Press

Additional TVA Coal Ash Ponds May Pose Same Threat as Kingston

Wed, 2011-12-21 11:28 — tcwn_contentadmin

Hydro-geological report says ash pond constructed with unstable coal waste

New Johnsonville, TN – A number of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) risky coal ash waste impoundments were built using coal ash as a construction material, much like the failed pond at TVA’s Kingston plant. Today, just days before the 3-year anniversary of the devastating coal ash spill in Kingston, TN, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN), Earthjustice and Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) together submitted a letter to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) in which they highlighted the findings of a new report by an expert hydrogeologist. That report closely scrutinized the history and construction of “Ash Island,” the impoundment that holds toxic coal ash waste from TVA’s Johnsonville coal plant. The report also found that Johnsonville’s Ash Island was partially constructed using coal ash.

Following the December 2008 Kingston disaster, engineering reports demonstrated that degraded ash inside the Kingston dikes contributed to the catastrophic failure there. When initially used in dike construction, coal ash has properties similar to earthen material. However, when exposed to water over long periods of time the cohesion of ash will degrade, leading to weakened structural integrity of the coal ash pond and possible failure. This is the scenario that occurred at TVA’s Kingston plant.

“The dangerous conditions behind the Kingston disaster were not isolated. TVA has constructed other waste ponds using coal ash as a building material. Knowing this, TVA must move quickly to close these coal ash ponds and TDEC needs to make sure the closure is done safely,” said Josh Galperin with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “On the third anniversary of the Kingston disaster we call on TVA and TDEC to ensure the disaster isn't repeated.”

On October 31, a bluff in Oak Creek, Wisc.—which supported a coal ash pond for We Energies’ Oak Creek Power Plant—collapsed into Lake Michigan. Upon further investigation regulators from Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources explained that the bluff itself was constructed using coal ash and that water leaking into the bluff over the past half century likely caused the failure.

TVA is in the early stages of closing all of its wet coal ash ponds as it transitions to dry ash management. SACE, TCWN, Earthjustice and EIP have been investigating TVA’s plan for the Johnsonville Ash Island and in the process of that investigation, discovered that the pond, like Kingston, was constructed with ash. The impoundment at TVA’s Colbert plant in northwest Alabama also uses ash as a construction material. Given that at least three ponds have used this dangerous method it is likely that the problem is more widespread.

“TVA has a long history of building dikes with coal ash, and as we now know from the Kingston disaster, ash is not durable building material,” said Abigail Dillen, Coal Program Director at Earthjustice. “TVA needs to move quickly to safely close down Ash Island and many other ash dumps that are ticking time bombs.”

In addition to the discovery that TVA used ash in dike construction, the groups’ investigation further concluded that TVA’s Johnsonville pond closure plan does not fully address this construction problem in order to prevent future disasters.

While the groups have submitted a letter to TDEC requesting that TDEC address these risks, there is no formal process for public input into the TVA pond closure plans, meaning there is no guarantee that TDEC or TVA will consider and respond to public concerns. Allowing TVA and TDEC to privately negotiate plans for dozens of wet ash ponds will not sufficiently safeguard the public interest in safe closure.

“It is too bad there is no public process established to vet the pond closure plans in light of the Kingston disaster,” said Renée Victoria Hoyos, executive director of the Tennessee Clean Water Network. “We hope that TDEC will do the right thing and open these plans for public scrutiny. As our letter points out, TDEC must address these ponds as both a water and solid waste issue to ensure that surface and groundwater are protected from pollution that will more than likely come from these ponds once they are closed.”

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TCWN Issues 60-day Notice to Sue over Mascot Pollution

Fri, 2011-09-30 15:20 — tcwn_contentadmin

September 30, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renée Victoria Hoyos, 865.522.7007 x100 or 865.607.6618

Mascot, TN. The Tennessee Clean Water Network (“TCWN”) filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue Mine Road Properties, LLC for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act on September 27, 2011.

