Foam observed on the James River in Richmond.
DEQ regional water monitoring manager Mark Alling takes a sample from the James River in Goochland County.
A slideshow of related photos is available.
DEQ investigation of James River finds no artificial cause of foam
The Department of Environmental Quality's investigation of foam in the James River has found no indication of detergents, cleaners or other artifical chemicals. DEQ is continuing its investigation, and will focus now on possible natural causes of foam and phosphorus that periodically appear in the river in the Richmond area.
This means it is unlikely that a prison facility in Goochland County is contributing to foam and high levels of phosphorus in the river near the Huguenot Bridge. DEQ worked with the state's Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services to analyze water samples collected July 25 near the bridge. These samples were compared with earlier samples collected from prison wastewater, and there was no indication of soaps or other chemicals in the river.
DEQ's analysis also shows that phosphorus in the river is likely to attach to foam. This explains why high phosphorus concentrations have been found only where foam is present.
DEQ has asked about 20 area residents who live on the river to contact DEQ if they observe any unusual conditions or materials in the river. In addition, DEQ will begin seeking assistance from academic professionals to pursue the investigation of possible natural causes for the foam.
The results from DEQ's water quality testing are below.
Water quality data
July 25
| Location | Phosphorus (ppm)* | Organic Carbon (ppm) | Long chain fatty acids | Phenolic compounds | Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goochland prison, discharge to river (June 21) |
1.64 | 11.73 | yes | no | no |
| Goochland prison, partially treated laundry water (June 21) |
5.82 | 70.99 | yes | yes | yes |
| Near Huguenot put-in | N/A | 46.05 | no | no | no |
| 0.36 | 15.43 | no | no | (trace) | |
| Pony Pasture | N/A | 26.42 | no | no | no |
| 0.06 | 49.05 | no | no | (trace) |
July 10
| Location | Nitrogen (ppm) | Phosphorus (ppm) | Organic Carbon (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level indicating good water quality | <1.0 | <0.1 | N/A |
| Pony Pasture | 0.2 | 0.12 | 3.5 |
| 30m above Huguenot put-in, under foam | 0.2 | 0.03 | N/A |
| 30m above Huguenot put-in, foam/water mix | 2.3 | 3.35 | 96.0 |
| Huguenot Bridge, midstream | 0.2 | 0.04 | N/A |
| Huguenot Bridge, near south bank | 0.1 | 0.04 | N/A |
| Robious Landing | 0.1 | 0.03 | N/A |
| Watkins Landing | 0.1 | 0.04 | N/A |
| Maidens landing, north bank | 0.1 | 0.05 | 2.6 |
| West View ramp | 0.1 | 0.04 | 2.7 |
| Cartersville (USGS composite sample) | N/A | 0.04 | N/A |
| Cartersville ramp (DEQ sample) | 0.1 | 0.03 | 2.6 |
June 21
Test results from the June 21 monitoring sweep
June 13
| Location | Nitrogen (ppm) | Phosphorus (ppm) | Surfactants (ppb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level indicating good water quality | <1.0 | <0.1 | N/A |
| Pony Pasture, South bank | 1.1 | 0.14 | 0.06 |
| 30m above Williams Dam, South bank | 2.6 | 0.44 | 0.02 |
| 0.3 mi below Huguenot Bridge, South bank | 2.6 | 0.38 | 0.01 |
| Huguenot put-in, South bank | 4.2 | 0.36 | 0.03 |
| 0.5 mi above Huguenot Bridge, midstream | 1.8 | 0.30 | 0.07 |
| 60m above Old Spring Rd, South bank | 0.6 | 0.06 | 0.02 |
| 0.75 mi above Huguenot Bridge, North bank | 0.5 | 0.09 | 0.02 |
| 0.75 mi below Bosher Dam, South bank | 18.8 | 2.70 | 0.06 |
| 0.7 mi below Bosher Dam, South bank | 28.0 | 3.60 | 0.05 |
| 0.5 mi below Bosher Dam, South bank | 0.6 | 0.08 | 0.01 |
| South side of Bosher Dam | 0.4 | 0.05 | 0.03 |
| North side of Bosher Dam | 0.4 | 0.06 | 0.02 |
| Robious Landing, South bank | 0.3 | 0.04 | 0.01 |
| Watkins Landing, South bank | 0.3 | 0.05 | ND |
Substances measured
Phosphorus and nitrogen
Phosphorus and nitrogen are nutrients – substances that can contribute to the growth of algae in rivers and lakes. Nutrients occur naturally, but may also be present in agricultural or industrial wastewater and runoff. Higher nutrient levels cause more algae to grow, which has a variety of adverse effects on a water body.
Organic carbon
Organic carbon compounds occur naturally through decomposition, and are also present in agricultural chemicals and other potential contaminants. They contribute to the growth of algae.
Surfactants
Surfactants are a type of chemical found in many products, including detergents, paints, adhesives and herbicides. They may be related to the presence of foam on a water body's surface.
Long chain fatty acids
Long chain fatty acids indicate the presence of detergents in water.
Phenolic compounds
Phenols are added to detergents as disinfectants and anti-microbials. They indicate the presence of detergents in water.
Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates
These compounds are used in industrial cleaners.