Why is There a Riparian Area Rule for the Neuse River?
In 1995, water quality in the Neuse River left much to be desired. Record rainfalls during Summer 1995 delivered a tremendous load of nitrogen into the Neuse River. Millions of menhaden, flounder, croaker and rock fish were killed as a result. These problems have happened before. Because of the high rainfall this year, it is possible that these problems will happen again this summer and fall. Diagram of how nitrogen causes fish kills The General Assembly made a strong response: House Bill 1339. This bill establishes a 30% reduction goal for nitrogen to be achieved within five years. The proposed Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy for the Neuse River is designed to achieve the 30% reduction goal set by the Legislature. This strategy equitably distributes the nitrogen reduction goal between wastewater dischargers, developers, farmers and fertilizer applicators. The Riparian Area Rule plays a key role in the overall nitrogen reduction strategy: it ensures that we don’t backslid
