Lake Wylie Pollution: What Are The Concerns?

Lake Wylie, a source of drinking water for most of York County, has faced concerns over pollution and water safety. The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation has raised concerns about the water quality, specifically regarding the discharge permit at the Allen Steam Station in Belmont, North Carolina, which they believe is not strict enough. The issue of coal ash, a contaminant-rich byproduct of coal-fired plants, has also been a concern, with the potential for unpermitted dumping or discharges of hazardous materials. In addition, there have been warnings about cyanobacteria blooms, commonly known as blue-green algae, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. While routine tests show bacteria and contaminant levels within acceptable ranges, there are ongoing efforts to improve compliance and protect the lake's water quality.

Coal ash and other hazardous materials

Lake Wylie's water quality has been a concern for the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, which believes that the discharge permit at Allen Steam Station in Belmont, North Carolina, is not strict enough. Allen Steam Station is a coal-fired plant, and coal ash—a contaminant-rich byproduct of coal-fired plants—has been a concern for environmentalists for at least a decade.

In 2008, a coal ash site in Tennessee failed, releasing 300 acres of material. In 2014, almost 40,000 tons of coal ash spilled from a Duke-owned steam station in Eden, North Carolina. These incidents have prompted closer looks at coal ash sites nationwide. Despite these concerns, Duke Energy, which runs the Allen plant and manages the Catawba River and its lakes, contends that the draft permit is a necessary step in maintaining good water quality in the lake, including the issue of coal ash basins.

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, on the other hand, wants to add public pressure to the process, calling for stricter rules regarding coal ash discharge. They argue that the permit is unacceptable, especially given the lessons learned about coal ash in recent years. The foundation is particularly concerned about Duke's management of seeps into the lake, which are common to earthen dams.

In addition to coal ash, other hazardous materials and pollutants have been found in Lake Wylie. For example, fish consumption advisories have been in place in North Carolina since 2011 for largemouth bass due to the presence of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). South Carolina has issued a similar advisory, recommending no more than one meal per week of largemouth bass or white catfish from the lake due to PCBs.

Furthermore, in 2021, Mecklenburg County officials issued warnings about cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, in Lake Wylie. While harmful encounters with cyanobacteria are rare and have never been reported in the county, it can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. The county has advised people not to swim in areas where the algae have been spotted and to avoid contact with any discolored water, scum, or foam.

Water quality and safety

Water quality in Lake Wylie has been a concern for the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, which believes that the discharge permit at Allen Steam Station in Belmont, North Carolina, is not strict enough. Allen Steam Station is a coal-fired plant, and coal ash has been a contaminant-rich byproduct of coal-fired plants for at least a decade. In 2014, almost 40,000 tons of coal ash spilled from a Duke-owned steam station.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has been taking comments on a draft permit outlining what Duke Energy can discharge from Allen Steam Station. The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation wants to add public pressure to the process, calling on citizens to ask for stricter rules. Duke Energy, which runs the plant and manages the Catawba River and its lakes, believes the draft permit is a needed step in maintaining good water quality in the lake.

In 2018, Lake Wylie was facing water safety concerns due to the coal ash debate. Most of York County relies on the lake for water, which travels through public and private pipes. Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and other municipal systems use the water, as well as private ones like Carolina Water Service in Lake Wylie.

Lake Wylie has had fish consumption advisories in North Carolina since 2011 for largemouth bass due to mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). South Carolina has issued an advisory recommending no more than one meal per week of largemouth bass or white catfish from the lake due to PCBs.

In 2021, Mecklenburg County officials issued warnings about cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, in Lake Wylie. The algae have appeared in the Charlotte area for many years, but almost always in ponds where people are not supposed to swim. In October 2021, cyanobacteria blooms were found in three of the lake's coves. The county advises people to stay out of the water and keep their pets on land when blooms are confirmed.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has issued recreational water advisories and watches for portions of Lake Wylie due to harmful algal blooms (HABs). Samples collected from the lake indicated that microcystins, toxins produced by cyanobacteria, are present along the shorelines in multiple coves. These microcystins are greater than the state's water quality standard.

In addition to concerns about pollution, Lake Wylie also faces issues with boating violations and debris in the water. The Lake Wylie Marine Commission provides non-emergency numbers for reporting boating violations and pollution.

Blue-green algae blooms

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are naturally occurring bacteria found in freshwater bodies across North Carolina. They use sunlight for energy, similar to plants. When they reproduce rapidly, usually under bright, sunny, and warm conditions, they can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.

In October 2021, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services detected active cyanobacteria blooms in three of Lake Wylie's coves: Boyd's, Snug Harbor, and an unnamed cove near the Catawba Yacht Club. This marked a new development, as cyanobacteria blooms were typically found in ponds where swimming is prohibited, rather than in lakes where swimming is permitted.

The county has advised people to avoid swimming in areas where the algae have been spotted and to keep their pets away from the water. It is also recommended to refrain from fishing in affected areas and to thoroughly wash any fish caught near the blooms. Signs are usually posted to notify people about the risks.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) detected microcystins, toxins produced by cyanobacteria, along the shorelines of multiple coves in Lake Wylie. The levels of microcystins exceeded the state's water quality standard, leading DHEC to issue recreational water advisories and watches for portions of the lake.

While harmful encounters with cyanobacteria toxins are rare and have not been reported in Mecklenburg County, it is important to follow the advisories and take precautions to ensure the safety of humans and animals.

Air quality

While there is little information on the air quality around Lake Wylie, there are some concerns about pollution in the area. The air quality is described as "generally acceptable for most individuals". However, sensitive groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure, and even healthy individuals may experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure.

To protect public health, it is recommended that people reduce their time spent outside if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation. These symptoms can be caused by air pollution, which may be elevated in the area due to local industrial activities and emissions from nearby vehicles and power plants.

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation has expressed concerns about the potential impact of pollution on the local community and the environment. They have highlighted the risk of increased truck trips to relocate ash from the Allen coal-fired plant, which could result in increased air emissions, disruption, and safety risks.

It is important for local residents to be aware of the potential risks and to take precautions to protect their health. While the impact on healthy individuals may be minimal, sensitive groups and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Therefore, staying informed about the current air quality and taking appropriate measures can help mitigate potential health risks.

Additionally, advocating for stricter emission control measures and supporting initiatives to improve air quality can contribute to long-term solutions for the region. Local communities and environmental organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that industrial activities are properly regulated and that the air remains safe to breathe for all residents in the area.

Boating violations and pollution

In 2024, the LWMC presented new charter boat and vessel rental regulations to address safety concerns. These regulations were in response to law enforcement officers' observations of unsafe vessels and unqualified captains. The regulations also aimed to standardise insurance requirements and safety checks for rented vessels, bringing them in line with the requirements in other states.

To report boating violations, such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, individuals can call 911 in an emergency or contact local law enforcement units. Debris and pollution, such as tree limbs, docks, and Styrofoam, can also be reported to the appropriate authorities and utility companies.

Water quality in Lake Wylie is a concern for organisations like the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, which has highlighted issues with discharge permits and coal ash contamination. The foundation has called for stricter rules to limit pollution in the lake, which is a source of drinking water for York County. While testing has shown that bacteria and contaminant levels are within acceptable ranges for swimming and ecological health, there are still areas of concern, including near the state line and in specific locations within Mecklenburg County.

Lake Wylie also has fish consumption advisories in place due to the presence of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These advisories recommend limiting the consumption of certain fish species to no more than one meal per week. Overall, while there are concerns about boating violations and pollution in Lake Wylie, efforts are being made to address these issues and improve the safety and ecological health of the lake.

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