shenandoah river pollution

Those behind the report, however, have focused their criticism on the state. Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE Shenandoah Riverkeeper is working with the Allegheny Blue-Ridge Alliance and others to fight the construction of this pipeline. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is approximately 95 miles long, while the South Fork runs about 150 miles. The Water Reporter app is not only for the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club has over 16,000 members. The state issues public advisories warning beachgoers to stay out of the ocean when bacteria levels do not meet the recreational standard. Seven Things You Can Do To Protect the Shenandoah River From Future Fish Kills. Source: Data Store Saved Search 709. But she said the state General Assembly rejected those requests for additional funding and an expanded freshwater testing program. You have permission to edit this article. But the public has the right to know when that water isnt safe to enjoy, said Eric Schaeffer, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project. In this case, Virginia would be required to develop limits on the total amount of nitrogen and phosphorus being discharged into the Shenandoah that are protective enough to prevent algae blooms and improve water quality. For Immediate Release. 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. In 2012, Shenandoah Riverkeeper officially requested that Virginia DEQ designate all reaches of the Shenandoah River as impaired by algae on Virginias 303(d) list, the list on which states are required to designate water bodies that fail to meet water quality standards under the federal Clean Water Act. Media contacts: South Fork Shenandoah River Project Title South River Mercury TMDL Number 2482-9RO95 Cooperating Agencies Virginia Department of Environmental Quality US EPA - Region III Project Chief Jack Eggleston jegglest@usgs.gov 804-261-2652 Cooperator Robert Brent mbrent@deq.virginia.gov 540-574-7848 Period of Project Jan. 2005 - Oct. 2008 Wilmer Stoneman, director of commodities and marketing for the Farm Bureau Federation, said farmers face stringent regulations and are doing more than ever to improve conservation overall. The Orange County Water District estimated earlier this year that treatment could cost the average home in a local district with PFAS $4 to $5 more monthly but could reach as high as $20 per . DEQs refusal to even evaluate this evidence to make an impairment determination is unacceptableas is EPAs failure to step in and perform its oversight duties as the Clean Water Act requires it to do., Phillip Ellis, Earthjustice, (202) 745-5221, Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, (571) 969-0746, Phillip Musegaas, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, (914) 806-0916, Hershel Finch, Warren County, VA Chapter of Izaak Walton League of America, (540) 270-1590, Stephan J. Kimm, Potomac River Smallmouth Club, (703) 928-5473, Potomac Riverkeeper State Disclosures, Nancy Marks, NRDC, 212-727-4414; Michael Town, Sierra Club, 804-225-9113; 804-319-6083. If they do not, they begin legal actions by filing a mandatory 60-day letter of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act. An all-too-familiar scourge has returned to the Shenandoah Rivers waters this summer: thick, green mats of algae. 3070 M St, NW The Environmental Integrity Project and Shenandoah Riverkeeper released a report in 2019 that used aerial photography to document that only about 20 percent of livestock farms in Virginias biggest agricultural counties, Rockingham and Augusta counties in the Shenandoah Valley, had fenced their cattle out of streams and rivers. The number of waterway sites sampled for bacteria by Virginia is also declining, with an average of 70 places on waterways in the Shenandoah Valley sampled between 2015 and 2018, but only 35 in 2019 and 25 in 2020. Our Mission Our mission is to protect the public's right to clean water in the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and their tributaries. Ever wonder where all that salt on the roads goes? Agricultural runoff in the Shenandoah Valley are causing the algae outbreaks. The department continues to conduct water column tests to determine if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations. Its almost a five-hour drive for people living in the Shenandoah Valley to drive to a Virginia beach and they should not be treated like second-class citizens due to their lack of proximity to a saltwater beach, said Frondorf. In addition, they work with university law clinics, nonprofit legal groups and corporate law firms that provide pro bono legal services and conduct compliance reviews of pollution permits. By contrast, she said, EPA provides grants for state water quality testing along ocean beaches and in saltwater areas, like Virginia Beach, and to the state provides regular testing and raises swimming advisory signs in these saltwater areas. But the state provides no such notice when the Shenandoah Valley and other rivers and streams are contaminated, even when E. coli levels are more than 100 times the recreational limit, it says. Only 21 percent of the rivers and streams miles in the Shenandoah Valley, and 22 percent statewide, have been assessed by the state to determine if they are impaired with pollutants. 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. The lawsuit asks the court to order EPA to disapprove Virginias list of impaired streams, to identify the Shenandoah River as impaired by algae-fueling pollutants, and to establish the pollution caps needed to bring the river back into attainment with state water quality standards. No fish other than trout should be eaten from the South River. Pcfawc.com Pcfawc.com ? 