Updates from WV Rivers Coalition
December 2024
A Quick Note: As we approach the end of another impactful year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the West Virginia Rivers Coalition. We’re excited to carry this momentum into the new year.
To ensure our staff can rest and recharge for the exciting challenges and opportunities ahead, our organization will be closed during the last week of the year, from December 23 – 31. During this time, our offices will be closed, and responses to emails or inquiries may be delayed until we reopen on January 2.
This pause is essential for our team to return refreshed and ready to continue making a difference in the work we do. We deeply appreciate your understanding and look forward to reconnecting in the new year with renewed energy and focus.
Indian Creek: A Community’s Struggle for Clean Water
Senior Scientist Than Hitt collected a conductivity reading from a source of pollution impacting Indian Creek. There is another image overlaid that shows another area of the creek impacted.
Families along Indian Creek in Wyoming County have spent over a year grappling with the devastating impacts of water contamination, leaving them without safe water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. WV Rivers Coalition recently visited the area, witnessing firsthand the lifeless stream, alarming health concerns, and signs of severe pollution tied to unresolved mining disputes.
While the community rallies to meet immediate needs to provide clean water for drinking and bathing through this GoFundMe page, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive plan for ensuring accountability and long-term solutions. Read our latest blog to learn more about their story, our findings, and how you can help.
Taking Action on Chronic Clean Water Act Violations
The Chemours Company FC, LLC’s Washington Works Facility near Parkersburg, West Virginia along the Ohio River.
Late last week, WV Rivers Coalition filed a lawsuit against The Chemours Company FC, LLC (“Chemours”) for ongoing Clean Water Act violations at their Washington Works facility. These violations involve excessive discharges of PFAS into the Ohio River. PFAS is a toxic “forever chemical” linked to serious health risks.
Executive Director Jennie Smith stated, “Our rivers and communities deserve better. This legal action sends a clear message: no one is above the law, and no one can jeopardize our health and environment without consequences. Together, we will safeguard clean water for generations to come.”
Learn more about this important step toward addressing pollution in the Ohio River Basin.
New Report: Mountain Valley Pipeline Construction Damaged 94% of Waterbodies Crossed in West Virginia in 2023
Image of the Greenbrier River, where the Mountain Valley Pipeline crosses with a map of West Virginia overlaid showing the 303-mile-long path in red, rivers and trout streams crossed by MVP, and critical habitat for the Candy Darter, Salamander Mussel, Round Hickorynut, and Green Floater.
A new report from WV Rivers Coalition and Downstream Strategies examines the environmental effects of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) on West Virginia’s streams and wetlands. The analysis reveals that only 6% of the pipeline’s water crossings maintained their biological condition after construction.
Key findings include declines in riparian buffer health, stream bank stability, and wetland conditions, raising concerns about the long-term impact on local ecosystems.
To learn more, join us for a webinar at 12:00 PM this Friday, December 13, 2024, where we’ll discuss the findings and explore next steps. Register at the button below.
Comment on Proposal to Inject Carbon Dioxide Underground!
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worker tests an abandoned well in Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge near Lake Charles, Louisiana. Credit: USFWS
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to transfer oversight from EPA to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection for the injection of carbon dioxide underground in a Class VI underground injection control permit. These wells, used for geologic carbon sequestration, haven’t been permitted in the state before and could significantly impact West Virginia’s property rights, water, and environment.
EPA has set a public hearing and the comment deadline for December 30, 2024! We’re requesting a 30-day extension to the comment period to ensure everyone has enough time to review the rule, especially given its complexity and the overlap with the holidays. We’re also asking EPA to add additional public hearings across the state.
These carbon dioxide injection wells raise serious concerns:
- Class IV wells have never been permitted in West Virginia, other states doing carbon injection experienced leaks that caused serious health risks.
- Carbon Dioxide can migrate underground, raising private property concerns and the potential for leaks in abandoned oil and gas wells.
Given the leakage risks and the fact that only a few states have permitted these wells and are already experiencing problems, the state is unprepared to provide adequate oversight of such a risky and unproven technology.
Please add your voice to the EPA’s docket before the December 30, 2024 deadline. What you can do:
- Submit a comment on the EPA docket: https://wvrivers.salsalabs.org/uic-rule
- Encourage others to get involved
- Attend a public hearing (and ask more be added!)
- Date: Monday, December 30, 2024
- Times: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 12 PM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Charleston Marriott Town Center (200 Lee Street E, Charleston, WV 25301)
- Virtual option: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1600637199
Together, we can ensure the protection of our water and communities.
Maria Russo Promoted to Policy Specialist!
Maria Russo, WV Rivers’ new Policy Specialist, leads a workshop about water conservation with students at Driswood Elementary School.
We are thrilled to announce that Maria Russo has been promoted to Policy Specialist at WV Rivers, where she will lead our policy and advocacy efforts on crucial issues like improving water quality, enacting fair energy policy, and ensuring access to safe drinking water. With her extensive experience working on policy for the West Virginia Environmental Council and WV Rivers, Maria is well-positioned to guide our policy initiatives into the future.
As we look ahead, the need for strong, effective policies to protect West Virginia’s water has never been more urgent. To ensure we have the resources to make significant progress, we’re calling on our supporters to help fund this critical work before the end of the year.
Your donation will directly support our legislative efforts, enabling us to advocate for policies that will safeguard clean water for generations to come. Please join us in this pivotal moment — together, we can create a water-secure future for West Virginia.
Application Deadline for Community Ambassadors Closing Soon
View from a boat on the Ohio River.
West Virginia Rivers Coalition is hiring Community Ambassadors in the Eastern and Northern Panhandles. This position is aimed at engaging local residents in conversations about the presence of PFAS in drinking water supplies. Ambassadors will play a key role in ensuring that community priorities are central to the development of PFAS Action Plans to address the sources of contamination.
We are looking for individuals to serve in the following regions:
- Eastern Panhandle: Berkeley Springs, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Kearneysville, Martinsburg, Summit Point
- Northern Panhandle: Benwood, Chester, Follansbee, Glen Dale, Weirton
This is a short-term contract position, and the application period is closing soon. If you’re interested in helping your community take action on PFAS contamination, apply today!
Shop for New Merchandise in Our Online Store!
Make sure to place your order before end-of-day on December 17 so we can get you your goodies in time for the holidays. Thanks to our board member, Chrissy Zeltner, for sharing a stunning photo of Pringle Falls featured.
Check out the new items in our online store! From WV Rivers gear to special items that support our mission, there’s something for everyone. The last day to have items shipped before the new year is December 17, so don’t wait! Your purchase helps fund our work to protect clean water and strengthen communities across West Virginia. Shop now and give the gift of clean water this season!
