The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's website will verify the Bluestone to be impaired and in serious trouble. The following web link takes you to a page which can be used to look at the impaired waters lists and Bluestone River sediment, fish, and water data. First go to the web links listed below.
http://gisweb.deq.virginia.gov/deqims/factsheet2004.cfm?tmdlid=VAS-N36R-01
http://gisweb.deq.virginia.gov/deqims/factsheet2004.cfm?tmdlid=VAS-N36R-02
http://gisweb.deq.virginia.gov/deqims/factsheet2004.cfm?tmdlid=VAS-N36R-03
http://gisweb.deq.virginia.gov/deqims/factsheet2004.cfm?tmdlid=VAS-N37R-02
For the site directly below, next, select the option 2004 impaired waters. Use the map to navigate and look at which parts of the watershed are impaired and historical sampling water quality data taken by DEQ.
http://www.deq.state.va.us/infor/edata.html
Semi Permeable Membrane Device VS Fish Tissue
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/tools/spmds/spmds.html
http://wwwaux.cerc.cr.usgs.gov/SPMD/
Mechanical SPMDs are not conclusive of toxins in a stream. Variables are complex and shortened periods for analysis exclude many of the streams variable data in a timed period. Numerous scientists and marine biologists question the validity of SPMD testing as flawed.
In past testing water samples taken during periods void of rain would not offer a true measurement of toxins normally deposited from runoff or sediment disturbance.
Fish samples have tested hundreds of percentages above Environmental Protection Agencies thresholds. Fish tissue is considered the most accurate and reliable data for toxins. Indigenous fish feed and absorb what toxins pass and settle in a specific area of a river. Thus, allowing for a true picture of a streams impairment and health hazards.