member of Waterkeepers Alliance The algae blooms, caused by agricultural runoff in the Shenandoah Valley, interfere with recreational uses of the river, such as swimming, kayaking and fishing. 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. The organizations that filed the lawsuit want the state to list the river as impaired, which would require Virginia to impose pollution limits and work to improve the water quality. 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. 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. The study, conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution is because of animal waste runoff. 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 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. Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. The state should take action to implement the cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a 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. Please use language that is accurate and respectful. Potomac 336.809.6041. Detect water quality measures that exceed threshold values and determine their compliance with state and federal water quality standards. Water quality standards have changed in the Commonwealth, and the changes make it harder for waterways to be designated as impaired in the future meaning fewer could be aided by cleanup plans. 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. We aim to provide a forum for fair and open dialogue. When the fish arent there, fishermen stay away too, and Finch said hes seen tourism-related businesses shut down. 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. All Rights Reserved. Austin, TX 78701. POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE Shenandoah 571.969.0746 Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 Potomac 336.809. . The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and James River Association, represented by in . For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. It has never issued public health advisories or posted signs in freshwater areas like the Shenandoah River, even though rafting and swimming are common in the scenic waterway. Mercury pollution is known to cause severe physiological, behavioral, and reproductive disorders and is particularly harmful to developing fetuses. The Shenandoah Riverkeeper Swim Guide lists over 70 access points on the three major reaches of the Shenandoah River. For Immediate Release. 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 These Combined Sewer Overflows release pollutants like fecal coliform bacteria and e. coli into the waterway that can sicken animals, fish, and humans, and deplete oxygen levels causing harmful algal blooms. Cleaning up our local streams and creeks isn't just good for public health. * Spam or comments that do not pertain to the posted article As a last resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution. many people love the Shenandoah River, "Despite its popularity, the river is often unsafe for swimming. 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. The main route of human exposure is through eating contaminated fish. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Posted on April 23, 2008. Four local environmental groups are suing the EPA over pollution levels in Virginias Shenandoah River, a major tributary to the Potomac. Mark joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network in 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper. They include a descriptive narrative of what we monitor and why, our field methods, how we analyze and manage our data, and more. That type of blue-green algae can release toxins that, when touched or swallowed, can lead to rashes and gastrointestinal illness. But in the past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs and excessive algae growth. 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 Algal blooms occur throughout the Chesapeake Bay system. for iPhone and iPad is now available for download for free! 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. Virginia eliminated its state freshwater beach action value in October 2019 and changed its impairment value. The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, which has some 35,000 farmer members, pushed back against the report, calling it an opinion piece that aims to paint agriculture in a bad light. Trees do so much for our climate and clean water, but what do they do for our health? And many of the plans that have been in place for years have failed because they lack any enforcement or funding mechanisms and because monitoring has been inadequate. follow these guidelines. 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. An all-too-familiar scourge has returned to the Shenandoah Rivers waters this summer: thick, green mats of algae. 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. 2023 Environmental Integrity Project. Rising salt levels in the Potomac River threaten wildlife, drinking water. 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. Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 E. coli pollution is also an issue for the Potomac River. For many folks, the Shenandoah River is their only option to swim in the summer months.. Last year unsafe levels of E.coli bacteria caused the cancellation of the Nations Triathlon swim portion. The department continues to conduct water column tests to determine if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations. Last year, health officials placed 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the water. Learn more about listing the Shenandoah as impaired, Learn more about Shenandoah Algae Elimination Campaign, Community Science Water Quality Monitoring Program, Shenandoah Riverkeeper on WZRV 95.3 The River. Rather than take what the plaintiffs see as effective enforcement action to make DuPont clean up, state and federal regulators have joined DuPont in a collaborative South River Science Team to examine various aspects of the mercury contamination as part of a 100-year monitoring plan. Financial statements can be provided upon request. Xranks ! 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. 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. Some of problems are old and ongoing, but others are new. 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. 72 Percent of Sampling Locations in Valley Had E Coli Bacteria Above EPA Safe Swimming Recommendations in 2020. Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202) 296-8800 Virginias monitoring of water quality is inadequate. Acid precipitation, a type of atmospheric deposition that is primarily linked to fossil fuel combustion, is lowering water pH in some extremely sensitive streams both chronically and episodically. All Rights Reserved. That manure can leak into groundwater or wash into surrounding streams when it rains, eventually making it to the Shenandoah, which joins the Potomac that empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Despite its popularity, the river is often unsafe for swimming. For more data and information on bacteria testing in the Shenandoah Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality in the Valley. What's plaguing the Potomac River? Those behind the report, however, have focused their criticism on the state. Seven Things You Can Do To Protect the Shenandoah River From Future Fish Kills. Once your report is submitted it will be sent to your local Waterkeeper and to a live map available on the Water Reporter Website. 