The White Oak River is in trouble, and polluted runoff from roads, parking lots and other developed areas is the primary culprit. That was the conclusion of a three-year federally funded study that looked at the bacteria that are plaguing the river and closing its oyster and clam beds.

Cedar Point was a partner in that study, along with the N.C. Coastal Federation, the N.C. Department of Transportation and the N.C. Division of Water Quality.

The study found very high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in four watersheds adjoining Cedar Point in the lower White Oak. In the most extensive bacteria testing done on the river, more than 200 water samples were drawn from almost 70 scattered sites. Eighty-nine percent exceeded the federal health standard for shellfish waters. Of the 113 samples taken from the largest watershed, Boathouse Creek, all but three exceeded the standard. At many of the sites, the test results were hundreds of times higher than the standard.

The primary sources of the bacteria are wildlife and pets, the study found. Those sources have always been present in the watersheds, but drainage ditches and hard, constructed surfaces, like roads and parking lots, have increased the flow of stormwater to the river. Runoff carries a host of pollutants, including bacteria, with it.

The study also outlined a series of steps that can be taken to reduce the flow of stormwater into the river. They include reworking existing storm ditches to infiltrate more runoff into the ground before it reaches the river, educating people about the effects of stormwater and how their pets contribute to bacteria pollution and allowing developers to use more innovative techniques to control stormwater.

   What the Town Did
   What is Wrong with the White Oak?
   Locally Supported Storm Water Controls
   Low-Impact Development Ordinance
   Cedar Point Town Hall Greens Up