Acid levels in river in Va.'s Blue Ridge treated

STAUNTON, Va. (AP) — A remote, 12-mile stretch of St. Mary's River in Virginia's Augusta County has been treated with 230 tons of limestone sand to neutralize acid rain.

The U.S. Forest Service says water washing over the limestone sand will return the river and several headwater streams to normal pH levels, protecting fish and insect species. The sand was delivered by helicopter to the St. Mary's Wilderness, which does not have road access.

The river and the wilderness are located on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 10 miles from Staunton.

The upper portion of St. Mary's River is known for its dramatic cascades and trout fishery.