Fifteen years ago (in 2007), North Carolina’s Neuse River was considered one of America’s “most endangered” rivers. Now, the Neuse has been named 2022’s “River of the Year” in recognition of its historic and continuing recovery.

The national river conservation organization American Rivers awarded its annual recognition to the Neuse at an event last week in Goldsboro, attended by dignitaries including EPA Administrator Michael Regan. 

The river’s champions celebrated its progress, especially in cleanup of point source discharges (like sewage treatment plants), but noted that it still has far to go in dealing with non-point source pollution sources. Those include concentrated animal production operations (often called “factory farms”) for hogs and poultry. 

Congratulations to all responsible for progress in the cleanup of one of our state’s most valued rivers!