The city of Belmont, North Carolina, is facing significant backlash after it was revealed that raw sewage has been repeatedly dumped into Lake Wylie from the South Fork Branch of the Catawba River, a popular recreational area and vital water source for North and South Carolina. The incident has raised serious environmental and public health concerns among residents and environmental groups. The dumping, reportedly due to infrastructure failures from tropical storm Debby, has resulted in contamination of the lake, impacting aquatic life and potentially posing risks to human health. City officials are under pressure to address the issue swiftly and prevent further pollution.
South Fork River near Lake Wylie in South Carolina
Environmental advocates are demanding accountability and immediate action to repair the infrastructure and prevent future spills. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging wastewater systems and the importance of safeguarding natural resources like Lake Wylie. Local authorities are investigating the extent of the contamination and considering measures to remediate the damage and prevent future occurrences. Residents are urged to avoid contact with the water in affected areas until it is deemed safe.