Current Challenges

Data Centers

• JLARC - Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission ​
• Here's What Happens When Big Data Takes Over a Small Town - Sierra Club 9/12/24
• ​WHRO - Community Pushback
• Bay Journal July 2025: “The Price of AI: As data centers multiply in the Chesapeake region, water use increases too”

Solar Farms

• ECCA Regarding Solar Farms

Forever Chemicals

Forever Chemicals in Sludge Fertilizer

• Bay Journal May 2025 “‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge fertilizer resisted in Virginia, Maryland”
• Virginia Mercury Sept 2024 “Is sewage sludge laced with ‘forever chemicals’ contaminating Va. farmland? No one’s testing it.”
• Virginia Conservation Network Nov 2024 “How Toxic Sewage Sludge Hurts Virginia Farms.”
• ABC News 4, Sept 2025 “Sludge with forever chemicals spread on US farms threatens food supply, livelihoods.”

PFAS: Tracking "Forever Chemicals" in Our Waters

• In 2022, Waterkeeper Alliance launched a sweeping investigation into PFAS contamination also known as toxic "forever chemicals" linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Phase I revealed alarming levels in 83% of U.S. waterways tested, including every single sample in the Chesapeake Bay region. Now Phase II digs even deeper. With expanded testing near wastewater treatment plants and farmland treated with biosolids, the results are just as concerning and highlight growing threats to drinking water and public health. Local Waterkeepers are leading the charge to uncover the truth and push for solutions. Click here to read our blog on the report!​