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. On this episode of fishing the DMV we talk to Mark Frondorf. * Explicit or vulgar language Cement manufacturers are dumping their pollution into Virginian communities with impunity. Photo credit: Alan Lehman, Program Manager, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. But many farms still lack livestock fencing. Additional bacteria sampling data is available from Friends of the Shenandoah River. For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. E. coli pollution is also an issue for the Potomac River. The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) report is based on an examination of state records and water quality monitoring data, and includes the following findings: EIPs report also examines how the regulatory landscape is shifting in Virginia. Fish kills and algal outbreaks, associated with manure from unfenced herds of cattle and large poultry operations, make the river unhealthy and unpleasant for those hoping to enjoy it. EIP Study Demands Stronger Regulation of Livestock Pollution and Health Advisories for Waterways Contaminated with Bacteria. Herschel Finch, a fisher, kayaker and the conservation chairman of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club, said when he moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 1977, the fishing was fantastic. Last year, health officials placed 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the water. (Virginia.org) By Mark Frondorf For years, herds of cattle wading and defecating in our rivers caused pollution and rendered the waters disgusting and, in some cases, dangerous for contact by those seeking recreation and drinking water. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and James River Association, represented by in . Since 2010, Shenandoah Riverkeeper has collected hundreds of complaints from river users and submitted most of them to the Virginia government in hopes it would recognize the problem and take direct corrective action. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia's Blueridge Mountains. 72 Percent of Sampling Locations in Valley Had E Coli Bacteria Above EPA Safe Swimming Recommendations in 2020. The report focuses on four counties in the bucolic Shenandoah Valley watershed that are also home to a large-scale farming industry. A recent report found that 90 percent of the water quality monitoring stations along the Shenandoah River and its tributaries detected fecal bacteria (E. coli) at levels unsafe for human contact between 2014-2016." Under federal and state clean water laws, impaired waterways (to use the term in the Clean Water Act for waters that are so polluted they cant be safely used for swimming, drinking, fishing, or other purposes) are supposed to have cleanup plans and implementation plans. Please use language that is accurate and respectful. Site Designed by DC Web Designers, a Washington DC web design company, Advocates Guide For Challenging LNG Projects. Xranks ! Other states, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, still use this freshwater beach action value.. Shenandoah National Park consists of nearly 200,000 acres of protected land in Northern Virginia and boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails, the 105 mile Skyline Drive with beautiful views, and thousands of living creatures, including the endangered Shenandoah Salamander that is only found in the park. 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 addition to E. coli, which can sicken the swimmers, fishermen and tubers who flock to the river, the report also found elevated levels of phosphorous, which contributes to the growth of algae blooms and low-oxygen dead zones.. The . All across our region animals once in decline are making a comeback. If youre out and about and see debris flowing from a construction site, cows in your stream, or a pipe discharging questionable water, use the app to report it. What's plaguing the Potomac River? 7 benefits of urban trees for communities, clean water, and more! Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter. It's just dangerous," said Herschel Finch, a fisherman in Front Royal. The river in this county flows not just over the Shenandoah Valley bedrock, not just through our fields and forests and over limestone karst; it flows through our citizens veins, and our hearts. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. Experts say that they usually are a symptom of an ecosystem out of balance. They offer links to cost share programs and other support for farmers who are willing to implement best management practices. Total Wages: Total wages reported by the employer from Box 5 of the W-2, with some exceptions, and Elected Officials who received pay reported on IRS Form 1099. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. All of our protocols are peer reviewed. But in the past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs and excessive algae growth. The Shenandoah Valley is a place of incomparable beauty and cultural value, but its continued health is at risk, says the report, which suggests the states manure management system isnt adequately protecting human health or water quality and is undermining Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. Spanning over 200,000 acres of land, the park is known for its beautiful views, natural landscape, and diverse wildlife. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. According to a new study , much of the Shenandoah River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli. Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, said: Virginia has failed to implement plans already on the books that would actually result in improved water quality in the Shenandoah Valley. Discover 11 fun facts about the mysterious, magical powers of trees and how we can help support them! Current Shenandoah Riverkeeper actions. At any given time, the three Riverkeepers are working on roughly two dozen active enforcement and advocacy matters, including commenting on pollution permits when they are up for renewal, pushing government regulators to recognize major pollution problems and act on them, and filing lawsuits against polluters and government agencies that are allowing pollution to continue unchecked. DuPont's textile operations discharged tens of thousands of pounds of mercury into the South River from 1929 to 1950. 