May 29, 2003

NO SWIMMING:
ADVISORY ISSUED FOR A COVE ON LAKE NORMAN AFTER SEWAGE DISCHARGE

Charlotte, NC - A NO SWIMMING advisory has been issued for a cove adjacent to Bustle Road off Meta Road in the Peninsula Community on Lake Norman following a sewage discharge.  The Mecklenburg County Water Quality Program (MCWQP) and the Mecklenburg County Health Department issued the advisory on Thursday, May 29, 2003 following the detection of elevated bacteria levels in the lake from the spill.

The "no swimming" advisory was issued after an estimated 5,250 gallons of raw sewer was discharged to Lake Norman from a malfunctioning 8-inch force main operated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities (CMU).  The discharge was discovered by CMU personnel on Friday, May 23, 2003 and was reported to MCWQP on Tuesday, May 27.  Samples were collected by MCWQP on Wednesday, May 28.  Laboratory results received on May 29 indicated elevated bacteria levels that resulted in the issuance of the "no swimming" advisory.  Actions to eliminate the discharge were completed by CMU staff on Friday, May 23. 

Water samples were collected today by MCWQP and sampling will be ongoing until levels of fecal coliform bacteria fall below 200-colonies/100 ml, which is the level determined to be safe for swimming.  The affected swimming/beach areas have been posted with "no swimming" signs and buoys for the duration of the advisory.

MCWQP Manager Rusty Rozzelle said the advisories are standard procedure. "It was necessary to close the areas to recreation because of the potential risk to human health as Lake Norman is designated as recreational waters," said Rozzelle.