The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, which was established in 1900, is a staple of not only White Sulphur Springs but also of West Virginia in general.
The primary function of the hatchery when it opened was to provide fish for the American public. In 1976, the hatchery became a part of the National Broodstock Program.
The hatchery added a new program in 1995. This program was freshwater mussel conservation. The program has evolved over the years so that they now raise baby mussels for the purpose of improving wild populations. They also provide shelter for mussels that are threatened by pollution.
Pollution has been a rising issue in the United States for many years and according to research done by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), West Virginia is at the top of the list of those with problems. This is largely due to the high number of drinking water violations.
There are set standards in every state for drinking water under the Clean Water Act. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in West Virginia, those standards include disallowing wastes, industrial, sewage, or otherwise to cause “distinctly visible floating or settleable solids, suspended solids, scum, foam or oily slicks.” It also may not cause odors or taste that would affect the intended use. Some many other standards and regulations are intended to keep water at as high a quality as possible.
Given this information, what constitutes pollution? The EPA defines the term as meaning “the man-made or man-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological and radiological integrity of water.” The NRDC says, “water pollution occurs when harmful substances — often chemicals or microorganisms — contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.”
The Freedom Industries chemical spill that occurred outside Charleston in 2014 is an excellent example of large-scale pollution and contamination. When the spill happened, an estimated 10,000 gallons of crude methylcyclohexane methanol was released into the Elk River. This left 300,000 people without safe tap water. The impact on wildlife living in the water was even greater.
The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, among other places, strives to protect water creatures from the pollution of all levels, which is why their freshwater mussel conservation program is so important. It protects these creatures from going extinct.
The mission of the White Sulphur hatchery is to work with the community, as well as their partners, to “be good stewards of both the environment and historical significance of the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery by providing recreational fishing opportunities, recovering fish, mussels and other wildlife and their habitats, and promoting awareness and appreciation of our cultural and natural resources for the benefit of all people.”
In 2016, much of West Virginia was hit with a major flooding event. Numerous homes and businesses were damaged, many beyond repair. The White Sulphur hatchery was one of the many places to sustain damage. The structure itself took a major hit and suffered serious damage. Worse, however, the stock became contaminated. The biggest issue with this was the supply of trout eggs. Thankfully, they were able to completely disinfect and fully repair the structure and obtain backup supplies of eggs from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s facility in Tennessee as well their hatchery in Ennis Montana. At the time they estimated a full three years for total recovery.
When conditions allow, the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery plays host to many fun activities, including an annual fishing derby and a freshwater folk festival. They also serve as a National Outdoor Classroom. They were chosen by the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to act as a pilot location for the “National Outdoor Classroom Initiative” in 2007. Educational tours are also available by request.
The hatchery is a vital part of the community as well as wildlife conservation efforts. Since its construction in 1900, the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery has grown, expanded and improved. Since they opened, they have supplied millions of rainbow trout eggs. The eggs have gone to hatcheries on all levels; national, state and tribal located all across the country.
For more information on their tours, classes, or events call 304-536-1361. Information can also be found by visiting their website or Facebook page.
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