Don't Let North Carolina Dismiss Water Quality Standards
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
For the past 6 years, the state of North Carolina has failed to update its water quality policies to meet national standards. It is the only state within its EPA region that hasn't adopted the Clean Water Act. And as a result, toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and copper have been flowing in excess, putting many residents at risk. They need to update its policies to limit and enforce the amount of toxic metals released.
The Clean Water Act was put in place to make sure our country's streams, oceans, and rivers are being protected. Instead, North Carolina has chosen to exclude itself from these measures that would have kept toxic water from flowing into public water and contaminating fish. Several chemicals have already been found in amounts way over the national standard.
By updating its policies to EPA standards, North Carolina would not only protect its communities from harm, but will also make industries more responsible for their toxic chemicals.
Let North Carolina lawmakers know loud and clear, that the state can no longer get away with being lax about its water.
Dear [decision maker],
I am writing to express my concern over the fact that North Carolina is still not adhering to the Clean Water Act. These standards were created to make sure our water streams were not being polluted and exploited by industries and coal plants.
Instead, for the past 6 years, the state has risked our health by allowing toxic metals to enter public water and contaminate fish populations.
This state needs to limit and enforce the amount of metals released into our waters to continue to make sure communities are not being put in danger.
[Your comments will go here]
I am urging you to update our state's water quality standards, and adopt the Clean Water Act.
Sincerely,
[Your name will go here]
