DRBA Encourages Residents to Report Watershed Concerns

When people see something environmentally wrong they often contact the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA).

When we get one of those calls or emails, we move quickly. We reach out to our local and statewide contacts, gather information and in most cases, we put boots on the ground to see the situation for ourselves. Our job is to understand what happened, determine whether there has been an impact and make sure the right agencies and responsible parties know about it. 

As a nonprofit, DRBA does not have the authority to enforce environmental laws or make a company or individual comply. But what we can do is be persistent by asking questions, making calls, documenting what we see and following-up until we know the situation has been addressed. We take that responsibility seriously and below are recent issues we have investigated and are continuing to follow. 

Patrick County, VA

Faith Mulch in Stuart, VA has been the focus of repeated environmental concerns this Spring and Summer after dyed mulch entered Campbell Branch, a tributary of the South Mayo River. The initial discharge turned a section of Campbell Branch blue-green. The Virginia DEQ determined the material was nontoxic and issued the company a corrective-action request. In August, flooding at the facility caused another release followed by additional enforcement action. In September, the DEQ investigated a fish kill associated with the facility and issued Faith Mulch a Notice of Violation while also exploring additional enforcement options to ensure the facility operates in compliance. That same week, a fire broke out at Faith Mulch with water used to fight the fire resulting in additional discharges. The latest update is that the plant is not operating and the water in Campbell Branch below the facility was reported clear and live fish, including trout, were observed in the South Mayo River near the confluence. 

Martinsville / Henry County, VA 

Another recent incident occurred behind Southern Finishing in Martinsville where a bright green material was observed in a stream. Local responders (and DRBA) investigated the incident and traced the material back to the Southern Finishing plant. Company officials identified the material as water from a condensate system with the bright green color attributed to a corrosion-inhibitor additive. Southern Finishing took steps to stop the overflow from entering its storm drain although some material may have remained in the drainage system. The DEQ requested that the company submit an incident report within 24 hours along with Safety Data Sheets for the additives involved. DRBA appreciates the quick response from local and state officials and will continue to follow-up to ensure the incident is properly documented and any necessary corrective action is taken.

Why Reporting Matters

Not every environmental concern is obvious. A strange color or odor, foam, an oily sheen, sediment entering a stream, dead fish or an apparent discharge can all be important signs that something needs to be investigated. Your call may be the first step in getting the right people involved. 

See an Environmental Problem? 

If you're not sure who needs to know, contact DRBA (336) 627-6270 or drba.nc@danriver.org. We can help determine who the appropriate agency is and follow up on the situation. You don't have to know which regulation may have been violated or which agency has jurisdiction, just tell us what you saw.

You can also visit DRBA's Report A Watershed Issue page to find the right agency to contact in Virginia and North Carolina.

Tip: When reporting, include the location, date and time, what you observed, the apparent source if known, what was affected and photographs if you can safely take them.

Learn more about DRBA by visiting them online at https://www.danriver.org.