First Name:
Chase
Last Name:
Erickson
Major Department:
Journalism
Thesis Director:
Carolyn Edy
Date of Thesis:
May 2015
Sour Springs: A Story of Groundwater Contamination in the Blue Ridge Mountains tells the tale of a 77-year-old woman named Dot Rice and her discovery of chemical contamination in springs that her family used for drinking water. This long-form piece of journalism details Dot’s struggles and tells the stories of those who came to her rescue. By the end of the story, Dot transforms from an average south Asheville resident into a dedicated community leader. This account not only highlights the importance of helping others, but it also looks into the significance of resolving issues before they become bigger problems.