The winding wetlands of Dutch Gap Conservation Area feed in the James River. Visitors come to the 810-acre park in Chesterfield County to fish, kayak and hike miles of trails.
Just feet away, are two ponds holding 15 million tons of coal ash, containing pollutants like arsenic, radium and lithium. One area environmental groups have nicknamed “Red Cove.” As low tide moves water out of the cove, it reveals a deep red soil that’s caused by a buildup of iron. More concerning though, is environmentalists say they’ve done water testing in the area and found high levels of arsenic.
An independent study commissioned by the James River Association and Southern Environmental Law Center found that people coming in contact with those coves near the Chesterfield power plant could be at a higher risk of developing cancer. Other coal ash ponds are located in Chesapeake City, and Prince William and Fluvana Counties. For decades, Dominion and other energy companies have stored the toxic byproduct of burning coal in ponds near rivers and streams. This year, Virginia lawmakers are nearing a deal to address the environmental concerns around these coal ash ponds.