Mine Road Properties, LLC whose registered agent and manager is Oliver Smith, III, owns an approximately 118-acre site in Mascot, TN that was once used for the processing of zinc tailings. Vast tailings ponds remain on the site creating a moonscape that can be seen from Google Earth. As a result, the site discharges milky-white stormwater to Flat Creek every time it rains. The white color comes from the crushed limestone that is left over from historic zinc processing at the former Mascot Mill across Flat Creek. This limestone is laced with arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc.

TCWN wants to the property owner to keep the tailings contained on site or remove them completely and dispose of them properly.

“Our goal is to get the place cleaned up – or at least to get some effective controls on the runoff. The photos are really compelling. They look like reverse negatives. The water is ghostly white. The dangerous pollution is the part you can’t see – the arsenic and the lead,” explained TCWN Executive Direction Renée Victoria Hoyos.

TCWN’s review of files at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (“TDEC”) found that TDEC inspected the site back in 2003 but has not done anything in the last eight years to address this egregious environmental problem.

“These tailings ponds are visible from satellite images, appear on the topo maps of the area, and are well-known to local residents. This is not a hidden problem: you can see the pollution from the Mascot Road bridge. The time has long past to get this site under control,” said TCWN Staff Attorney Stephanie Matheny. “Every time it rains more than just a sprinkle, the site discharges pollutants illegally.”

For the complete Notice Letter and photographs, click here.

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Introducing the Duncan-Williams Dragon Boat Races in Memphis to support TCWN

Tue, 2011-03-29 11:19 — tcwn_contentadmin

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March 29, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Penny Behling, 865.742.4306 or Renée Victoria Hoyos, 865.522.7007 x100

Memphis, TN - Teams are registering now for the first of an annual event that always makes a splash!

Registration for the inaugural Duncan-Williams Dragon Boat Races has officially opened. The event will be Saturday, September 24, 2011, at Mud Island River Park. Top prizes will be awarded, but the real winners are the beneficiaries of the event – the Tennessee Clean Water Network. Register online at www.memphis.racedragonboats.com.

Dating back more than 2,300 years, the most fun, unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action, dragon boat racing grows in worldwide popularity each year, and is the eighth fastest growing water sport. Teams rave about the excitement, friendly competition and community spirit surrounding the sport. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and steersperson race in authentic 46-foot long dragon boats. All ages, skill levels and physiques can participate, making it the ultimate team building sport, requiring synchronicity and finesse, more than power to win. Off the water, teams compete to raise the most pledges for Tennessee Clean Water Network.

Memphis-based Duncan-Williams is the event’s Title sponsor. The diverse opportunities for team building, a healthy and positive way to engage employees and give back to the community appealed to the company.

Each team will get an on-water practice session with a trained coach the week prior to race day and compete in at least two heats on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Teams advancing to the Final Round will race for the title of Grand Champion. More information is online at www.memphis.racedragonboats.com, or e-mail penny@racedragonboats.com. Call 877-580-RACE (7223).

TCWN settles Clean Water Act lawsuit with Knox County developer

Mon, 2011-01-31 16:47 — tcwn_contentadmin

Knoxville, TN - January 31, 2011

Today federal district Judge Thomas Phillips entered a consent decree resolving a citizen suit brought by the Tennessee Clean Water Network against local developer David Trantanella. The lawsuit alleged that Mr. Trantanella had violated the Clean Water Act over the course of more than five years by discharging excessively muddy water from the 26-acre Casa Bella subdivision in East Knox County.

The Consent Decree imposes a numeric limit on turbidity. “This is the first construction site in Tennessee to have to comply with a numeric limit,” said TCWN Staff Attorney Stephanie Matheny. “Having a number makes it clear to everyone – including the developer – what is required. The current permits basically say ‘don’t discharge too much sediment’ – that standard is really hard to enforce.”

Construction sites are a major cause of water pollution in Knox County. Huge amounts of mud can be released from construction sites unless developers are diligent about their stormwater controls. Too much mud in a stream transports chemicals, harms fish and aquatic life, creates flooding and damages private property.

