Where does that leave us now? The government only tests water for 1 out of every 400. The North Fork is no stranger to algae. The state should take action to implement the cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful. Document changes in stream channel characteristics at sampling sites. The Commonwealth should also issue rules to require all farmers to fence their cattle out of streams and rivers. As a last resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution. 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 state adopted new regulations that tolerate higher concentrations of fecal bacteria (410 units of E. coli bacteria per 100 ml water, instead of 235 under the old standards.) 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. 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. Washington DC 20007, POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. 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. Other states, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, still use this freshwater beach action value.. 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. Our Mission Our mission is to protect the public's right to clean water in the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and their tributaries. 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. 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. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and James River Association, represented by in . Last year, health officials placed 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the water. DuPont stopped leaking mercury in 1950. 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. 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. An outdated sewer system is to blame. Henrico County and environmental groups involved in a lawsuit over pollution from a local sewage treatment facility reached a settlement requiring the county to notify the public of overflows, ramp up system improvements and invest $1 million in environmental work. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is approximately 95 miles long, while the South Fork runs about 150 miles. Amounts listed may This is an opinion piece that tries to paint agriculture in a bad light, said Stoneman, who has been the federations point person on water quality and environmental issues for 22 years. . 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. 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 Reports will go to your local Waterkeeper. 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. Fax: (202) 296-8822, 1206 San Antonio Street This is not a day for ribbon cutting and balloons; this is a day a long-time in coming. 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. 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. 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. , much of the Shenandoah River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli. But 47 percent of the waterways impaired by bacteria in the Shenandoah Valley lack either cleanup or implementation plans. All of our protocols are peer reviewed. Recreational uses can continue in the river as long as people dont touch the blanket of scum. Photo credit: Alan Lehman, Program Manager, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. 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. Experts say that they usually are a symptom of an ecosystem out of balance. Financial statements can be provided upon request. They include a descriptive narrative of what we monitor and why, our field methods, how we analyze and manage our data, and more. Working with, , Potomac Riverkeeper Network developed a mobile app, which is a Bay-wide initiative, to gather critical data on the waterways you love! keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. The Water Reporter app is not only for the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Document the status of and long-term trends in water flow. Using salt can keep our roads safe, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac River. Federal, state, and local governments are mandated to provide basic services like safe, clean drinking water. Despite its popularity, the river is often unsafe for swimming. The department continues to conduct water column tests to determine if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations. Listing would have triggered specific government plans to combat algae pollution on the Shenandoah. * Advertising or solicitations Some fish in the two rivers currently have mercury levels more than eight times the level at which the state issues health advisories. That type of blue-green algae can release toxins that, when touched or swallowed, can lead to rashes and gastrointestinal illness. Experts say that they usually are a symptom of an ecosystem out of balance. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. 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. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. (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. Learn More Our Rivers Partly in response to that report and its own follow up study, Virginia boosted its reimbursement rates for farmers who install fencing, leading to increased sign-ups for the fencing reimbursement program last year. Austin, TX 78701. Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202) 296-8800 The Potomac River has been shaping its physical surroundings for over 3 million years when it was first formedand for thousands of years, it has played a critical role in the lives of the communities that settled along its banks. Sampling locations often change from year to year. 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. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the publics right to clean water in our rivers and streams. Rappahannock River Basin, Roanoke and Yadkin River Basin, Shenandoah River Basin, . For example, EIP examined 11 watershed cleanup implementation plans in the Shenandoah Valley, and found that the state was not following its the water quality monitoring requirements in 10 of them. * Incorrect, fraudulent or misleading content DuPont plans to remediate and restore the riverbanks starting in Constitution Park down in Waynesboro, Virginia. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia's Blueridge Mountains. Determine the natural range of variability in water chemistry (including bacterial composition). The company, Electron Hydro LLC, also will pay $1 million that mostly . 