Helena Joyce
The Elizabeth River, a 6-mile-long tidal estuary in Virginia, has a long history of industrial use, including wood treatment plants, dry docks, and naval shipyards. This industrial activity has taken a significant toll on the river's health, with the EPA singling out the Elizabeth River as one of the most highly polluted bodies of water in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in 1983. Sediment contamination has created toxic hotspots within the river, and its tributaries, threatening the aquatic life that calls it home. With a long history of contamination, the Elizabeth River is the subject of ongoing restoration efforts, aiming to bring it back to life and restore its ecological importance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 6-mile-long (10 km) |
| Type | Tidal estuary |
| Location | Hampton Roads harbor, Virginia, United States |
| Tributaries | Eastern, Southern, and Western branches |
| Pollution | High levels of creosote, PAHs, heavy metals, and other pollutants |
| Pollution Sources | Industrial activities, wood treatment plants, coal and petroleum storage, naval activities |
| Ecological Impact | Contamination of sediments, aquatic life, and wetland habitats |
| Restoration Efforts | Elizabeth River Project aims to restore the river through collaboration with communities, governments, and businesses |
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What You'll Learn
The Elizabeth River is one of the US's most polluted rivers
The Elizabeth River is a 6-mile-long (10 km) tidal estuary in southeastern Virginia, surrounded by the towns of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. It is one of the United States' most polluted rivers, facing significant environmental pollution challenges.
The river has a history of various industrial sites, including dry docks, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (the oldest shipyard in the US), processing plants, and sewage and stormwater discharge. These activities have contributed to the declining health of the river. In 1983, the EPA mentioned that the Elizabeth River was one of the most highly polluted bodies of water in the entire Bay watershed, and as of 2011, it remains one of the most polluted rivers on the US East Coast.
One of the major sources of pollution in the Elizabeth River is the Atlantic Wood Industries Superfund Site, which consists of approximately 50 acres of land on the industrialized waterfront in Portsmouth, Virginia, and over 30 acres of contaminated sediments in the Southern Branch of the river. From 1926 to 1992, a wood-treating facility at this site released creosote and pentachlorophenol from treatment operations, storage of treated wood, and waste disposal. Creosote, an oil-derived product, is rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have contaminated the river sediments. Other sources of PAH contamination include coal and petroleum storage and transport facilities, as well as shipbuilding and repair activities.
The pollution in the Elizabeth River has had significant ecological impacts. Studies have examined the effects of PAH pollution on resident fauna, particularly the Atlantic killifish or mummichog, an ecologically important species of fish widespread along the Atlantic seaboard of North America. The contamination has also resulted in the creation of "toxic hotspots" within the river, with the Southern Branch at Money Point becoming a 35-acre biological dead zone with a nearly lifeless river floor.
Despite being one of the most polluted rivers, there are efforts to restore and improve the health of the Elizabeth River. The Elizabeth River Project, for example, aims to restore the river through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses.
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The river has a history of industrial use
The Elizabeth River, a 6-mile-long tidal estuary in Virginia, has a long history of industrial use that has significantly contributed to its pollution. The river's proximity to major cities like Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Chesapeake has made it a hub for various industrial activities, including dry docks, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (the oldest in the US), processing plants, and sewage and stormwater discharge. This industrial activity has resulted in the discharge of harmful pollutants into the river, endangering both human and environmental health.
One of the major sources of pollution in the Elizabeth River has been the wood-treating industry. For decades, wood-treating facilities released creosote and pentachlorophenol into the river during their treatment operations, storage, and waste disposal processes. Creosote, an oil-derived product rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has left a toxic legacy in the river. The Atlantic Wood Industries Superfund Site, a former wood-treating facility, is undergoing remediation due to the extensive contamination it caused.
In addition to the wood-treating industry, other industrial activities have also contributed to the pollution of the Elizabeth River. Coal and petroleum storage and transport facilities, as well as shipbuilding and repair activities, have released PAHs into the river. These pollutants have had severe ecological and human health impacts, including the contamination of wetland habitats that support a diverse range of aquatic life, such as herring, alewife, shad, perch, bass, and mummichog.
The river's industrial history has resulted in sediment contamination, creating "toxic hotspots" within the Elizabeth River. The Southern Branch of the river at Money Point became a 35-acre biological dead zone due to high levels of creosote contamination from dumping and a fire in 1963. The EPA has recognized the Elizabeth River as one of the most highly polluted bodies of water in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and it remains one of the most polluted rivers on the United States East Coast.
Despite the river's polluted state, there are ongoing efforts to restore and improve its health. The Elizabeth River Project, supported by various communities, governments, and businesses, aims to restore the river through equitable collaboration. These efforts reflect a growing awareness and concern for the river's well-being, indicating a shift in how people perceive and value this important estuary.
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The river's sediment is contaminated
The Elizabeth River, a 6-mile-long tidal estuary in Virginia, has a long history of industrial use, including wood treatment plants, dry docks, naval shipyards, processing plants, and sewage and stormwater discharge. These activities have contributed to the river's declining health and sediment contamination.
