Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202) 296-8800 For more data and information on bacteria testing in the Shenandoah Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality in the Valley. 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 North Fork is no stranger to algae. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 550,000 members nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The main route of human exposure is through eating contaminated fish. For several years, Shenandoah Riverkeeper has worked with research partners at the USGS and other agencies on further understanding the health effects of endocrine disruptors in rivers, vigilantly monitoring the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers for further fish kills, and are building community awareness. Until Virginias waters are cleaned up, Schaeffer said, the Commonwealth should raise no swimming advisory signs in parts of the Shenandoah that are often used for swimming and tubing but that have unsafe levels of fecal bacteria. Ninety-two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution. Last month, the DuPont Company announced its plan to stop mercury from contaminating the South River, which is one of the leading tributaries for the South Fork of the Shenandoah. 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. I make sure not to get it in my eyes, God forbid I drink any of it. 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. 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. 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. 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. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. We will Xranks ! keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. The health department didnt respond to requests for comment about the states policies. Unfortunately, to date, such efforts have not been successful.. His passion for the water,combined with his people and analytical skills, honed over 25 years as a think tank seniorpolicy analyst tackling some of the most vexing issues facing our nation, make him ideallysuited to defend the Shenandoah against pollution, protect our right to clean water, andpromote the recreational use of this beautiful river. Document the status of and long-term trends in water flow. Source: Data Store Saved Search 709. March 1, 2023. 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 lawsuit, filed by Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, the Warren County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, and the Potomac River Smallmouth Club, alleges that the EPA has failed to protect the river, which suffers from excessive algae blooms and high levels of pollution. We hope this lawsuit will change that, said Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. . Snows certainly not been a stanger this winter! Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202) 296-8800 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. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a The study, conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution is because of animal waste runoff. But in the past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs and excessive algae growth. The organization says it has approximately 35,000 farmer members. 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. 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.. Potomac Riverkeeper Network is the home for three Riverkeepers: Potomac, Shenandoah and Upper Potomac. , much of the Shenandoah River is polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli. The North Fork is no stranger to algae. But there's one part of the country that's bucking the trend. 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 They also harm native grasses and affect aquatic life. Many small farms are not regulated and difficult for government agencies to monitor. The warning signs could include a website or hotline that people could use to get the most recent bacteria monitoring information. 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. 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. 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. Discover 11 fun facts about the mysterious, magical powers of trees and how we can help support them! 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. Spanning over 200,000 acres of land, the park is known for its beautiful views, natural landscape, and diverse wildlife. Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf, after a float patrol, stops at the boat launch ramp under Harry Byrd Highway (Va. 7) east of Berryville Thursday. 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. 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. We hope this lawsuit will change that," said Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. In order to guarantee that our water is safe, these pollutants must be stopped from entering waterways in the first place, and we must study, test for, andif necessaryremove endocrine disruptors in our water supply. 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. Shenandoah 571.969.0746 The Environmental Integrity Projects report makes the following recommendations: The Virginia General Assembly and VDEQ need to invest enough in staffing and resources to create cleanup and implementation plans for the nearly half of impaired waterway miles in the Shenandoah Valley that lack one or the other of them today. * Misrepresentation of your identity or affiliation Community Science Water Quality Monitoring Program, Shenandoah Riverkeeper on WZRV 95.3 The River, the DuPont Company announced its plan to stop mercury from contaminating the South River, http://southriverscienceteam.org/what-is-srst/, http://southriverscienceteam.org/news/fact-sheets/SR_No2.pdf, http://southriverscienceteam.org/news/newsletters/2016/UPDATE_2016_First%20Half_final.pdf. . Agricultural runoff in the Shenandoah Valley are causing the algae outbreaks. The Commonwealth should also issue rules to require all farmers to fence their cattle out of streams and rivers. 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. 2023 Waterkeepers Chesapeake. You have permission to edit this article. When the fish arent there, fishermen stay away too, and Finch said hes seen tourism-related businesses shut down. 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 . 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. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. E. coli pollution is also an issue for the Potomac River. 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. its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. 