Covington Air Concerns Expand Beyond Covington Middle School as Pollution Report Raises New Questions
Read full article: Covington Air Concerns Expand Beyond Covington Middle School as Pollution Report Raises New QuestionsIt started in January, when a carbon monoxide leak at Covington Middle School forced the building to shut down for several weeks. But even after it reopened, reports of symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue persisted. Now a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project has named Covingtonโs paper mill among the nationโs top polluters in its industry.
Smith Mountain Lake Association announces harmful algal bloom resource center
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake Association announces harmful algal bloom resource centerThe Smith Mountain Lake Association is offering a new resource to keep visitors informed on the harmful algal bloom affecting parts of the lake.
Radford Army Ammunition Plant cited for toxins in New River, fined $21,145
Read full article: Radford Army Ammunition Plant cited for toxins in New River, fined $21,145The Radford Army Ammunition Plant, more commonly known as the Radford arsenal, has been cited for releasing excessive levels of toxins into the New River, according to state regulators.
South Fork Roanoke River contaminated with โPFAS,โ VDH says water still safe to consume
Read full article: South Fork Roanoke River contaminated with โPFAS,โ VDH says water still safe to consumeThe DEQ said they received information from the Western Virginia Water Authority that results of the water found GenX, a type of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, also known as PFAS, in source water and drinking water from the South Fork Roanoke River watershed.
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Norfolk Southern could face fines after train derailment in Roanoke late last year
Read full article: Norfolk Southern could face fines after train derailment in Roanoke late last yearROANOKE, Va โ Norfolk Southern could be facing environmental violations after a train derailment spilled coal into the Roanoke River late last year. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a notice to Norfolk Southern after tons of coal sat in the river potentially causing environmental impacts to the area. Norfolk Southern is collecting daily samples from the river and the first sample results are expected Tuesday. (Roanoke County Fire & EMS)According to the document, coal was visible in the river at least six miles away from the derailment. DEQ issuing the notice could mean that Norfolk Southern could be facing fines down the road.
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Crews continue clean up following Roanoke County train derailment
Read full article: Crews continue clean up following Roanoke County train derailmentROANOKE, Va. โ Crews removed 22 rail cars from the Roanoke River following a train derailment on Friday. The train derailed after a bridge collapsed in Roanoke County Friday night. The water supply and water quality is not currently affected, according to officials. The Salem Water Treatment Plant is currently withdrawing from groundwater wells and not from the river at this time. Soon after the spill occurred, the water treatment plant switched to back-up water sources, which prevented possible impacts from coal contamination.

Stop work order issued on 2-mile stretch of Mountain Valley Pipeline in Montgomery County
Read full article: Stop work order issued on 2-mile stretch of Mountain Valley Pipeline in Montgomery CountyMONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. - The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a stop order for construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline after finding issues during a recent inspection. We are appalled that construction priorities and deadline pressures would ever rise above the proper and appropriate use of erosion control measures, said DEQ Director David Paylor. DEQ has suspended all work in this section until corrective actions are installed and approved by DEQ through field inspection and verification. MVP must stop all land-disturbing activities in this area including clearing, grading and trenching activities in the designated area. The only activity currently authorized in this area is work necessary to install and maintain erosion control devices as required by the approved site-specific erosion and sediment control plans, and the annual standards and specifications.
