Inside the average poultry barn, there’s an invisible problem that’s costing farmers money and harming waterways. Chicken droppings release ammonia as bacteria decompose them. This pungent-smelling gas is harmful to both chickens and humans, and high levels can cause respiratory issues, conjunctivitis, and reduced egg production. MOVA created a filtration system that captures toxic ammonia from chicken waste before it escapes into the environment.

New state budget funds $250K to water testing of Smith Mountain Lake and other Virginia inland waterways.

Virginia Tech’s Unmanned Systems Laboratory is helping recovery crews understand the impacts of Helene on our region.

It’s been a year since the harmful algal bloom took over a section of Smith Mountain Lake.

Residents and the business community at Smith Mountain Lake have formed the Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Alliance to educate the public about harmful algal blooms.

A petroleum leak is taking over some people's homes in the Coopers Cove neighborhood of franklin county.

Wildfires continue to blaze across the Commonwealth, with the Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County spanning about 3,600 acres as of Thursday night.

Local doctors are weighing in on the risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure.

FloydFest will now officially have a new place to call home.

Scientists with the DEQ are still probing the waters for signs of algae that caused swimming advisories when warm weather arrived earlier this year.

The 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.

On Wednesday, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a Code Orange air quality alert for several parts of Southwest Virginia due to smoke from western U.S. wildfires.

ROANOKE, Va – 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.

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – A proposed wind farm in Botetourt County got the last state permit it needs to move forward. Now, those plans can be submitted to county officials for final approval. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued the permit to the utility solar and wind company Apex Clean Energy in October, which is a requirement to build the Rocky Forge wind farm. Botetourt County officials said they’re just waiting for Apex to submit all the permits, site plans, noise and sound studies before the board of supervisors will look them over and make their final decision. There’s no official timeline yet, but Botetourt County officials hope to get all the documents from Apex by the end of the month.

MONTGOMERY 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.