TCWN issues 60-day notice of intent to sue the City of Chattanooga
Mon, 2010-08-09 18:43 — tcwn_contentadminPRESS CONFERENCE: AUGUST 10, 2010 10:00 A.M. CHATTANOOGA PIER
Location – Chattanooga, TN
On August 2, 2010, the Tennessee Clean Water Network issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue to the City of Chattanooga for violating its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the Moccasin Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant and Combined Sewer System by unpermitted discharges by its West and East Bank Tide Gates; unpermitted Sewer Overflows; exceedances of the maximum E. coli limit; and monitoring and reporting violations.
“The hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage going into Chattanooga Creek and the Tennessee River are staggering. Just this weekend there was a spill that killed thousands of fish.” Said Renée Victoria Hoyos, Executive Director of the Tennessee Clean Water Network. “Chattanooga prides itself on being a green city and they have made great strides in sustainability but attention must be paid to the failing sewer system.”
The notice specifically sites these violations from January 2006 – June 2010:
• 32 discharges totally 319,000,000 gallons of raw sewage to the Tennessee River from the West and East Bank Combined Sewer System outfalls;
• 489 sewer overflows totaling 35,000,000 gallons of raw sewage to streams, streets and private property in Chattanooga;
• 36 discharges totaling 156,000,000 gallons of raw sewage to Chattanooga Creek. Sixty-one thousand gallons were discharged in the first 6 months of 2010.
“We’ve worked out solutions to similar problems with KUB and we are willing to work out a solution so that the people of Chattanooga can enjoy clean water in their rivers and streams,” said Ms. Hoyos. “Though we understand that the current City Administration is working on these problems, recent overflows convince us that current efforts to control this problem are not working. We will not wait any longer.”
TCWN has had success in a similar citizen suit. In 2004, TCWN filed suit against the Knoxville Utility Board that was settled after the United States Environmental Protection Agency intervened which resulted in a consent order. KUB has worked hard to comply with the order and has reduced their sewer overflows considerably.
Untreated sewage can harbor pathogens, bacteria and chemicals that are unsafe. A recent Emory University study indicates that combined sewer overflow systems attract the mosquito responsible for the West Nile Virus. To read the abstract of this study, click here.
If you see a manhole spewing liquid stay clear of that water, wash down your vehicle and do not let children or pets play in that water.
To see the 60-day notice and photos, go to http://www.tcwn.org/cleanwater1
TCWN works with other environmental groups on questionnaire for gubernatorial candidates
Thu, 2010-07-15 20:27 — tcwn_contentadminTennessee Clean Water Network, Tennessee Environmental Council, Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment, and the Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club sent questionnaires to the two candidates for Governor of Tennessee. The questionnaires focus on a range of environmental issues from energy efficiency to what qualifies one to head the state environmental agency. Candidates have been requested to respond by September 16. The six questions are:
- What specific experience, expertise and education requirements would you use as criteria for selecting the new Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation?
- Municipal and state-backed models exist for public sector green jobs weatherization initiatives with innovative financing measures and cross-sector coordination (government, private investors, community, labor, businesses, etc.). How would you support a large-scale initiative in TN as a strategy to generate much-needed jobs, reduce peak demand for energy, provide a pipeline for our young people to stay in the state while protecting green spaces and agricultural lands in Tennessee?
- Almost half of Tennessee is in farmland, and agriculture provides over 200,000 jobs. Yet Tennessee loses over 42,000 acres of farmland each year to residential, commercial, and industrial development. What proactive measures would you take to improve the viability of Tennessee's farms?
- What economic development incentives do you support to make Tennessee more competitive in the recruitment of renewable energy and energy efficiency manufacturing industries?
- The state is required to establish water quality rules and standards no less stringent than those established by the federal government. Recognizing Tennessee’s diverse and unique environment, on what terms do you support water quality protections greater than the minimum established by the EPA?
- As Governor, what steps would you take to support efforts to reduce the amount of water and coal TVA uses to make electricity by investing more in solar, wind, energy efficiency and other water saving energy technologies?
The participating organizations are statewide nonprofit advocacy groups with missions to address a variety of environmental issues and work with all Tennesseans to provide for a healthier state.
Call for Entries: Wilma Dykeman Prize for Essay Writing 2010
Wed, 2010-07-14 11:32 — tcwn_contentadminJuly 8, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Renée Victoria Hoyos, Executive Director, 865.522.7007 x100
Call for Entries: Wilma Dykeman Prize for Essay Writing 2010
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Do you have a favorite story about a summer trip to the lake? How about fond memories of lazily floating down a river? Is there a Tennessee stream that inspires the writer within?
