WV Rivers News: WQS Action Alert; Pipeline Blog
Action Alert: WV Water Protections Under Revision – Act by July 19
A recent a policy decision by the WVDEP related to water quality standards creates a loophole to allow industries to dump more toxins in our source water.
This proposal is part of a second round of human health criteria revisions – the portion of our water quality standards that protect our health from dangerous pollutants like cancer causing toxins, chemicals known to cause birth-defects, and poisons like cyanide.
We’ve had a chance to analyze the proposed revision with our water policy workgroup and have come to the conclusion that the policy is dangerous for West Virginia. Not only will it allow more toxins in our drinking water sources, it creates a shortcut for polluters to allow EVEN MORE toxins in our water with less public involvement.
You can submit comments on the proposal through July 19 here. It’s important for the WVDEP to hear personalized responses from commenters. Think about how the policy change would affect you and your loved ones personally.
In addition to submitting written comments, please plan to join the virtual public hearing on the proposal on July 19 at 6:00PM.
What’s Next for the Mountain Valley Pipeline?
Looking for the latest news on the Mountain Valley Pipeline? Following the WVDEP comment period on the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification, we put together a new blog on the current state of the pipeline, the regulatory landscape, and potential next steps. You can read the blog here.
In addition to the latest news, the blog also includes a new video on the MVP’s history of chronic water quality violations. We also have an interactive map including all of MVP water pollution incidents to date. Check them out!
This Saturday! Tucker County River Celebration – July 17
It’s not too late to join the fun at our Rivers Celebration in Hendricks, WV this Saturday! During the day we have fun and free activities scheduled for the whole family. Including river snorkeling, a mushroom identification hike, an opportunity to join one of our Monongahela National Forest listening sessions, and group float trips on the river (bring your own boat). RSVP here.
Make sure you purchase tickets to our after party to keep the fun going! Tickets include two beer or wine tickets, dinner catered by White Grass Café, and live music with the Chaga Tea Project. Get your tickets.
We Want to Hear from You about Recreating in the Mon National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest is the crown jewel of West Virginia’s public lands. WV Rivers’ wants to hear from folks about how they recreate within the Mon Forest. We’re holding informal listening sessions where visitors, residents, and tourists can share their experiences recreating in the forest. We’d love to hear from you!
Upcoming listening sessions:
- July 13 – Fishing in the Mon Forest
- July 14 – Hunting in the Mon Forest
- July 17 – In-person General Session at WV Rivers Celebration
- July 20 – Trail Runners
Click on the links above to register now for upcoming Listening Sessions. We’ll send you a reminder email before the session begins. We look forward to hearing your thoughts! Questions? Contact Jeremy Morris, jmorris@wvrivers.org.
Candy Darter Tees Back in Stock!
Rep your love clean water with the WV Rivers’ Candy Darter t-shirt. Designed West Virginia artist Rosalie Haizlett, these super soft t-shirts feature the endangered candy darter. A tiny colorful fish found only in the New, Greenbrier and Gauley River watersheds
We use American manufactured tees that are made of organic cotton and recycled materials, so you know you can feel good about your purchase. Our t-shirts are available in unisex and women’s cut. Get yours here.
Growing the Movement for Clean Water Now and in the Future
Transforming water quality in West Virginia. Visioning a future where water resources are valued and cherished. Enacting water policy that is protective and pro-active.
These are lofty goals that we know require long-term attention. But we know they are attainable!
This is why our board took a bold step by outlining a multi-year fundraising plan to ensure that we can sustain our work to benefit future generations. We recently received big news that the Virginia Environmental Endowment, one of our earliest philanthropic supporters, awarded us a final grant to support the build-out of our organizational development program that puts us on a path for long-term sustainability.
This is an investment that puts its trust in you, WV Rivers’ donors, to fully realize the transformative power of this funding.
As we take the first steps towards this sustainability model to transform water policy in West Virginia, we want to hear from you. What makes you passionate about West Virginia’s rivers and streams? How would you like to see WV Rivers programs grow?
To share your thoughts, contact Development Officer, Chett Pritchett, cpritchett@wvrivers.org,or 304-315-4799.
