DEP says Greenbrier algae problem worst in state
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says the algae problem in the Greenbrier River is “severe” and the worst of 17 rivers studied statewide.
James Summers, senior environmental resource specialist with the DEP, discussed the results of a two-and-a-half year study at a briefing for the Greenbrier River Watershed Association on November 19.
Summers said the primary cause of algae growth in the Greenbrier is phosphorus. According to a report prepared by Summers for the DEP, most phosphorus in the river comes from sewage treatment plant discharge, with smaller amounts from agricultural runoff.
One pound of phosphorous can produce around 78 pounds of algae, according to the report.
Summers said algae is not harming the biology of the river, but detracting from the recreational use of the river.
“There is currently no evidence that the growth of filamentous algae has had any negative impact on the fishery of the Greenbrier River or on the population of invertebrate organisms typically used to measure the biological health of a stream – mayflies, stoneflies, crayfish, etc.,” the specialist wrote in an email on Monday.
“The problem is that the large algae blooms significantly interfere with the recreational use of the river. This is especially true in the sections of the river downstream of Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs,
Ronceverte and Alderson.”
Although not yet affecting the biology of the Greenbrier River, nutrient discharge, including phosphorus, has resulted in “dead zones” in estuaries along the Gulf Coast.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, excess nutrient load can result in a condition known as hypoxia, in which decomposing algae and plant material reduces the amount of oxygen in the water. Hypoxia can result in die-off of marine organisms and usually occurs in areas of shallow, slow moving water.
The algae problem in the Greenbrier River starts in Pocahontas County, where the Hillsboro sewage treatment plant discharges into the river. Photos of the area show algae growing underwater at the discharge point with an ugly, green glob extending downstream more than 100 yards.
The algae disappears for about two miles and reappears where the Denmar Correctional Center sewage plant discharges into the river.
The problem gets much worse down river at Caldwell, where Howard Creek flows into the Greenbrier.
Howard Creek drains the White Suphur Springs area, including a sewage treatment plant that discharges 20 times as much phosphorus as the Hillsboro plant.
At multiple points below Caldwell, algae fills the river and covers the surface with green slime.
DEP has notified Hillsboro and White Sulphur Springs that their sewage treatment plants will have to meet stricter phosphorus discharge limits over the next three years. Other municipalities, including Marlinton, Ronceverte and Alderson will have to meet the stricter standards, as well.
DEP’s goal is to reduce phosphorus levels in the river by 60-65 percent over a three-year period.
Hillsboro and White Suphur Springs appealed the DEP decision to the state Environmental Quality Board and the case is under review.
Hillsboro mayor Richard Workman said the town could not afford to upgrade its sewage plant and that a stricter phosphorus limit is unnecessary.
“Basically, we don’t see that we’re harming the river,” he said. “We think the phosphorus limit is an unreasonable limit for us to make. “
Workman said initial estimates indicate the town might have to build a new plant if the appeal is unsuccessful.
“What we’ve looked at so far, we would basically have to put in a whole new plant to meet what they want,” he said. “It’s more than we’re going to be able to afford.”
Heidi Hickson, sewage treatment operator with the Pocahontas County Public Service District, said two primary methods are currently being used to reduce phosphorus discharge.
“There are a couple different ways to remove phosphorus,” she said. “One is a process known as biological phosphorus removal, or BPR. BPR can be used at any plant using an activated sludge system, or any system in which microorganisms are aerated to digest the waste stream coming in.”
The Hillsboro plant uses an aerated lagoon system, potentially suitable for BPR.
Hickson said another, more expensive alternative was available, as well.
“The second method is chemical precipitation, in which you add a chemical that would bind up the phosphorus and other solids and settle it out. This is more expensive because of the cost of chemicals. You have to buy more chemicals plus you’re going to generate more solids and you have to treat those solids.”
Hickson said most of the phosphorus in sewage discharge comes from detergents.
The Greenbrier River Watershed Association has the full DEP algae report and slideshow available on its website at www.greenbrier.org. Summers said he is willing to give the presentation to any interested group. He can be reached at the DEP Watershed Assessment Branch at 304-926-0495.