In this Issue:
1) EVENTS: SAMAB 13th Annual Fall Conference
2) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Volunteer River Restoration Corps Looking for a Few Good Men/Women!
3) NEWS: Knoxville Sprawl Ranked Among Worst in U.S.
4) NEWS: TVA has issued a draft EA for a proposal by the Hallsdale-Powell Utility
5) NEWS: TVA Reservoir Study Issues
6) NEWS: TVA Environmental Reviews
7) NEWS: National Study of Contaminants in Fish: First Findings
8) NEWS: Critical Habitat for the Appalachian Elktoe
9) NEWS: Tims Ford Development Plan to Conserve, Protect Natural Resources
10) NEWS: Revised Watershed Management plans for the Ocoee and Stones Rivers
11) RESOURCE: The Hot List! A Summary of Current and Emerging Environmental Issues in Tennessee
12) RESOURCE: The New ConserveOnline
13) RESOURCE: US Geological Survey Develops Web-Site with Real Time Water-quality Data
14) PUBLIC NOTICE: Corps of Engineers Public Notices in Tennessee
15) PUBLIC NOTICE: ARAP Permits to TDOT

1) EVENTS: SAMAB 13th Annual Fall Conference
The Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere 13th Annual Conference will be November 5-7, 2002 at the Holiday Inn Sunspree in Gatlinburg, TN. The theme is Measuring, Mitigating, and Managing Human Impacts in the Southern Appalachians. For more information go to http://samab.org

2) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Volunteer River Restoration Corps Looking for a Few Good Men/Women!
The Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association Duck River Project (DRP) and Harpeth River Watershed Association (HRWA) are forming a core group of individuals who are willing to be participants in the restoration of rivers and streams in the Duck and Harpeth River watersheds. We are looking for A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN, who do not mind getting wet, dirty and sweaty trying to fix problems on the banks of our rivers and streams one foot at a time.

Some of the activities will include streamside restoration such as planting trees, bushes, installation of stream bank stabilization measures, such as cedar revetments, big wall (vertical stream bank) plantings, installation of rock and wood jetty to mention a few. ON-THE-JOB training will be provided!

In addition, we need individuals with, trucks and rigs of every size, trailers, chain saws, four wheelers, Kawasaki mules (or similar equipment) and other various tools. Folks who paddle in winter and are comfortable in the water during cold weather are also needed for some activities as well as for safety.

If you're interested in being part of the RRC or you know a school, church or other group that might be interested please forward this information and send your/their contact information to the email/phone
number below.

We have several activities planned for the fall of 2002 and winter of 2003. A schedule of events can be found in the TSRA Activities Calendar (2003) and/or at the HRWA website.

You'll get dirty, wet, and possibly cold and have a great time with others working to repair the rivers and streams we all need and appreciate. So, please contact us if you'd like to know about our upcoming projects and possibly joining us on or in the river.

You can reach John McFadden or Gwen Kanies at [email protected], 615-790-9767, by mail at POB 1127, Franklin, TN 37065.

3) NEWS: Knoxville Sprawl Ranked Among Worst in U.S.
New Report Links Sprawl to Traffic Deaths and Air Pollution
A national report released today ranks Knoxville the 8th most sprawling metropolitan region in the United States, and the single most spread out metro area in the entire country. The report -- the first comprehensive, academically rigorous index for sprawl rankings in the U.S. -- finds that people who live in more sprawling places drive more, face a greater risk of dying in a traffic accident, and breathe more polluted air.

"Knoxville must grow smarter," said Trip Pollard, the leader of the Southern Environmental Law Center's Land and Community Project. "If it will build less scattered development, residents will see reduced driving rates, traffic fatalities, air pollution, and traffic jams. The report underscores the need to plan more wisely, to target growth more to existing communities and neighborhoods, and to offer more transportation alternatives. It also shows that sprawl-inducing new road projects will compound Knoxville's existing problems."

The report, Measuring Sprawl and Its Impact, was released by Smart Growth America, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and other partner groups. It ranks sprawling development in 83 metropolitan areas based on dozens of statistics from national databases and was created by researchers at Rutgers University and Cornell University.