“We are pleased that Mr. Trantanella has agreed to get his site under control and work to keep it that way,” said TCWN Executive Director Renée Victoria Hoyos.

“We want to put other Knox County developers on notice: the Tennessee Clean Water Network may be watching your sites,” continued Ms. Hoyos. “The time for lax compliance is over. If your site is polluting streams or harming downstream landowners, you need to clean up or you may be hearing from us, too.”

Under the Consent Decree, Mr. Trantanella will also pay $7,500 as a supplemental environmental project in lieu of a penalty to the federal government. These funds will go to Conservation Fisheries, Inc to support reintroduction of native, non-game fish species in the Holston River watershed.

To see the consent decree and other document related to the case, click here. .

TCWN sues Chattanooga for Sewer Overflows

Wed, 2010-10-13 18:31 — tcwn_contentadmin

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 13, 2010
Contact: Renée Victoria Hoyos 865.522.7007 x100 or cell 865.607.6618
Tennessee Clean Water Network sues the City of Chattanooga for violations of the Clean Water Act from Moccasin Bend Sewage Treatment Plant
Location – Chattanooga, TN

On August 2, 2010, the Tennessee Clean Water Network issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue 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 Outfalls; unpermitted Sanitary Sewer Overflows; exceedances of the maximum E. coli limit; and monitoring and reporting violations.

On October 13, 2010 TCWN followed up on the notice and filed suit in federal court.

The suit alleges that from January 2006 – June 2010, the City illegally discharged 319 million gallons of untreated sewage. Untreated sewage can contain viruses, pathogens and toxic chemicals that can harm human and aquatic health.

“Our biggest concern is the unauthorized discharge of sewage from the west and east bank outfalls. These outfalls have put millions of gallons of raw sewage directly into the Tennessee River,” Says Renée Victoria Hoyos, Executive Director of TCWN. “Many communities downstream draw their drinking water from the Tennessee River. It is our biggest priority to work with the City to fix these overflows as soon as possible.”

The suit claims that in the same time period, the City had 489 sanitary sewer overflows that dumped nearly 35 million gallons of raw sewage into nearby creeks, road, business and private residences.

“If you see any water coming from a manhole, stay away from it,” caution’s TCWN’s Executive Director. “This is untreated sewage that may carry viruses, pathogens and toxic chemicals. Do not let children or pet play in or around puddles that are near these manholes. Try not to drive through them if you can. Raw sewage can be a human health hazard.”

“We are confident that we can work with the City to achieve a solution that will clean up these sewer overflows. We have worked well with other cities on similar issues and are looking forward to assisting the City in any way we can.” Says TCWN’s Executive Director. “To be fair, if the State had stepped in years ago and required that the City fix this problem, we would not be here today.”The Tennessee Clean Water Network has been very critical of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s enforcement program. In a report release earlier this year TCWN described the program as woeful.

“In 2008, TDEC completed just 204 enforcement actions against polluters statewide. So far in 2010, the number of enforcement actions has dropped to 135 statewide. Without robust enforcement, people like the residents of Chattanooga have to live with pollution that can harm their health. While we understand that enforcement may be unpopular in some circles, putting communities at risk for waterborne disease is no option,” says TCWN’s Executive Director, Renée Victoria Hoyos. “The Clean Water Act gives citizen’s the right to sue and that is what we have had to do. These violations have been polluting Chattanooga’s streams and rivers for many years and they need to stop.”

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 dramatically reduced their sanitary sewer overflows.

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.

