The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources announced on May 5 that it is accepting public comments through Aug. 4 on the draft 2026 basin plan for the Cape Fear River Basin, which is the most populous and largest river basin located entirely within the state.
The draft plan addresses water quality data collected between 2000 and 2020, highlighting areas in need of additional protection, restoration, or preservation to ensure compliance with state water quality standards. The document also provides an overview of water use and availability in the basin and discusses ongoing studies and actions to manage pollution from emerging compounds such as per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane.
PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in humans and animals. The plan notes that scientific studies indicate exposure to PFAS and 1,4-dioxane—a synthetic industrial chemical likely to cause cancer—can lead to significant health effects.
The Cape Fear River Basin stretches from near Greensboro and Reidsville down to the Atlantic Ocean near Southport. Major rivers within this area include the Haw, Deep, Cape Fear, Black, South, and Northeast Cape Fear rivers. The region covers parts of urban centers such as those in the Triad area as well as portions of Fayetteville and Wilmington.
According to recent agricultural data referenced in the draft plan, there has been a decrease in cattle and swine numbers but a substantial increase in poultry production within the basin. Increased development activity along with higher poultry production has contributed to elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus due to expanded stormwater runoff and wastewater discharges.
Public comments on the draft plan will be accepted by email at DEQ.DWR.BasinPlanning@deq.nc.gov or by mail addressed to Nora Deamer at N.C. DEQ Division of Water Resources, ATTN: Nora Deamer, Basin Planner; 1611 Mail Service Center; Raleigh NC 27699-1611.
