River Access Program folks:

On Monday, Sep. 18, there was a large fire at Ball Advanced Aluminum Tech company alongside Middle River in Verona.

The Department of Environmental Quality assessed the river at a number of downstream sites following the fire to determine if pollutants got into the river. Ted Turner (DEQ) asked for help from River Access Program landowners and paddlers for the next week or so for reaches below Verona:

“I saw live minnows, no dead minnows or dead bugs observed.  I couldn't see any signs of petroleum products on rocks or organic debris on the banks, as one might expect if substantial amounts had been released into the water.  I also didn't smell any oil. I'm reasonably confident that there hasn't been any impact to the stream so far, and I don't expect that to change in the future.

It might be useful to have RAP participants kind of keep an eye out for the next week or so, and report if they see any dead fish or oil sheen at their property.  If anyone observes something like that, have them email me, and I'll try to follow up as soon as possible.  Again, I don't expect problems, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye out!”

Ted’s email to report a problem is robert.turner@deq.virginia.gov

Video of the fire:

https://www.whsv.com/2023/09/18/massive-fire-reported-verona/?outputType=amp

 Thanks all,

River Access Program (RAP)