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Drought headlines across the state
I'm sure most folks have heard by now that in a surprising turn of events, North Carolina's exceptional drought (and projected drought through the summer of 2008) seems to be easing up a bit on us. Hooray!
Mandatory restrictions are lightening up throughout the state, and more and more voluntary restrictions are taking their place. But what does this all mean?
I ran across a series of articles addressing the recent changes in the drought situation that I thought I'd pass along. The major points: water conservation methods should be observed at all times since water is a finite resource, water rates throughout the state may be increasing as the demand for water becomes higher and the quantity does not, and maybe it's time to look into using stormwater and/or wastewater for non-potable use.
(editorial)- NC water users learn benefits of conservation (editorial)
- Some water limits loosened after rains: Officials warn that conservation efforts will still be necessary
- Asheville lifts water conservation measure
If you haven't already, take action to let your decision-makers know that North Carolina needs year-round wise water-management practices. And be sure to let us know (by commenting below) how the recent changes have affected your communities.
Duke Energy's Use of Hazardous Herbicides Across North Carolina The Public Has a Right to Know
All people of North Carolina visitors and tourists, should have the basic human right to know when being exposed to health hazards, hazardous pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals on private land and in our public parks and when our drinking water is subjected to these. Duke Energy has and is miss managing the right of ways across the state. In particular for my area, the Piedmont Environmental Center and Greenway near the Jamestown Park. This type of right of way management is a herbicidal hazard, water hazard, and fire hazard. A fire in this type of right of way may bring down the AC power grid across our state. Duke Energy had to be called to come back and cut down the fire hazard trees they left standing for months during a drought period. This also happened in Chapel Hill and at other locations. Please watch the short video at YouTube below and contact those listed at http://citizens1.wordpress.com who can end all of this without spending one cent. It does not cost any money to request the "No Spray Zone". It just takes making the request to Duke Energy. While watching the YouTube video ask yourself if you and your family would want to picnic in this public park area? Would you bring tourist to a public park like this? Your park could look like this, there are no laws or control. This is where you and I live and it is a disgrace and shameful. This is also where I run. It is like living in a third world. North Carolina has outdated laws that need our legislators to modify or write new ones for our protection. Please take time to visit the web site and let your voice be heard.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u1sPFVTwhKw
http://citizens1.wordpress.com/
Piedmont Environmental Center and Greenway after being sprayed with hazardous herbicides. No public warning or notifications. It was 91 degrees F with average wind speeds of 8 mph peaking to 16 mph for the day. No control for the spray or its drift onto the public.
GOVERNOR MIKE EASLEY, governor.office@ncmail.net
Respectfully, Your Neighbor Tommy Walls Jamestown, NC 27282
HP MAYOR, BECKY SMOTHERS, becky.smothers@highpointnc.gov
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, PRICEY HARRISON, Priceyh@ncleg.net
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, LAURA WILIEY, Lauraw@ncleg.net
NCDA, STEVE TROXLER, STEVE.TROXLER@ncmail.net
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