DEQ will host an informational public meeting to discuss a water quality study on Fryingpan Creek, Pigg River, Poplar Branch, and Beaverdam Creek in Franklin, Pittsylvania, and Bedford Counties. These creeks are listed on the 303(d) TMDL Priority List and Report as impaired due to violations of Virginia’s water quality standards for the General Standard (Benthics). This means that the stream bug community is not as healthy as we would expect. DEQ and its contractors, Wetland Studies and Solutions Inc. and James Madison University will discuss these impairments, the process used in identifying the most likely stressor to the watersheds, the watershed modeling approach, and solicit feedback from watershed stakeholders. This meeting is an opportunity for local residents to learn about the condition of these streams, share information about the area, and become involved in the process of local water quality improvement.
A 30 day comment period will follow the public meeting. An advisory committee to assist in development of this clean-up study (i.e., TMDL) will be established. Persons interested in assisting should notify DEQ by the end of the comment period and provide their name, address, phone number, email address and the organization you represent (if any).
