meeting will be held on September 8 in Boone at the Ag Conference Center on 252 Poplar Grove Road from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Call or contact Donna Lisenby, the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper at 828-262-1500 or donna@appvoices.org for more information.

The Watauga Riverkeeper is looking for Muddy Water Watch volunteers in the Watauga and Elk River watersheds. No previous knowledge of erosion and sedimentation is needed, just a motivation to learn. We are looking for people to:

• monitor construction sites and take pictures of potential violations
• document and report streams, creeks, and other waterways that are polluted with excessive sediment
• attend monthly meetings
• learn how to use several data storage websites
• MUCH MORE!

What is Muddy Water Watch (MWW)?

MWW is a state-wide initiative to reduce stormwater runoff from construction sites by providing training workshops and materials developed specifically for citizens on the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 and the NC NPDES General Permit for construction stormwater runoff. Over the course of this two year project, trained volunteers will be able to properly identify sedimentation and erosion violations from active construction sites, as well as poorly maintained Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

Who is involved in MWW?

MWW involves all 8 North Carolina Riverkeepers®, including the Watauga, Upper and Lower Neuse Riverkeepers, the Cape Fear Riverkeeper, the Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper, the Catawba Riverkeeper, the French Broad Riverkeeper, and the New Riverkeeper. Help stem the tide of sediment— NC’s #1 water pollution problem—from further impacting our rivers, streams and drinking water supplies. Citizens from all over the state will be trained by their local Riverkeeper on the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.

How do I learn more about MWW?

The easiest way to learn more is to visit www.muddywaterwatch.org. Here, you will find complete job descriptions, contact information, workshop dates and locations, online training materials, and much more. In the High Country, Appalachian Voices and the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper are organizing MWW.

About Jeff Deal

A lover of Appalachia, renewable energy, local green sustainable economies, and energy efficiency, Jeff is the information technology consultant for Appalachian Voices and also the Senior Project Manager for the Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy.