The Issue

The LNBA members treat, or "clean," their wastewater and release it back into the Lower Neuse River for use downstream. Some nitrogen is also released into the Neuse River as part of this process. Too much nitrogen causes algae blooms at the estuary (where the river meets the ocean). This algae then reduces the amount of oxygen, which is critical to fish survival, in the water.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Association (EPA) mandated in 1999 that the point-source dischargers—those facilities that have a permit to release treated wastewater into the Neuse—and other nitrogen contributors to the river reduce the amount of nitrogen they discharge with the wastewater. The nitrogen load to the Neuse River estuary, near New Bern, N.C., had to be reduced by 30 percent by 2003.

A collaborative effort of LNBA members was required to meet this aggressive goal. Through group compliance, LNBA members were able to meet and exceed the EPA’s requirements—but at a significant cost. As a group, the LNBA members spent over $16 million on projects for nitrogen control between July 1995 and October 1998. Members expect to spend an additional $31 million on capital projects for nitrogen reduction prior to 2003. To date, most of these projects have been completed, resulting in a 46 percent reduction in nitrogen discharged by LNBA members into the Neuse.

The LNBA also completed several studies and conducted seminars to improve members’ understanding of nitrogen control methods. This expertise was implemented as LNBA members upgraded their facilities and processes to reduce nitrogen levels.

The Challenge Continues

The amount of nitrogen discharged in the Neuse by LNBA members is just a fraction of the total amount of nitrogen released into the water. In 1995, the municipalities and industries that have permits to release treated wastewater accounted for only 13 to 24 percent of the total amount of nitrogen released into the Neuse River estuary. LNBA members have since reduced that amount by 46 percent. The majority of nitrogen continues to enter the Neuse River by sources that are not permitted to discharge to
the Neuse.