🌍 Tell WVDEP: Don’t let our streams slip through the cracks! 🌊

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The Issue: A Critical Oversight

West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) just released its draft Integrated Report under the Clean Water Act — the official list of streams that are “impaired” and in need of cleanup plans. While this new draft identifies more impaired streams than their last report in 2016, it still underestimates the true extent of the problem.

Unfortunately, DEP is attempting to redefine what counts as a "healthy" stream by allowing more polluted conditions in this category. That's like painting over rust and calling it fixed.

Why it matters:

More pollution allowed: DEP’s new definition of “healthy” ignores known pollution problems like high conductivity, which is toxic to aquatic life.
Fewer protections: Misclassified streams won’t receive the cleanup plans they need.
Public hearing: This is your chance to weigh in before the report is finalized.

Written comments may be submitted by e-mail by September 8, 2025, to depwqsas@wv.gov or mailed to:

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water and Waste Management
303(d) List – Attn: Nick Murray
601 57th Street, S.E.
Charleston, WV 25304

Public Hearing Information:

August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Join By Phone: (813) 370-0349
Phone PIN: 230 388 360#
Join virtually here: https://meet.google.com/vsr-hknc-yrj?authuser=0

WV Rivers Coalition encourages you to customize your message to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

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West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water and Waste Management 303(d) List – Attn: Nick Murray 601 57th Street, S.E. Charleston, WV 25304

Subject: 303(d) List – Attn: Nick Murray

Message:

I am writing to comment on the draft 2024 Integrated Report under Clean Water Act sections 305(b) and 303(d). While I appreciate that DEP has identified more impaired streams compared to the 2016 report, I am deeply concerned that the methodology still underestimates the true extent of impairment across West Virginia. Specifically: + Redefining “reference condition” to allow higher levels of pollution means that streams impacted by known pollutants, like high conductivity, are being misclassified as “healthy.” + DEP’s exclusion of conductivity from level-4 reference site criteria contradicts scientific consensus and DEP’s own recognition of conductivity’s harmful effects, such as in the Guyandotte River basin. + Misclassification will delay cleanup plans and leave aquatic life and downstream communities at risk. I urge DEP to: 1. Revise the reference site criteria to align with the best available science, including conductivity limits. 2. Reassess streams using more protective thresholds so truly impaired waters are prioritized for cleanup. 3. Ensure transparency in how “healthy” streams are defined and classified. Thank you for considering these comments to strengthen West Virginia’s water protections.

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The Issue: A Critical Oversight

Why it 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

Why it 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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