If so, then put pen to paper (or finger to key) and submit an essay to the Wilma Dykeman Prize for Essay Writing 2010. All submissions must be received by August 2, 2010. Essays must be focused on Tennessee waters or general water topics impacting Tennessee and should be inspired by the works of Wilma Dykeman. Guidelines are available here or by calling TCWN at 865-522-7007.
Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) sponsors an annual essay contest with prizes for essays about Tennessee waterways. The prizes are awarded in honor of the late Wilma Dykeman, the 2007 recipient of TCWN’s Bill Russell River Hero Award.
“We are pleased to hold this contest in memory of Wilma Dykeman, an admired and inspirational writer who worked tirelessly to protect the French Broad River,” said Janet King, TCWN Board member and Treasurer. “Tennessee’s waters are so important to so many residents and visitors alike.”
Ms. Dykeman’s legacy includes writing 16 books, including The French Broad and The Tall Woman; being named Tennessee Conservation Writer of the Year; holding the honorary title of Tennessee State Historian; and leaving a love of nature and environmental stewardship and education for future generations.
One of Ms. Dykeman’s most notable achievements was her role in designating the French Broad River as an American Heritage River in the 1990s. Ms. Dykeman devoted much energy and passion to convincing leaders in North Carolina and Tennessee of the river’s worthiness for that designation and the benefits it would bring.
The French Broad (1955) recounts the history, legend, biography, sociology and economics of a mountain region that draws its life and ways from this river and its tributaries. The work, her first, won the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Trophy in 1955. The French Broad was groundbreaking when published and has never been out of print. It inspired stewardship of the French Broad River, whose water quality has since vastly improved.
Ms. Dykeman passed away at the age of 86 on December 22, 2006, leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship and education for future generations along the French Broad River.
TCWN ED asks Mayor Haslam to Stop Pollution Coming from the UT site
Wed, 2010-05-19 10:12 — tcwn_contentadminTennessee Clean Water Network’s Executive Director, Renée Victoria Hoyos, asked Mayor Haslam to ask the University of Tennessee to clean up their site that is polluting the Tennessee River with sediments from a construction site.
“The University of Tennessee is turning the Tennessee River into a big orange river of mud,” says Ms. Hoyos. “We’ve been watching that site for months and it’s not getting much better. I ask that Mayor Haslam use his position as Mayor of Knoxville to ask UT to fix the site so it does not pollute the Tennessee River”
To see the full press release, click here.
To read more about the site and TCWN's work on this problem, click here.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release_enforcment report_knoxville.doc | 39.5 KB |
TCWN releases a report on TDEC's Enforcement Program
Tue, 2010-04-13 15:46 — tcwn_contentadminApril 14, 2010 - TCWN released a report on the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) enforcement program through the Division of Water Pollution Control. This report dispels the myths at the Tennessee State Legislature that TDEC over enforces and targets agriculture.
Today the Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) releases the first in a series of reports on the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) water protection programs. The first report focuses on TDEC’s enforcement program. Using data from 2008 enforcement actions found on TDEC’s website, TCWN found the following.Of all enforcement actions for violations of water quality:
• 73% were taken against pollution activities associated with development
• 62% of enforcement actions were taken for minor permit violations not associated with a pollution event.
• Only 2% of enforcement actions were against the farming community but not for farming activities. They were for development activities on farm land and an industrial farm operating without a permit.
• 65% of fines were under $2,000.
• Most enforcement actions occur in or around TDEC field offices
To read the report, click here.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release_enforcment report.pdf | 40.99 KB |
Dykeman Prize Winners Announced!