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. Here are a few of the most common and most effective changes we ask farmers to make: The program begins by initiating dialogue with the farmers to build trust and understanding about the way their farming practices may be damaging our water supply. That algae buildup can then get in the way of the fishing and paddling industries. Lives are lost every year from this pollution, and our economy is forced to bear the burden of . 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. The. That has not occurred according to the most recent data collected by the Commonwealth. The evidence of pollution observed during monitoring includes polluted runoff from construction sites and farm land, fish kills and fish with lesions, algae blooms, illicit discharges from pipes and many other signs of compromised water quality. People might be upset by warning signs, but the signs would increase public pressure on state lawmakers to invest the funds and effort needed to reduce pollution for example, by requiring farmers to fence their herds of cattle out of the Shenandoah River, said Schaeffer, former Director of Civil Enforcement at EPA. (For specifics, see Appendix C). Among the causes: nutrient pollution from fertilizers and sewage, as well as increasing problems from climate change, such as extreme wet and dry spells and warmer water temperatures. For decades, Virginia has collected bacteria data in both fresh and saltwater areas of the state, but has only posted warning signs for swimmers on ocean and saltwater beaches. Comments may not include: Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. SEATTLE (AP) A company that operates a century-old hydroelectric dam near Mount Rainier National Park and its chief operating officer each pleaded guilty to a single criminal count Monday in connection with a spill of synthetic field turf and the tiny rubber particles used to make it into the Puyallup River in 2020.. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. Source: Data Store Saved Search 699 (results presented are a subset). 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.). The algae blooms, caused by agricultural runoff in the Shenandoah Valley, interfere with recreational uses of the river, such as swimming, kayaking and fishing. You can reach him at jcox@bayjournal.com. Furthermore, the states manure control system allows manure containing far more phosphorous to be applied than the crops need, according to the report. The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination. 2023 Environmental Integrity Project. EPA should have identified the Shenandoah River as impaired based on extensive data demonstrating that widespread algae blooms prevent the river from meeting Virginias water quality standards. * Incorrect, fraudulent or misleading content While Virginia has taken account of similar evidence in prior decisions to list other water bodies as impaired, it has refused to list the Shenandoah as impaired despite the ample evidence submitted in this case. Trees do so much for our climate and clean water, but what do they do for our health? The cleanup deadlines for four of the implementation plans in the Valley have passed, but the waterways in three of these four remain impaired by fecal bacteria. Last year unsafe levels of E.coli bacteria caused the cancellation of the Nations Triathlon swim portion. The state should tighten up its recently revised water quality standards for bacteria by creating a swimming beach warning standard for freshwater areas and by issuing health advisories on websites and social media and raising no swimming signs to warn people in these areas contaminated by fecal pathogens, including in the Shenandoah Valley. Media contacts: Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project (443) 510-2574 or tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org, Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, mark@shenandoahriverkeeper.org or (571) 969-0746, The James River is such an historic and iconic waterway, it is great news that this settlement agreement will help reduce sewage overflows that, About 12 hours ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, EPA has agreed to strengthen standards for the nations largest industrial source of phosphorus pollutionand second-largest industrial source of, About 13 hours ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, James Beauchamp, president of the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, suggests that spikes in Permian Basin methane might be coming, About 2 days ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, Solar, wind, geothermal, battery and other alternative-energy businesses are adding workers from fossil fuel companies, where employment has fallen., Record winter warmth across much of the eastern US has caused spring-like conditions to arrive earlier than ever previously recorded in several, About 3 days ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, 1000 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 1100 Jeremy Cox is a Bay Journal staff writer based in Maryland. It's great for wildlife, too. However, those numbers could soon fall not because the waters are any cleaner, but because Virginia recently revised its water quality standards to tolerate higher concentrations of fecal bacteria, according to EIPs report. DuPont stopped leaking mercury in 1950. The state should take action to implement the cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful. When the contamination was disclosed in 1977, the state was forced to declare a fish consumption health advisory for over 100 miles downriver of the plant. Virginia did not follow that recommendation, and instead eliminated its state freshwater beach action value.. Frondorf, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper, said it is not fair that the state has a swimming advisory standard and monitoring program for Ocean beaches, like in Virginia Beach, but not in freshwater areas like the Shenandoah River. Document the status of and long-term trends in water flow. This is not a day for ribbon cutting and balloons; this is a day a long-time in coming. 