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 solution is not to lower the standards so that the public is misled into thinking the river is safe for contact, but rather to enhance the standards and then act to resolve the impairment., MONITORING FOR E. COLI BACTERIA IN SHENANDOAH WATERWAYS, Number of Sites Where Bacteria Exceeded EPAs Swimming Advisory Value, Percent of Sites Over EPA Swimming Advisory Value. Media contacts: 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. It can be fatal to dogs and other animals. All of our protocols are peer reviewed. All Rights Reserved. "For decades, DuPont has managed to dodge responsibility for dumping mercury into these waters. Shenandoah RIVERKEEPERMark Frondorf joined Potomac RIVERKEEPERNetwork in 2015. Contact Evan Childress, Shenandoah NP Supervisory Fish Biologist, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Mid-Atlantic Inventory & Monitoring Network. 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. 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. However, those numbers could soon fall not because the waters are any cleaner, but because Virginia recently revised its water quality standards to tolerate higher concentrations of fecal bacteria, according to EIPs report. The low buffering capacity of a large percentage of soils in the park provides limited protection from acid deposition. * Information that violates a person's right to privacy You can reach him at jcox@bayjournal.com. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. 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. 2023 Environmental Integrity Project. Experts say that they usually are a symptom of an ecosystem out of balance. "Instead of solving the problem, the DuPont funded team is just generating lots of reports, not one of which is aimed toward a cleanup.". The department continues to conduct water column tests to determine if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations. Agricultural pollution, primarily from manure runoff from fields and livestock yards, was a source of contamination for 71 percent (or 723) of the impaired miles of rivers and streams that were assessed in 2020. ADVERTISEMENT 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. If they do not, they begin legal actions by filing a mandatory 60-day letter of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act. PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. . 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. 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. Have you heard about how tree-mendous urban trees are? As a result of high air pollution levels, atmospheric deposition is the greatest threat to protected mountain streams. Its website can be found at www.sierraclub.org. The water from these springs is very cool and, on its downhill journey, forms the numerous high gradient and highly oxygenated streams found in Shenandoah. The organization says it has approximately 35,000 farmer members. Algae bloom on the Shenandoah River. 3070 M St, NW Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 You have permission to edit this article. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. follow these guidelines. 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. When the fish arent there, fishermen stay away too, and Finch said hes seen tourism-related businesses shut down. And so Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, has launched the Respect the Shenandoah Campaign. Ninety-two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution. Schaeffer was formerly the director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys office of civil enforcement. "Blooms in general are always exacerbated by nutrients," said Joe Wood, a senior scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Virginia office. Rising salt levels in the Potomac River threaten wildlife, drinking water. 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 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 . Small changes can make a big difference. Many farmers will use animal waste as a fertilizer for crops. 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. Mercury is a neurotoxin and it is not to be trifled with. Using salt can keep our roads safe, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac River. The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) report is based on an examination of state records and water quality monitoring data, and includes the following findings: EIPs report also examines how the regulatory landscape is shifting in Virginia. When they find that a facility is violating its pollution permit, they consider factors, such as the impact of the violations on public health, and the size and scope of the violations, before taking action. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. What's plaguing the Potomac River? And each other? its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. 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. Shenandoah 571.969.0746 3070 M St, NW The North Fork of the Shenandoah River is approximately 95 miles long, while the South Fork runs about 150 miles. 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. Potomac 336.809.6041. We aim to provide a forum for fair and open dialogue. (1/7) Dear Potomac Conservancy community: After much consideration, our organization has made the decision to paus, We're a proud sponsor of the 5th Taking Nature Black Conference hosted by @, Citing public health threats, local groups sue over Shenandoah River pollution, E.coli bacteria caused the cancellation of the Nations Triathlon swim portion, History we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community. Four local environmental groups are suing the EPA over pollution levels in Virginias Shenandoah River, a major tributary to the Potomac. Media contacts: Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project (443) 510-2574 or tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org, Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, mark@shenandoahriverkeeper.org or (571) 969-0746, The James River is such an historic and iconic waterway, it is great news that this settlement agreement will help reduce sewage overflows that, About 12 hours ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, EPA has agreed to strengthen standards for the nations largest industrial source of phosphorus pollutionand second-largest industrial source of, About 13 hours ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, James Beauchamp, president of the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, suggests that spikes in Permian Basin methane might be coming, About 2 days ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, Solar, wind, geothermal, battery and other alternative-energy businesses are adding workers from fossil fuel companies, where employment has fallen., Record winter warmth across much of the eastern US has caused spring-like conditions to arrive earlier than ever previously recorded in several, About 3 days ago from Environmental Integrity Project's Twitter, 1000 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 1100 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. Agricultural runoff in the Shenandoah Valley are causing the algae outbreaks. He said that the agency is trying to sample fewer sites, but targeted in areas where people actually get wet during recreation. The streams are formed from numerous springs, some of which are located near the ridge tops. But there's one part of the country that's bucking the trend. Mark joined Potomac Riverkeeper Network in 2015 as the official Shenandoah Riverkeeper. The Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club has over 16,000 members. Proposed standards are due before the end of 2023. 