Meghan Hodges
Little Sugar Creek, which runs through Charlotte, has long been affected by pollution. In 2015, high levels of chemical contaminants were found in the creek. While the contamination was not considered a significant health risk, it prompted an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies. Historically, the creek has been polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and stormwater runoff, leading to a negative perception of the creek. Efforts have been made to restore and revitalise the creek, including the development of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which aims to improve water quality and provide recreational spaces for the community. Despite these improvements, pollution from construction and urban runoff continues to impact the creek, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing water quality in urban areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical Contaminants | High levels of TCE and PCE |
| Cancer-causing | Yes |
| Contaminant Source | Old industrial activity |
| Contaminant Source | Construction |
| Contaminant Source | Car oil |
| Contaminant Source | Bacterial biofilm |
| Contaminant Source | Restaurant grease |
| Contaminant Source | Illegal dumping by businesses |
| Pollution Type | Trash |
| Pollution Type | Sewerage |
| Pollution Type | Industrial waste |
| Pollution Type | Stormwater runoff |
| Pollution Type | Petroleum |
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What You'll Learn
Trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE)
Little Sugar Creek, which runs through Charlotte, has been a site of environmental concern for several years. The creek has been heavily polluted by runoff from factories and sewers, as well as litter. In 2015, high levels of chemical contamination were detected in the creek, specifically the cancer-causing chemicals Trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
TCE and PCE are chlorinated liquid hydrocarbons, primarily used as degreaser agents for the cold cleaning of fabricated metal parts. They are also used as general solvents for resins, fats, oils, waxes, rubber, paints, cellulose esters, ethers, and varnishes. These chemicals are of great concern due to their high toxicity levels and widespread usage. TCE and PCE have been detected in groundwater and drinking water sources, and human exposure primarily occurs through inhalation.
The presence of these chemicals in Little Sugar Creek was likely due to inappropriate manufacturing, consumption, and disposal practices in the area. TCE and PCE are nonflammable liquids, which, aside from their use in metal cleaning, are also used in commercial and industrial applications such as dry cleaning, gun cleaning, and auto repair. While TCE is no longer widely used, PCE continues to be a common chemical for these applications.
The contamination of Little Sugar Creek by TCE and PCE posed a potential health risk to the public, particularly as these chemicals are known to cause cancer and have been linked to various adverse health effects, including respiratory irritation, kidney and liver dysfunction, developmental defects, and immunotoxicity. However, officials stated that the contamination did not pose a significant health risk, as human contact with the creek was minimal. Nonetheless, warning signs were put up, and investigations were conducted to identify the source of the contaminated water.
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway project has since worked to improve the creek's condition and transform it into a thriving community destination, improving the urban quality of life and increasing surrounding property values.
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Industrial waste
Little Sugar Creek, which runs through Charlotte, has long been a site of industrial waste and pollution. In 1969, a Charlotte News investigation found that over two dozen businesses were piping waste directly into the creek. The pollution was so severe that the fumes were said to peel paint off nearby buildings.
The pollution problem in Little Sugar Creek began to be addressed in the 1990s, with the outlawing of straight-piping of wastes in 1998 and the implementation of the Clean Water Act in 1972. In 1999, a bond plan was approved to fund the purchase of property along the stream bed, construction of paved walkways, restoration of wetlands, and other initiatives to improve water quality. Despite these efforts, Little Sugar Creek remained polluted, with industrial waste and sewage continuing to contaminate the water.
In September 2015, elevated levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) were detected in the waters of Little Sugar Creek. These chemicals are colorless, nonflammable liquids used in various commercial and industrial processes, including dry cleaning, gun cleaning, and auto repair. The source of the contamination was believed to be associated with industrial activities in the area, and the creek was posted with warning signs advising against drinking, fishing, or bathing in the water.
While the creek has improved due to design interventions and the implementation of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, an 800-acre corridor that connects neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces, it still carries pollutants from upstream urban runoff. Industrial waste continues to be a concern, with construction sites and businesses potentially contributing to the pollution.
The county and state have recognized the need to address the issue, with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency investigating the sources of contamination and planning for cleanup efforts.
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Sewage
Little Sugar Creek in Charlotte has a long history of pollution. In 1969, a Charlotte News investigation found that the creek was spewing raw sewage and that businesses were dumping their waste into it. The city attempted to disguise the stench by dropping orange blossom scent into the creek. In 1998, straight-piping of wastes was outlawed, and in 1999, a bond plan was approved to buy property along the stream bed, begin construction of paved walkways, restore wetlands, and launch a major stream restoration project. This led to the creation of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, an 800-acre corridor that connects neighbourhoods, parks, and open spaces.
