Chemours asks federal appeals court to negate EPA health goal for GenX

By Lisa Sorg NC Newsline This story was originally published by NC Newsline. Chemours, the company responsible for polluting the drinking water of 800,000 people in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin with GenX, is asking a court to negate the EPA’s health advisory for the toxic chemical. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Philadelphia, heard arguments last week. There is not a timetable …Read more Continue reading Chemours asks federal appeals court to negate EPA health goal for GenX

Border Belt IndependentFebruary 16, 2024February 16, 2024

Waccamaw-Siouan tribe, PFAS, Native American, STEM

Columbus County, Culture, Education, Environment

Border Belt People: Ashley Lomboy brings Western science, Indigenous culture together

By Kerria Weaver kerriaweaver@borderbelt.org Ashley Lomboy of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe took an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) from a young age. This fascination led her to become a Global Information Security Manager at Corning Optical Fiber and Cable, and later, founder of the Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio. The Border Belt Independent spoke with Lomboy about her many accomplishments and how she …Read more Continue reading Border Belt People: Ashley Lomboy brings Western science, Indigenous culture together

Kerria WeaverJanuary 25, 2024January 25, 2024

Robeson County, Lumber River, megalodon, shark teeth, Indian canoe, Lumbee Tribe, UNC Pembroke, scuba diver

Culture, Environment, Robeson County

Border Belt People: A Q&A with Paul Valenti, historian and Lumber River diver

By Kerria Weaver kerriaweaver@borderbelt.org Paul Valenti, 69, works as the chief water plant operator in Lumberton, but he is also well known for being a historian and scuba diver. Born and raised in Lumberton, Valenti has explored the Lumber River, finding many historical artifacts from megalodon shark teeth to an 1,100-year-old canoe. The Border Belt Independent spoke with Valenti about his experience as a diver …Read more Continue reading Border Belt People: A Q&A with Paul Valenti, historian and Lumber River diver

Kerria WeaverNovember 24, 2023November 21, 2023

A person holds an apple snail in the palm of their hand.

Environment

Apple snails were found near the Lumber River. That’s a bad thing

Apple snails are are invasive species native to South America. Scientists recently discovered them near the Lumber River in Robeson County. Read more Continue reading Apple snails were found near the Lumber River. That’s a bad thing

Kerria WeaverOctober 5, 2023October 5, 2023

Lumberton flooding Hurricane Matthew Robeson

Environment

Climate change makes life along the Lumber River uncertain. Here’s why some stay

Climate change is making life along the Lumber River more uncertain. But for many people, moving isn’t a meaningful option.Read more Continue reading Climate change makes life along the Lumber River uncertain. Here’s why some stay

Border Belt IndependentSeptember 15, 2023September 25, 2023

Three photos show progress of debris removal in the Back Swamp Drainage District in Robeson County.

Environment

In flood-prone Robeson County, a push to remove trash and trees from waterways

Crews removed debris from a 20-mile stretch of the Back Swamp Drainage District in Robeson County in hopes of preventing flooding. Read more Continue reading In flood-prone Robeson County, a push to remove trash and trees from waterways

Ben RappaportSeptember 12, 2023September 12, 2023

Environment

What the Farm Act means for NC’s Border Belt, where flood efforts are underway

Counties and towns in rural southeastern NC are trying to mitigate the effects of flooding. But some worry the Farm Act will hinder efforts.Read more Continue reading What the Farm Act means for NC’s Border Belt, where flood efforts are underway

Ben RappaportJune 30, 2023July 4, 2023

Environment

Robeson County residents battling proposal for private military training site

A company called Alottabang wants to operate an explosive ordnance disposal training facility for the military and police in Robeson County. Read more Continue reading Robeson County residents battling proposal for private military training site

Border Belt IndependentMay 19, 2023May 19, 2023

Environment

‘Climate heroes’ in Robeson County help lead NC toward more sustainable farming

At New Ground Farm in Robeson County, Connie and Millard Locklear use technology aimed at reducing farming’s carbon footprint. Read more Continue reading ‘Climate heroes’ in Robeson County help lead NC toward more sustainable farming

Border Belt IndependentMay 16, 2023May 16, 2023

Environment

PFAS could be labeled ‘hazardous.’ What does that mean for southeastern NC?

The Environmental Protection Agency said the label for harmful “forever chemicals” could force polluters to report toxic releases and clean up contamination. Read more Continue reading PFAS could be labeled ‘hazardous.’ What does that mean for southeastern NC?

Ivey SchofieldAugust 30, 2022August 30, 2022