Asheville city officials will meet with state regulators to discuss high bacterial levels in French Broad River
E.Coli levels in the French Broad River and surrounding lakes and streams peaked this summer at over 47 times EPA recommended levels. Of 28 testing sites on and near the French Broad River, 26 have shown unsafe levels of bacteria this year. The alarming levels of E.Coli have prompted city officials to meet with state regulators to discuss what role, if any, the city plays in the issue. The high levels of E.Coli come at a time when recreation on the French Broad River is exploding. When people come into contact with contaminated water it can cause infection, gastrointestinal illness and even neurological issues.
The Asheville City Council’s Planning and Economic Development Committee had planned to meet with a staff member at the Department of Environmental Quality in October, but the meeting was canceled. The meeting has been rescheduled for December.
Campers warned to look out for flooding in the Outer Banks
Cape Lookout National Seashore is warning campers to keep an eye out for areas of high water, especially when pitching a tent. In a Facebook post, the national seashore warned that beaches and low tide areas near the sounds may flood during high tides and asked the public to use caution when driving or camping on the beach. Campers are advised to make sure they set up camp above the high tide line and to check for indications of flooding before setting up camp.
The flooding is caused by changes to the beach resulting from recent storms. These storms have created a “humpback” beach profile with a high berm crest. If a wave gets over the berm crest the water gets trapped and is unable to get back to the ocean and the trapped water then tries to escape through the dunes. National seashore officials warn that there is not much beach to camp on this week as the water at high tide goes all the way back to the base of the dunes and, in some cases, through the dunes.
Celebration of life scheduled for November 16 for Nantahala Outdoor Center co-founder
Aurelia Kennedy, co-founder of the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), died September 14 at the age of 84 after struggling with health issues for a number of years. Kennedy founded the NOC in 1972 with her husband, Payson Kennedy, and friend Horace Holden. She first canoed the river in 1954 as a counselor and canoeing instructor. Throughout the years, Kennedy helped turn the NOC into the largest whitewater outfitter in the United States.
The celebration of life is open to the public and will take place at 2 p.m. on November 16 at the grounds of Relia’s Garden at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Kennedy’s daughter told the Citizen Times that the celebration of life will be a happy event—her mother requested a party.