Memphis is ranked as having the 31st worst sprawl of the 83 areas studied, with scores below average on every measure except the strength of town centers. Nashville was not included in this study due to incomplete data; it has ranked among the most sprawling cities in the country in previous studies and measures.

The full report, as well as a technical research paper and metropolitan area fact sheets can be found at http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org.

4) NEWS: TVA has issued a draft EA for a proposal by the Hallsdale-Powell Utility
Proposed Water Intake Facility, Hallsdale Powell Utility District (HPUD) Section 26a approvals and permits under Chapter 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act Melton Hill Reservoir, Clinch River Mile 46.3L, Bull Run Creek, Anderson County, Tennessee.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has prepared a draft environmental assessment to analyze the impacts of issuing permits and approvals for the action listed below that would occur along the left bank of Melton Hill Reservoir at about Clinch River mile 46.3 in Anderson County, Tennessee.

The intake will initially take eight million gallons per day from the embayment, with a future capacity of up to 22 million gallons per day. It would allow HPUD to continue to provide safe, potable water to meet use demands for parts of Anderson, Knox, and Union Counties for the foreseeable future. The existing intake at Bull Run Creek mile 3.9 would remain as a backup unit.

The document may be viewed at http://www.tva.gov/environment/reports/hallsdale/index.htm

5) NEWS: TVA Reservoir Study Issues
TVA has prepared a summary of issues and alternatives to be evaluated in its ongoing Reservoir Operations Study. The Reservoir Operations Study is evaluating how TVA operates the integrated Tennessee River system to see if changes in operating policies would provide greater overall value to the public. TVA operates the system to provide multiple benefits, including navigation; flood control; low-cost, reliable electricity; water quality and water supply; sustainable economic development; and recreation.
The scoping document may be viewed at http://www.tva.gov/feature_rostudy/index.htm

6) NEWS: TVA Environmental Reviews
From July through September 2002, TVA completed the following environmental reviews that affect the southern Appalachians:
--TVA decided to issue Section 26a approval for stream modifications in Dudley Creek associated with the widening of US 321 east of Gatlinburg along the northern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee (Blue Ridge ecoregion). The FONSI may be viewed at http://www.tva.gov/environment/reports/dudleycreek/index.htm

--TVA decided to issue Section 26a approval for stream relocations and culverts associated with the four-lane construction of Tennessee 30 around Decatur in Meigs and McMinn Counties, Tennessee (Ridge and Valley ecoregion). Copies available from [email protected]

--TVA decided to issue Section 26a approval for a launching ramp, retaining wall, and community dock associated with the Vineyard Cove subdivision on Watts Bar Reservoir in Loudon County, Tennessee (Ridge and Valley ecoregion). Copies available from [email protected]

--TVA decided to issue approval for the proposal of the Riverbrook Property Owners Association to provide shoreline property to TVA in exchange for residential access rights for 14 private docks on Fort Loudoun Reservoir in Blount County, Tennessee (Ridge and Valley ecoregion). Copies available from [email protected]

--TVA decided to issue approval for an underground coal mine involving TVA-owned coal to be known as US Coal Deep Mine No. 10 in Campbell County, Tennessee (Central Appalachians ecoregion). Copies from [email protected]

--TVA decided to construct a new 9-mile transmission line between Sweetwater and Madisonville in Monroe County, Tennessee (Ridge and Valley ecoregion).

7) NEWS: National Study of Contaminants in Fish: First Findings
EPA recently released the first-year results of its National Fish Tissue Study, which measured selected persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals in fish from 500 randomly-selected lakes and reservoirs in the United States. The survey will help to determine normal levels, to establish a baseline against which to track progress of pollution control activities, and to identify areas where contaminant levels indicate the need for further study.
More information about the preliminary results can be found at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishstudy/

8) NEWS: Critical Habitat for the Appalachian Elktoe
US Fish and Wildlife Service has designated critical habitat for the Appalachian elktoe (a clam or mussel) in North Carolina and Tennessee River reaches affected are the Little Tennessee River from Lake Emory
Dam in Franklin to the backwaters of Fontana Reservoir; Tuckasegee River from Cullowhee to Bryson City; Cheoah River from Santeetlah Dam to the confluence with the Little Tennessee River in Calderwood Reservoir; Little River from Cascade Lake Power Plant to the French Broad River east of Brevard; Pigeon River and West Fork Pigeon River upstream from Canton; and the Nolichucky, Toe, South Toe and North Toe Rivers upstream from Erwin, Tennessee.

