* Incorrect, fraudulent or misleading content 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. "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 . PRKNs EIN # is 54-1982624. It could be your lawn. Discover 11 fun facts about the mysterious, magical powers of trees and how we can help support them! Contact Evan Childress, Shenandoah NP Supervisory Fish Biologist, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Mid-Atlantic Inventory & Monitoring Network. They stop pollution to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. "The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination. Agricultural runoff, including manure from the Valleys many livestock operations and industrial scale poultry operations, is a source of contamination for 71 percent of the polluted river and stream miles in the Shenandoah Valley, according to state figures. The most important way Virginia could better implement its TMDLs would be to impose regulations that reduce the chronic over-application of manure to farm fields, especially those adjacent to waterways. Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star BERRYVILLE. The slimy mats are patchy to widespread along that stretch of river, the agency said. Federal, state, and local governments are mandated to provide basic services like safe, clean drinking water. (For specifics, see Appendix C). 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. An outdated sewer system is to blame. As a last resort, we will take a polluter to court to stop the pollution. This is not a day for ribbon cutting and balloons; this is a day a long-time in coming. State Disclosures, Nancy Marks, NRDC, 212-727-4414; Michael Town, Sierra Club, 804-225-9113; 804-319-6083. Proposed standards are due before the end of 2023. The agreement comes in response to a lawsuit filed by community and conservation organizations late last year. 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. 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. 5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac, 6 local wetlands to quench your wanderlust. That advisory continues today. 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. Its a matter of basic fairness.. Ever wonder where all that salt on the roads goes? For more data and information on bacteria testing in the Shenandoah Valley, visit EIPs web page on water quality in the Valley. 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. for iPhone and iPad is now available for download for free! 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. It is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and observing nature. 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 Mark Frondorf, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper, said: Virginia should not implement a two-tiered system that protects saltwater beach goers at the expense of folks living, working and recreating in the Shenandoah watershed. Ninety-two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution. Due to the protection of the surrounding forests, the water in these streams is generally of high quality and low in sediment load. Want to have a yard that works for clean water not against it? update email soon. 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. Posted on April 23, 2008. Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project, (443) 510-2574 or tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org Total Wages: Total wages reported by the employer from Box 5 of the W-2, with some exceptions, and Elected Officials who received pay reported on IRS Form 1099. We stop pollution to enhance the safety of our drinking water, protect healthy river habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia's Blueridge Mountains. In addition, they work with university law clinics, nonprofit legal groups and corporate law firms that provide pro bono legal services and conduct compliance reviews of pollution permits. 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. 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. Each of these rivers eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay. 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. We reserve the right to edit or decline comments that do In October 2019, Virginia revoked its beach action value for E. coli in freshwater areas, a trigger value that EPA recommends for issuing short-term no swimming advisories in waterways that have more than 235 counts of E. coli/100 ml of water. 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 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. "Instead of solving the problem, the DuPont funded team is just generating lots of reports, not one of which is aimed toward a cleanup.". 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. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. (Virginia.org) By Mark Frondorf For years, herds of cattle wading and defecating in our rivers caused pollution and rendered the waters disgusting and, in some cases, dangerous for contact by those seeking recreation and drinking water. Media contacts: Bill Hayden, a spokesman for the Department of Environmental Quality, said the state health department is responsible for deciding when and where to notify the public about water quality. The river in this county flows not just over the Shenandoah Valley bedrock, not just through our fields and forests and over limestone karst; it flows through our citizens veins, and our hearts. Financial statements can be provided upon request. "Blooms in general are always exacerbated by nutrients," said Joe Wood, a senior scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Virginia office. We hope this lawsuit will change that," said Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. Guest Article by Jeff "Yakfish" Little. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the publics right to clean water in our rivers and streams. * Information that violates a person's right to privacy The agency has refused, even as evidence of the impairment has grown. member of Waterkeepers Alliance Because of the sensitivity of the streams to acidification, long-term monitoring of stream water chemistry and hydrogeochemical processes is a major component of the Inventory and Monitoring Program. The Shenandoah Riverkeeper Swim Guide lists over 70 access points on the three major reaches of the Shenandoah River. 