Shenandoah Algae Elimination Campaign - Potomac Riverkeeper Network

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

We have been working diligently for years to tackle the issue of nutrient pollution and the algae crisis it creates on the Shenandoah. Primarily, intense poultry and dairy operations create hundreds of millions of pounds of manure which causes runoff, triggering massive algae blooms year-round, inhibiting recreational use, and hurting aquatic life. Construction sites, failing urban infrastructure and outdated sewage treatment also contribute to the excessive nutrient pollution.

Goal: Get official government recognition of the Shenandoah’s algae problem due to nutrient pollution which triggers a requirement to start cleaning it up!

This campaign has multiple components and strategies:

Listing Shenandoah as Impaired Due to Algae
Get the Cattle Out Campaign
Virginia Sewage Sludge Application Regulations
Virginia Petition to Enforce Factory Farm (CAFOs) Permits
Sewage and Industrial Discharge Reduction

A herd of cows stand and urinate in the South Fork as a group of boaters and tubers approach near Bentonville.
Of the 72 original landowners with cattle in the river, we are now down to about 36 individuals who, despite the availability of 100% state and federal funding for removal have failed to remove and exclude their cattle from the river over the last 2 years.
Riverbank disturbance by cattle causing erosion

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Report Pollution through Water Reporter