Wake County Waterways Carry Rare Warning: Officials Say Do Not Eat Fish from Certain Local Waters

RALEIGH, N.C. — A rare public health warning is drawing attention to several waterways across Wake County, where officials advise residents not to eat any fish caught in certain areas due to long-standing contamination concerns.

According to a recent report from Axios Raleigh, fish found in parts of Brier Creek, Crabtree Creek, Lake Crabtree, and connected waterways contain elevated levels of toxic chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury. These contaminants can accumulate in fish tissue over time and pose health risks to people who consume them. (Axios⁠)

Why Are Fish Advisories Being Issued?

The warning stems from pollution linked to the former Ward Transformer facility near Raleigh-Durham International Airport. During the 1960s and 1970s, chemicals from the site entered nearby streams and eventually spread into larger waterways throughout western Wake County. The site later became a federal Superfund cleanup location after investigations found widespread PCB contamination. (Axios⁠)

PCBs were banned in the United States in 1979 because of their harmful effects on human health and the environment. These chemicals remain in sediments and aquatic ecosystems for decades, where they can accumulate in fish and other wildlife. (Axios⁠)

Which Waterways Are Affected?

Several Wake County waterways have long-standing fish consumption advisories, including:

• Brier Creek Reservoir
• Portions of Brier Creek
• Little Brier Creek
• Lake Crabtree
• Crabtree Creek
• Portions of the Neuse River downstream of Crabtree Creek

Some locations carry the strongest advisory possible: Do Not Eat Any Fish. Other waterways have restrictions on species such as carp, catfish, and largemouth bass due to contamination levels. (The INDY⁠)

Health Risks from Contaminated Fish

Experts warn that long-term exposure to PCBs and mercury can affect the nervous system, immune system, reproductive health, and child development. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are considered the most vulnerable populations. Predatory fish such as catfish and bass often contain the highest levels because contaminants accumulate as they move up the food chain. (Axios)

Many Anglers Remain Unaware

Despite advisory signs posted around many affected waterways, studies have shown that a significant number of local anglers are unaware of fish consumption warnings. Researchers have found that some people continue to eat fish caught in contaminated waters without knowing the potential health risks. (Axios)

What Happens Next?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to monitor PCB levels around the former Ward Transformer site and nearby waterways. Officials say fish tissue sampling and environmental monitoring will continue for years as cleanup efforts are evaluated. Meanwhile, state and federal agencies are also examining newer concerns involving PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” which are increasingly being detected in fish across North Carolina waterways. (Axios)

What Residents Should Do

If you fish in Wake County, health officials recommend checking the latest North Carolina fish consumption advisories before eating your catch. Advisory information is updated periodically as new testing data becomes available. (epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov⁠)

For many local anglers, catch-and-release fishing remains a safe way to enjoy Wake County’s lakes and streams while avoiding potential health risks associated with contaminated fish.

The Bottom Line

Wake County’s waterways offer excellent recreational fishing opportunities, but contamination from decades-old industrial pollution continues to impact fish safety in some locations. Residents should stay informed, follow advisory signs, and review state guidance before consuming fish caught in local waters. (Axios⁠)

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Raleigh City Council Recap: Traffic Calming Changes, Budget Discussions, and Key Rezoning Decisions

The Raleigh City Council held its June 1 Budget Work Session and June 2 Afternoon and Evening Meetings, tackling topics ranging from traffic calming reforms and budget priorities to rezonings, public hearings, and environmental resilience.

Here are the biggest takeaways Raleigh residents should know.

Major Changes Coming to Raleigh’s Traffic Calming Program

One of the most significant actions taken by Council was the unanimous approval of recommendations from the Transportation and Transit Committee to streamline traffic calming decisions.

Under the new approach:

• Neighborhood ballots will no longer be required for speed limit reductions.
• Neighborhood ballots will no longer be required for line-of-sight improvements.
• Multi-way stop decisions will no longer require neighborhood voting.
• Authority for these decisions will be delegated to the City’s Transportation Director.
• Ballots will also be eliminated for traffic safety improvements that meet objective safety standards.

Council members noted that city staff often face communication challenges when working with neighborhoods on traffic safety issues. Several members highlighted Community Advisory Councils (CACs) as a potential tool for improving public engagement.

Council also requested additional information regarding proposed three-year waiting periods before certain traffic calming measures could be removed.

Budget Public Hearing Draws Community Feedback

Residents had an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed FY 2026-27 Operating and Capital Budget during a statutory public hearing.

Seventeen people signed up to speak, although five did not appear. Speakers addressed a variety of topics including:

• Affordable housing
• Tree preservation and expansion
• Infill development
• Rising cost of living
• Transportation and safe streets

The feedback will help inform upcoming budget discussions as Council continues refining the FY27 budget.

Budget Work Session Highlights

Downtown Raleigh Bandstand Proposal Delayed

Council reviewed a budget note requesting funding for:

• A bandstand/performance stage at City Plaza
• Permanent public art installations on City Plaza pedestals

Council Member Jonathan Lambert-Melton explained the proposal originated from discussions with the Economic Development and Innovation Committee and Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

Council voted to defer consideration of the bandstand until the FY 2028 budget cycle and directed staff to explore sponsorship opportunities. A decision on public art funding is expected later this year after the budget process concludes.

Tree Planting Initiative Under Review

Mayor Pro Tem Corey Branch Harrison continued advocating for a large-scale tree planting initiative aimed at adding approximately 24,000 trees throughout Raleigh.

A proposed $650,000 funding commitment was discussed but ultimately postponed until the next budget work session. Staff will return with additional recommendations and implementation details before Council takes action.

Additional Budget Information Requested

Council members also reviewed reports comparing:

• Municipal services provided by peer cities
• Historical solid waste fee increases
• General Fund subsidies supporting solid waste enterprise operations in other municipalities

These comparisons are intended to help guide future budget decisions and service investments.

Drinking Water Supply and Wastewater Concerns Raised

Mayor Pro Tem Harrison requested further discussion regarding Raleigh’s long-term drinking water supply.

City Manager Marchell Adams-David indicated that the issue may be addressed through a committee assignment or future work session, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration.

Harrison also requested an incident report related to the Turkey Creek wastewater spill.

Urban Heat Resilience Takes Center Stage

Council received an update on Raleigh’s Urban Heat Resilience efforts during the June 2 afternoon session.

The presentation highlighted the city’s first Urban Heat Resilience tabletop exercise and included a new video featuring community partners working to improve preparedness during extreme heat events.

The update coincided with Global Heat Action Day and the beginning of the summer heat season.

Pride Month Proclamation Issued

Mayor Janet Cowell officially proclaimed June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Raleigh during the afternoon session.

The proclamation recognized the contributions and diversity of Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community.

Rezoning and Development Updates

Downtown Rezoning Approved

Council unanimously approved:

Rezoning Z-01-26

• 307 W. Martin Street
• 311 Commerce Place
• 322 W. Davie Street

The approval clears the way for future development opportunities in Downtown Raleigh.

Creedmoor Road Case Delayed

Council unanimously postponed:

Text Change TCZ-02-26

• 4601 Creedmoor Road
• Intersection of Creedmoor Road and Glenwood Avenue

The case was delayed until July 7 due to insufficient public notice in The News & Observer.

Litchford Road Rezoning Returns to Planning Commission

Council voted unanimously to send the following case back to the Planning Commission after the applicant introduced significant new conditions:

Rezoning Z-43-25

• 6309 Litchford Road

Upcoming Public Hearings

Residents should be aware of several major hearings scheduled for June 16, including:

• Multiple annexation requests
• Rezoning cases in Downtown Raleigh
• New Bern Avenue redevelopment proposals
• Jones Ridge Trail development requests
• Street name change at North Hills

Additional rezoning hearings are scheduled throughout July.

Community Announcements from Council Members

Councilor Christina Jones announced:

• District meeting on June 10 from 6–8 p.m. at La Cucina Italian Restaurant
• Decoding Democracy Book Club on June 13 at 9:30 a.m. at New World Café
• Virtual Council Agenda Review session on June 15 from 6–7:30 p.m.

Councilor Megan Patton requested additional city guidance regarding motorbike safety and public awareness efforts.

What Happens Next?

Budget discussions will continue throughout June as Council works toward adopting the FY 2026-27 budget.

Key issues expected to return include:

• Tree planting funding
• Public art investments
• Transportation safety improvements
• Water supply planning
• Housing affordability initiatives

Residents can continue following Council meetings and public hearings as Raleigh prepares for another year of growth and investment across the city.

Links To The Raleigh City Council Meetings

Full agenda and supporting documents for June 1 Budget Work Session.

Full agenda and supporting documents for June 2 Council Afternoon and Evening Sessions.

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DoRaleigh Weekly News Brief – Openings, Travel Updates, Local Eats, and Holiday News

🛍️ Opening

Gorjana, the Southern California jewelry brand known for its everyday mix-and-match pieces, will open its first Raleigh location in North Hills next to True Food Kitchen. Expect a bright, Laguna Beach–inspired storefront. We’ll share the opening date as soon as it’s announced.