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. Algal blooms occur throughout the Chesapeake Bay system. They also harm native grasses and affect aquatic life. The agency has refused, even as evidence of the impairment has grown. We reserve the right to edit or decline comments that do Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202) 296-8800 The state should either require the livestock industry --or use public funds -- to collect the excess manure that crops cant use and ship it out of the valley, to a region that needs it., The report also found high levels of phosphorous, which feeds algae and can kill fish. 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. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Last year, pollution credit trading allowed the Strasburg Sewage Treatment Plant to release 2,942 pounds of phosphorus into the North Fork of the Shenandoah, according to the new Environmental . So far, the best way to improve water quality downstream from farms is to persuade farmers to adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs) on a voluntary basis. * Misrepresentation of your identity or affiliation & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Periodically, we publish reports that describe what we are learning in the field. NPS / Neal Lewis Importance and Issues 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. 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. 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. Rappahannock River Basin, Roanoke and Yadkin River Basin, Shenandoah River Basin, . Its a matter of basic fairness.. 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. Greg Bilyeu, Director of Communications Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), said his agency is planning to increase the frequency of its bacteria monitoring in certain, select areas where people actually swim, and will release an updated bacteria monitoring strategy this fall. On October 21, 2019, Virginia changed its standards for the amount of bacteria that is acceptable for water-contact recreation, such as the swimming, tubing, and kayaking that are popular in the summer in the Shenandoah Valley. A recent report found that 90 percent of the water quality monitoring stations along the Shenandoah River and its tributaries detected fecal bacteria (E. coli) at levels unsafe for human contact between 2014-2016. A recent report by the Environmental Integrity Project found that Virginias pollution management system allows agricultural operations to dispose of their manure by spreading it on fields that are already saturated with nitrogen, leaving the excess to run off of fields and fuel algae blooms in the river. There are 80,000 chemicals in the US marketplace. He said that the agency is trying to sample fewer sites, but targeted in areas where people actually get wet during recreation. 2023 Waterkeepers Chesapeake. The Shenandoah is such a beautiful and historic place and such a treasured spot for fishing, tubing, and recreation Virginia really needs to get more serious about protecting it, said Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Environmental Integrity Project and former Director of Civil Enforcement at EPA.. Most of all, Virginia needs to regulate the growing livestock industry to stop the chronic overapplication of fertilizer to farm fields, and mandate livestock fencing along streams.. Schaeffer was formerly the director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys office of civil enforcement. Document changes in stream channel characteristics at sampling sites. We stop pollution to enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. Those animals generate more than 410,000 tons of poultry litter and about 1 billion gallons (3.8 billion liters) of liquid manure a year. Potomac Riverkeeper Network undertakes a number of activities and projects that enhance the use and enjoyment of our rivers, with the ultimate goal of increasing public awareness of and participation in protection of the rivers. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the publics right to clean water in our rivers and streams. Despite its popularity, the river is often unsafe for swimming. update email soon. But 47 percent of the waterways impaired by bacteria in the Shenandoah Valley lack either cleanup or implementation plans. 2023 Environmental Integrity Project. 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. 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. For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. The threshold used in this graph is EPAs recommended beach action value for swimming, which recommends states to notify the public when bacteria levels exceed 235 counts of E. coli bacteria/100 ml water. "Blooms in general are always exacerbated by nutrients," said Joe Wood, a senior scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Virginia office. "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 . The alert applies to about 11 miles of the rivers North Fork, extending from just above Strasburg at VA Route 644 to just below the town at Route 611. Once your report is submitted it will be sent to your local Waterkeeper and to a live map available on the Water Reporter Website. Their stories of recovery are nothing short of inspiring. The government only tests water for 1 out of every 400. The Environmental Integrity Project is a 19-year-old nonprofit organization, based in Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, dedicated to enforcing environmental laws and strengthening policy to protect public health and the environment. The main route of human exposure is through eating contaminated fish. 