FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 5, 2017
CONTACT:
Bill Street
Chief Executive Officer
(804) 788-8811
bstreet@jrava.org
James River Association applauds the City of Richmond for
Wastewater Treatment Upgrades to Improve the James River
The James River Association celebrates and commends the City of Richmond for the most recent upgrades to their wastewater treatment plant. This multi-year, five-phase enhancements to the City of Richmond’s wastewater treatment plant have resulted in an 86% decrease in nitrogen and a 45% reduction in phosphorus from 2010 levels in the pollution released to the river.
“The James River is the heart of Richmond, and today we are celebrating a giant leap forward in its restoration,” said Bill Street, CEO of the James River Association. “A healthy James River is a major driver for Richmond’s revitalization and its future prosperity. The significant state and local investments in wastewater treatment upgrades are an important pillar in restoring the James to full health.”
The James River was once one of the most polluted rivers in the country, but thanks to the strong collective effort by individuals and communities along its course, it is now one of the most improved. In the 2015 State of the James River report, the health of the river scored in the “B” range for the first time, and the James River is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest major tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay in the University of Maryland’s annual report card. The City of Richmond has made major strides in doing its part to protect the health of the James River.
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ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION:
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works through its core programs – Education, Community Conservation, Watershed Restoration, River Advocacy and the Riverkeeper Program – to help people of all ages enjoy, appreciate and protect the beauty and health of the James River for future generations to enjoy. For more information visit www.jamesriverassociation.org.