THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 16, 1996 TAG: 9609160028
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
LENGTH: 39 lines
Leaks of untreated sewage, floating debris and hog waste spills in the wake of Hurricane Fran will taint rivers and streams in Eastern North Carolina for at least a month, scientists and state environmental officials say.
More than 80 wastewater treatment plants failed during Hurricane Fran, dumping millions of gallons of raw sewage into waterways. Most of those rivers and streams flow into the Cape Fear River past Wilmington and down to the sea.
Three hog farms were flooded or spilled waste, officials say.
Rivers and streams also are clogged with tree limbs, junk from demolished houses and other debris.
In short, rivers and streams are a mess.
The state health director is warning people to avoid contact with streams because of the disease threat from spilled human and animal waste.
``This is not a time to go swimming in rivers or lakes,'' said health director Ron Levine. ``There's a lot of potential for kids or workers to come in contact with sewage.''
The storm is blamed for depleting oxygen in the Cape Fear River and causing thousands of fish to die from the state port in Wilmington to Duplin County. Organic debris and excrement from humans and animals absorb oxygen in the water, suffocating fish and other marine life.
Officials expect to deal with fish kills related to Fran for at least another month. One scientist says it could be even longer.
``We don't know how long it will be until the mess upstate makes its way down here,'' said Mike Mallin, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's Center for Marine Science Research.
Eventually, the rivers and streams will return to their natural state. Cooler, drier weather would help the rivers recover faster, said the state's assistant water quality chief.
``Let nature take its course,'' Ken Eagleson said. ``In time, it will clean itself up.''
KEYWORDS: HURRICANE FRAN DAMAGE NORTH CAROLINA by CNB