The state is advising the public to avoid fishing and recreational activity along a portion of Swift Creek in Craven County because of an animal waste spill in the area.
The Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources staff were alerted Tuesday to animal waste in ditches from an unknown source, which was later identified as St. John Farm, permit number AWS25006, at 320 St. John Road in Grifton.
Sponsor Spotlight
The swine farm has a capacity of about 2,450 hogs with a little more than 1,860 as of a routine state visit April 19 for a compliance inspection. That report noted evidence of incorrect land application, “outside the crop window” for soybeans. It also found that soil analysis recordkeeping was inadequate.
The state attributed the discharge to over-application of animal waste, resulting in run-off that migrated off-site to surface waters. The incident remains under investigation, including the amount discharged and the cause, and any necessary corrective actions to be undertaken, officials said.
Residents are advised to avoid any contact with the water in Swift Creek from Honolulu Road to N.C. Highway 118 west of Vanceboro. Swift Creek flows into the Neuse River near New Bern.
The division said it would continue to monitor water quality in the area. Files related to the facility can be viewed online.
