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Mission & Programs

Lake James Environmental Association (LJEA), a non-profit, volunteer organization, was established in 1973 in order to:
• Protect, foster, and enhance the environment and the ecology of Lake James and its tributary waters in western North Carolina
• Engage in any and all types of activities not prohibited by law which shall be for the betterment of the Lake James Community and the State of North Carolina.

In 2009, LJEA continues to build on its 36-year foundation of caring for Lake James. Our mission is to protect and enhance the health and beauty of Lake James and its watershed. Specifically, we strive to assure ample, clean water, clean air and clean surroundings.

Our mission programs include:
• Monitoring the water quality of Lake James and its tributaries. This is a water sampling program carried out by trained volunteers, with analyses and reporting by the UNC-Asheville Environmental Quality Institute, supported by an annual academic grant from LJEA. To date, we have a seven-year history of readings for pH, Alkalinity, Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids, Conductivity, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Ortho P, Ammonia-N, Nitrate-N, and by depth - Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature and Secchi readings of water clarity at specified sites. This provides a valuable baseline to help detect change in water quality under a variety of weather and development conditions.

• Reducing sediment pollution. Currently, sediment pollution is the single largest contributor to poor water quality. LJEA collaborates with the State of North Carolina and the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation to help detect and eliminate sediment pollution through NC’s Muddy Waters Watch™ Program. In addition, we are developing an outreach program to help educate area students, developers and inspectors about factors that contribute to sediment pollution and best practices for preventing it.

• Assuring ample surface water. LJEA monitors the Safe Yield of Lake James as well as conditions for and compliance of Duke Energy with its FERC license to operate the Catawba-Wateree Project, particularly the Lake James portion of the eleven reservoir power generation system and especially under drought conditions.

• Monitoring clean air conditions. We collaborate with Burke and McDowell County Extension Agents to publicize Radon Month (January) and encourage residents to test their homes for this gas. We also will advocate for measures of Mercury in the local atmosphere and publicize acid rain and particulates information. Clean air also includes limiting noise pollution to healthy levels.

• Clean surroundings. LJEA supports and participates in lake clean-ups such as “Big Sweep.”

A Voice For The Community

For the past three decades, we have served as the voice of citizens interested in preserving and protecting Lake James. We are an environmental community working to defend Lake James and its watershed from the pressure of urbanization and commercial development.

Please join us if you share these values.

2009 Board Members & Officers