News

'Extremely toxic' pesticides pollute Hoopers Creek

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 11, 2023

State environmental regulators notified the Henderson County Department of Public Health on Monday that a pesticide release resulting in an unknown amount of Bravo and Baythroid pesticides had occurred near a two-mile section of Hoopers Creek between Souther Road and Jackson Road on or about Oct. 3, the county said in a news release Wednesday.

Upon discovery of the spill, cleanup was immediately conducted but some contamination of the surface water did occur.    The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has been evaluating the creek regularly to address the concerns and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. 

NCDEQ has determined that both products released are extremely toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. They can also be absorbed through the skin during extended exposure. Although time and dilution of the chemicals have now reduced the associated risks for humans, the county health department urged people in and around that section of Hoopers Creek to limit exposure to the creek and avoid allowing pets and livestock to consume water from the creek until additional rainfall occurs. For more information, call NCDEQ at 828-296-4500.