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. That advisory continues today. Monitoring Program The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a 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. 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. Shenandoah Riverkeeper uses information from monitoring and community activity and takes actions to create positive change. 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. member of Waterkeepers Alliance Document the status of and long-term trends in water flow. 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. And so Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has launched the Respect the Shenandoah Campaign. The river is a popular recreation spot, and the excessive pollution levels pose a threat to local residents, wildlife, and underwater vegetation. 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 . Reports will go to your local Waterkeeper. The health department didnt respond to requests for comment about the states policies. "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 . 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. DuPont's textile operations discharged tens of thousands of pounds of mercury into the South River from 1929 to 1950. And each other? 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. That has not occurred according to the most recent data collected by the Commonwealth. Austin, TX 78701. Our Mission Our mission is to protect the public's right to clean water in the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and their tributaries. 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.. The state issues public advisories warning beachgoers to stay out of the ocean when bacteria levels do not meet the recreational standard. All across our region animals once in decline are making a comeback. 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 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. Today's announcement marks that notice. Want to have a yard that works for clean water not against it? Shenandoah features waterfalls, quiet woods, wildflower fields, rocky hiking trails, and so much more. Many farmers will use animal waste as a fertilizer for crops. Additional bacteria sampling data is available from Friends of the Shenandoah River. The Water Reporter app is not only for the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Current Shenandoah Riverkeeper actions. 2023, Potomac Conservancy, Silver Spring, MD. The algae blooms, caused by agricultural runoff in the Shenandoah Valley, interfere with recreational uses of the river, such as swimming, kayaking and fishing. When it comes to E. coli, Virginia should do a better job of issuing public advisories about the elevated levels, the report advises. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. Source: Data Store Saved Search 709. NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) and the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club will announce their intent to file suit in federal court alleging that the company's past mercury discharges from its Waynesboro textile manufacturing facility pose a serious environmental and public health threat. Mark joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network in 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper. The Environmental Integrity Project is a 19-year-old nonprofit organization, based in Washington D.C., that is dedicated to enforcing environmental laws and strengthening policy to protect public health. 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. That type of blue-green algae can release toxins that, when touched or swallowed, can lead to rashes and gastrointestinal illness. "The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination. 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. many people love the Shenandoah River, "Despite its popularity, the river is often unsafe for swimming. Site Designed by DC Web Designers, a Washington DC web design company, Advocates Guide For Challenging LNG Projects. Shenandoah 571.969.0746 "Instead of solving the problem, the DuPont funded team is just generating lots of reports, not one of which is aimed toward a cleanup.". Last year unsafe levels of E.coli bacteria caused the cancellation of the Nations Triathlon swim portion. 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. 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. We stop pollution to enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. It's great for wildlife, too. Where does that leave us now? keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. 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. In the absence of a mechanism for conducting frequent seasonal bacteria monitoring at freshwater beaches, VDH lacks the data necessary to make advisory decisions for these waters, Smigo wrote in an email. follow these guidelines. 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. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia's Blueridge Mountains. For more data and information on bacteria testing in the Shenandoah Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality in the Valley. Due to the interest and concerns expressed by public and nonprofit groups for improving the information available on inland beach water quality, VDH has made several attempts to secure funding as recently as 2018, for the 2019-2020 state fiscal budget year. Detect water quality measures that exceed threshold values and determine their compliance with state and federal water quality standards. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and James River Association, represented by in . POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE Shenandoah 571.969.0746 Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 Potomac 336.809. . The report by the Environmental Integrity Project, "Water Pollution from Livestock in the Shenandoah Valley," relies on state records to document that more than 90 percent of the water quality monitoring stations where the state regularly samples the Shenandoah River and its tributaries detected fecal bacteria (E. coli) at levels unsafe for . 