Pollutants in drinking water can pose serious health risks if consumed in high concentrations. Common pollutants found in drinking water include heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as chemicals like pesticides and industrial solvents. These contaminants can enter water sources through various means such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and improper waste… Read more
The public has a chance to tell officials that we want them to enforce the law, to protect people and the environment from PFAS being discharged to the James River in Scottsville. PFAS are a class of dangerous contaminants commonly known as “forever chemicals” and samples collected at a treatment plant operated by the Rivanna… Read more
Growing awareness of human impact on the environment in the 1960’s and 1970’s propelled an important cultural shift in how we relate to nature and how we should be managing the effects of technology, industry, and population growth. Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the moral obligations that humans have towards… Read more
At a meeting of the Virginia State Water Control Board on February 23, 2024, members of the public asked the Board to tell the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to enforce the law and to stop degradation of our streams, our properties, and our drinking water sources caused by Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). Citizens presented… Read more
Virginia, like many other states, faces a variety of environmental issues that require attention and action. One significant concern is water quality, particularly related to pollution from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and industrial sources. Efforts to protect and restore the health of waterways such as the Chesapeake Bay are ongoing, with initiatives aimed at reducing… Read more
Do you enjoy watching cottontail rabbits scurry through your yard, hearing red foxes bark in the woods at night, and even fishing for catfish in the creek? If so, you may be concerned to find out that the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment is negatively impacting these beloved Virginia species…. Read more
On February 8, 2024, twenty-nine organizations wrote Mike Rolband, Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), insisting that he issue a stop work order for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) due to repeated and widespread violations and damage to waterbodies and private property. The groups joining in this urgent call represent thousands of… Read more
With winter in full swing, we have had to adapt many aspects of our lives to the cold temperatures and icy conditions. We bundle up, adjust our thermostats, and put ice-scrapers in our cars. However, in order to protect our well-being and the health of our planet, the foods we buy and eat should also… Read more
Car accidents are a leading cause of death for many animals, including endangered species. Unfortunately, Virginia is no exception to this trend. In recent years, there have been several incidents of car accidents involving endangered species in the state. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019 when a red wolf was hit by… Read more
Founded as the Conservation Council of Virginia in 1969, Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) began as a roundtable of major conservation groups and has grown to include over 150 Network Partners across the Commonwealth (including Wild Virginia). Their annual Conservation Lobby Day is coming up and it’s your chance to lobby with fellow advocates in your… Read more