Wed, 2010-03-31 13:50 — tcwn_contentadminTCWN announces the winners of the Wilma Dykeman Prize for Essay Writing. The two winners are Leigh Stanfield of Soddy Daisy, TN for the prize in the 17 and under category and Arthur Stewart of Lenior City, TN for the prize in the 18 and over category. "I am grateful to be a part of honoring Ms. Dykeman's memory and works, and this year's contest entries were excellent.” Said, Janet King, Board member of TCWN. “The winners' essays not only reflect Ms. Dykeman's love of our natural resources, specifically water, but the writers also deserve recognition for their research and creativity. I applaud TCWN's commitment to sponsorship of this event."To learn more go to: http://www.tcwn.org/dykeman
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release - Dykeman Winners.pdf | 28.63 KB |
TCWN files Federal Citizen Suit for Clean Water Act Violations
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:49 — tcwn_adminPress Release: TCWN files Federal Citizen Suit for Clean Water Act Violations against David Trantanella at the Casa Bella Subdivision in Knoxville (12/14/09). The Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) filed suit on December 14, 2009 in Federal Court against Mr. David Trantanella for violations of the Clean Water Act at the Casa Bella Subdivision construction site in east Knox County. The complaint charges that water quality violations have continued despite the notice of intent to sue TCWN sent October 2, 2009. To read the full notice, click here
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release (PDF) | 35.71 KB |
TCWN files 60-day Notice of Intent to sue the City of Memphis
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:47 — tcwn_adminThe Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) filed notice of intent to sue in the Western District Federal Court against the City of Memphis for violations of the Clean Water Act at the Maynard C. Styles Sewage Treatment Plant. The notice outlines 1,170 sanitary sewer overflows in 5 years, 18,000,000 gallons of raw sewage discharged into Shelby County streams and the Mississippi River. To read the full notice, click here
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release (PDF) | 19.6 KB |
TCWN files Clean Water Act Suit in Eastern District Federal Court
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:46 — tcwn_adminThe Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) filed suit today in Federal Court against Babelay Farm, LLC, Clear Creek, Construction, LLC, Sharp Contracting, Inc., The Legends at Washington Pike, LLC, And Hathaway Construction Co., Inc. for violations of the Clean Water Act at the Legends at Washington Pike Subdivision construction site in east Knox County. The complaint charges that water quality violations have continued despite the notice of intent to sue TCWN sent July 29, 2009. To read the complaint, click here
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release - lawsuit legends (PDF) | 35.54 KB |
Mississippi River Collaborative Targets Solutions to the Dead Zone
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:44 — tcwn_adminResearchers from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium on Monday July 27, 2009 reported on the size of the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico. This summer it is 3,000 square miles, an area larger than the State of Delaware. The Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico is an area where there is not enough oxygen in the water to support marine life. It forms every summer, caused by high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution coming from the Mississippi River watershed. The nitrogen and phosphorus stimulate excessive growth of algae; when this algae dies, its decomposition uses up much of the oxygen in the water, which chokes marine life. The pollution comes from chemical fertilizer that runs off of farm fields, sewage treatment plants, and polluted runoff from cities. The pollution sources are along the entire length of the Mississippi River.
| Attachment | Size |
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| press release - deadzone (PDF) | 385.43 KB |
TCWN Puts Knox County Developers on Notice
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:43 — tcwn_adminToday the Tennessee Clean Water Network and 2 local residents filed a 60-Day notice of intent to sue in Federal Court against the developers of the Legends at Washington Pike Subdivision in northeast Knox County, Tennessee. The named defendants are Victor Jernigan, Jeff McBride (Babelay Farm, LLC, Babelay Farm II, LLC, and Clear Creek Construction, LLC), The Legends at Washington Pike, LLC, James Lee Sharp (Sharp Contracting, Inc) and David Hathaway (Hathaway Construction, LLC). The Network has documented hundreds of days of violation of the Federal Clean Water Act at the site over the past four months, including dozens of water quality violations. To see photos and the 60-day notice, click here.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release - developers on notice (PDF) | 38.31 KB |
Destructive Water Bills Defeated by Tennesseans Committed to Clean Water (6/25/09)
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:41 — tcwn_adminAt the start of the 2009 Tennessee Legislative Session the Tennessee Clean Water Network was actively watching and working against 14 bills with the potential to negatively impact our state's waters. Now at the conclusion of this session only 1 bad bill was passed.
To read more about the status of 2009 Tennessee State Legislature's water bills click here.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release - Legislative Conclusion (PDF) | 36.11 KB |
Bullying at the Cumberland County Commission Meeting over where coal fly ash will reside (6/03/09)
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:39 — tcwn_adminTuesday June 2, 2009 residents of Crossville gathered at The Palace Theater to participate in a hearing on the disposal of 5.4 million cubic yards of coal fly ash from the Kingston Fossil Fuel Plant in a nearby abandoned quarry. Proponents of the project from Smith Mountain Solutions, LLC were granted unlimited speaking time while the public was given three minutes each to express concerns. The third resident to speak, Margie Buxbaum was forcible removed from the lectern by police for speaking one minute over her time. She was detained behind a curtained door and released minutes later to applause.
To see photos of the evening, click here.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Ms. Buxbaum's testimony (PDF) | 299.17 KB |
TCWN Director to testify before U.S. House Subcommittee on Kingston Ash Disaster (3/26/09)
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:37 — tcwn_adminTennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) Executive Director Renee Victoria Hoyos will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment regarding the TVA ash spill on March 31, 2009.
