Environmental Advocates Sue Virginia Electric and Power Company Over Alleged Water Contamination in Potomac River
A significant legal action has been initiated against the Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO) by a coalition of environmental organizations, led by Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, alleges that VEPCO has been responsible for the discharge of pollutants into the Potomac River, a vital waterway that serves millions of people and supports a rich ecosystem.
The case, formally titled Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc. et al v. Virginia Electric and Power Company, was publicly filed on August 14, 2025, under case number 2:21-cv-00023. While specific details of the alleged violations are expected to be elaborated upon in subsequent court filings, environmental groups typically bring such actions under federal environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act, to address alleged non-compliance with discharge permits and to seek remedies for environmental harm.
Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the Potomac River and its tributaries. Their work often involves monitoring water quality, advocating for stronger environmental protections, and taking legal action when necessary to hold polluters accountable. The inclusion of other plaintiffs in this case suggests a broader coalition of concerned citizens or environmental groups supporting the effort to safeguard the river’s integrity.
The Potomac River is a critical natural resource, providing drinking water for communities in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., and supporting diverse aquatic life, including fish populations and migratory birds. Allegations of pollution can have far-reaching consequences for both public health and the environment.
Virginia Electric and Power Company, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, is a major energy provider in the region. As is common with large industrial facilities, power plants often have environmental permits that regulate their discharges into waterways. Lawsuits of this nature typically focus on whether these discharges exceed permitted levels or contain substances harmful to the environment.
This legal challenge underscores the ongoing efforts by environmental advocates to ensure that corporations adhere to environmental regulations and operate in a manner that preserves the health of important waterways like the Potomac River. The proceedings in the Northern District of West Virginia will be closely watched by environmental stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the public alike as the case progresses through the court system. Further information will likely become available as the parties engage in the discovery process and present their arguments.
21-023 – Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc. et al v. Virginia Electric and Power Company
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