Lumber River Basin

Lumber River Basin Consortium
Along with the Ground Water Study, the Lumber River Council of Governments is also working to address water resource concerns within the Lumber River Basin. In 1998, the LRCOG completed the Lumber River Basin Regional Wastewater Feasibility Study. This study focused on regionalization of wastewater discharge points as a means of addressing long-term quality in the Basin. As a result of the Study, several recommendations were addressed.

Among them were:
1. Addressing the importance of reducing sewer infiltration & inflow. The LRCOG is currently adddressing the sewer infiltration/inflow issue. Workshops have been conducted and an update of the study was released in 2003.
2. Establishing a basin-wide water-planning group. This was accomplished with the help of a 205(j)-planning grant from the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Quality. The Consortium is a multi-stakeholder membership which includes local governments, business and industry, environmental groups, federal/state/local agencies, and educational/research institutions. The Consortium's directive is to promote wise stewardship of surface water resources through education and research.

Projects Initiated under the Lumber River Basin Consortium:

  • Development of the Lumber River Basin Strategic Plan. This document lists strategies to help the Consortium establish its leadership role in the Lumber River Basin.
  • Assistance in the production of "The Lumber", an educational video on the Lumber River. The Lumber River State Park Citizen's Advisory Committee produced this video.
  • Utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to promote responsible watershed planning.
  • Clean Water Action Plan for the Lumber River Basin (currently a draft plan).
  • The Lumber River Dischargers Association

  • The Lumber River Basin Mercury Pollution Reduction Initiative Over the years, mercury has accumulated to harmful levels in largemouth bass and bowfin within the Lumber River Basin. Twelve waters from the Basin appear on the NC DWQ's 2002 303(d) list for fish consumption advisories due to mercury. By forming an Association of wastewater dischargers and implementing an educational campaign, the LRCOG proposes to develop a plan of action to restore the impaired waters.

  • The Lumber River Basin Clearing & Snagging Project
    Large sections of the Lumber River are in poor condition, obstructed by debris or "snags". The LRCOG, in cooperation with the Lumber River State Park and the counties adjacent to the river, proposes to promote both environmental protection and economic development by restoring the river to a more navigable condition without damaging essential habitat. This work began in July 2005. Funding for this project has been provided by the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) Water Resource Development Grant Program    .

Lumber River Basin Information
The Lumber River Basin is located in southeastern North Carolina, along the North / South Carolina border. This basin extends about 150 miles from the Sandhills region to the Atlantic Ocean, with a land area of 3,336 square miles. There are 2,232 stream miles in this basin.

Streams & Rivers in the Lumber River Basin are tributaries of the Pee Dee River, and most flow into South Carolina. Much of the main-stem of the Lumber River has been designated a state Natural & Scenic River and also a National Wild & Scenic River.

 

 

All or parts of nine counties lie within the Lumber River Basin. These counties include Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Hoke, Montgomery, Moore, and Richmond.

 

Lumber River Watershed
One of North Carolina's largest blackwater rivers, a total of 115 miles of the Lumber River have a state Natural & Scenic River designation and 81 miles have been designated as a National Wild & Scenic River. These areas of the Lumber River lie in the Lumber River State Park.

Waccamaw River Watershed
This watershed is composed of the Waccamaw River, Lake Waccamaw, and the Green Swamp. The extensive wetlands are characterized by outstanding biological diversity. Lake Waccamaw, a Carolina Bay, is nationally significant with a number of endemic and rare species. Lake Waccamaw State Park.

 

Related Links

NC DENR DWQ Basinwide Planning Program
NC DENR DWQ Water Quality Section
NC DENR DWQ Water Supply Watershed Protection
NC DENR Division of Water Resources
NC DENR DWR Lumber River Water Supply Planning
US EPA Surf Your Watershed
US EPA Local Drinking Water Information
NC Fish Consumption Advisories
The Lumber River State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park