September 9, 2000 SOCM: Citizen Hotline Set Up to Help Citizens Identify Bad Logging Practices Starting September 1st 2000 the Tennessee Department of Environment and
Conservation (TDEC) has legal authority to order logging stopped if logging
operations damage streams. SOCM announced a special project to help citizens file complaints
which can lead to "stop work" orders if water protection laws
are violated. The new law
(Public Chapter 680) authorizes the TDEC to protect creeks, rivers and
lakes from mud and silt runoff resulting from bad logging practices.
Damage caused by heavy equipment crossing streams or tree tops
left in streams will also be grounds to order logging to be suspended. "Citizen complaints
are the key to stopping bad logging as soon as it starts,"
said Brian Paddock, chair of the SOCM Forestry Committee. SOCM
has set up toll free hotline at 877-437-7627 to take calls about logging
damage. "We have a short
complaint form that we will fax or mail so complaints can be filed quickly.
Then TDEC should inspect the site and tell the logger what must
be done to protect the water and comply with the law.
If the damage continues TDEC can order logging stopped until action
is taken to avoid all mud run off and other damage to streams," said
Mr. Paddock Complaints may also be made using the TDEC form that is on the Internet At http://www.state.tn.us/environment/wpc/logform.htm. Citizens can e-mail the form back or print a copy and mail it to TDEC. Complaints may also
be called in toll-free to the Tennessee Department of Environment and
Conservation at 888-891-8332. For more information: Brian Paddock, chair SOCM Forestry Committee 931.268.2938 Don Clark, member SOCM Forestry Committee 931.277.5467 Marvin or Marg Ellis, SOCM president
and member
423.562.9675
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