Urban Wildlife

Plant species could be harmful to Lake Waccamaw

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012, 1:43pm

Plant species could be harmful to Lake Waccamaw

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A Hydrilla plant is growing in Lake Waccamaw and could be harmful to the biodiversity in the lake, according to the Lake Waccamaw State Park superintendent.

Superintendent Toby Hall said the plant may have gotten into the lake after being stuck to a bottom of a boat. He said officials have seen seven species that are not found anywhere else.

According to Hall, herbicide treatments could cost $500 per acre -- Lake Waccamaw is 9,000 acres.

The superintendent said their main concern is to prevent the plant from spreading into the Waccamaw River.

Officials are expected to hold a public meeting soon to inform residents of the situation.

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Sewage spill in Lake Waccamaw

Submitted by Will Tapper, Reporter

Monday, August 27th, 2012, 3:41pm

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WECT) – Officials in Lake Waccamaw said about 3,300 gallons of untreated wastewater entered a canal that runs parallel to Canal Cove Road.

The town manager Darren Currie said the spill happened August 15 after heavy rainfall. He said the almost 3 inches of rain occurred in a 45 minute window, which caused the overflow.

Three samples of the water have been taken. If residents have any concerns about the spill, they’re being asked to call town hall at 910-646-3700.

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Lake Waccamaw State Park officials investigating insect

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012, 6:14pm

Lake Waccamaw State Park officials investigating insect

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Park rangers in Columbus County are trying to learn more about an insect they believe is new to the area.

The superintendent of Lake Waccamaw State Park says park officials have been seeing an insect called midge, which resemble mosquitoes.

There are thousands of species of midge, but the kind at the lake reportedly do not bite.

The park sent samples off to NC State University and Coastal Carolina University to learn more about the bug.

Hall says that the bugs are mostly in grassy areas around the water.

Officials hope to get sample results within the next few weeks.

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Reel 'em in for free on July 4th

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012, 11:00am

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) – Grab some bait, a fishing rod, and throw out a line Wednesday in any public body of water in North Carolina for free.

July 4 is your one chance a year to get hooked on fishing at no cost. Everyone can fish in any public body of water, from mountain trout waters to coastal waters without buying a fishing license.

The State Wildlife Commission added more fish in waters across the state, including trout and channel catfish, to give people a better chance of reeling one in.

Even though the day is free, all other fishing regulations still apply – including size and creel limits.

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Recent heat wave blamed for algal blooms

Submitted by Justin West, Assignment Manager

Sunday, August 7th, 2011, 9:26am

Recent heat wave blamed for algal blooms

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WECT) - The North Carolina Division of Water Quality is blaming the recent heat wave and lack of rainfall for the ongoing algal blooms across the state.

Algal blooms have been documented in the Northeast Cape Fear River as well as in Lake Waccamaw over the past several weeks. These blooms can discolor water and form extensive mats, which can cause taste and odor problems in drinking water. The blooms also decrease the amount of oxygen in the water, which can lead to fish kills.

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Horse clinic planned at Boys & Grils Home on Saturday

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Friday, July 29th, 2011, 1:43pm

Horse clinic planned at Boys & Grils Home on Saturday

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — High Cotton Horse Farm will offer an all-day Wild Horse Clinic at the Boys & Girls Home on Saturday, July 30.

Six horses and their handlers are expected to perform. There will also be a discussion by Marcy Saugues DVM of Cape Fear Equine Clinic regarding the recent herpes/rhino outbreak and lower leg tendon injury diagnosis.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Kids 12 and under will be admitted for free.

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Freedman pleads guilty to discharging hog waste into Waccamaw River tributary

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Thursday, July 7th, 2011, 2:03pm

Freedman pleads guilty to discharging hog waste into Waccamaw River tributary

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — After a week of trial that began on June 28, Freedman Farms, Inc. and its president, William B. Freedman, pleaded guilty to a felony violation of the Clean Water Act, for discharging hog waste into Browder’s Branch, a tributary to the Waccamaw River.

According to a news release from the Department of Justice, Freedman Farms had approximately 4,800 hogs and their waste was supposed to be directed to two lagoons for treatment and disposal. In December of 2007, hog waste was reportedly discharged directly into Browder’s Branch.

Freedman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the Clean Water Act, a federal law that makes it illegal to knowingly or negligently discharge a pollutant into a water of the United States, for his role in the incident.

According to the plea agreement for Freedman Farms filed Wednesday, the government and the corporate defendant have jointly asked the court to sentence Freedman Farms to pay $1.5 million, serve a term of five years’ probation, and publish a public apology. Under the plea agreement for William Freedman, the defendant reportedly faces up to one year in prison.

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