PURPOSE OF NOTICE: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) announces the availability of the 2021 Fish Tissue monitoring data.
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) conducts routine studies of fish tissue and sediment samples in state waters to assess the human health risks for individuals who may consume fish from state waters and to identify impaired aquatic ecosystems. Results are made available to the public each year on the agency’s website.
In 2021, DEQ collected fish tissue samples primarily from sites located in the watersheds of the James River, New River, Roanoke River and Tennessee River. DEQ also conducted special fish tissue monitoring studies in the Dan River and in Lovills Creek Lake (Carroll County),and these data are also available. Samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls and a suite of 17 metals, including mercury.
2021 monitoring results are available on the agency’s website at the following link: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quality/monitoring/fish-tissue-monitoring
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) uses the data generated by DEQ’s fish tissue monitoring program to determine the need for fish consumption advisories. More information on VDH fish consumption advisories is available here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/fish-consumption-advisory/.
CONTACTS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Questions on DEQ’s fish tissue monitoring program can be directed to Rick Browder at Richard.Browder@deq.virginia.gov , or Gabriel Darkwah at Gabriel.Darkwah@deq.virginia.gov . Additional information is also available on the VADEQ Water Quality Monitoring website at the following location https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quality/monitoring.
Name / Title: | Gabriel Darkwah / Water Quality Monitoring Specialist |
Address: |
1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400 Richmond, 23218 |
Email Address: | Gabriel.Darkwah@deq.virginia.gov |
Telephone: | (804)659-2656 FAX: ()- TDD: ()- |