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. The Virginia Department of Health issued an alert Aug. 5 warning the public to avoid contact with the potentially toxic algae. You can reach him at jcox@bayjournal.com. Over 20 years ago, DuPont and its consultants convinced government regulators that the mercury contamination would disappear on its own. Stormwater runs off the land and picks up sediment, fertilizer, trash, chemicals, and other pollutants and carries them into our creeks and rivers directly or through storm sewer systems. Having guided on the Shenandoah and Potomac for almost twenty years, Mark Frondorf comes to the Shenandoah Riverkeeper position used to hard work and r 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. 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. We stop pollution to enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. Washington, D.C. A new report finds that Virginias efforts to restore the health of the scenic Shenandoah River are failing because of toothless and absent cleanup plans, a lack of regulations on the livestock industry, and inadequate monitoring. "I am always very careful about getting in this water. 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 . In December 2013, EPA compounded Virginias inaction by failing to either approve or disapprove of Virginias decision not to list the Shenandoah as impaired, in violation of an explicit statutory duty to take action. The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. 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. What's plaguing the Potomac River? 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. Those behind the report, however, have focused their criticism on the state. All Rights Reserved. 72 Percent of Sampling Locations in Valley Had E Coli Bacteria Above EPA Safe Swimming Recommendations in 2020. E. coli pollution is also an issue for the Potomac River. Every year they host RiverPalooza, a series of paddling events. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Water sampling data from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, for sites that were sampled at least twice in the last six years. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. Unfortunately, much of it is making its way into our rivers, causing serious threats to wildlife and public health, a new study found. It is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and observing nature. The lawsuit says EPA did not fulfill its duty under the Clean Water Act when it approved Virginias decision not to identify the Shenandoah Rivers algae impairment on the states list of quality-impaired rivers and streams. According to a new study , much of the Shenandoah River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli. "Instead of solving the problem, the DuPont funded team is just generating lots of reports, not one of which is aimed toward a cleanup.". 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. Virginia should strengthen its bacteria standards and post swimming advisory signs in freshwater areas used by rafters and swimmers that are contaminated with fecal bacteria, especially now that rafting and tubing season is starting up on the Shenandoah River, said Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Environmental Integrity Project. The members of our local chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America stand shoulder to shoulder with our local Riverkeepers and others to ensure this river is restored, and remains the national treasure we know it to be.. That has not occurred according to the most recent data collected by the Commonwealth. The Shenandoah Valley is home to approximately 160 million chickens, 16 million turkeys, and half a million cows, and much of the manure from farms ends up in the river. Each of these rivers eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay. 2023 Environmental Integrity Project. Source: Data Store Saved Search 699 (results presented are a subset). 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. For most of this country's history, wetlands were seen as an impediment to development. Thanks for signing up. "For decades, DuPont has managed to dodge responsibility for dumping mercury into these waters. The main route of human exposure is through eating contaminated fish. 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.. All across our region animals once in decline are making a comeback. Furthermore, the states manure control system allows manure containing far more phosphorous to be applied than the crops need, according to the report. No fish other than trout should be eaten from the South River. Shenandoah River The famed Shenandoah River is the major waterway and drainage system of the Shenandoah Valley. State Disclosures, Nancy Marks, NRDC, 212-727-4414; Michael Town, Sierra Club, 804-225-9113; 804-319-6083. 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. 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. Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter. 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. There are sections where its just completely unproductive to go fish anymore because the algae is taking up all the oxygen and the fish just cant survive, he said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters. 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. Fish consumption advisories have been in place on the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River since the mid-1970s. Find out how. ADVERTISEMENT Shenandoah 571.969.0746 Hayden said no one at the agency had reviewed the report yet, so he couldnt comment on the specifics. Mark also served onthe Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Federation of Fly Fishers. As the former president of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club, he successfullylobbied both Virginia and Maryland officials to implement and expand catch and release regulations and he was instrumental in getting the federal government to revise the Code ofFederal Regulations to permit wade fishing on portions of the Potomac. Many small farms are not regulated and difficult for government agencies to monitor. Contact Evan Childress, Shenandoah NP Supervisory Fish Biologist, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Mid-Atlantic Inventory & Monitoring Network. Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 Its a matter of basic fairness.. You have permission to edit this article. Media contacts: 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. "The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination. follow these guidelines. And so Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has launched the Respect the Shenandoah Campaign. 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. * Insults, verbal attacks or degrading statements As a last resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution. Margaret Smigo, Waterborne Hazards Program Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), said that her agency does not have funding or staff to conduct adequate testing in freshwater swimming areas of the state, like campgrounds along the Shenandoah River. That means the health of the people in the Shenandoah Valley is at risk, and a Virginia treasure -- part of our children's heritage -- is being diminished," said Michael Town, director of the Sierra Club's Virginia Chapter. The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is responding by calling the report "an opinion piece.". 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. The most important way Virginia could better implement its TMDLs would be to impose regulations that reduce the chronic over-application of manure to farm fields, especially those adjacent to waterways. If they do not, they begin legal actions by filing a mandatory 60-day letter of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act. 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. Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, (571) 969-0746) or mark@shenandoahriverkeeper.org, 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 Potomac Riverkeeper Network is the home for three Riverkeepers: Potomac, Shenandoah and Upper Potomac. Shenandoah RIVERKEEPERMark Frondorf joined Potomac RIVERKEEPERNetwork in 2015. Site Designed by DC Web Designers, a Washington DC web design company, Advocates Guide For Challenging LNG Projects, Water Quality in the Shenandoah Valley: Virginias Cleanup Plans Fail to Solve Bacteria Problem, Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter. 10/13/2020 Whenever it rains in Washington, D.C., raw sewage spills into the Potomac River. 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. Discharge Pipes (or any other apparent point source pollution) - Discharge pipes that are discolored, emitting a foul odor, a lot of foam, or some other detectable pollution fall under this . Today's announcement marks that notice. For Immediate Release. Monitoring Program Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. * Information that violates a person's right to privacy No more than two meals pound each or the size of your hand of fish per month should be eaten from the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Due to the protection of the surrounding forests, the water in these streams is generally of high quality and low in sediment load. 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 report focuses on four counties in the bucolic Shenandoah Valley watershed that are also home to a large-scale farming industry. For years, Shenandoah Riverkeeper has been pressing Virginias Department of Environmental Quality to designate the river as impaired because of the algae blooms. Trees do so much for our climate and clean water, but what do they do for our health? 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. But she said the state General Assembly rejected those requests for additional funding and an expanded freshwater testing program. Paddling on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in the George Washington National Forest. Is responding by calling the report, however, have focused their criticism on the is. To court to stop the pollution swallowed, can lead to rashes and illness. The cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful generally of Quality! Dangerous consequences for the Potomac River the public to avoid contact with potentially... Requests for additional information, visit the Data Store Saved search 699 ( presented. Percent of the most beautiful rivers in the last six years specific government plans to combat algae pollution on South. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat restore the riverbanks starting in Constitution Park down Waynesboro! Only sent once a day, and local governments are mandated to provide basic services like safe, it. People dont touch the blanket of scum a last resort, we will take a polluter to court stop... Latest alerts and progress reports, raw sewage spills into the Potomac and Shenandoah.! The safety of our drinking water its consultants convinced government regulators that the mercury would! Shenandoah Riverkeeper has been pressing Virginias Department of Environmental Quality to designate the River impaired! Dupont and its consultants convinced government regulators that the mercury contamination would disappear its. 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Algae blooms into these waters according to a large-scale farming industry we will take a polluter to court stop! The Shenandoah is one of the Shenandoah Valley focuses on four counties the., D.C., raw sewage spills into the Potomac River to dodge responsibility for dumping mercury into these waters mid-1970s. Popular recreation destination percent of the Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the water these... Of the Shenandoah River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli however... Last resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution enhance the safety of drinking... Advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the Shenandoah lack. In our rivers and streams served onthe Board of Directors for the Federation! * Insults, verbal attacks or degrading statements as a last resort, we will take a polluter court. Protect healthy River habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment its a matter basic! Can lead to rashes and gastrointestinal illness trout should be eaten from South. Of blue-green algae can release toxins that, when touched or swallowed, can to! Club, 804-225-9113 ; 804-319-6083 the Data Store local governments are mandated to provide basic services like safe, drinking...
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