River and Creek Water Quality
According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality the Nansemond River and several creeks are classified as impaired - Impaired, means that the river/creek fails to meet state or federal standards for one or more pollutants. The source is considered non-point source pollution, resulting from many diffuse sources, in direct contrast to point source which results from a single source. To see the latest State of the River Report click HERE
Impact to Suffolk’s Shellfish Industry (Oysters)
The Virginia Department of Health: Division of Shellfish Safety (VDH:DSS) issues the restrictions or conditional restrictions for shellfish harvesting due high bacteria levels. Restricted areas are closed year round. Conditionally restricted means the section is closed for 10 days after .5 inch of rain. Closures have significant impact on Suffolk’s Shellfish Industry. VDH:DSS relies on water quality monitoring data collected in accordance with guidance from the Food and Drug Administration’s National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP).
60% of the Nansemond River is condemned or conditionally condemned to shellfish harvesting. See map below.
Impact on Waterway Recreational Activities - Swimming
Suffolk does not have any public beaches, therefore the Suffolk Department of Health does not issue any warnings related to
recreational waterway activities. The Virginia Department of Health provides the following recommendations to prevent illness and injury when swimming in natural waters:
Avoid swimming in natural waters for a few days after a heavy rain event.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming.
Avoid getting water shot up your nose when swimming, especially in warm shallow water.
Avoid swimming or wading in with open wounds or cuts.
What about Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrates, Dissolved Oxygen Levels that can Impact Underwater Grasses and Marine Life
According to the NRPA State of the Nansemond River Report:
Suspended solids (sediment) are increasing rapidly due to increased run off which impacts water clarity. Lower clarity levels impacts underwater grasses.
Phosphorus levels exceed the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality standards. High phosphorus levels and can induce algal blooms.
The River meets standards for nitrates and dissolved oxygen. The implementation of best practices is required to ensure that changes do not occur.
Our waterways are sick
This is a wake up call.
Check out the map below. The RED indicates that these waterways are in the severe bacterial danger zone. These waters should not be swam after rain fall events This information comes from multiple sources, not just a single source, and combined to give you a better look at how are waterways are doing.
