🌍 SEND A COMMENT TO EPA: Don’t let our streams slip through the cracks!🌊

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The Issue: A Critical Oversight

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) again identified a significant gap in a list submitted by the WV Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) for their combined report for 2018, 2020, and 2022, identifying streams not meeting water quality standards. This is a grave oversight that we simply cannot afford to ignore:

346 streams, accounting for over 1,600 miles, were missing from WVDEP's combined report.

Science: Our Best Ally in Environmental Protection

To truly protect our environment, WVDEP must employ the most up-to-date science to assess biological impairments in streams. WVDEP continues to use an outdated methodology by only identifying aquatic insects at the family level despite EPA's recommendation to use genus-level classifications.

We stand with the EPA in holding the WVDEP accountable for their role in this oversight.

It is imperative that WVDEP update its methodology to assess biological impairments. By doing so, we can ensure that our polluted streams receive the resources they need to meet the standards.

Act Now: Your Voice Matters

Join us in sending a powerful message to the EPA: Hold WVDEP accountable and insist on the implementation of the best science and methodologies to protect our water resources across West Virginia.

Our polluted streams should not be ignored.

Thank you for your advocacy.

-West Virginia Rivers Coalition

WV Rivers Coalition encourages you to customize your message to the United States Environmental Protection Agency - Region 3 Standards and TMDLs Section Chief Gregory Voigt.

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Standards and TMDLs Section Chief Gregory Voigt United States Environmental Protection Agency (215) 814-5737 | voigt.gregory@epa.gov

Subject: FRL-10978-01-R3 comment

Message:

I am writing to express my support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Identification of Water Quality Limited Segments to be added to West Virginia’s Section 303(d) List (FRL-10978-01-R3) identifying an additional 346 streams, encompassing over 1,600 stream miles, from the combined 303(d) lists submitted by the WV Department of Environmental Protections (WVDEP) for 2018, 2020, and 2022. This revelation highlights a critical need for a robust and accurate assessment of water quality in our state. To protect our environment effectively, it is imperative that we rely on the best available science. Accurate data and thorough assessments are the foundation of any successful environmental protection effort. Without a comprehensive understanding of the state of our waterways, we cannot hope to address the challenges they face. The streams missing from WVDEP's list are the ones with moderate impairments that will be easiest to restore and bring back to attainment. I support the EPA’s commitment to holding the WVDEP accountable for updating its methodology to assess aquatic organisms to the genus level. This step is essential in ensuring that our water bodies meet and maintain the water quality standards. By doing so, we can make informed decisions that safeguard our environment for current and future generations. I urge you to continue your efforts in this direction and require WVDEP to use GLIMPSS in all future 303d list assessments. The GLIMPSS method will fully account for all aquatic organism populations in different seasons and regions and identify streams where populations struggle to survive. An accurate list of streams impaired for biological standards will ensure they receive the resources and support they need to put them on a path toward restoration. Thank you for your dedication to safeguarding our environment. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this decision has on our rivers and streams.

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The Issue: A Critical Oversight

Science: Our Best Ally in Environmental Protection

Act Now: Your Voice Matters

Sorry, we're not targeting any representatives in your district. But, you can still help!

The comment period for this document is now closed. But, you can still help!

The Issue: A Critical Oversight

Science: Our Best Ally in Environmental Protection

Act Now: Your Voice Matters

Sorry, we're not targeting any representatives in your district. But, you can still help!

The comment period for this document is now closed. But, you can still help!

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