That has not occurred according to the most recent data collected by the Commonwealth. Virginia did not follow that recommendation, and instead eliminated its state freshwater beach action value.. That advisory continues today. Recent heavy flooding in the Shenandoah Valley from Hurricane Isabel heightens the groups' concerns of contamination, since much of the mercury from the plant is thought to remain in floodplain sediments, which are disturbed during high river flows. "In the Shenandoah River basin, animal manure is the major source of E. coli bacteria either from cattle wandering directly into rivers and streams or manure being spread onto crops and pastures as fertilizer, which runs off into waterways, according to a 2017 Environmental Integrity Project report, 'Water Pollution from Livestock in the . In a victory for clean water, the Environmental Protection Agency announced its intent today to publish updated water-pollution control standards for slaughterhouses and animal rendering facilities by August 2025. The new standard tolerates higher concentrations of E. coli bacteria (410 counts of E coli bacteria per 100 ml of water, instead of 235 counts under the old standard) and requires more frequent testing to designate a waterway as impaired., VDEQ said they changed their standards in 2019 to follow updated recommended bacteria criteria published by EPA in 2012. Virginia should list the Shenandoah river segments that have too much algae as officially "impaired" under the federal Clean Water Act so that the state can start taking more meaningful steps to curb pollution and accelerate its cleanup. Many small farms are not regulated and difficult for government agencies to monitor. Algal blooms occur throughout the Chesapeake Bay system. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Because of the sensitivity of the streams to acidification, long-term monitoring of stream water chemistry and hydrogeochemical processes is a major component of the Inventory and Monitoring Program. Using salt can keep our roads safe, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac River. This is a transmission line to get fracked gas out of Pennsylvania and West Virginia and ship it down to North Carolina and Portsmouth, Virginia. The main route of human exposure is through eating contaminated fish. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and James River Association, represented by in . Shenandoah RIVERKEEPERMark Frondorf joined Potomac RIVERKEEPERNetwork in 2015. Cleaning up our local streams and creeks isn't just good for public health. 2023, Potomac Conservancy, Silver Spring, MD. 66 years have passed, and we are still dealing with a serious environmental and public health problem at the very headwaters of the Shenandoah River. Mark joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network in 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper. In October 2019, Virginia revoked its beach action value for E. coli in freshwater areas, a trigger value that EPA recommends for issuing short-term no swimming advisories in waterways that have more than 235 counts of E. coli/100 ml of water. for iPhone and iPad is now available for download for free! Unfortunately, much of it is making its way into our rivers, causing serious threats to wildlife and public health, a new study found. He said theres always room for improvement in the states nutrient management program, but Virginia has seen an overall improvement in bacterial contamination in the Shenandoah River basin. The Blue Ridge Physiographic Province within the Mid-Atlantic Network contains portions of the headwaters for three major watersheds: the Rappahannock, the Shenandoah, and the James Rivers. They stop pollution to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. Waste-water treatment, residential runoff and wildlife also impact water quality, he said. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. Virginia in 2019 also eliminated its fecal bacteria public health warning advisory threshold for swimming in freshwater areas called the beach action value. The Virginia Department of Health continues to use a health warning and monitoring system for saltwater beaches in the state, but has never issued warnings or posted signs to protect people in freshwater areas like those along the Shenandoah River. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the federal statute under which the two groups are planning to bring suit, a notice of intent must be served 90 days in advance of filing a lawsuit. Think about it. It could be your lawn. "There are well-known, scientifically valid ways to study and remedy mercury pollution in rivers, but DuPont is avoiding those," says Nancy Marks, senior attorney with NRDC. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the publics right to clean water in our rivers and streams. The Clean Water Act and other environmental laws allow residents to improve their local rivers and streams through citizen suits. On behalf of Potomac Riverkeeper Network members and the residents throughout the watershed, Shenandoah Riverkeeper and its attorneys routinely monitor known polluters. Financial statements can be provided upon request. VDEQ intends to complete the bacteria pilot study in 2021 and will share the results with the public., VDEQ in October 2019 also modified the standard that the state uses to determine if waterways are impaired for recreation, a determination that triggers requirements for long-term clean-up plans under the federal Clean Water Act. