American Rivers Names America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2012

With Congress considering drastic cuts to national clean water protections, and rivers nationwide facing threats from natural gas drilling, pollution and new dams, American Rivers (AR) recently released its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers.

AR named the Potomac River—known as "the nation’s river" because it flows through the capital—the most endangered in the country. While the Potomac is cleaner than it used to be, the river is still threatened by urban and agricultural pollution, and it could get worse if Congress rolls back critical clean water safeguards.

As the U.S. commemorates its 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act this year, the Potomac is symbolic of what is at stake for rivers nationwide. AR launched a national call to action, giving citizens the opportunity to contact members of Congress and speak up for clean water.

Bob Irvin, president of AR, said, “If Congress slashes clean water protections, more Americans will get sick, and communities and businesses will suffer. We simply cannot afford to go back to a time when the Potomac and rivers nationwide were too polluted and dangerous to use.”

Before the Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972, the Potomac was a cesspool of sewage and industrial pollution. Thanks to the Clean Water Act, the Potomac and rivers across the country are cleaner and safer for drinking, boating and fishing. But the Potomac is still suffering. A University of Maryland report card has given the river a “D” grade for water quality for the past two years. Ed Merrifield, president of Potomac Riverkeeper, said, “The Clean Water Act is the reason the Potomac River is no longer called a 'national disgrace.'”

Most of the palpable problems are gone; however, there are many emerging threats that cannot be seen. “Residents of the Washington D.C. metro area—including the President and Congress—need to realize they are composed mostly of Potomac river water and they need to protect and enforce the laws that safeguard their health,” said Merrifield.

Irvin added, “When members of Congress fill a glass of water or drink their morning coffee, that water comes from the Potomac River. It’s time to draw the clear connections between healthy rivers, drinking water and public health in Washington, D.C., and in communities nationwide.”

AR has called on Congress to kill any legislation that weakens the Clean Water Act or prevents the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from restoring protections for small streams and wetlands under the Act. AR also called on the Obama Administration to finalize guidance clarifying the scope of the Clean Water Act and issue a rule-making to ensure that all waters get the protections Americans expect and deserve.

Now in its 27th year, the annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes, including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.

America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2012:

#1: Potomac River (Md., Va., Pa., W. Va., D.C.) 
Threat: Pollution 
At stake: Clean water and public health

#2: Green River (Wyo., Utah, Colo.) 
Threat: Water withdrawals 
At stake: Recreation opportunities and fish and wildlife habitat

#3: Chattahoochee River (Ga.) 
Threat: New dams and reservoirs 
At stake: Clean water and healthy fisheries

#4: Missouri River (Iowa, Kan., Mo., Mont., Neb., N.D., S.D., Wyo.) 
Threat: Outdated flood management 
At stake: Public safety

#5: Hoback River (Wyo.) 
Threat: Natural gas development 
At stake: Clean water and world-class fish and wildlife

#6: Grand River (Ohio) 
Threat: Natural gas development 
At stake: Clean water and public health

#7: South Fork Skykomish River (Wash.) 
Threat: New dam 
At stake: Habitat and recreation

#8: Crystal River (Colo.) 
Threat: Dams and water diversions 
At stake: Fish, wildlife, and recreation

#9: Coal River (W. Va.) 
Threat: Mountaintop removal coal mining 
At stake: Clean water and public health

#10: Kansas River (Kan.) 
Threat: Sand and gravel dredging 
At stake: Public health and wildlife habitat

For the fourth consecutive year, America's Most Endangered Rivers is sponsored by The Orvis Company, which donates 5% of their pre-tax profits annually to protect nature.

Source: PR Web