Despite these efforts, Little Sugar Creek continues to face sewage pollution issues. In 2015, high levels of chemical contaminants, including TCE and PCE, were found in the creek. These chemicals are used in commercial and industrial processes and are known to cause cancer through prolonged exposure, inhalation, or ingestion. The source of the contamination was believed to be associated with industrial activities in the area, and the EPA and state agencies took charge of the clean-up efforts.
In more recent years, there have been reports of petroleum or other chemicals flowing into Little Sugar Creek. Construction sites near the creek have been suspected as potential sources of pollution, and there have been concerns about stormwater runoff carrying pollutants into the creek.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department has issued warnings against drinking, fishing, or bathing in Little Sugar Creek due to the elevated levels of chemical contaminants. While the creek is not a source of drinking water, the pollution poses a risk to wildlife and can impact the surrounding environment.
The county and local organisations have been working to improve the water quality of Little Sugar Creek through projects such as the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. These efforts aim to restore the creek as a natural asset for the community and improve urban quality of life.
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Construction waste
Little Sugar Creek in Charlotte has been heavily polluted for years. In the 1990s, Mecklenburg County decided to clean up the creek and restore it to its natural state. Despite these efforts, the creek remains polluted by urban runoff, with high levels of chemical contaminants detected as recently as 2015.
There has been a lot of construction in the area, and residents have reported seeing a sheen on the water, which could be caused by spilled petroleum or bacterial biofilm. An environmental scientist on Reddit confirmed that the sheen was likely caused by spilled petroleum, as bacterial sheens tend to clump and not reform, and are typically found in slow-moving or stagnant water.
Construction sites can be a source of petroleum pollution if proper measures are not taken to contain and dispose of petroleum products properly. In addition, construction activities can disturb the ground and expose old industrial waste, which can then leach into the groundwater and make its way into the creek.
To prevent construction waste from polluting Little Sugar Creek, contractors must implement erosion and sediment control measures, such as sediment basins and barriers, to capture and treat stormwater runoff from construction sites. In addition, proper waste management practices must be followed, including the proper disposal of petroleum products and other hazardous materials.
By following these practices and working together with local authorities and community groups, the impact of construction waste on Little Sugar Creek can be minimized, and the creek can continue to be enjoyed by the community as a natural asset.
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Oil
Little Sugar Creek, which runs through Charlotte, has historically been a highly polluted stream. In 2015, high levels of chemical contaminants were found in the creek, specifically the cancer-causing chemicals trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These chemicals are used as solvents and degreasers in commercial and industrial work, and their presence in the creek was likely due to industrial activities in the area. While the creek is not a source of drinking water, officials still warned the public about the contamination.
Little Sugar Creek has a long history of pollution. In the past, businesses were found to be dumping waste directly into the creek, and it was described as a “fetid stew of runoff and industrial waste." The creek was once hidden under concrete, and efforts have been made to restore and revitalise the area, turning it into a linear park and stream restoration project. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway project aims to create a space for recreation and wildlife habitat, improving water quality and flood control.
The creek's pollution problem began to improve in 1998 when straight-piping of wastes was outlawed. The Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department also embarked on an ambitious plan to extend and create new greenway corridors and improve water quality. The urban section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway cost $43 million, and the entire project became the most expensive stream restoration in Mecklenburg County.
While the creek's water quality has improved, it still carries pollutants from upstream urban runoff. The design of the greenway includes impediments to keep people out of the creek, as the water is not safe for human contact. The completion of the Charlotte portion of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway was celebrated in April 2012, and it has since become a popular place for walking, running, and biking. Despite the improvements, the creek still requires ongoing sampling and testing for contaminants.
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Frequently asked questions
Little Sugar Creek in Charlotte has been heavily polluted by runoff from factories and sewers, and litter. In 2015, high levels of chemical contaminants were found in the creek, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE)—cancer-causing chemicals used in commercial and industrial processes.
The source of the chemical contamination is thought to be associated with industrial activities in the area. Groundwater contaminated by old industrial activity is believed to be the source of the contaminants.
Mecklenburg County and organisations like LandDesign have worked to restore and redevelop Little Sugar Creek. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway project aims to transform the creek into a thriving community destination that improves urban quality of life and increases property values.
Yes, the pollution in Little Sugar Creek has improved since the 1960s and 1970s, when illegal pollution and sewage were major issues. The passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972 and the outlawing of straight-piping wastes in 1998 have helped ease chemical and sewage pollution.
While the creek is not used for drinking water or swimming, health officials have issued warnings against drinking, fishing, or bathing in the creek due to elevated levels of chemical contaminants. The creek is primarily used for wading and fishing, and human contact with the water is minimal.
