Endangered fish holds up Va water plant expansion

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) — A species of endangered fish is putting plans to expand a Henry County water plant on hold.

County officials say there are concerns that adding water production at the Philpott Water Plant may further threaten the Roanoke logperch.

The Martinsville Bulletin reports (http://bit.ly/YG4lpK) that the fish can grow up to 4.5 inches long. It has a dark green back with greenish to yellowish sides and a white to yellowish belly.

Officials are planning to increase water production from the current 4 million gallons per day to 6 million. The plant that opened in 1985 draws water from the Smith River.

The increase is needed for a number of reasons, including a Virginia Health Department rule that plants must plan for an increase when production hits 80 percent of its capacity.

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Information from: Martinsville Bulletin, http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com