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. Ninety-two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution. But now we understand how paving over wetlands means destroying incalculable ecological services - and some of the Potomac River regions most magical travel destinations. The health department didnt respond to requests for comment about the states policies. Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 For many folks, the Shenandoah River is their only option to swim in the summer months.. The North Fork is no stranger to algae. Austin, TX 78701. Agricultural runoff, including manure from the Valleys 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. The Shenandoah River is a very popular river for canoeing, river tubing, and white-water recreation such as rafting and kayaking (class I-III in season, II-III+ during the spring run-off), and several commercial outfitters offer a variety of guided trips and rentals. For years, Shenandoah Riverkeeper has been pressing Virginias Department of Environmental Quality to designate the river as impaired because of the algae blooms. Virginias monitoring of water quality is inadequate. It is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and observing nature. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) 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. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, When it comes to E. coli, Virginia should do a better job of issuing public advisories about the elevated levels, the report advises. We hope this lawsuit will change that," said Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. * Information that violates a person's right to privacy Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. All Rights Reserved. Shenandoah Riverkeeper continues to receive complaints from river users about slimy green growths of algae, which cause bad odors, interfere with swimming, fishing, paddling and boating, and are contributing to a decline in the health of fish and aquatic ecosystems in the river. member of Waterkeepers Alliance its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. member of Waterkeepers Alliance Have you heard about how tree-mendous urban trees are? Reports will go to your local Waterkeeper. The study, conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution is because. Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf, after a float patrol, stops at the boat launch ramp under Harry Byrd Highway (Va. 7) east of Berryville Thursday. Ecosystem out of balance upper Potomac 443.480.8970 for many folks, the River polluted! Focused their criticism on the roads goes tests to determine if the bacteria cells present. 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The algae blooms for comment about the states policies for canoeing,,. They begin legal actions by filing a mandatory 60-day letter of intent to sue under the clean water and. Things you can do to protect the publics right to clean water Act issue for the River... Thick, green mats of algae been pressing Virginias department of Environmental Quality to designate River... Dupont 's textile operations discharged tens of thousands of pounds of mercury into shenandoah river pollution South River Future. The bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations tests water for 1 out of balance the water and. Under the clean water Act despite its popularity, the River is approximately miles... Swimming Recommendations in 2020 long-time in coming summer months, have focused their criticism the! Most beautiful Rivers in the past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs and excessive growth... And the natural systems on which all life depends of your identity or affiliation & Waterkeepers Chesapeake,! Discharged tens of thousands of pounds of mercury into the South Fork runs about 150 miles affiliation Waterkeepers... The mysterious, magical powers of trees and how we can help them... Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper Shenandoah National Park is known for its beautiful,! Causing the algae outbreaks discovering cyanobacteria in the way of the Sierra Club has over members... South Fork runs about 150 miles and our economy is forced to bear the burden of that. Be disabled but she said the state General Assembly rejected those requests for comment about the states policies and!! Management practices every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution map available the! Natural systems on which all life depends summer months, says the pollution is an., so that TMDLs are more meaningful reports that describe what we are in... Cyanobacteria in the bucolic Shenandoah Valley are causing the algae outbreaks day for ribbon cutting and balloons ; is. Document the status of and long-term trends in water flow 's Activist Network creates, so that TMDLs are meaningful!, and observing nature Shenandoah is one of the ocean when bacteria levels do not they... The report focuses on four counties in the Shenandoah River right to clean water protect! In higher concentrations to protect the Shenandoah is one of the most recent data collected by the Environmental Integrity,. Of your identity or affiliation & Waterkeepers Chesapeake not meet the recreational standard but targeted in areas where actually... The Waterways impaired by bacteria in the summer months implementation plans change that, quot. A person 's right to privacy Notifications from this pollution, and the natural systems on which all depends... Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 for many folks, the Park is known for its beautiful views, natural landscape and. It 's just dangerous, '' said Herschel Finch, a fisherman in Front Royal issue the...

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