2023 Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Algal blooms occur throughout the Chesapeake Bay system. Think about it. The agency had to pause a high-frequency bacteria pilot study (and all other monitoring) in spring and early summer 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bilyeu wrote in an email. 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. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a 7 benefits of urban trees for communities, clean water, and more! The cleanup plans (also called Total Maximum Daily Loads or TMDLs) that do exist lack enforcement and funding mechanisms. You can read through the full report and see what the Environmental Integrity Project recommends to solve these problems, Report: Shenandoah River polluted with unsafe levels of E. coli, Dog found dead under suspicious circumstances, SCSO says, ACSO looking for suspicious man in the Weyers Cave area, Pilot identified in fatal plane crash near Hillsville, Impacts the end of the COVID public health emergency will have, FDA advisers give green light for RSV vaccine approval; why this is important for older adults, Eastern Mennonite boys basketball defeats Walsingham 69-56, advances to VISAA DIII semifinals, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week, Water Pollution from Livestock in the Shenandoah Valley.pdf. 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. Every year they host RiverPalooza, a series of paddling events. The regions leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. The study, conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, says the pollution is because of animal waste runoff. Periodically, we publish reports that describe what we are learning in the field. Interactive map of the South River Science Team showing the fish consumption advisories: http://southriverscienceteam.org/map/, Purpose and roles of the SRST: http://southriverscienceteam.org/what-is-srst/, SRST Mercury Fact Sheet: http://southriverscienceteam.org/news/fact-sheets/SR_No2.pdf, SRST newsletter going into great detail as to how they are going to perform the remediation: http://southriverscienceteam.org/news/newsletters/2016/UPDATE_2016_First%20Half_final.pdf, Potomac Riverkeeper 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.. Source: Data Store Saved Search 709. 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. Determine the natural range of variability in water chemistry (including bacterial composition). Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 550,000 members nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Trees do so much for our climate and clean water, but what do they do for our health? 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. Warren County is the only county in Virginia that contains all three sections of the Shenandoah River, both north and south forks and the main stem, said Herschel Finch, conservation chairman of the Izaak Walton League of Americas Warren County chapter. Posted on April 23, 2008. Thanks for signing up. But in the past 15 years or so, he began to see fish die-offs and excessive algae growth. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Jeremy Cox is a Bay Journal staff writer based in Maryland. * Explicit or vulgar language E. coli pollution is also an issue for the Potomac River. In the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Riverkeeper is going site by site to all the farms in the area, opening a dialogue with farmers about improving the practices that endanger the health and jobs of people living downstream. Where does that leave us now? The team has no cleanup plans. But many farms still lack livestock fencing. That has not occurred according to the most recent data collected by the Commonwealth. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. . Shenandoah Riverkeeper, represented by Earthjustice, filed a notice of intent to sue the EPA for its failure to act in the face of this threat. Shenandoah Riverkeeper tracks, comments on and challenges Clean Water Act permits for stormwater from construction sites, industrial sites, and municipal stormwater systems. Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf, after a float patrol, stops at the boat launch ramp under Harry Byrd Highway (Va. 7) east of Berryville Thursday. 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. The company, Electron Hydro LLC, also will pay $1 million that mostly . 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! Other states, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, still use this freshwater beach action value.. Robinson River flowing through Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park. 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. 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. "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. Virginia needs to start notifying the public that the Shenandoah Valleys waterways are unsafe for swimming and tubing or, better yet, the state should solve this manure overload problem, said Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Environmental Integrity Project and former Director of Civil Enforcement at EPA. Together, farmers in Augusta, Page, Rockingham and Shenandoah counties raise more than 172 million chicken and turkeys a year and more than half a million dairy and beef cows, the report says. The state should either require the livestock industry --or use public funds -- to collect the excess manure that crops cant use and ship it out of the valley, to a region that needs it., The report also found high levels of phosphorous, which feeds algae and can kill fish. 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. Please use language that is accurate and respectful. "I am always very careful about getting in this water. 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. Ever wonder where all that salt on the roads goes? The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, Small farms, when viewed as one, represent a large portion of the agricultural sector in the Shenandoah Valley and other parts of the Potomac River watershed. Last year unsafe levels of E.coli bacteria caused the cancellation of the Nations Triathlon swim portion. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the publics right to clean water in our rivers and streams. DuPont stopped leaking mercury in 1950. "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 . Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202) 296-8800 The agreement comes in response to a lawsuit filed by community and conservation organizations late last year. For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. Furthermore, the states manure control system allows manure containing far more phosphorous to be applied than the crops need, according to the report. In the Shenandoah River basin, drought conditions this summer set the stage for a bloom that began to grow in July. Monitoring Program Additional bacteria sampling data is available from Friends of the Shenandoah River. State Disclosures, Nancy Marks, NRDC, 212-727-4414; Michael Town, Sierra Club, 804-225-9113; 804-319-6083. Said hes seen tourism-related businesses shut down sample fewer sites, but what do they do for our and. Leading clean water in our rivers and streams use animal waste runoff all. A result of high air pollution levels, atmospheric deposition is the greatest threat protected. Is not to be trifled with to grow in July the roads goes most recent collected! 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St, NW Upper Potomac 443.480.8970 You have permission to edit this article Integrity Project, says the pollution because! It is not to be trifled with the Respect the Shenandoah River, a of.