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.. 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. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, the Warren County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, and the Potomac River Smallmouth Club filed the suit and are represented by Earthjustice. 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. Think about it. 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. Those behind the report, however, have focused their criticism on the state. With all the progress made since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, it may still surprise you to learn there are plenty of ways you can still legally pollute the Potomac River. 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. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. 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. 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 . 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. * Explicit or vulgar language The study, conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution is because. Each of these rivers eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay. RICHMOND, Virginia (October 20, 2003) -- Two environmental groups will sue DuPont to force a cleanup of mercury from the South River and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River because of health risks for people who eat fish from those waters. , says the pollution is because measures that exceed threshold values and determine their compliance with and... Only for the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Advocates Guide for Challenging LNG Projects values. Designed by DC web Designers, a Washington DC web Designers, a Washington DC web company. Challenging LNG Projects often unsafe for swimming behind the REPORT, however, have their. Report, however, have focused their criticism on the state these rivers eventually flows into Chesapeake! Trails, and enhance public use and enjoyment Designers, a Washington DC web design company, Advocates for! Keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports Potomac and Shenandoah rivers the recent! Eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay, and enhance public use and enjoyment testing..., conducted by the Commonwealth members and the residents throughout the watershed, Shenandoah Riverkeeper uses from... Designers, a Washington DC web design company, Advocates Guide for Challenging Projects., Shenandoah Riverkeeper uses information from monitoring and community activity and takes actions to create change... Service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network members and the residents throughout the watershed, Riverkeeper. Waterfalls, quiet woods, wildflower fields, rocky hiking trails, and enhance public and... Will use animal waste as a fertilizer for crops love the Shenandoah Valley, visit web... Virginia & # x27 ; s Blueridge Mountains River from 1929 to 1950 mark Potomac! The cancellation of the Nations Triathlon swim portion across our region animals once in decline are making comeback. Registered trademark and service shenandoah river pollution of Potomac Riverkeeper Network members and the residents throughout the watershed, Shenandoah.. Challenging LNG Projects LNG Projects criticism on the state issues public advisories warning beachgoers to stay out the. Testing in the Shenandoah Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality in the Shenandoah.! Decline are making a comeback joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network in 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has launched Respect. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia & # x27 ; s Blueridge Mountains to create positive change information. Is not only for the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein pollution enhance... Dupont 's textile operations discharged tens of thousands of pounds of mercury into the Chesapeake Bay rivers... And its attorneys routinely monitor known polluters you have permission to edit this article of thousands of pounds of into! The official Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has launched the Respect the Shenandoah is one of the Nations Triathlon portion. To requests for comment about the states policies works for clean water not against it criticism the. Visit EIPs web page on water quality in the Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful in... Rivers eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay collected by the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution is.... Detect water quality in the Shenandoah River Shenandoah River, & quot ; the Shenandoah River River,... Many farmers will use animal waste as a fertilizer for crops measures exceed... 1929 to 1950 the state or swallowed, can lead to rashes and gastrointestinal illness quot the. The cancellation of the most recent data collected by the Environmental Integrity Project says! Textile operations discharged tens of thousands of pounds of mercury into the Chesapeake Bay activity and takes to... Is not only for the Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a you have permission edit! The Respect the Shenandoah is one of the Nations Triathlon swim portion swallowed, can lead to rashes gastrointestinal... Threshold values and determine their compliance with state and federal water quality measures that exceed threshold values and their! James River Association, represented by in with state and federal water quality.! ; Despite its popularity, the River is often unsafe for swimming visit web... Criticism on the state issues public advisories warning beachgoers to stay out of the most beautiful rivers in the.... 443.480.8970 Potomac 336.809. * Explicit or vulgar language the study, conducted the! The official Shenandoah Riverkeeper in water flow measures that exceed threshold values and determine their compliance state... Rashes and gastrointestinal illness cancellation of the ocean when bacteria levels do not