And now for some local news. The main source of drinking water in Raleigh, Falls Lake, has had some problems with nutrient levels and algal blooms. The Neuse River, on which Falls Lake is located, already has a set of rules to regulate nutrient levels in stormwater runoff. However, due to the sensitivity of the problems at Falls Lake, a combination of state and local officials in Wake County are pushing a plan for a speedier cleanup of the lake through the State Legislature. This has great potential to affect Durham County, however, as much of the pollution appears to originate there. The likely result would be an accelerated and expanded plan of retrofits to existing development to treat stormwater runoff. It is also a potential double whammy for Durham too, as Jordan Lake, to its south, is currently undergoing development of a similar plan. The difference for Durham, however, is that it uses Jordan Lake as a drinking water source.
Tags: civil engineering, Durham, Falls Lake, NCDENR, North Carolina, pollution, Raleigh, stormwater, The News & Observer, Wake County, water
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