Two environmental groups are appealing the renewal of North Anna Power Station's state water permit.

The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League and the Peoples Alliance for Clean Energy claim heated water discharged from the plant's two nuclear reactors harms Lake Anna's aquatic life and recreational opportunities.

According to the groups, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality erred in granting a variance that allows temperatures exceeding water-quality standards.

Dominion nuclear operations spokesman Richard Zuercher said Thursday that the company is in full compliance with the law. He declined to comment on the appeal.