Shenandoah River Pollution: Causes And Effects Explained

The Shenandoah River is a popular destination for water sports and fishing, but it is often unsafe for swimming due to pollution. Environmental groups have sued the EPA over pollution levels that pose risks to public health and wildlife. The main sources of pollution are agricultural runoff, sewage, and nutrient pollution from fertilizers, leading to high levels of E. coli and algal blooms. Despite growing evidence, the EPA has been criticized for failing to take action to limit pollution and improve water quality. The Shenandoah River's pollution has highlighted the need for better management and conservation efforts to protect the health of both the public and the ecosystem.

Fecal bacteria and E. coli

The primary source of this bacterial contamination is waste runoff from livestock and agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley. The region is home to a substantial number of animals, including approximately 160 million chickens, 16 million turkeys, and half a million cows. The manure from these farms eventually finds its way into the river, leading to high levels of E. coli. This issue is exacerbated by the direct access that cattle herds have to the river, although efforts have been made to reduce this access and implement fencing to keep cattle away from the water.

The presence of E. coli and other contaminants has led to concerns and warnings from environmental groups and organizations like Friends of the Shenandoah River and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These groups have recommended caution when using the river and advocated for improved water quality standards and pollution reduction measures. They have also called for the state to officially list the river as impaired, which would mandate the implementation of pollution limits and efforts to enhance water quality.

While the pollution levels have decreased slightly in recent years, the river remains unsafe for swimming and other activities. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has provided funding to install practices that reduce pollution in the area. Additionally, the town of Berryville, which relies on the river as its water source, treats the water to remove harmful substances and uses chlorine disinfection to address bacterial contaminants.

Agricultural pollution

The Shenandoah River in Virginia has been plagued by agricultural pollution, which has rendered it unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities. The river is a source of beauty and enjoyment for many, but the pollution has led to concerns about water quality and the impact on human health and the environment.

The Environmental Integrity Project, an environmental advocacy group, found unsafe levels of E. coli in the river, which can be harmful to human health. In addition, the cyanobacteria present in the algae can cause rashes, gastrointestinal illness, and even be fatal to dogs and other animals if ingested or touched.

Efforts have been made to address the agricultural pollution in the Shenandoah River. In 2017, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper and Potomac Riverkeeper Network sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over excessive algae, arguing that the river should be listed as impaired. While the courts ruled against them, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been working to address the issue. Additionally, in 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill requiring cattle operations with 20 or more bovines to exclude their animals from streams with fencing starting in 2026. However, this measure is dependent on meeting pollution reduction goals and securing adequate funding for farmers.

Algal blooms

Harmful algal blooms are characterized by the presence of cyanobacteria, which can release toxins that cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses in humans and can be fatal to animals if ingested. In response to these blooms, health advisories are often issued, warning people to avoid contact with the water and advising them to keep their pets and children away from affected areas. In some cases, swimming, boating, and fishing activities may be restricted or prohibited.

The Shenandoah Riverkeeper and Potomac Riverkeeper Network have been actively monitoring and advocating for the river's health. They filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2017, arguing that excessive algae growth had rendered the river unusable and caused fish kills. However, the courts ruled against the inclusion of the Shenandoah River on the state's impaired waters list, citing the lack of specific water quality standards for algae.

Despite the legal setback, efforts to address the algal blooms in the Shenandoah River continue. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working on finalizing criteria and implementing pollution limits to protect the river from harmful algal blooms. Additionally, progress has been made on farms adjacent to the river, with a reduction in the number of cattle herds having direct access to the river. Furthermore, the Virginia general assembly passed a bill in 2020 that will require cattle operations with 20 or more bovines to exclude their animals from streams using fencing by 2026, contingent on meeting certain conditions.

While the exact mechanisms driving algal blooms are not fully understood, it is clear that nutrient pollution and climate change play significant roles. Warm water temperatures, slow-flowing rivers, and shallow waterways create favourable conditions for algal growth. By addressing these factors and implementing measures to reduce nutrient pollution, it is hoped that the frequency and severity of algal blooms in the Shenandoah River can be mitigated, improving water quality and restoring the river's health.

Livestock waste runoff

The Environmental Integrity Project examined the lack of cattle fencing in a report titled "Water Pollution from the Livestock Industry in the Shenandoah Valley." The report found that the over-application of cattle and poultry waste to farm fields is a major contributor to the pollution. In addition to the bacteria released by cows, their waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which fuel the excessive growth of algae and create low-oxygen "dead zones." Livestock also trample the banks of streams, releasing nutrient-laden sediment that blocks sunlight from reaching underwater plant life.

In 2012, the state imposed regulations requiring farmers to exclude their cattle from streams, offering to reimburse 87.5% of the costs. However, these regulations did not mandate the construction of fences, instead suggesting vegetation as a deterrent. This approach has been largely ineffective, and the Shenandoah River is a clear example of the failure of voluntary measures to manage farm runoff pollution.

To address the issue, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill in 2020 that will require cattle operations with 20 or more bovines to exclude their animals from streams using fencing starting in 2026. This measure is contingent on meeting pollution reduction goals and securing adequate funding to assist farmers with fence installation. While progress has been made, with a decrease in the number of cattle herds with direct access to the river, the pollution from livestock waste runoff remains a significant challenge for the Shenandoah River and its tributaries.

EPA and DEQ inaction

The Shenandoah River, which feeds into the Potomac River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay, has been plagued by pollution and excessive algae blooms, rendering it unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities. Environmental groups and conservationists have been advocating for action to address this issue, but they have faced inaction and obstacles from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

In 2017, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper and Potomac Riverkeeper Network sued the EPA, alleging that the agency failed to protect the Shenandoah River from excessive algae and high levels of pollution. The lawsuit claimed that the EPA arbitrarily approved a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) list of polluted waters that omitted the Shenandoah River. This omission allowed the discharge of pollutants and prevented the implementation of restrictions to address the issue. The EPA's approval conflicted with its own guidance, which advised the DEQ to evaluate the available facts and make an impairment determination.

Despite growing evidence of impairment and the negative impact on the river's ecosystem and recreational use, the EPA failed to take the required action under the Clean Water Act. The DEQ, responsible for listing impaired waterways, refused to evaluate the evidence and determine the river as impaired. This inaction was criticized by environmental groups, who provided extensive evidence, including photographs, videos, testimonials, and lab analyses, demonstrating the damage caused by excessive algae blooms.

The DEQ argued that it lacked the criteria and numerical limits to assess the impact of algae and enforce restrictions on nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. However, this argument was rejected by the groups, who emphasized the need for regulation and oversight. The DEQ's decision to leave the Shenandoah River off the impaired waters list was upheld by the courts, citing the absence of a specific water quality standard for algae. Nevertheless, the DEQ has faced ongoing pressure from environmental groups to address the issue, and it has been working on monitoring and developing methods to estimate the percentage of river coverage affected by algae.

The inaction and delays in addressing the pollution in the Shenandoah River have had significant consequences. The river, known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, has become unsafe for swimming and other activities due to high levels of fecal bacteria, including E. coli, found in the water. The algal blooms, fueled by nutrient pollution from fertilizers, sewage, and agricultural runoff, pose a threat to both human health and the ecosystem. The EPA and DEQ's failure to take decisive action has led to continued degradation of the river and potentially hindered the implementation of effective pollution reduction measures.

Frequently asked questions