FHA Green Scene

GP Large Room

Concerned About Your Drinking Water?

The Haw River is one of three major tributaries flowing into Jordan Lake, from which Fearrington Village obtains our drinking water. The Haw River Assembly is a non-profit citizens group, founded in 1982, to restore and protect the Haw River and Jordan Lake. Their work involves the 110 miles of the river itself, as well as the 920 miles of streams that flow into the river. They pursue their goals with a Haw Riverkeeper, as well as a small and dedicated staff. They also collaborate with other area environmental groups, such as the Chatham Conservation Partnership (https://www.chathamconservation.org/) and others.

Historically, the upriver cities and towns in the watershed, in particular the City of Burlington, have been significant pollution contributors to the river. In response to an unusually egregious spill earlier this year, the Haw River Assembly, working with the Southern Environmental Law Center, was able to negotiate a legally significant settlement agreement with the City of Burlington and its largest industrial polluter, Elevate Textiles. The agreement requires the city and its largest industries to take specific, concrete steps designed to alleviate the polluting-discharges problem. The Haw Riverkeeper, Emily Sutton, was an important participant in the negotiations that resulted in the settlement agreement.

Emily Sutton will be our guest speaker at the November Green Scene meeting at The Gathering Place at 11 am on Wednesday, November 8. All Fearrington and Galloway residents are invited to attend and learn more about what is being done to preserve and protect the quality of our drinking water.

—Jason Welsch, Moderator, Fearrington Green Scene, 914-806-4852