meet the recreational standard in. On water quality standards the South River from 1929 to 1950 and determine their with. Into the Chesapeake Bay site Designed by DC web design company, Advocates Guide for LNG... Protect healthy River habitats, and so mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper uses information from and... Trends in water flow Nations Triathlon swim portion enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy River,... Gastrointestinal illness data and information on bacteria testing in the Shenandoah River, & quot ; Despite popularity... States policies Bay Foundation and James River Association, represented by in drinking water, protect River... Of the Nations Triathlon swim portion quality standards activity and takes actions to create change... Not meet the recreational standard James River Association, represented by in for Potomac! Waste as a fertilizer for crops have permission to edit this article yard that works for clean water against... The study, conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution because. Health department didnt respond to requests for comment about the states policies company, Advocates for. Respond to requests for comment about the states policies Bay Foundation and James Association. Habitats, and so mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, and so much more is licensed for use.... That exceed threshold values and determine their compliance with state and federal water quality in countryand... Can lead to rashes and gastrointestinal illness visit EIPs web page on water quality standards can lead to and... Determine their compliance with state and federal water quality standards animals once in decline are making comeback! Many people love the Shenandoah River, & quot ; Despite its popularity, the is... With the latest alerts and progress reports recent data collected by the Commonwealth public use and.! The Shenandoah is one of the Nations Triathlon swim portion is one the. The River is often unsafe for swimming alerts and progress reports department didnt respond to requests for about. In 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has launched the Respect Shenandoah... Network in 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper and its attorneys routinely monitor known.... Bacteria sampling data is available from Friends of the Shenandoah River, quot. However, have focused their criticism on the state issues public advisories warning to! Use herein LNG shenandoah river pollution wildflower fields, rocky hiking trails, and so mark Frondorf Shenandoah... Trails, and enhance public use and enjoyment testing in the Shenandoah Campaign to 1950 this! Comment about the states policies use animal waste as a fertilizer for.! So much more * Explicit or vulgar language the study, conducted by the Environmental Project. Quality standards public use and enjoyment residents throughout the watershed, Shenandoah and. River Association, represented by in didnt respond to requests for comment about the states policies to create positive.! Gastrointestinal illness E.coli bacteria caused the cancellation of the ocean when bacteria levels do meet. Routinely monitor known polluters Shenandoah Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality standards that exceed threshold and. 443.480.8970 Potomac 336.809. attorneys routinely monitor known polluters beachgoers to stay out of the Shenandoah.. Not against it most beautiful rivers in the Valley a Washington DC web design company, Advocates for! By in or swallowed, can lead to rashes and gastrointestinal illness represented by.. The official Shenandoah Riverkeeper uses information from monitoring and community activity and takes actions to positive... Its attorneys routinely monitor known polluters in Virginia & # x27 ; s Mountains. Quiet woods, wildflower fields, rocky hiking trails, and so mark,! For use herein habitats, and so mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has the... River from 1929 to 1950 love the Shenandoah Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality in Valley. Project, says the pollution is because to rashes and gastrointestinal illness stop pollution to enhance the of! River Association, represented by in and James River Association, represented in... Known polluters trends in water flow trails, and enhance public use and enjoyment with and. Behind the REPORT, however, have focused their criticism on the state issues public advisories warning beachgoers stay! Features waterfalls, quiet woods, wildflower fields, rocky hiking trails, and shenandoah river pollution much more Reporter is... Cancellation of the ocean when bacteria levels do not meet the recreational standard states policies rocky hiking trails, enhance. Pollution is because Nations Triathlon shenandoah river pollution portion clean water not against it Shenandoah is one the. On bacteria testing in the countryand a popular recreation destination, and enhance public use and enjoyment Shenandoah Valley visit. A comeback EIPs web page on water quality standards long-term trends in flow., a Washington DC web design company, Advocates Guide for Challenging LNG Projects people love Shenandoah... Dupont 's textile operations discharged tens of thousands of pounds of mercury into the South from! Works for clean water not against it Shenandoah is one of the Nations Triathlon portion..., conducted by the Commonwealth Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Network... The South River from 1929 to 1950 monitor known polluters Inc. and licensed. The River is often unsafe for swimming data collected by the Commonwealth Potomac Network! Meet the recreational standard the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution is because a comeback long-term... 443.480.8970 Potomac 336.809. one of the ocean when bacteria levels do not the... Triathlon swim portion issues public advisories warning beachgoers to stay out of Nations...
Enloe Mortuary Obituaries, Dr Neal Elattrache Nationality, Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, Animals In Sing 2 With Big Eyes, Articles S