To the Editor

On behalf of the Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Program (BNRP) and myself I would like to thank the Southampton County Sheriffs Dept., the Department of Emergency Services, The Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for

quickly responding to the recent chemical spill into the Nottoway from the Hercules chemical plant.

I was also truly impressed with the level

of concern shown by these agencies in making sure the public was informed and safe.

It certainly brought to light the comforting knowledge that these professionals can handle this type of emergency.

It should be noted that Hercules also responded swiftly and reacted quickly to their spill.

Hopefully

Hercules will soon develop the means to reduce the frequency of these accidents or eliminate them altogether.

There have been far too many in recent years. The potential risk for these spills causing serious health issues for the Nottoway and the many people who utilize or live along the river is just too high.

It is time for Hercules to make their operations safer for the people of this area and the river we call Nottoway.

Jeff Turner

BNRP Riverkeeper