A significant fish kill occurred in Bradley County in Candies Creek as it joins the Hiwassee.  TDEC and TWRA are investigating, but the only possible cause publicized thus far is agriculture.  Read the story here.

TDEC is requesting data on water quality conditions of specific watersheds throughout the state in preparation for next year’s federally mandated analysis - often referred to as the 303(d) list.  Data is due to TDEC no later than February 28.  Read the complete public notice.

Applicable watersheds include:  North and South Fork Holston, Little Tennessee (Tellico), Lower Clinch, Tennessee (Chickamauga), Tennessee Western Valley (Beech), Tennessee Western Valley (KY Lake), Upper and Lower Duck, Buffalo, Wolf and Clarks.  Check out TDEC’s watershed management website for specific watershed information.

A Blountville family stopped drinking their spring water 30 years ago when it started coming out of the faucet red.  A landfill opened about 500 feet from their land shortly before the water turned.  Testing has confirmed the water does not meet safe drinking water standards, but why it’s contaminated can’t be determined.  On top of that, another landfill is proposed by another spring just 500 feet from the property.  Check out the full story here.

Last week EPA officially denied a controversial mountaintop removal mine permit in West Virginia based upon “several major environmental and water quality concerns.”  This denial came in the form of EPA’s rarely used veto power.  This is an incredible victory for local and regional efforts to protect our water quality and natural resources from the destructive practices of mountaintop removal mining.  Check out the full story here.

EPA settled an enforcement action against a residential developer, fining the permittee $925,000 for numerous violations on various construction sites throughout 21 states.  Beazer Homes USA, Inc. discharged pollutants to waterways without a permit, failed to provide information in the form of permit applications to the EPA Administrator, and failed to comply with the conditions of their permits such as to design, implement and maintain adequate best management practices at construction site.  See all the details on EPA’s website.