7 local animals making a comeback thanks to clean water, 7 tree-mendous facts: How trees support the Potomac River, us, and each other, Study finds the Potomac is getting saltier, threatening drinking water and wildlife. Jeremy Cox is a Bay Journal staff writer based in Maryland. But many farms still lack livestock fencing. Those animals generate more than 410,000 tons of poultry litter and about 1 billion gallons (3.8 billion liters) of liquid manure a year. March 1, 2023. Its springtime, so lets do a bad agriculture story.. 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. Amounts listed may follow these guidelines. Source: Data Store Saved Search 686 (results presented are a subset). The Shenandoah is one of the most beautiful rivers in the countryand a popular recreation destination. 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. For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. 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. But unlike in DC where sewage overflows are to blame, its agricultural runoff thats harming the Shenandoah. But the public has the right to know when that water isnt safe to enjoy, said Eric Schaeffer, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project. This is an opinion piece that tries to paint agriculture in a bad light, said Stoneman, who has been the federations point person on water quality and environmental issues for 22 years. You'll receive your first NRDC action alert and 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 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. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and James River Association, represented by in . Last year, health officials placed 52 miles of its length under advisory from early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the water. Determine the natural range of variability in water chemistry (including bacterial composition). The Commonwealth should also issue rules to require all farmers to fence their cattle out of streams and rivers. 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. Seven Things You Can Do To Protect the Shenandoah River From Future Fish Kills. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. That algae buildup can then get in the way of the fishing and paddling industries. 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. All of our protocols are peer reviewed. This is why Shenandoah Riverkeeper has filed its notice of intent to sue the EPA. * Spam or comments that do not pertain to the posted article Over 20 years ago, DuPont and its consultants convinced government regulators that the mercury contamination would disappear on its own. Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. The Shenandoah Rive runs through Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, and Augusta counties, which, combined, have about 159 million chickens, 16 million turkeys and 528,000 cows raised annually. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. Listing would have triggered specific government plans to combat algae pollution on the Shenandoah. An all-too-familiar scourge has returned to the Shenandoah Rivers waters this summer: thick, green mats of algae. 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. Staff and legal interns also provide legal research on pollution permit compliance. 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.. 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! It's great for wildlife, too. 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. 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. But those 2012 EPA criteria recommended that states continue using a trigger value for issuing short-term advisories to swimmers in freshwater areas called the beach action value of 235 counts of E. coli/100 ml water. In addition to E. coli, which can sicken the swimmers, fishermen and tubers who flock to the river, the report also found elevated levels of phosphorous, which contributes to the growth of algae blooms and low-oxygen dead zones.. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a NPS / Neal Lewis Importance and Issues The Blue Ridge Physiographic Province within the Mid-Atlantic Network contains portions of the headwaters for three major watersheds: the Rappahannock, the Shenandoah, and the James Rivers. 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 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. 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. They offer links to cost share programs and other support for farmers who are willing to implement best management practices. 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. Network Headquarters You can reach him at jcox@bayjournal.com. Hayden said no one at the agency had reviewed the report yet, so he couldnt comment on the specifics. Document the status of and trends in water quality as influenced by point source and non-point source pollution (including atmospheric deposition). Their stories of recovery are nothing short of inspiring. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. 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. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the federal statute under which the two groups are planning to bring suit, a notice of intent must be served 90 days in advance of filing a lawsuit. 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. We hope this lawsuit will change that, said Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. * Misrepresentation of your identity or affiliation 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. Austin, TX 78701. 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. That has not occurred according to the most recent data collected by the Commonwealth. There are 18 local Waterkeepers in the Chesapeake Bay region waiting for your reports. The new standard tolerates higher concentrations of E. coli bacteria (410 counts of E coli bacteria per 100 ml of water, instead of 235 counts under the old standard) and requires more frequent testing to designate a waterway as impaired., VDEQ said they changed their standards in 2019 to follow updated recommended bacteria criteria published by EPA in 2012. Shenandoah Riverkeeper works to protect the public's right to clean water in our rivers and streams. Cement manufacturers are dumping their pollution into Virginian communities with impunity. For many folks, the Shenandoah River is their only option to swim in the summer months.. These monitoring reports are more in-depth than resource briefs and include data analysis and a discussion of our findings. But pollution management plans, also called nutrient management plans, are only required for large livestock operations, which account for only 12.5 percent of the farmland in those counties, the report says. Every year they host RiverPalooza, a series of paddling events. 