While the state feels it is doing a good job of water-quality protection, a top-ten EPA rating on pollutants released into the ecosystem causes environmentalists and citizens groups to question the state's support of anti-pollution regulations.
Because of pollution and other problems, the Neuse River Foundation in 1993 hired Rick Dove as riverkeeper, to oversee the Neuse. He is the nation's eleventh riverkeeper and the only one in the state.
There are twenty-two riverkeepers in the nation who are advocates for water quality in various rivers. The state has two: Rick Dove for the Neuse River and Bouton Baldridge for the Cape Fear River.
Rick Dove, riverkeeper for the Neuse River, received an INDEPENDENT 1998 Citizen Award for his forceful advocacy of cleaning up the waterway and its tributaries. He became the state's first riverkeeper in 1993
Kemp Burdette is a riverkeeper for the Cape Fear River, one of the most important natural resources in North Carolina. Burdette's job is to protect the river from short term--often destructive thinking--and ensure that it will last for the generations to come.
With cooperation from Grady-White Boats, the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation has purchased a boat for the riverkeeper, allowing them to reach any area of the open waters in the estuary and river.
The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation has hired a riverkeeper. The riverkeeper is hoped to bring a new edge to community outreach as well as increase monitoring efforts of the rivers and estuaries.
The Washington City Council has decided that the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation’s riverkeeper boat may no longer be kept for free at the city’s docking space. While not all motives are known, several are speculated upon.
Heather Jacobs describes the differences in New Orleans from the first time she went there; to the second time she visited the city and what North Carolina can learn from the city’s experience.
David Emmerling describes his hopes and dreams for the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation including an expansion of the Riverkeeper program and the addition of a Riverforce program.
The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation and North Carolina Riverkeepers point out the flaws of the current legislation and methods for hog farmers to prevent drainage of waste into the rivers.
Heather Deck explains how it is difficult to quantify water quality of the rivers; however, she does list the good things about the quality, and the bad things about the water quality.
The Riverkeeper gives advice on how to maintain a long-term, sustainable water supply. In addition they cover a plan for how to implement the sustainability.
Several river cleanups occurred in Greenville, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, and Washington to attempt to win the Riverkeeper Cup. While Washington won the cup, the Tar-Pamlico River is the real winner.