Twenty-four conservation groups have urged the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to develop standards that “effectively control turbidity and solids to protect our streams.” The groups’ May 12 letter points out that the State Water Control Board unanimously approved two-years ago a motion directing DEQ staff to develop turbidity standards,” but the agency has yet to move toward adopting standards. ABRA and several of its member organizations were signatories.

The letter notes that the most widely acknowledged problem caused by excessive amounts of solids in Virginia streams is necessary to complete the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort. At least sixty-five waterbodies have been designated impaired, but due to DEQ resource constraints, the number of impaired streams is likely much greater.

For a copy of the groups’ letter, click here.

Conservation groups urge VA DEQ to adopt turbidity standards
Tagged on: