The James River, one of Virginia’s most iconic waterways, has a rich history — but also a troubled one when it comes to pesticide pollution. Flowing more than 340 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, the river has long been vital to Virginia’s economy, ecology, and culture. Unfortunately, it also became a dumping ground for industrial and municipal waste throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

By the mid-1900s, pollution in the James had reached dangerous levels. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in the 1960s and 70s, when the chemical company Allied Chemical (now Honeywell) discharged toxic Kepone — a pesticide — into the river near Hopewell. The contamination was so severe that it led to a fishing ban across a 100-mile stretch of the river for over a decade, devastating local economies and harming aquatic life. Kepone, also known as chlordecone, is a toxic, persistent, chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide that was once widely used but is now banned in many countries due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment. It was produced and used in the United States from 1958 until its ban in 1977. Its most notable environmental impact stemmed from its release into the James River in Virginia. 

Raw sewage and industrial waste were also routinely dumped into the river for decades. These pollutants caused oxygen depletion, fish kills, and long-term health risks for communities relying on the river for drinking water and recreation.

The environmental movement of the 1970s, along with the creation of the Clean Water Act, marked a turning point. Activism, stricter regulations, and the work of groups like the James River Association helped begin the long process of restoring the river.

Today, the James is far cleaner than it once was — but challenges remain. Stormwater runoff, agricultural pollution, and urban development continue to threaten the river’s health.

Understanding this history is crucial. It’s a reminder that recovery is possible, but only through vigilance, action, and a commitment to protecting the waterways we all depend on. The James River tells a story of resilience — and the work to keep it clean is far from over.

Learn more about the important work Wild Virginia is doing to protect water quality here.