September 4, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEGREASER/SOLVENT DISCHARGED TO LITTLE SUGAR CREEK KILLS THOUSANDS FO FISH

Charlotte, NC - Testing shows Little Sugar Creek’s water quality has returned to normal following a weekend chemical discharge that killed thousands of fish near the Liz Hair Nature Walk and Freedom Park.

For an estimated 11 hours beginning on August 31, 2007, ValleyCrest Landscape Development pressure-washed the area in front of Carolinas Medical Center using an estimated 50 gallons of degreaser/solvent, which discharged to the storm drain system and directly into Little Sugar Creek.

The pressure washing operation was stopped at 9:30 a.m. on September 1 by representatives of the Charlotte Fire Department, who were investigating reports of dead fish in the creek. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services arrived on the scene at 10:00 a.m. and confirmed that the cause of the fish kill was the concentration of the degreaser/solvent in Little Sugar Creek. The chemical used in the pressure-washing operation had caused the pH levels in that section of the creek to drop below 6. Normal levels are above 7.

Storm Water Services also initiated clean-up activities, including monitoring of ValleyCrest Landscape Development’s removal of the dead fish. Approximately 15,000 dead fish were removed from Little Sugar Creek. On Monday, September 2, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services conducted a follow-up investigation and measured pH levels in the normal range at 7.4. Inspectors observed live fish in the creek in the area of discharge, indicating that conditions had returned to normal.

All storm drains are piped straight to creeks and lakes, and are meant to carry only rain water. The discharge of any other substance to a storm drain -- including soaps, oil, paint, etc. -- is in violation of local, state and federal regulations and can lead to the assessment of thousands of dollars in fines. To comply with regulations, water from pressure washing operations must be contained, collected and disposed of properly. ValleyCrest Landscape Development will be issued a notice of violation for their discharge and fines are under consideration.

To report discharges to the storm drain system, creeks, lakes or any of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s surface waters, call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services at 704-336-5500 or if during non-work hours, call 911.

Media contact: Rusty Rozzelle at 704-336-5449 or Rusty.Rozzelle@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov