On Thursday, October 31, 2024, a press briefing will be held in Boone, North Carolina, to discuss the progress of water sampling and restoration efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The event will feature Acting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle, Boone Mayor Tim Futrelle, and senior officials from state and local agencies.
The briefing aims to provide updates on the coordinated federal, state, and local initiatives to address drinking water concerns in the region. Participants include Mary Penny Kelley from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality and Jennifer Greene from AppHealthCare.
The press briefing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET in Boone. Credentialed media must RSVP by 3:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. It is emphasized that the public cannot bring samples directly to the mobile lab; they must coordinate with local health departments for testing.
More information about public water testing procedures is available through specified channels.
