National Rivers and Streams Assessment, 2008-09

A new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gauges the overall health of our rives and streams. It found that 55% of the nation’s river and stream miles do not support healthy populations of aquatic life, with phosphorus and nitrogen pollution and poor habitat the most widespread problems. Conditions are even worse in the southern Appalachian region, with 64% of streams and rivers in poor condition.