Kingston Coal Ash Disaster interviews
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:36 — tcwn_adminTennessee Clean Water Network Executive Director Renee Victoria Hoyos is available for interviews on the Kingston coal ash spill and the impact on area waters
| Attachment | Size |
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| Media Advisory Ash Spill Interviews (PDF) | 38.07 KB |
TCWN Director Meets with President-elect Obama's Transistion Team (12/11/08)
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:34 — tcwn_adminRenee Victoria Hoyos, Executive Director of Tennessee Clean Water Network and board president of the national Clean Water Network, met with President-elect Obama's transition team Monday in Washington, D.C., along with 30 other state and national environmental groups to discuss water issues across the nation.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release (PDF) | 24.39 KB |
The Irresponsible Water Coalition is Back! (9/29/08)
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:33 — tcwn_adminA group calling themselves the Coalition for Responsible Water Rights will be speaking at Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry's 26th Annual Environmental Awards Conference at Montgomery Bell State Park on October 2, 2008, to discuss the deregulation of water.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Press Release (PDF) | 22.43 KB |
TN Clean Water Network and Citizen Group Urge EPA to Veto Reelfoot Lake Spillway
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:32 — tcwn_admin| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Press Release (PDF) | 30.97 KB |
| TCWN’s Letter to the EPA (PDF) | 45.88 KB |
| EPA’s Comments (PDF) | 770.06 KB |
TN Clean Water Network and Members File Clean Water Act Suit Notice
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:25 — tcwn_admin| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Jernigan Suit Press Release (PDF) | 46.45 KB |
| 60-Day Notice of Intent to Suit Under the Clean Water Act (PDF) | 66.25 KB |
| Supplement to 60 Day Notice (PDF) | 14.64 KB |
Knox County Spends $1.9M+ on Deficient Stormwater Ordinance
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:23 — tcwn_adminTaxpayer dollars wasted while property owners suffer damage from overdevelopment
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Press Release (PDF) | 47.59 KB |
Tennessee Clean Water Network Honors East TN Hero
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:22 — tcwn_adminFrank Hensley Named 2006 Bill Russell River Hero
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| River Hero 2006 Press Release (PDF) | 46.59 KB |
TCWN Finds State Launches Expedited Enforcement Program for Tennessee’s #1 Water Polluter
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:21 — tcwn_admin| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Expedited Enforcement launch - press release (PDF) | 38.67 KB |
TCWN Comments on TVA Mega Site Program
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:20 — tcwn_admin'Megasite' opponents fear worse pollution (Associated Press)
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| TVA Board Comments (PDF) | 43.05 KB |
County’s Non-Compliance with Clean Water Laws Causing Damage to Private Property
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:17 — tcwn_adminCitizen group kicks off enforcement campaign, Targets Mayor
Knox County Clean Water Alliance
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Press Release (PDF) | 47.77 KB |
| Renee Hoyos, TCWN Executive Director, Remarks (PDF) | 48.38 KB |
| Knox County Clean Water Alliance Flood Action Brochure (PDF) | 264.63 KB |
US Fish and Wildlife Service Leaves out Public While Making Plans to Pollute Reelfoot Lake
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:13 — tcwn_adminComments sent to the US Fish and Wildlife Service
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Press Release (PDF) | 42.08 KB |
| Comments (PDF) | 102.32 KB |
Ragsdale, Wuethrich Jeopardize Clean Water and Individual Property Rights
Fri, 2010-02-12 19:10 — tcwn_adminCover memo sent to County, State officials regarding violations of state and federal laws in the proposed stormwater ordinance. Technical Memo sent to County, State officials outlining 11 points of contention.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Press Release (PDF) | 46.66 KB |
| Cover Memo (PDF) | 54.76 KB |
| Technical Memo (PDF) | 37.2 KB |
| Stormwater Memo to City Council (PDF) | 90.48 KB |
TN Legislature Grants Citizens Right to Appeal Water Pollution Permits
Fri, 2010-02-12 18:56 — tcwn_adminClick here for Copies of Appeal Bills and Background
| Attachment | Size |
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| Permit Appeals_Press Release_05.pdf | 317 bytes |
TCWN Announces 2005 River Hero
Fri, 2010-02-12 18:47 — tcwn_adminAbout 2005 River Hero, Chester McConnell
| Attachment | Size |
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| River Hero Press Release (PDF) | 37.23 KB |
Last Gasp - COE Chokes out Trout Population on Caney Fork
Fri, 2010-02-12 18:32 — tcwn_admin| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Center Hill Dam Press Release (PDF) | 320 bytes |
| Center Hill Dam Full Report (PDF) | 1.53 MB |
