The new executive director of Sound Rivers has been named to a state commission overseeing standards set for programs under the N.C. Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.

Heather Jacobs Deck, executive director of the environmental advocacy group Sound Rivers, was appointed last week to a term on the N.C. Sedimentation Control Commission.

“Sediment is typically thought of as the No. 1 pollutant for streams and waterbodies, so it’s an important aspect of keeping our rivers clean,” Deck said.

Deck will be holding one of two seats on the commission designated for non-governmental conservationists. Others appointed to the commission include representation from public utilities, general contractors, profession engineers, local government, which brings to the table a broad array of views and backgrounds regarding pollution control programs and how they should be implemented.

“I think it’s important for any of these bodies, for the governor to have diverse voices on the commission,” Deck said. “I think, in this instance, they wanted some representation from the eastern side of the state.”

Deck said while local governments are charged with implementing their own sedimentation-control programs, the commission provides oversight for program design, implementation and auditing of the programs.

Runoff from land into waterbodies can wreak havoc on aquatic life, which is why oversight is so important, Deck said.

“I appreciate these North Carolinians offering their time and expertise to serve their communities and our state in these important appointments,” Governor Roy Cooper stated in a press release.

Deck will serve a three-year term. She previously served on the commission under former Gov. Bev Purdue.