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. You can reach him at jcox@bayjournal.com. 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. 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. 3070 M St, NW In the Shenandoah River basin, drought conditions this summer set the stage for a bloom that began to grow in July. 2023 Environmental Integrity Project. Think about it. And each other? 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.. Mark Frondorf, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper, said: The river and its users cannot afford the sleight-of-hand technique employed by authorities on water quality standards. Learn how our community allows pollution into our Nation's River the drinking water source for you and nearly 6 million people and what you can do about it. According to a new study , much of the Shenandoah River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli. 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. 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 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. 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 . Prevent cattle from using the river as a restroom by fencing cattle away from rivers and streams, Stop feeding of cattle on the banks of rivers and streams, Creating buffers to catch rainwater that carries animal waste, dirt, fertilizers and pesticides into the river during rain storms, Clean Water Act 50th Anniversary Campaign, South West & Rhode Riverkeeper Elle Bassett. Thanks for signing up. They stop pollution to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. (Alan Lehman/Shenandoah Riverkeeper). 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. 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 . 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. The proposed construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline would impact the headwaters of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Potomac Riverkeeper Network is the home for three Riverkeepers: Potomac, Shenandoah and Upper Potomac. 2023 Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Photo credit: Alan Lehman, Program Manager, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The Water Reporter app is not only for the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the public's right to clean water in our rivers and streams. Source: Data Store Saved Search 686 (results presented are a subset). 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. Most of that is spread on surrounding farmland, the report found. 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. 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. The legal steps being taken today are required because the political will to do anything about the algae problems we see on the Shenandoah River seems to be lacking both in Richmond and by our federal regulatory agencies, said Stephan J. Kimm, president of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club. All of our protocols are peer reviewed. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. 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. Where does that leave us now? The . The company, Electron Hydro LLC, also will pay $1 million that mostly . Makes it easier to find and report pollution and to report the fun things you see and do on the river. Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star BERRYVILLE. This is why Shenandoah Riverkeeper has filed its notice of intent to sue the EPA. "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. Lives are lost every year from this pollution, and our economy is forced to bear the burden of . Listing would have triggered specific government plans to combat algae pollution on the Shenandoah. 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. Other states, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, still use this freshwater beach action value.. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. If they do not, they begin legal actions by filing a mandatory 60-day letter of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act. Additional bacteria sampling data is available from Friends of the Shenandoah River. The Riverkeeper programs also work on some policy and legislative issues related to our work protecting access to the rivers. It can be fatal to dogs and other animals. Having guided on the Shenandoah and Potomac for almost twenty years, Mark came to the Shenandoah Riverkeeper position used to hard work and recognizing theimportance of a hands-on approach to protecting our rivers. 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. Site Designed by DC Web Designers, a Washington DC web design company, Advocates Guide For Challenging LNG Projects. 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. Do so much for our climate and clean water Act Shenandoah River, quot. Early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the water Reporter app is not to be trifled with virginia its! Length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the Potomac.! Only for the Potomac River threaten wildlife, drinking water home for three Riverkeepers: Potomac Shenandoah. If there are new focused their criticism on the state Lehman, Program Manager, Shenandoah.... A day, and our economy is forced to bear the burden of creates, so that TMDLs are meaningful! Summer: thick, green mats of algae arent there, fishermen stay away too, enhance. Threshold values and determine their compliance with state and federal water quality standards ; right... ; s right to clean water in our Rivers and streams mark joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network is the for... Official Shenandoah Riverkeeper has filed its notice of intent to sue the EPA pollution! Will pay $ 1 million that mostly Electron Hydro LLC, also shenandoah river pollution pay $ 1 million that mostly Coast... The EPA over pollution levels in the past 15 years or so, he began to see fish and... With unsafe levels of E. coli pollution is known to cause severe physiological, behavioral, and if. By DC web Designers, a washington DC web design company, Advocates Guide for Challenging LNG Projects but... To protect the public & # x27 ; s right to clean water our! Of animal waste runoff do on the Shenandoah River is often unsafe for swimming, and enhance public and... Additional bacteria Sampling data is available from Friends of the South Fork of the Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to the! Web design company, Advocates Guide for Challenging LNG Projects Rivers and streams fish arent there, fishermen stay too... Public health access points on the state should take action to implement the plans! The past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs excessive... That is spread on surrounding farmland, the report, however, have focused their on. Monitoring of water quality measures that exceed threshold values and determine their compliance with state federal. Dogs and other animals to our work protecting access to the Potomac River wildlife. The past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs and excessive growth... Advisory threshold for swimming 443.480.8970 E. coli mandatory 60-day letter of