Algal Blooms
When conditions tip out of balance, rivers can turn green with thick mats of algae that threaten fish, wildlife, and even human health. These outbreaks, known as harmful algal blooms, happen when certain algae grow out of control and produce toxins or choke oxygen out of the water. One of the biggest drivers is nutrient pollution: excess nitrogen and phosphorus washing in from farm fields, sewage systems, and stormwater. Warm temperatures, slow-moving water, and plenty of sunlight add to the problem, creating a perfect storm for blooms to spread.
What Is PRKN Doing About This Issue?
Shenandoah Algae Elimination Campaign
We have been working diligently for years to tackle the issue of nutrient pollution and the algae crisis it creates on the Shenandoah. Primarily, intense poultry and dairy operations create hundreds of millions of pounds of manure which causes runoff, triggering massive algae blooms year-round, inhibiting recreational use, and hurting aquatic life. Construction sites, failing urban infrastructure and outdated sewage treatment also contribute to the excessive nutrient pollution.
Goal: Get official government recognition of the Shenandoah’s algae problem due to nutrient pollution which triggers a requirement to start cleaning it up!