☕ Coming Soon

Drift Coffee is joining The Weld, a new development near Dix Park, becoming its first retail tenant. The café will bring favorites from its Wade Avenue location into a nearly 1,500 sq. ft. space when it opens next summer. (Raleigh Magazine)

✈️ Travel

RDU is not among the 40 U.S. airports facing federal flight reductions, but some delays may still occur due to nationwide scheduling impacts. It might be a good time to consider Amtrak for regional travel. (PBS)

🩺 Health

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now open at five Wake County clinics, including the Wake County Public Health Center and Departure Regional Center. Residents can book appointments online.

🎁 Holiday

The City of Raleigh’s Elf Squad Toy Drive is underway, collecting new and unwrapped toys for children from newborn to age 13. Donations are accepted at community centers and partner sites through Dec. 10.

📚 Announced

Liberation Station, Raleigh’s trailblazing children’s bookstore, will celebrate its grand reopening on Dec. 29 at its new Hill Street home in East Raleigh.

🎸 Concert

Guns N’ Roses will rock Carter-Finley Stadium on July 23, 2026 as part of their international tour. Presale signups open Wednesday, Dec. 3 — get ready for “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain.”

🦃 Seasonal

Gov. Josh Stein pardoned Krispy and Kreme, two very lucky turkeys who will now live at Naylor Farms in Fuquay-Varina. Fun fact: 2022’s pardoned turkeys, Chocolate and Chip, still live at NC State. (ABC 12)

🐶 Closed

The Moore Square dog park has been closed since August, but a completely redesigned dog space is expected by January 2026. Until then, Raleigh has plenty of other pup-friendly spots to explore.

🎨 Arts

A tiny Italian “museum” perched over 7,500 ft in the Alps requires a six-hour hike just to reach — and it contains no art at all, just one panoramic window. Luckily, Raleigh’s museums are much easier to access.

🍕 Open

Trophy Brewing has officially opened its massive new Five Points taproom, located in the iconic blue warehouse near Ajja. Expect specialty pizzas, fresh salads, and signature Trophy brews across 22,000 sq. ft.

🐓 State

Two eastern NC chickens — Gobble and Waddle — were pardoned by the president this week and are headed to NC State to join Chocolate and Chip. According to the White House, Gobble loves Bojangles biscuits, while Waddle prefers Cook Out Cheerwine floats. (N&O)

🏈 Sports

NC State faces UNC this Saturday at Carter-Finley, with the Wolfpack eyeing a fifth straight rivalry win. Preview what both teams are bringing to the field. (N&O)

🏢 Biz

North Carolina is giving Apple four more years to meet hiring and investment goals for its promised RTP campus. The 2021 incentive package — worth up to $845 million — remains unclaimed as Apple has yet to begin the $552M hub. (N&O)

🍜 Eat

Saigon Kitchen is now open on Blount Street in the former Mofu Shoppe space, serving pho, banh mi, rice bowls, and other Vietnamese favorites.

🍔 Travel

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay has opened Bobby’s Burgers in RDU Terminal 2 across from Dunkin’. The Crunchburger—topped with potato chips—is already catching travelers’ attention.

📖 Read

The 2025 National Book Award winners have been announced across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, YA, and translated literature. Whether you read indoors or out, now’s a great time to pick up something new. (NPR)

🕊️ History

On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus—a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Explore more local and national history at Raleigh’s museums. (National Constitution Center)

🌳 Outdoors

A new 59-acre county park—Kellam-Wyatt Park—is coming to the Raleigh-Knightdale border in 2027. Residents can expect extensive walking trails, one of the most requested amenities. (WUNC)

🦃 State

North Carolina continues to lead the nation in turkey production, edging out Minnesota in pounds raised. And yes, the presidentially pardoned turkeys were raised right here. (WUNC)

☕ Open

Haraz Coffee House, a Yemeni-style café, is now open on Western Boulevard and serving until 11 p.m. Try the Saffron Adeni tea or the Jubani spiced coffee. (Axios Raleigh)

🍽️ Eat

North Hills’ modern Indian restaurant Tamasha has been named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants of 2025 — after also being listed among the most beautiful dining spaces. (N&O)

✈️ Travel

Breeze Airways is adjusting its RDU routes, swapping its LAX flight for a new service to Orange County, CA, and adding flights to Stewart, NY; Bangor, ME; and Vero Beach, FL next year. (TBJ)

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