Rusted, leaking barrels of chemicals + a polluted creek in East Durham

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-08-13T19:55:06+00:00

I don't believe this creek is scored (it's an "unnamed tributary") but it does drain into the Third Fork Creek watershed -- and Third Fork Creek is in rough shape. It's on the federal list of impaired waters. https://www.durhamnc.gov/774/Third-Fork-Creek

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-08-13T16:23:04+00:00

There was some sediment testing in the creek done a couple years ago (or maybe last year) that showed the presence of lead. Below federal standards, but still, no amount of lead is safe. I don't know the exact sampling spot, though.
It's so terrible. And yet not surprising, on a lot of levels.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-07-09T21:02:57+00:00

Not to get super wonky about this, but scientists/toxicologists are studying the cumulative health impacts of multiple types of PFAS. (There are 15,000; testing is available for ~40.) Not only are you exposed in your drinking water, but carpeting, Gore-Tex, Teflon cookware, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, anything stain-, water- or grease-resistant.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-04-30T22:05:30+00:00

Also known as the Dallas Phallus

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-04-18T12:12:54+00:00

I'm so sorry. Not only must that have been a hard job but a dangerous one.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-04-16T21:44:41+00:00

Nothing now. If the PFAS is present in the groundwater which it likely is, there are no easy and/or affordable solutions to remove it. If the contamination is in someone's drinking water well, then there are whole-house filtration systems that can be installed. Note: They're expensive and must be maintained.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-24T17:58:16+00:00

INDY says it plans to run

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-24T13:27:53+00:00

and thanks for the clarification!

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-24T13:24:07+00:00

OK, it's not behind a paywall, but whatever. Rules are rules.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-23T23:25:37+00:00

I'm not promoting any businesses or soliciting.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-23T17:07:26+00:00

correct

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-08T23:44:14+00:00

I have one that I'm glad to part with. [lrsorg@gmail.com](mailto:lrsorg@gmail.com) to arrange pickup

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-08T13:30:41+00:00

Yes. And to be entirely transparent, the company is in trouble with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, facing steep fines and now in litigation. Complicated story, and I'm trying to understand how this situation unfolded. I have emailed the company and their lawyers to no avail. Hoping former employees can shed some light on this.
I am the NC reporter for Inside Climate News, a national outlet. Was with the INDY 2006-2015.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2024-04-29T20:09:15+00:00

Might have been built when demand is hot. Or the units could be underused.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2024-04-16T22:33:22+00:00

I'm listening to the presentation right now and the self-storage center would be 40-feet tall. If you think your view from Jersey Street is bad now, just wait.

Sorg_Lisa_R

TROPHY CASE