RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The state Division of Water Resources is seeking public comment on its 2014 list of streams, rivers and lakes that don't meet North Carolina's water quality requirements.
The federal Clean Water Act requires states to perform a water quality assessment every two years that involves establishing a priority ranking for water where existing pollution controls aren't enough to meet quality standards.
Often, shellfish harvesting areas are listed, usually because of bacteria associated with runoff from rain. Other reasons include cloudy water, lack of number or diversity of aquatic insects and excessive chlorophyll.
States much submit these lists by April 1 to the Environmental Protection Agency. Public comment should be filed by March 14.