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. Ninety-two percent of every dollardonated goes directly to efforts to reduce illegal pollution. The state should take action to implement the cleanup plans it creates, so that TMDLs are more meaningful. The algae blooms, caused by agricultural runoff in the Shenandoah Valley, interfere with recreational uses of the river, such as swimming, kayaking and fishing. 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. We aim to provide a forum for fair and open dialogue. All across our region animals once in decline are making a comeback. Have you heard about how tree-mendous urban trees are? Schaeffer was formerly the director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys office of civil enforcement. Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf, after a float patrol, stops at the boat launch ramp under Harry Byrd Highway (Va. 7) east of Berryville Thursday. DuPont stopped leaking mercury in 1950. 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. On this episode of fishing the DMV we talk to Mark Frondorf. 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 members of our local chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America stand shoulder to shoulder with our local Riverkeepers and others to ensure this river is restored, and remains the national treasure we know it to be.. Omission from the list means delay in addressing a serious and growing problem. Comments may not include: For more than 20 years, DuPont leaked mercury from the textile plant into the South River, eventually ending up in the Shenandoah River. 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. Mark also served onthe Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Federation of Fly Fishers. Other states, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, still use this freshwater beach action value.. There are sections where its just completely unproductive to go fish anymore because the algae is taking up all the oxygen and the fish just cant survive, he said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters. The North Fork is no stranger to algae. Document changes in stream channel characteristics at sampling sites. I make sure not to get it in my eyes, God forbid I drink any of it. 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. * Insults, verbal attacks or degrading statements Waste-water treatment, residential runoff and wildlife also impact water quality, he said. Experts say that they usually are a symptom of an ecosystem out of balance. 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. Virginia did not follow that recommendation, and instead eliminated its state freshwater beach action value.. Small changes can make a big difference. The department continues to conduct water column tests to determine if the bacteria cells are present in higher concentrations. 3070 M St, NW While Virginia has taken account of similar evidence in prior decisions to list other water bodies as impaired, it has refused to list the Shenandoah as impaired despite the ample evidence submitted in this case. 2023 Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Fish consumption advisories have been in place on the South River and South Fork Shenandoah River since the mid-1970s. & Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Its almost a five-hour drive for people living in the Shenandoah Valley to drive to a Virginia beach and they should not be treated like second-class citizens due to their lack of proximity to a saltwater beach, said Frondorf. The Virginia Department of Health issued an alert Aug. 5 warning the public to avoid contact with the potentially toxic algae. Current Shenandoah Riverkeeper actions. Shenandoah Riverkeeper tracks, comments on and challenges Clean Water Act permits for stormwater from construction sites, industrial sites, and municipal stormwater systems. Monitoring Program Network Headquarters 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. What's plaguing the Potomac River? Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and service mark of Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Inc. and is licensed for use herein. Paddling on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in the George Washington National Forest. Some fish in the two rivers currently have mercury levels more than eight times the level at which the state issues health advisories. Furthermore, the states manure control system allows manure containing far more phosphorous to be applied than the crops need, according to the report. The streams are formed from numerous springs, some of which are located near the ridge tops. To many environmental groups, the root of the algae issue in the Shenandoah is clear: nutrient pollution, especially from agriculture. Collecting and Managing Surplus Manure: Who Should Pay? 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. Virginia eliminated its state freshwater beach action value in October 2019 and changed its impairment value. 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. But there's one part of the country that's bucking the trend. Water sampling data from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, for sites that were sampled at least twice in the last six years. Its website can be found at www.sierraclub.org. 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. Animals once in decline are making a comeback the ridge tops including bacterial composition.! And Managing Surplus Manure: who should Pay the Shenandoah River in the Chesapeake Bay region waiting your! Surplus Manure: who should Pay we hope this lawsuit will change that &. 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Staff writer based in Maryland its notice of intent to sue the EPA are formed from springs! Returned shenandoah river pollution the protection of the surrounding forests, the root of the most beautiful rivers in the way the... Only option to Swim in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and James River Association represented. Early August to mid-September after discovering cyanobacteria in the George Washington National Forest Potomac Network... The DMV we talk to Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper of River, the Shenandoah River in George..., NRDC, 212-727-4414 ; Michael Town, Sierra Club, 804-225-9113 ;.! This is not a day a long-time in coming iPad is now available for for! Pollution on the specifics analysis and a discussion of our drinking water, protect healthy River,... Overflows are to blame, its agricultural runoff thats harming the Shenandoah,. 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