Lake-Monocan. Photographed by James-Oglethorpe

Our waters in Virginia can become contaminated through a number of sources. Toxic pollution from metals mining and stormwater runoff can accumulate and persist in our bodies, soils, waters, and environment. PAHs, short for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are a class of toxic chemicals that are produced when coal is burned. And up until July 1st of this year, PAHs could also be found in pavement sealants, where they are likely to be present in stormwater flowing from parking lots and driveways where these sealants have been long used. When it rains, toxins from these sealants wash off into our streams and rivers. As industrial sites and busy roadways are often placed closer to underserved areas, this pollution more acutely impacts vulnerable communities. 

PAHs pose severe health risks to both humans and wildlife. Several PAHs cause cancer in humans and may damage the eyes, liver, and kidneys. PAHs are known to also cause cancer, birth defects, and mutations to living aquatic organisms. PAH contamination of Virginia’s rivers and streams can impair reproductive functions in fish and other aquatic life, potentially causing long-term population declines of wildlife and threatening diverse habitats downstream.

Widely recognized as a poison, cyanide is a powerful chemical that is commonly used in the gold mining industry and poses significant human and environmental risks. When used to extract gold from ore, cyanide can leak into surrounding soils and waters. Cyanide spills in mining are common and contaminate drinking water, destroy diverse habitats, and kill significant fish populations. Cyanide also poses severe health risks to humans by harming the eyes, lungs, and heart. 

On July 1st, two new laws banning the use of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in pavement sealants and cyanide in gold mining went into effect in Virginia. These laws will meaningfully reduce the sources of toxic pollution in Virginia waters, improve water quality, and protect human and ecological health.

HB85: (Delegate Shelly Simonds) Restricts miners and other people involved in mining operations to participate in dangerous practices such as extracting gold using cyanide.

HB985: (Delegate Kathy Tran) Bans the sale and distribution of high PAH concentrations in pavement and asphalt sealants. The law further establishes the Virginia Environmental Emergency Response Fund, to be used for the purpose of emergency response to environmental pollution incidents and for the development and implementation of corrective actions for pollution incidents; to conduct assessments of potential sources of toxic contamination; and to assist small businesses in pollution prevention.

It is crucial that the Commonwealth take significant steps to protect Virginia families and waters. By banning cyanide in gold mining, Virginia will proactively prevent contamination of ground and surface water, ensuring cleaner, safer drinking water and aquatic health. Additionally, banning high PAH pavement sealants will reduce harmful chemicals in stormwater runoff, protecting streams, aquatic life, and human health. Effective alternatives to these toxic substances are already in use, making this transition not only essential but also practical and readily achievable for safeguarding Virginia’s natural resources and public well-being.