UPDATE: Today marks the 50th anniversary of one of Virginia’s worst environmental disasters, as the fallout from the Kepone contamination in the James River continues to resonate. On December 17, 1975, then-Governor Mills Godwin announced a ban on commercial and recreational fishing due to alarming health risks posed by the pesticide Kepone, manufactured by Allied Chemical Corp. The announcement followed revelations about the dangerous discharge of Kepone into the river, threatening the health of countless Virginians.
This unprecedented closure devastated the fishing industry, costing an estimated $18 to $20 million at the time, equivalent to around $80 million today. Local watermen, already struggling, faced insolvency as fishing was their primary livelihood. “Kepone had a huge impact on many watermen,” recalled J.C. Hudgins, president of the Virginia Waterman’s Association.
The contamination was traced back to poor safety practices at Life Science Products, which manufactured Kepone without adequate protective measures. Toxic dust permeated the workspace, leading to severe health issues among workers. Investigations revealed that between 20,000 and 40,000 pounds of Kepone had contaminated the James River, severely impacting aquatic life and ecosystems.
The closure of the river for fishing persisted until 1988, marking a nadir in Virginia’s environmental history. Despite the tragedy, the disaster catalyzed significant environmental advocacy and legislative reforms, including the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 and amendments to the Clean Water Act.
Today, organizations like the James River Association continue to work tirelessly for the river’s restoration. “The Kepone disaster was rock-bottom for the James River,” said Bill Street, executive director of the association. The organization has made strides in improving water quality and preserving natural resources, yet it still grades the river at a B level, striving for an A rating in the future.
While the levels of Kepone in the river have significantly decreased, the legacy of this disaster lingers. The chemical’s presence has been buried under sediment, but concerns remain about the long-term effects of such pollutants. “If we don’t fight aggressively for protections, threats can arise undetected,” Hudgins warned, highlighting ongoing issues with pollutants like PCBs and PFAs.
As we reflect on the Kepone disaster 50 years later, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in environmental protection. Communities impacted by similar chemicals still grapple with health crises, underscoring the importance of awareness and advocacy to prevent future ecological disasters.
Virginia’s journey post-Kepone showcases both the resilience of its communities and the critical lessons learned in environmental stewardship. The fight for a cleaner, safer James River continues, with citizens determined to ensure that such a disaster never occurs again.