To see the complaint and the notice letter, go to http://www.tcwn.org/cleanwater1

To read the TCWN Enforcement Report, go to http://www.tcwn.org/node/119

RESPONSES ARE IN - GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES REPLY TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES QUESTIONNAIRE

Mon, 2010-09-20 09:04 — tcwn_contentadmin

For immediate release

Knoxville, Tenn. – Tennessee gubernatorial candidates have submitted responses to six environment-related questions posed by social and environmental justice organizations in the state. Tennessee Clean Water Network, Tennessee Environmental Council, Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment, and the Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club jointly created and sent questionnaires to the two candidates for Governor of Tennessee. Responses to the broad range of questions were received Friday. To view their responses, visit http://tcwn.org/magubquestion or http://www.socm.org/.

The questionnaire focused on a range of environmental issues from energy efficiency to what qualifies one to head the state environmental agency. The six questions were:

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?

TEC educates and advocates for the conservation and improvement of Tennessee’s environment, communities and public health.

SOCM is a member-run organization that encourages civic involvement and collective action so that the people of Tennessee have a greater voice in determining their future. The mission of SOCM is to empower Tennesseans to protect, defend, and improve the quality of life in their communities across the state. SOCM is working for social, economic, and environmental justice for all. We are committed to the journey of becoming an anti-racist organization. Recognizing our interdependence, SOCM is committed to overcoming social and institutional racism and embracing our diverse cultures.

TCWN’s mission is to organize Tennesseans to claim our right to clean water and healthy communities by fostering civic engagement, building coalitions and advancing water policy for a sustainable future.

The TN Chapter of the Sierra Club works to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources;to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives
# # #

TCWN issues 60-day notice of intent to sue the City of Chattanooga

Mon, 2010-08-09 17:43 — tcwn_contentadmin

PRESS 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

Check out the answers to the gubernatorial environmental questionnaire

Thu, 2010-07-15 19:27 — tcwn_contentadmin

Gubernatorial candidtates Bill Haslam and Mike McWherter responded to the environmental issues questionnaire submitted by us, SOCM, TEC and the TN Chapter of the Sierra Club. Click on the documents below to check out the responses.

Howard Switzer, Green Party candidtate for Governor, also responded.

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McWherter Responses 9-17-10.pdf	26.98 KB
Howard Switzer responses.pdf	13.56 KB
Haslam Questionnaire Responses 9-17-10.pdf	118.81 KB

Call for Entries: Wilma Dykeman Prize for Essay Writing 2010

Wed, 2010-07-14 10:32 — tcwn_contentadmin

July 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 09:12 — tcwn_contentadmin

Tennessee 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.

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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 14:46 — tcwn_contentadmin

April 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.

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Press Release_enforcment report.pdf	40.99 KB

Dykeman Prize Winners Announced!

Wed, 2010-03-31 12:50 — tcwn_contentadmin

TCWN 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

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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 18:49 — tcwn

Press 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

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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 18:47 — tcwn

The 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

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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 18:46 — tcwn

The 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

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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 18:44 — tcwn

Researchers 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.

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press release - deadzone (PDF)	385.43 KB

TCWN Puts Knox County Developers on Notice

Fri, 2010-02-12 18:43 — tcwn

Today 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.

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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 18:41 — tcwn

At 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.

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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 18:39 — tcwn

Tuesday 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.

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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 18:37 — tcwn

Tennessee 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 18:36 — tcwn

Tennessee Clean Water Network Executive Director Renee Victoria Hoyos is available for interviews on the Kingston coal ash spill and the impact on area waters

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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 18:34 — tcwn

Renee 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.

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Press Release (PDF)	24.39 KB

The Irresponsible Water Coalition is Back! (9/29/08)

Fri, 2010-02-12 18:33 — tcwn

A 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.

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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 18:32 — tcwn

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 18:25 — tcwn

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 18:23 — tcwn

Taxpayer 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 18:22 — tcwn

Frank 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 18:21 — tcwn

Attachment	Size
Expedited Enforcement launch - press release (PDF)	38.67 KB

TCWN Comments on TVA Mega Site Program

Fri, 2010-02-12 18:20 — tcwn

'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 18:17 — tcwn

Citizen 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 18:13 — tcwn

Comments 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 18:10 — tcwn

Cover 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.