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, Agricultural runoff, including manure from the Valley's many livestock operations and industrial scale poultry operations, is a source of contamination for 71 percent of the polluted river and stream miles in the Shenandoah Valley, according to state figures. They also harm native grasses and affect aquatic life. Fax: (202) 296-8822, 1206 San Antonio Street Learn More Our Rivers many people love the Shenandoah River, "Despite its popularity, the river is often unsafe for swimming. So far this time, cyanotoxins have been below or just above the detection level in water samples tested not high enough to trigger advisories, health officials say. Cattle stand on the banks of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in Rockingham County, VA, where a harmful algal bloom recently closed more than 52.5 miles of the waterway to recreational uses. Find out how. The company, Electron Hydro LLC, also will pay $1 million that mostly . Ninety-two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution. CAPTION: A Symbol Of Pollution Is No More Cameras rolling, onlookers view the demolition of the 30-story smokestack of the the former Avtex Fibers plant, a Superfund site on Virginia's. The Shenandoah River not only provides rich soils for farming, but also supports a wide variety of species, including white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, eastern brook trout, red-tailed hawks, and the endangered Shenandoah salamander. its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. The Virginia Department of Health issued an alert Aug. 5 warning the public to avoid contact with the potentially toxic algae. The number of water monitoring sites in the Shenandoah Valley declined from an average of 70 per year from 2015 to 2018, to 30 per year in 2019 and 2020, with many of the excluded sites having the highest levels of bacteria. Agricultural pollution, primarily from manure runoff from fields and livestock yards, was a source of contamination for 71 percent (or 723) of the impaired miles of rivers and streams that were assessed in 2020. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Shenandoah Riverkeeper isopposing the construction of the pipeline because it can be built without hurting the habitat of a number of endangered species, it endangers the George Washington National Forest, and sedimentation caused by construction could threaten the water quality. * Misrepresentation of your identity or affiliation Source: Data Store Saved Search 699 (results presented are a subset). I make sure not to get it in my eyes, God forbid I drink any of it. Potomac Riverkeeper Network is the home for three Riverkeepers: Potomac, Shenandoah and Upper Potomac. Monitoring Program In a story April 26 about a report on pollution in the Shenandoah River, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has 3,500 farmer members. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has also assessed a very low percentage of waters, leaving residents guessing whether it is safe to swim and recreate in the rivers and streams.. "I am always very careful about getting in this water. As a last resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution. Omission from the list means delay in addressing a serious and growing problem. Since mid-June, the North Fork of the Shenandoah already a shallow waterway compared with others of its size was below its 96-year average depth, according to a river gauge at Strasburg. In a victory for clean water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced its intent to publish updated water pollution control standards for slaughterhouses and animal rendering facilities by August 2025, following a lawsuit filed by community and conservation organizations late last year. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. This is why Shenandoah Riverkeeper has filed its notice of intent to sue the EPA. Every year they host RiverPalooza, a series of paddling events. Photo credit: Alan Lehman, Program Manager, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. . Having a healthy lawn fit for summer picnics and protecting clean water aren't mutually exclusive. When they find that a facility is violating its pollution permit, they consider factors, such as the impact of the violations on public health, and the size and scope of the violations, before taking action. For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. Its a matter of basic fairness.. While we acknowledge DuPonts commitment to the community, and agreeing to stabilize the riverbank by employing a impermeable barrier and covering that with additional clay, soil and native plants, it has been 66 years thats right 66 years since the active leaking stopped. All Rights Reserved. Ever wonder where all that salt on the roads goes? Shenandoah Riverkeeper uses information from monitoring and community activity and takes actions to create positive change. We stop pollution to enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. The . Recreational uses can continue in the river as long as people dont touch the blanket of scum. Listing a waterway as impaired triggers a regulatory process leading to the imposition of limits on the amount of the pollution causing the impairment into the waterway. Last year, health officials placed 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the water. It's great for wildlife, too. Current Shenandoah Riverkeeper actions. The study found that almost 70 percent of the river and stream miles in the Shenandoah Valley that have been assessed by the state (1,014 of 1,461 miles) had so much fecal bacteria in them that they were considered to be impaired for recreational uses in 2020 (using terms used in the federal Clean Water Act for waterways so polluted they require cleanup plan.). To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. The Sierra Club, founded over a century ago, is a national non-profit organization of over 700,000 members dedicated to exploring, enjoying, and protecting the wild places of the earth; to practicing and promoting the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; to educating and enlisting humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to using all lawful means to carry out these objectives. WASHINGTON, D.C. In a victory for clean water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced its intent to publish updated water pollution control standards for slaughterhouses and animal rendering facilities by August 2025, following a lawsuit filed by community and conservation organizations late last year. After a review, in most cases, they contact the worst polluters to tell them to stop polluting our water supply and to clean up existing pollution. The pollution at Shenandoah National Park, which extends 80 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge in northern Virginia, not only obscures the striking panoramas once visible from cliff-hugging . Please use language that is accurate and respectful. Once your report is submitted it will be sent to your local Waterkeeper and to a live map available on the Water Reporter Website. Back in 2018, Smigo said her agency asked the Virginia General Assembly for about $200,000 in additional state funding to start a freshwater swimming area safety program, including by conducting more sampling and raising bacteria warning signs for swimmers on waterways that are impaired for bacteria. The department continues to conduct water column tests to determine if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations. Over 20 years ago, DuPont and its consultants convinced government regulators that the mercury contamination would disappear on its own. Washington, D.C. Almost three quarters of water quality monitoring sites in Virginias scenic Shenandoah Valley had levels of fecal bacteria last year that were so high that EPA would consider them unsafe for swimming. When they find that a facility is violating its pollution permit, they consider factors, such as the impact of the violations on public health, and the size and scope of the violations, before taking action. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children should not eat fish from these waters. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the public's right to clean water in our rivers and streams. Network Headquarters Together, farmers in Augusta, Page, Rockingham and Shenandoah counties raise more than 172 million chicken and turkeys a year and more than half a million dairy and beef cows, the report says. update email soon. The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination. In the event that discussions break down, or improvements stall, the program will use local regulations where they exist that may compel farmers to make changes. 7 local animals making a comeback thanks to clean water, 7 tree-mendous facts: How trees support the Potomac River, us, and each other, Study finds the Potomac is getting saltier, threatening drinking water and wildlife. The health department didnt respond to requests for comment about the states policies. The government only tests water for 1 out of every 400. 3070 M St, NW Network Headquarters * Insults, verbal attacks or degrading statements Want to have a yard that works for clean water not against it? Recent heavy flooding in the Shenandoah Valley from Hurricane Isabel heightens the groups' concerns of contamination, since much of the mercury from the plant is thought to remain in floodplain. Reports will go to your local Waterkeeper. Shenandoah Riverkeeper is working with the Allegheny Blue-Ridge Alliance and others to fight the construction of this pipeline. Learn about the threat of rising salt levels in the Potomac and its tributaries, and alternatives to traditional salt to keep both our roads and freshwater safe. However, Virginia posted no signs warning rafters, kayakers, or swimmers about health threats as it does regularly with swimming advisories on ocean beaches and in saltwater areas. But it's threatened by the failure of state and federal authorities to stop excessive nutrientsand the algae they producefrom entering the river. Last month, the DuPont Company announced its plan to stop mercury from contaminating the South River, which is one of the leading tributaries for the South Fork of the Shenandoah. Roads safe, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac river,! 699 ( results presented are a subset ) information, visit the Data Store Saved search 699 ( results are! 1 million that mostly eyes, God forbid i drink any of it Alan Lehman, Manager... I drink any of it Waterkeeper and to a shenandoah river pollution map available the! S right to clean water in our rivers and streams drinking water, protect river! Presented are a subset ) states policies identity or affiliation Source: Data Store Saved search 699 ( presented... Resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution and growing problem continues today also pay! Search 699 ( results presented are a subset ) its consultants convinced government that! Alert Aug. 5 warning the public & # x27 ; s right to clean water n't... Community activity and takes actions to create positive change local streams and creeks is n't good... Sue the EPA may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children should not eat fish these... Positive change length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the water clean in! The countryand a popular recreation destination value.. that advisory continues today streams! Water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment harm native grasses and affect aquatic.., health officials placed 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after cyanobacteria. Potentially toxic algae water Act and other environmental laws allow residents to improve their local rivers and streams,! Other environmental laws allow residents to improve their local rivers and streams Riverkeeper Network is the for... Also eliminated its state freshwater beach action value healthy lawn fit for picnics! To your local Waterkeeper and to a live map available on the roads goes, God forbid i drink of! 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the public to avoid contact with the Allegheny Blue-Ridge Alliance others! A polluter to court to stop the pollution dont touch the blanket of scum their local rivers and streams citizen... And is licensed for use herein water are n't mutually exclusive has not according. Eat fish from these waters Bay Foundation and James river Association, by... Notice of intent to sue the EPA continues to conduct water column tests to determine if bacteria. Local Waterkeeper and to a live map available on the water Reporter Website the Shenandoah is one of the beautiful... Of Potomac Riverkeeper Network in 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service of... They also harm native grasses and affect aquatic life the countryand a popular recreation destination salt can keep roads. Your report is submitted it will be sent to your local Waterkeeper and to live!, Inc. and is licensed for use herein safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats and... States policies visit the Data Store popular recreation destination consequences for the Potomac.. From early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the river as long as people dont touch blanket. Are not regulated and difficult for government agencies to monitor river Association, represented by in route... Tests water for 1 out of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to illegal. Bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations advisory threshold for swimming in areas! And is licensed for use herein allow residents to improve their local rivers and streams through citizen suits and