News | Yadkin Riverkeeper

State Delays ALCOA Hazardous Waste Permit Transfer

Over the past several years, Yadkin Riverkeeper has been closely following state regulatory efforts to assess and address the contamination resulting from the former ALCOA aluminum smelter near Badin Lake. That work is far from finished. We continue to express concern about the lack of an adequate corrective action plan to clean up hazardous waste at the site. In late December 2018, we learned the state Division of Waste Management in the NC Department of Environmental Quality decided to delay the permit transfer. Read more...

EPA Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Proposed Replacement Rule Threatens Yadkin River Water Quality

For nearly 50 years, the bipartisan Clean Water Act has protected America’s families, businesses and communities by preventing unchecked pollution from contaminating our waterways and drinking water sources. Those achievements are now threatened by a soon to be proposed “replacement rule” by the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC.

ACTION ALERT: Support Proposed Permit for Additional Protections around Large Hog Operations

We need your help to let the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) know that you support their proposed permit that adds protections for communities and waterways near large scale hog industry operations.

Yadkin Riverkeeper Pioneers Nutrient Mapping Tool

Partnering with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Wells Fargo Resilient Communities grant program, Yadkin Riverkeeper is developing a framework for a total watershed nutrient management plan.

Yadkin Riverkeeper Appoints New Executive Director and Riverkeeper

Yadkin Riverkeeper, Winston-Salem, NC, has hired a new executive director and a new Riverkeeper as it enters its second decade as protector and voice for the Yadkin River. Board President Vanessa Zboreak announced that the organization has named Edgar Miller as its new Executive Director, and Brian Fannon as its new Riverkeeper.

Conservation Easement Secured for 339 Acres in Union County to Offset Harm from Monroe Bypass

MARSHVILLE, NC, November 1, 2018 - The Yadkin Riverkeeper, a nonprofit conservation group represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, in partnership with Catawba Lands Conservancy, today announced the purchase of a conservation easement for a 339-acre property near Marshville, NC. The purchase is the result of a million-dollar settlement with the North Carolina Departments of Transportation and Environmental Quality finalized in 2016 to conserve land and protect water quality in areas harmed by the Monroe Bypass, a nearly billion-dollar, 20-mile toll highway that will cut through rural Union County outside of Charlotte....

Op Ed: NC Lawmakers on Wrong Side of Hog Farm Nuisance Lawsuits

On June 15, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation to cut off rural community members from their rights, protected by the common law since before North Carolina was a state. Influential lobbyists and campaign donations by Smithfield Food’s political action committee supported Rep. Jimmy Dixon and Sen. Brent Jackson when they amended an omnibus bill that would ban these citizens from filing nuisance suits against farm operations that harm their ability to enjoy their homes, a clear response to similar suits this summer.

Support Governor's Veto of Bill S711

UPDATE: On June 26, 2018, the NC Senate predictably voted to override by a wide margin. In the NC House, the vote to override passed 74-45 (a 3/5 majority is required to override a gubernatorial veto). Thanks to all of you for your valiant efforts in this legislative fight. More Information on S711: On Monday, June 25, 2018, NC Governor Cooper took action on 39 bills that were passed by the General Assembly and brought to his desk for approval. He VETOED Bill S711, the bill that is intended to limit hog nuisance suits. Please contact the Governor and your legislators and show your support to maintain the veto.

A Community of River Keepers by Elise Wallace

After following a friend’s paddling trip through Patagonia via email updates and pictures, I felt a pull to get back on a river. I decided on a trip down the Yadkin River Trail from West Kerr Scott Damn to High Rock Lake. The trip would cover 125 miles over 5-7 days.

Visit the New Yadkin Riverkeeper Store!!!

Yadkin Riverkeeper has a new online store! A PORTION OF ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORTS CLEAN WATER IN NORTH CAROLINA.