On Thursday, April 23, a contractor working on a wastewater system renovation project at Falls Lake State Recreation Area’s Holly Point Campground damaged a wastewater line and caused an unintentional discharge, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation announced.
The contractor capped the damaged pipe immediately. According to initial estimates, about 90,000 gallons was discharged, and the contractor was able to recapture 25,000 gallons. Most of the discharge dispersed into an undeveloped wooded area, but approximately 5,000 gallons reached an intermittent (dry) stream that flows into Falls Lake. For comparison, the total capacity of Falls Lake is approximately 115 billion gallons.
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has been notified and is working with State Parks to continue cleanup and mitigation efforts. A water sample was collected at the swim beach at Holly Point for testing. The swim beach, which is only accessible to registered campers, will be closed through the weekend as a precautionary measure.
N.C. General Statute § 143-215.1C(b)(1) requires public notice of the discharge of untreated wastewater into surface water, if the discharge reaches the threshold of 1,000 gallons.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all through conservation, education, and recreation, with a vision to connect generations with nature through exceptional outdoor experiences. The state parks system features 35 state parks, 25 state natural areas, four state recreation areas, seven state lakes, four Natural and Scenic Rivers, and 15 state trails — spanning over 264,000 acres of iconic landscapes and welcoming 18 million visitors annually.
In addition to overseeing the state parks system, the division administers federal and state parks and trails grants, including the state-funded Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Complete the Trails Program, and the Great Trails State Program, as well as the federally funded Recreational Trails Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The division is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.