The Polk County Health and Human Services Agency, in conjunction with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health and N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources, is issuing a precautionary advisory pending a water quality investigation for Cove Creek from Little Bradley Falls to the connection with the Green River.

There has been a release of gasoline due to a tanker truck accident on October 21, 2020. At this time, you may witness a petroleum smell in the air and might notice an oil sheen on the water.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is currently sampling to determine the extent of the spill to mitigate the exposure.

Until the water is tested and declared safe, environmental and public health officials recommend:

• Avoid swimming, wading or fishing in this section of the Cove Creek area until further notice.
• Avoid skin contact with water, soil and sediment in or near the river.
• If skin comes in contact with contaminated sediment or water, thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water.

For further information please contact Joshua Kennedy, Polk County Health and Human Services Agency, at 828-894-2114 Ext. 228