Important waterways topics will be on the agenda at an event this weekend hosted by the Northumberland Association for Progressive Stewardship (NAPS).

On Sunday, Madeleine Green of Potomac Riverkeepers Network (PRKN) will give an update on the recent legislative efforts around PFAS, or toxic “Forever Chemicals.” The chemicals resist breaking down and bioaccumulate in fish, livestock, and humans. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a wide array of diseases and health conditions, including cancers, fetal and child developmental issues, obesity, and high cholesterol. Laws to require PFAS testing of biosolids used on farmland have been moving through the Virginia Legislature.

Green will also present an update to the massive raw sewage spill into the Potomac River and C&O Canal near Washington DC. The line has finally been fixed after two months, according to reports, but the cleanup effort and water testing continues.

NAPS will highlight the second year of its Ghost Pot Program. In coordination with Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), NAPS volunteers have removed derelict crab pots over the past two off-seasons. According to VIMS, up to 20% of crab pots are lost each year, trapping crabs, turtles, fish, otters, diving birds and other wildlife continuously.

These dicussions will be held at the Tavern Meeting Building at the Northern Neck Heritage Arts Center in Heathsville from 1 -3 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend this informative, free event.

The program will be followed by an ice cream social and NAPS annual meeting.