One particular area of concern is the Southern Branch of the river at Money Point, which has become a 35-acre biological dead zone with a lifeless river floor. The contamination at Money Point was largely caused by the release of creosote and other pollutants from the Atlantic Wood Industries site, which operated from 1926 to 1992. The site, now designated a Superfund site, has left a legacy of contamination in the river sediment, including heavy metals, acetylene sludge, and other harmful substances.
The pollution in the Elizabeth River has had significant ecological impacts, affecting various species of aquatic life, including fish, such as the Atlantic killifish, and other wildlife that depend on the river and its surrounding wetlands. The high levels of PAHs in the sediment have been linked to immune system suppression, cardiovascular system development issues, and increased cancer risk in both animal studies and lab studies on killifish exposed to river sediments.
Efforts are being made to restore the Elizabeth River and address the sediment contamination. The Elizabeth River Project aims to restore the river through collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses. Additionally, the Atlantic Wood Industries Superfund Site is undergoing remediation to mitigate the impacts of the pollution and improve the health of the river and its surrounding ecosystem.
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The river's health is declining
The Elizabeth River, a 6-mile-long tidal estuary in Virginia, has a long history of industrial use and military activity. The river's proximity to major cities and its role as a commercial and military port have contributed to its declining health over the years.
The Elizabeth River's industrial history includes dry docks, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (the oldest in the US), processing plants, and sewage and stormwater discharge. These activities have led to significant environmental pollution, with the river facing issues such as chemical contamination and sediment pollution. In 1983, the EPA identified the Elizabeth River as one of the most highly polluted bodies of water in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and it remains one of the most polluted rivers on the US East Coast.
One of the major sources of pollution in the Elizabeth River is the Atlantic Wood Industries Superfund Site, which spans 50 acres of land and 30 acres of contaminated sediments in the river's Southern Branch. From 1926 to 1992, a wood-treating facility at this site released creosote and pentachlorophenol, which are harmful to both human and environmental health. The pollutants from these industrial processes, as well as waste disposal by the US Navy during World War II, have contaminated the river's sediments with heavy metals and other toxic substances.
The river has also been affected by coal and petroleum storage and transport facilities, as well as shipbuilding and repair activities. These activities have released polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the river, which have been linked to cancer and other negative health impacts. Studies have observed the effects of PAH pollution on the local fauna, particularly the Atlantic killifish or mummichog, an ecologically important species of fish in the region.
The Elizabeth River's health is declining, and it continues to face significant environmental challenges. However, efforts are being made to restore the river's health. The Elizabeth River Project aims to restore the river through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses. With support from various stakeholders, there is a growing awareness and commitment to improving the river's condition.
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The river is home to a variety of aquatic life
The Elizabeth River is a 6-mile-long (10 km) tidal estuary in southeastern Virginia, surrounded by the towns of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. The river has a rich history, playing important roles in US history and military and industrial activities. However, these activities have also led to significant environmental pollution.
Despite the pollution, the river is home to a variety of aquatic life. The Elizabeth River system is an estuary, providing a habitat for several species. The river's branches and tributaries support the diversity of aquatic organisms in the area. The river is home to the Fundulus heteroclitus, commonly known as the Atlantic killifish or mummichog. This small teleost fish is widespread along the Atlantic coast of North America and has a lifespan of approximately 3-4 years.
The Atlantic killifish has demonstrated a striking resistance to the pollutants in the river. Studies have shown that the fish and their embryos are resistant to the acute toxicity induced by contaminated sediments. This resistance is likely driven by the early-life-stage effects of pollutants, which may impact reproductive success rather than chronic conditions. The Atlantic killifish's ability to survive in these contaminated waters is an example of pollution-driven evolution, showcasing the resilience of this species.
In addition to the Atlantic killifish, the river supports a diverse range of fish species. The wetland habitats impacted by pollution are home to herring, alewife, shad, perch, bass, and mummichog. The river's ecosystem provides a habitat for these fish species to thrive, despite the challenges posed by the pollution.
The Elizabeth River's aquatic life faces significant threats due to the pollution. The river's history with industrial sites, sewage, and stormwater discharge has contributed to its declining health. The river was identified as one of the most highly polluted bodies of water in 1983, and it continues to face challenges today. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with cities working together to keep the river clean and restore its ecological balance.
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Frequently asked questions
Very. The Elizabeth River is considered one of the most polluted rivers on the United States' East Coast.
The Elizabeth River has a history with various industrial sites, including dry docks, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, processing plants, and both sewage and stormwater discharge. The river has also been affected by chemical contamination from military activities.
The Southern Branch of the river at Money Point had become a 35-acre biological dead zone with a lifeless river floor. The contamination has also impacted the wetland habitats of various aquatic life, including herring, alewife, shad, perch, bass, and mummichog.
Yes, the Elizabeth River Project is working to restore the river through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses. The river's supporters have been working to restore it since 1993.
