WV Rivers News: Water Quality Standards, Video Fact Sheet, Climate & Water Webinar Series

URGENT! Tell WVDEP: Don’t Allow More Toxins in WV’s Water

Right now, in the midst of a public health crisis, the WVDEP is proposing to allow even more dangerous toxins in our water. WVDEP’s proposal is related to a critical portion of West Virginia’s water quality standards called human health criteria. Human health criteria determines how much of a dangerous toxin can be in our water before it harms our health.

Watch our new video fact sheet on human health criteria by clicking the image above.

West Virginia’s current human health criteria is based on data that is nearly 40-years old and citizen advocates have long fought for more protective criteria. Sadly, WVDEP’s proposal exposes us to higher amounts of certain toxic chemicals and known carcinogens. It also leaves out updated protections for several toxins the EPA has recommended WV to adopt since 2015.

Enough is enough! Demand WVDEP respect your water and your health, tell them not to allow more toxins in West Virginia’s water.

Human Health Protections – How to Make a Difference

1. Submit comments online here by 5:00pm May 19.

2. Tune into WV Rivers Facebook Page for a live Q & A with the WV Rivers’ team on the proposal at 12:00pm on May 19.

3. On May 19, 6:00-8:00pm, WVDEP will host a virtual public hearing that anyone can join using an internet connected device or phone. Even if you do not plan to speak during the virtual hearing we encourage you to listen in – your presence shows the WVDEP that West Virginians care about water policy!

To attend the hearing virtually, go here. Enter Meeting ID: 429 602 549. To use a phone to call in to meeting, dial: 301 715 8592 and enter Meeting ID: 429 602 549.

4. Share this call to action with a friend.

WV Rivers to Host Climate and Water Webinar Series

West Virginians are seeing the effects of the changing climate and researchers across the state are studying what it means for West Virginia. Over the next few weeks, WV Rivers will be highlighting these scientists and their research through our virtual Climate and Water Lunch & Learn Series. During the live webinars, you’ll learn first-hand from the researchers on the front line of the climate crisis.

Register for the Webinars:

May 22, 11:00am. Dr. Nathaniel Hitt is a fish biologist with the USGS Leetown Science Center in Kearneysville WV. He will discuss his research on population and community ecology in Appalachia. Register here.

May 29, 11:00am. Dr. Omar Abdul-Aziz is an Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University. He will discuss his work on climate impacts, increasing hurricanes and storms, and freshwater flooding in the coastal areas. Register here.

June 5, 11:00am. Dr. Nicolas Zégre is the Director of the Mountain Hydrology Laboratory at West Virginia University. He’ll be sharing his research on water security and climate change from a West Virginia perspective. Register here.

Go on a Virtual Tour of the Eastern Panhandle with Field Coordinator, Tanner Haid

Sometimes you need to break out of your routine and get creative. That’s just what WV Rivers’ field coordinator, Tanner Haid, did when faced with the challenges brought on by COVID-19. As a father of two bright and curious girls, he set out to explore some of his favorite places close to home in the Eastern Panhandle. He documented his family’s trips in a blog series called “Finding Peace in Nature.” In each blog he highlights a new special place and connects his family’s adventure with WV Rivers’ mission driven work. Check out Tanner’s blog series here.

Public Lands and Waters Can Get a Boost if Congress Acts

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Board member Dave and his wife Pam. Want to hear more from Dave? Check out this video!

As the weather warms up and many of us are planning boating, birding, hiking, biking… (too many fun activities to name!) adventures on West Virginia’s public lands, it’s important to take a moment to remember the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

This essential program uses royalties from off-shore oil and gas development to acquire and maintain public lands. In West Virginia alone LWCF has supported more than 500 parks, preserves, trails and other recreation and conservation projects.

Right now, Congress has the opportunity to make sure LWCF is permanently and fully funded through the passage of The Great American Outdoors Act, a strong bipartisan bill introduced by our own Senator Manchin. Read this letter to the editor by WV Rivers’ board member, Dave Ruediger, on the importance of LWCF.

A Special Message From Board Member, Ed Gertler

One of our longest serving board members, Ed Gertler, is a bit of a river legend. He’s an accomplished canoeist and is the author of three paddling guidebooks.

Stuck at home and itching to wear his paddling gear, he recorded this special message to share with you.

You can join Ed in his call to action here.

P.S. Don’t Forget to Vote in West Virginia’s Primary Election!

If you are a West Virginia resident, make sure you learn about changes to West Virginia’s 2020 primary election. The election date has been changed from May 12 to June 9. The deadline to register to vote is May 19 and all voters can vote by absentee ballot. Learn more.