Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Finding the source of the runoff into Manassas Run

I didn’t want to leave you all hanging so yesterday I went out to find the source that caused the influx of sediment-laden runoff that caused the water level of Manassas Run to raise at least 4 inches, maybe more at the peak.  Mark Frondorf, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper, and Bill Howard, with the Downstream Project, joined me yesterday in my hunt for the source. Mark is researching to see if any regulations or laws have been/are being violated.

The area circled on the map below is the catchment basin/lake that is being purposely drained into Manassas Run.  The runoff contaminated at least 3 miles of Manassas Run and then the main-stem of the Shenandoah River.

While searching for the source,  I collected water samples from Manassas Run, the tributary flowing into Manassas Run carrying the sediment, and on the main-stem of the Shenandoah River at Morgan Ford public boat landing on the southeastern side of the bridge.  The E. coli results will be posted momentarily.

I have also provided maps, videos, and pictures of this activity to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Warren County authorities.

Posted on May 30th, 2020 in Events, Featured, Uncategorized

FOSR’s 2020 Summer E. coli Results through 05.27.2020

The E. coli results are in for the water samples that I collected and tested yesterday for the FOSR’s summer E. coli testing program. It was more than sediment that was being carried downstream in Manassas Run. The E. coli level in Manassas Run above the confluence with the Shenandoah River at the bridge on Morgan Ford Road was 1,732.9 MPN of E. coli CFU per 100mL of water sample (FW-36). The E. coli level in the Shenandoah River along the banks downstream of the confluence with Manassas Run was 920.8 (FW-35). I also collected a water sample by wading out into the river away from the disturbance. The E. coli level in this sample was 35.9, Shenandoah River mid-stream (FW-35 Mid).

FOSR 2020 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Result through 05.27.2020

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured, Uncategorized

Runoff flowing into Manassas Run along Dismal Hollow Road

The runoff was flowing into Manassas Run along Dismal Hollow Road between Gore Road (Rt. 651) and Gap Road (Rt. F-285).  There was enough influx of discolored, sediment-laden runoff into Manassas Run to raise the water level at least 4 inches maybe more at the peak.  The runoff contaminated at least 3 miles of Manassas Run and then the main-stem of the Shenandoah River.

The orange line on the map indicates where the runoff was entering Manassas Run. Possibly that is a  pond just above the railroad tracks that can be seen on the map.  Maybe if it is a pond the retaining wall/dam failed or it was being purposely drained.

I reported this occurrence to VA DEQ and the Warren County authorities.

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured

Manassas Run looked like chocolate milk

This is what Manassas Run looked like yesterday afternoon when I arrived to collect the water samples. Manassas Run was discolored and laden with sediment as it flowed into the Shenandoah River just upstream of the public boat landing.

Video Manassas Run 5.27.2020

 

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured

Shenandoah River @ Morgan Ford public boat ramp in Warren County

Eventually, my travels brought me to the public boat ramp at the bridge on Morgan Ford Road in Warren County where I found this….

IMG_3713

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured

Cattle grazing along the bank of the SF Shenandoah River

Spied cattle grazing on the opposite bank of the SF of the Shenandoah River while collecting the water sample at Andy Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park. IMG_3737

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured

Public boat ramp at Newport, Stanley VA.

VA DGIF boat ramp located north of Newport on U.S. 340, not looking very inviting.

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River at Meems Bottom

The North Fork of the Shenandoah River at Meems Bottom in Mount Jackson, Virginia

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured, Uncategorized

Working from “home” does have some perks…

Yesterday started off just like most – I headed out to collect the water samples for the FOSR’s summer E. coli testing project at public access and recreational use areas on the Main Stem, North Fork, and South Fork of the Shenandoah River and Opequon Creek.  The next several posts are some of what I saw yesterday along the way…

Working from “home” does have some perks

 

Posted on May 28th, 2020 in Events, Featured

FOSR’s 2020 Summer E. coli Results through 05.14.2020

FOSR’s Summer E. coli Testing Project at public access and recreational use areas on the Main Stem, North Fork, and South Fork of the Shenandoah River and Opequon Creek

These are the E. coli concentration results for the water samples that were collected on Thursday, May 14, 2020.  In a freshwater system, these data represent a snapshot of the water quality on the date, time, and under the conditions that the water sample was collected.

FOSR 2020 Summer Quantitative E. coli Concentration Results through 05.14.2020

Posted on May 16th, 2020 in Events, Featured
 
Copyright © 2013 Friends of the Shenandoah River