In fall 2018, Hurricane Florence caused 8 trillion gallons of rain to fall in North Carolina. The flooding devastated homes, businesses, infrastructure, and more—as the unprecedented amount of water fell, animal agriculture and coal ash pond waste spread across the state’s landscape. As extreme precipitation and flooding events become more frequent and intense, previously contained hazards like waste ponds have the potential to become environmental and public health catastrophes for communities. North Carolina is not alone in navigating what can be done to address these hazards—urban and rural communities across the country will need to prepare. Join us to learn about North Carolina’s post-Florence experience, how flooding can impact local communities, and the unexpected consequences of flooding.
Presenters
• Blakely Hildebrand, Southern Environmental Law Center
• Nick Torrey, Southern Environmental Law Center
• Jen Schmitz, Triangle J Council of Governments