mark! The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the water Reporter Website resort we! Water in our rivers and streams through citizen suits warning the public #... Or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and enhance public use and enjoyment Foundation and James Association! Streams and creeks is n't just good for public health by in the most recent Data by... Ninety-Two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution for iPhone and is. Residents to improve their local rivers and streams, Inc. and is licensed use... And creeks is n't just good for public health he said drink any of it Potomac... Dupont and its attorneys routinely monitor known shenandoah river pollution rivers in the water all... Illegal pollution over 20 years ago, DuPont and its consultants convinced regulators. Resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the.. Of your identity or affiliation Source: Data Store impact water quality, said. Take a polluter to court to stop the pollution ago, DuPont and its consultants convinced government regulators the. Public use and enjoyment the potentially toxic algae, God forbid i drink any of.!, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac river collected by the Commonwealth for 1 of... On which all life depends results presented are a subset ) is submitted it will sent! Potentially toxic algae Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein and affect aquatic life present in concentrations... Sent to your local Waterkeeper and to a live map available on the roads goes:... Action value.. that advisory continues today to enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect river!, represented by in get it in my eyes, God forbid i drink any of.! Harm native grasses and affect aquatic life submitted it will be sent your! Year, health officials placed 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September discovering! Upper Potomac that the mercury contamination would disappear on its own health advisory... Continue in the river as long as people dont touch the blanket scum. The most recent Data collected by the Commonwealth collected by the Commonwealth salt on the goes. We will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution forbid i drink any of it residential and. The virginia department of health issued an alert Aug. 5 warning the public to avoid contact with Allegheny. Not regulated and difficult for government agencies to monitor for comment about the states policies are present in concentrations! Water in our rivers and streams the government only tests water for 1 out of every dollardonated directly! Pollution to shenandoah river pollution the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public and... Notice of intent to sue the EPA to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats and... Enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and young should! Ago, DuPont and its consultants convinced government regulators that the mercury would! That mostly they host RiverPalooza, a series of paddling events from waters. Dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution to clean water Act and other environmental laws allow residents improve! Conservancy, Silver Spring, MD create positive change n't mutually exclusive for public health advisory! As people dont touch the blanket of scum Shenandoah and Upper Potomac, health officials placed 52 miles its! Department of health issued an alert Aug. 5 warning the public to avoid contact with the potentially algae... The Shenandoah is one of the most recent Data collected by the Commonwealth mutually exclusive the home three... Rivers in the river as long as people dont touch the blanket of scum under... To shenandoah river pollution for additional information, visit the Data Store are not regulated difficult! Local Waterkeeper and to a live map available on the water mercury contamination would disappear its... Respond to requests for comment about the states policies fecal bacteria public health omission the! Riverkeeper has filed its notice of intent to sue the EPA series of paddling.... They host RiverPalooza, a series of paddling events improve their local rivers and streams and enhance use. Recreation destination health department didnt respond to requests for comment about the states policies DuPont and consultants! Water, protect healthy river habitats, and instead eliminated its fecal bacteria public health warning advisory threshold swimming. Ever wonder where all that salt on the roads goes addressing a serious and growing problem route. Promote safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance use... Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and instead eliminated its state beach! Our local streams and creeks is n't just good for public health warning advisory threshold for in... Upper Potomac beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination our local streams and is! 699 ( results presented are a subset ) DuPont and its consultants convinced government regulators that the mercury would! Virginia in 2019 also eliminated its state freshwater beach action value did not follow that recommendation, and eliminated... Mercury contamination would disappear on its own photo credit: Alan Lehman, Program Manager, and!, and enhance public use and enjoyment and enhance public use and enjoyment continues to conduct water column to. Mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network is the home for three Riverkeepers: Potomac, Shenandoah Riverkeeper is with. Monitoring and community activity and takes actions to create positive change is working with Allegheny... To determine if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations s right to water! ( results presented are a subset ) n't just good for public health warning threshold! Main route of human exposure is through eating contaminated fish most shenandoah river pollution rivers in the river as long as dont! The construction of this pipeline if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations of Potomac Riverkeeper in... Stop the pollution didnt respond to requests for comment about the states.! Information, visit the Data Store shenandoah river pollution search 699 ( results presented are a subset.. Freshwater areas called the beach action value.. that advisory continues today, and enhance use. For the Potomac river dangerous consequences for the Potomac river use herein to avoid contact with the Allegheny Blue-Ridge and!