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. The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination. Network Headquarters Want to have a yard that works for clean water not against it? The . ADVERTISEMENT An outdated sewer system is to blame. POLLUTION REPORT HOTLINE Shenandoah 571.969.0746 Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 Potomac 336.809. . 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. Their stories of recovery are nothing short of inspiring. The slimy mats are patchy to widespread along that stretch of river, the agency said. Ninety-two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution. Omission from the list means delay in addressing a serious and growing problem. Financial statements can be provided upon request. If they do not, they begin legal actions by filing a mandatory 60-day letter of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act. DuPont stopped leaking mercury in 1950. for iPhone and iPad is now available for download for free! Some of problems are old and ongoing, but others are new. Recreational uses can continue in the river as long as people dont touch the blanket of scum. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. 2023, Potomac Conservancy, Silver Spring, MD. To many environmental groups, the root of the algae issue in the Shenandoah is clear: nutrient pollution, especially from agriculture. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. 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. Please use language that is accurate and respectful. 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. "For decades, DuPont has managed to dodge responsibility for dumping mercury into these waters. Ever wonder where all that salt on the roads goes? Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children should not eat fish from these waters. 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. EPA has failed to carry out a non-discretionary duty to either approve or disapprove of Virginias list of waters deemed impaired under the Clean Water Act, which was published in 2012 without an acknowledgment of the Shenandoahs algae problems. All rights reserved. He said that the agency is trying to sample fewer sites, but targeted in areas where people actually get wet during recreation. Four local environmental groups are suing the EPA over pollution levels in Virginias Shenandoah River, a major tributary to the Potomac. 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. Its a matter of basic fairness.. 10/13/2020 Whenever it rains in Washington, D.C., raw sewage spills into the Potomac River. Scientists expected mercury levels to decline over time, but instead they remained stable, because the riverbank soils captured the mercury and it leaches into the river during high water. Federal, state, and local governments are mandated to provide basic services like safe, clean drinking water. Using salt can keep our roads safe, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac River. On this episode of fishing the DMV we talk to Mark Frondorf. 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 If constructed, this pipeline will traverse the South River, one of two rivers that join up down by Waynesboro to form the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. They stop pollution to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. 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. 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. As a last resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution. 3070 M St, NW The Southern Environmental Law Center will be assisting in the case. Jeremy Cox is a Bay Journal staff writer based in Maryland. Our Mission Our mission is to protect the public's right to clean water in the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and their tributaries. 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. 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. Reports will go to your local Waterkeeper. 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. 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. Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. We aim to provide a forum for fair and open dialogue. These monitoring reports are more in-depth than resource briefs and include data analysis and a discussion of our findings. 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. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a Algal blooms occur throughout the Chesapeake Bay system. 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. "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. 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. The Virginia Department of Health issued an alert Aug. 5 warning the public to avoid contact with the potentially toxic algae. Potomac 336.809.6041. 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.. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. Shenandoah Riverkeeper tracks, comments on and challenges Clean Water Act permits for stormwater from construction sites, industrial sites, and municipal stormwater systems. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. Last year unsafe levels of E.coli bacteria caused the cancellation of the Nations Triathlon swim portion. Hear from a lawn care professional on how to harness natures power and take steps to ensure your lawn, big or small, is river friendly! follow these guidelines. Periodically, we publish reports that describe what we are learning in the field. 72 Percent of Sampling Locations in Valley Had E Coli Bacteria Above EPA Safe Swimming Recommendations in 2020. A potentially harmful chemical has been found in drinking water systems that serve about 7.5 million California residents, according to a report by a nonprofit environmental organization. They include a descriptive narrative of what we monitor and why, our field methods, how we analyze and manage our data, and more. The Water Reporter app is not only for the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Media contacts: & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Shenandoah Riverkeeper is working with the Allegheny Blue-Ridge Alliance and others to fight the construction of this pipeline. Sampling locations often change from year to year. Staff and legal interns also provide legal research on pollution permit compliance. This is why Shenandoah Riverkeeper has filed its notice of intent to sue the EPA. When it comes to E. coli, Virginia should do a better job of issuing public advisories about the elevated levels, the report advises. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Detect water quality measures that exceed threshold values and determine their compliance with state and federal water quality standards. "I am always very careful about getting in this water. 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. The . 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