To the editor,
I have always enjoyed my visits to Mountain View Nursing Home (MVNH) because of the pleasant atmosphere and caring staff. One of their stated values is “Care: We will prioritize the needs and welfare of others ahead of our own.” https://www.mvnursing.net/about
Unfortunately, I’ve recently learned from shared FOIA documents that their inadequate wastewater treatment system is not achieving that value for their neighbors.
The nursing home processes thousands of gallons of sewage and wastewater containing pharmaceutical contaminants every single day. The partially treated effluent, including solids https://echo.epa.gov/effluent-charts#VA0063347 , is then released onto properties below theirs through a mostly dry tributary that joins Great Run.
It’s very concerning that not only Great Run, but also local groundwater is likely being polluted by MVNH. Apart from the unfortunate landowners directly below it, there are over 420 households within a 3-mile radius of the nursing home. https://echo.epa.gov/detailed-facility-report?fid=110010914519#pollutants Those who are downstream and rely on well water are at risk from polluted groundwater and might want to get their water tested.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has agreed to hold a rare public meeting in Madison at 414 Main St. on March 2nd at 7 PM, in order to address the sewage discharge from Mountain View Nursing Home and the possible renewal of their Discharge Permit by DEQ. Please attend and invite your neighbors. Who knows how many families have been affected? The flow of sewage wastewater has been continuous for over two decades.
There are many self-contained sewage treatment systems designed for institutions like Mountain View. I appeal to them (and DEQ) to care for their neighbors’ welfare as well as that of their residents.
Gillian Bethel
Radiant
