August 29 update

  • The Post-Site Characterization Monitoring Report Sub-Phase #1 is available.
    • This report summarizes the results of groundwater sampling conducted from supply wells between March 2024 and June 2024.
    • DEQ staff and DEQ's state-lead cleanup contractor met with a team of hydrogeologists to identify potential locations for a community well system.
    • DEQ's state-lead contractor proposes injecting bioremediation solution into the source area to break down contaminants over time.
    • DEQ's contractors will continue to collect groundwater samples from supply wells, and continue to maintain and operate carbon filtration systems at residences.

Please see the "Documents and Reports" tab at the bottom of this webpage.

The map below shows sampling results of MTBE collected from supply wells throughout the community during the spring and summer of 2024. The map was prepared by DEQ's state-lead cleanup contractor, Total Environmental Concepts, and presented in the August 2024 Post-Site Characterization Monitoring Report

 CoopersCove_PSCM1_Map

 

April 12 update

  • DEQ's state-lead cleanup contractor collected a sample from the Lakeshore Terrace Public Water Supply (PWS #5067360) on March 23.
    • Petroleum compounds were not detected in the sample. 
  • DEQ's contractor collected samples from drinking water wells throughout the community on April 1.
    • MTBE was detected at two additional residences, bringing the total to 20 impacted residences in the community.
    • DEQ is providing carbon filtration units to these residents.
  • The Initial Abatement Measures Report is now available.
    • The report describes the removal of the three leaking underground storage tanks and petroleum impacted soil in February 2024.

Please see the "Documents and Reports" tab at the bottom of this webpage. 

 

March 8 update

Fact sheets and documents from the March 3 community meeting are available.

The map below shows sampling results of MTBE collected from supply wells throughout the community in November and December 2023. The map was prepared by DEQ's state-lead cleanup contractor, Total Environmental Concepts, and presented in the February 2024 Release Investigation Report

CoopersCove_RI_Map

 

 

February 16 update

The week of February 11, DEQ's contractor removed three leaking underground storage tanks and more than 100 tons of petroleum impacted soil.  

  • A public meeting has been scheduled to provide the community with an update on the investigation.
    • The meeting is scheduled for March 3 at 6:00 PM
    • The meeting will be held at the Coopers Cove Community Center, 37 Penick Place, Hardy VA
  • The Release Investigation report is now available.
    • Please see the "Documents and Reports" tab at the bottom of this webpage.
  • A complete round of CFU system sampling and maintenance is scheduled for March.
  • DEQ does not provide bottled water once a CFU system has been installed at a residence. DEQ provides bottled water as a short-term measure until the CFU system is installed. 

In November 2023, a homeowner in the Coopers Cove community in Hardy, Virginia, reported petroleum in their drinking water. DEQ is sampling drinking water wells and surface water bodies (streams, creeks, and springs) in the area to determine the spread of contamination.

As of September 1, 2024, 21 drinking water wells in the Coopers Cove community have tested positive for gasoline constituents, primarily MTBE. DEQ is providing safe drinking water to households with impacted domestic wells. In February, DEQ removed three leaking underground storage tanks and more than 100 tons of petroleum impacted soil. Information about MTBE can be found in the fact sheets below.

This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Drinking Water Supply FAQs

  • What is a carbon filtration unit? Carbon Filtration Units (CFUs) are filtration vessels that are equipped with granular activated carbon, designed to remove common contaminants (including petroleum products) from drinking water supplies.
  • Is the system effective? Granular activated carbon is used to filter a wide range of contaminants, including petroleum related contamination. CFUs have shown effective and consistent removal of petroleum contaminants for potable water supply systems. The water is tested during regular maintenance to ensure treatment is effective.
  • Who will install and maintain my CFU? CFUs will be installed and maintained by DEQ's contractor: Culligan - Stoner Quality Water. CFUs are designed with each residence in mind based on the number of individuals, amount of water used, and the specific groundwater conditions.
  • Is my water safe to drink? Water treated by CFUs can be used for all everyday activities, including drinking, food preparation, showering, and laundry.
  • Will the CFU work in my house? DEQ's contractor will design the CFU to work with existing water treatment equipment, such as softeners. The contractor will work with you to locate the CFU on your property.

Project and Funding FAQs

  • There will be no cost to residents for clean drinking water, installation and maintenance of the CFUs, or investigation work to determine the spread of contamination.
  • Once the party responsible for the release has been identified, DEQ will require them to investigate and remediate the contamination. DEQ may also seek reimbursement from the responsible party for project costs.
  • DEQ is working with local and state partners to identify a permanent safe water solution, such as a new community well or water line extension.
  • DEQ's priority is to use funds to provide safe drinking water for residents. Expenses not related to providing safe drinking water or investigating the release may be ineligible for payment.
Project Contacts
Resources and Factsheets
Documents and Reports