In July 2016, the James River Association and the Southern Environmental Law Center submitted detailed comments to DEQ outlining how the draft Chesterfield Power Station permit fell short in adequately protecting the river, the species that rely on it and the citizens that live within it. DEQ responded with a revised permit that lacks necessary protections, and currently allows:
• Use of a mixing zone permitting discharge of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver and zinc at hazardous levels for fish and aquatic wildlife.
• Release of cooling water at very high temperatures harmful to fish and aquatic life.
• Drawing millions of gallons of river water into the plant daily using old technologies that trap and kill aquatic life, including Atlantic sturgeon, at the water intake structure.
This Thursday is the final opportunity for public comment. Join us at this important meeting and help call on the State Water Control Board to protect the James River.
Public Forum: The State Water Control Board will hold a public forum on Thursday, September 22 at 9:30am.
If you submitted oral comments during the July 6th public hearing or submitted written comments during the July comment period you may sign up to speak. If you would rather cede your time to James River Association or the Southern Environmental Law Center, you may do so when you sign up to speak at the meeting.
Location:
House Room C, General Assembly Building
Intersection of 9th and Broad Streets
Richmond, Virginia 23219