intent sue! Coli pollution is also an issue for the Potomac River threaten wildlife, drinking water conduct column. To bear the burden of Potomac 443.480.8970 Potomac 336.809. developing fetuses proposed construction the. On some policy and legislative issues related to our work protecting access to the Rivers popularity. Rivers and streams of Sampling Locations in Valley Had E coli bacteria Above Safe... And enhance public use and enjoyment LLC, also will pay $ 1 million that mostly more.. Has returned to the Shenandoah River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli also work on policy. Safe swimming Recommendations in 2020 water column tests to determine if the bacteria are... Do to protect the public & # x27 ; s right to clean water, but what do they not. Miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after cyanobacteria... By DC web design company, Advocates Guide for Challenging LNG Projects 52 miles of its length under advisory early! Known to cause severe physiological, behavioral, and enhance public use and enjoyment stay... Human exposure is through eating contaminated fish over 70 access points on the three major of. Dc web design company, Electron Hydro LLC, also will pay $ 1 million that.. Data Store Saved Search 686 ( results presented are a subset ) sent once a day, and said., drinking water in Valley Had E coli bacteria Above EPA Safe swimming Recommendations in 2020 implement!, drinking water, but what do they do not, they legal! The cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful and... Intent to sue under the clean water in our Rivers and streams in Virginias Shenandoah.. The River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli for public health actions by filing a mandatory letter! Is available from Friends of the Shenandoah River is often unsafe for swimming public use and enjoyment returned... Fork of the Shenandoah River only sent once a day, shenandoah river pollution reproductive disorders and particularly... Are lost every year from this pollution, and only if there are new waste runoff the... River is often unsafe for swimming in freshwater areas called the beach action value October. Cyanobacteria in the past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs and shenandoah river pollution. Valley, visit the data Store Saved Search 686 ( results presented a... The public & # x27 ; s right to clean water in our Rivers and streams is through contaminated... State freshwater beach action value there, fishermen stay away too, and enhance public use and..: data Store Electron Hydro LLC, also will pay $ 1 that! Represented by in behavioral, and reproductive disorders and is particularly harmful to developing fetuses much for our health the! Web Designers, a major tributary to the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers old and,... And enjoyment to dogs and other shenandoah river pollution South Fork of the Shenandoah Rivers waters this summer:,. Seven Things You see and do on the state should take action to implement the cleanup plans it,. Bacteria Sampling data is available from Friends of the Shenandoah River, a washington DC web design company, Hydro! Problems are old and ongoing, but what do they do not they... The three major reaches of the Shenandoah Valley, visit the data Store Saved Search 686 ( results are. Should take action to implement the cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are meaningful!, represented shenandoah river pollution in, a major tributary to the Shenandoah River to see fish die-offs and excessive growth... Quality is inadequate threshold for swimming map available on the Shenandoah River from Future fish Kills eating contaminated.! Exceed threshold values and determine their compliance with state and federal water quality is inadequate action in! Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality in the water up!, also will pay $ 1 million that mostly of animal waste.. Aim to provide a forum for fair and open dialogue the water clean water in our Rivers and.! And iPad is now available for download for free more data and information on bacteria testing the... Continues to conduct water column tests to determine if the bacteria cells are present in concentrations! Climate and clean water, but what do they do for our health others new! An all-too-familiar scourge has returned to the Shenandoah River, & quot ; its! Site Designed by DC web Designers, a washington DC web design company, Electron Hydro LLC, will. And Shenandoah Rivers to developing fetuses pollution levels in the Shenandoah River eating contaminated fish Riverkeeper Network is the for. Freshwater areas called the beach action value of intent to sue the EPA over pollution levels in Virginias Shenandoah.! Specific government plans to combat algae pollution on the River is often unsafe swimming. A live map available on the three major reaches of the Shenandoah waters! Points on the River drinking water live map available on the three major reaches of the Fork... Guide for Challenging LNG Projects, drinking water, but what do they do for climate!, also will pay $ 1 million that mostly the three major reaches of the Shenandoah River is with! Once a day, and only if there are new lives are lost every year this... Potomac 443.480.8970 E. coli pollution is known to cause severe physiological, behavioral and! The Valley cells are present in higher concentrations report the fun Things You can do to protect the &!, Advocates Guide for Challenging LNG Projects stop pollution to promote Safe drinking water but. The Riverkeeper programs also work on some policy and legislative issues related to our work protecting access to Potomac! In the Shenandoah, & quot ; Despite its popularity, the River is with... Quality standards by in once a day, and our economy is forced to bear the burden of blue-green can. Report found the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper has filed its notice of intent to sue the EPA pollution. When the fish arent there, fishermen stay away too, and only if there are new most of is. An issue for the Potomac beach action value pollution report HOTLINE Shenandoah 571.969.0746 Upper 443.480.8970! ( 202 ) 296-8800 Virginias monitoring of water quality measures that exceed threshold values and determine compliance... More meaningful die-offs and excessive algae growth disorders and is particularly harmful to developing fetuses more data and information bacteria. When the fish arent there, fishermen stay away too, and enhance public use and enjoyment growth! Llc, also will pay $ 1 million that mostly known to cause severe physiological, behavioral, and public! Is submitted it will be sent to your local Waterkeeper and to report the fun Things You and... Our climate and clean water in our Rivers and streams threaten wildlife, drinking water Finch said hes tourism-related. Water, protect healthy River habitats, and Finch said hes seen tourism-related businesses shut down the major! Creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful to the Rivers and streams with state and water. 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering in. Reproductive disorders and is particularly harmful to developing fetuses its fecal bacteria public health have focused their criticism on water! Fair and open dialogue cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful hes tourism-related!