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Riverbend power plant on Mt. Island Lake – Charlotte and Mount Holly withdraw water for drinking downstream from the plant's coal-ash ponds. Stonewater neighborhood is visible at right edge of photo.
Targeting lakeside coal-ash ponds
Group launches grass-roots effort aimed at ridding Riverbend coal-fired power plant of waste pools
July 2 – Shawn Smalls was typical of several people at the June 20 community meeting about the Riverbend coal-burning power plant and its coal-ash ponds. Though he drives past the plant daily from his home in Stonewater, “I’m just beginning to learn of the issue,” Smalls said as the two-dozen people gathered at Cook’s Memorial Church introduced themselves.
An hour later, several River District residents had heard enough about potential risks to their health and Charlotte’s water supply to volunteer to invite more people to the group’s next information meeting on July 19.
The groups and individual anti-coal activists who organized the June 20 meeting hope to enlist thousands of people to lobby Duke Energy to close two coal-ash waste impoundments next to Mountain Island Lake. The ponds, up to 80 feet deep and covering 69 acres, hold millions of gallons of water plus coal ash and heavy metals.
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation has warned that if the Riverbend ponds fail, as happened at a Tennessee River power plant in 2008, the Charlotte region would lose its main source of water for months or years. The EPA has included the Riverbend ponds on its 2009 list of “high hazard potential” coal-ash impoundments across the U.S. MORE
More River District community news
2 days of July 4th fun, fishing, floating, fireworks! From kayaking to kabooming, enjoy it Tuesday and Wednesday on the Catawba. MORE
Our river’s in trouble – Mt. Holly Chamber gets a grim report from Catawba Riverkeeper's director, plus suggestions for how we can help turn things around. MORE
Natural treasures need TLC – Catawba Lands Conservancy seeks volunteers to care for protected properties. MORE
Charlotte to host eco-truck show – Convention will feature hybrid and alternate-fuel trucks, plans for “clean truck future.” MORE
• MORE local news
• NC ignores sea-rise predictions – NC legislators and Gov. Bev Perdue have shielded developers from sea-rise predictions. New law says road plans, land-use rules and similar actions cannot reflect estimates that rising sea will flood coast. MORE
• Catawba’s critical role in energy – A River Net-work report details the ocean of water needed to power America, and resulting environmental threats. MORE
• Honoring wildlife hereos – A Carolina Raptor Center volunteer and Catawba County’s recycling program are among a dozen groups and individuals to be honored by the NC Wildlife Federation on Sept. 8 in Cary. MORE
• NC’s renewable-energy future – A nationwide study looks at every state’s potential to generate power from renewable resources, plus the restraints on making it. MORE
• MORE regional news
• Surge in US wind power, equipment – A third of US electric capacity growth last year came from wind power, the Energy Department reports. Just as remarkable, US companies made 70% of wind equipment vs. 35% in 2005. MORE
• Hydropower sans dams – A Maine group has removed a Penobscot River dam, improving salmon habitat while saving hydropower generation. MORE
• Efficiency paying off – The Energy Information Administration projects a big drop in US energy use due to increased efficiency. MORE
• Green power growing globally – Expect a 40% jump by 2017 in solar, wind and other renewable energy, says International Energy Agency. MORE
• MORE global news
• Power2Charlotte – Sign up for e-newsletter on Charlotte’s efforts to protect environment, plus tips for you. MORE
• Wild calendar – Wildlife Federation posts and newsletter tell the many wild wonders occurring daily around us. MORE
• Cool windows – This resource can help you find the best energy-saving windows for your home or business. MORE
• LED lowdown - LED bulbs use very little energy but cost a lot. Are they worth the bucks? This study says yes. MORE
• MORE Envirotips
River District Blogs
Featured blog
Minimizing the trouble with pets and fireworks
by Sage Riverdog
The tradition of the 4th of July brings forth memories of barbecues, families and outside activities. However for your 4 legged friends it can be a terrifying time. Some pet owners have been taught that you don't comfort or sooth an animal that is in distress; that will enforce the behavior. That has been found to not be true.
Pet experts agree that anything you can do that calms and comforts your pet during times of high anxiety and stress should be done. Here are some suggestions: MORE
Other recent blogs:
• That’s Farming: Surprising "music" to a farming mother's ears.
• River District News & Updates: River District leaders honored as STEM All-Stars.
• Keep It Local: The River District's great Assets.
• Catawba River Women: A Food Co-op is coming!
• Clean and Clear Catawba: Vultures are nature's scavengers.
• Sustainable Healthy Living: Juicing is key to vibrant and healthy living.
Heat got you down? Head to McDowell Nature Preserve for group kayaking 3 times weekly: 9 am Sat., 1:30 pm Sun., 6:30 pm Weds. DETAILS
Friday Night Live with the Embers
The Embers heat up downtown Belmont 7-10 pm July 13. Come early and shop at stores, farmers market. DETAILS
Bike Sunday for Scouts and fun
2 group bike rides leave Dallas at 8 am Sunday. Good views, rest stops, food after, and you help Troop 21. DETAILS
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