The Timber Industry and The Clean Water Act

In 1996, the Environmental Management Commission adopted comprehensive regulations to protect North Carolinas remaining wetlands. These regulations define wetlands, identify the public benefits of the wetlands that must be protected, and prohibit the activities that would destroy or degrade these wetlands. The regulations prohibit drainage or activities that would significantly harm the wildlife that depend on wetlands for habitat. They require that the populations of wetland flora and fauna be maintained to protect biological integrity. Wetland standards also prohibit liquids in amounts which may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses. Finally, concentrations or combinations of substances which are toxic or harmful to human, animal, or plant life may not be present in amounts which individually or cumulatively may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.

It is obvious to the ever-growing environmental community that the timber industry is in direct violation of N.C. regulations and The Clean Water Act and should be held responsible for damages they have inflicted on the wetlands and the citizens of North Carolina.