This designation primarily affects federal agencies who propose activities that may affect these rivers or which issue permits on these river systems.
Information from John Fridell at 828-258-3939 x225.

9) NEWS: Tims Ford Development Plan to Conserve, Protect Natural Resources
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are implementing a unique plan involving the exchange of land around the Tims Ford Reservoir in Franklin and Moore Counties to provide balance for economic growth and environmental protection.

The State Building Commission and the TVA Board of Directors approved the development plan in August 2000, allocating over 6,400 acres of land for specific uses around the reservoir. On September 10, 2002, the TVA Board approved the transfer of 811 acres to the state. The state will use some of the parcels for natural resource conservation and recreational uses; other parcels will be developed for residences using an innovative conservation development design.

"TDEC and TVA are working together to design and promote a residential development plan that will preserve green space, promote a community feel and create standards that protect the environment while creating an enjoyable place to live," said TDEC Commissioner Milton H. Hamilton Jr.

TDEC is initiating a process to receive proposals for the conservation development of the first parcel known as Fanning Bend (#36 in the plan) in Franklin County. The request for proposals (RFP) process will focus on conservation development principles that will be environmentally beneficial and create an aesthetically pleasing community.

"Our partnership with the state will enhance recreational opportunities and residential access to the reservoir while conserving our natural resources," said TVA Resource Stewardship Vice President Bridgette Ellis. "TVA supports the conservation development design approach to residential development and the proactive style of managing the impacts to the environment."

For more information on the conservation development plan or to view the plan, visit the state's web site at www.state.tn.us/environment/elk.

10) NEWS: Revised Watershed Management plans for the Ocoee and Stones Rivers
To see the full Ocoee River Watershed Management Plan go to http://www.state.tn.us/environment/wpc/wsmplans/ocoee/index/html

To see the full Stones River Watershed Management Plan go to http://www.state.tn.us/environment/wpc/wsmplans/stones/index/html

11) RESOURCE: The Hot List! A Summary of Current and Emerging Environmental Issues in Tennessee
Published by the Policy Office
Milton H. Hamilton, Jr., Commissioner, TN Department of Environment and Conservation
Justin P. Wilson, Deputy to the Governor for Policy

For quick scanning purposes, you can go to www.state.tn.us/environment/epo/hotlist.htm to click on index links for each article of interest to you.

Please call Hot List editor Melanie Catania at (615) 532-4561 with any questions or comments regarding the Hot List, or email her at [email protected]

This issue includes the following topics:

Water Quality
New Challenges to National Park Rivers
New List of Impaired Waters to be Issued
EPA Reevaluating TMDLs
Watershed Permits for Tennessee?
Tennessee Cities Sue EPA
Cumberland Coal Concerns
Mitigation Banking for Tennessee Streams
Black Swamp Waterfowl Hunting Debate
Phase II Storm Water Update
Spencer Receives Discharge Permit
Concerns Raised about Reelfoot Lake Protection
Lynnwood Utility District Appeals Permit
Sediment #1 Water Quality Concern

Waste
Remediation for Knoxville Coster Shop Site
Contamination of Cypress Creek in Memphis
Haywood County Acid Accident Investigated
TCE Found in Groundwater in Dickson County
Copper Basin Cleanup Update
Cleanup of Ross Metals Site Underway

Water Supply
National Dam Removal Trend Grows
Safe Dams in West TN and Role of Basin Authority
Georgia Water Panel Issues Recommendations
Water Bottling Growing Trend in Tennessee
Personal Care Products in Drinking Water
New Water Treatment for Endocrine Disrupters, More
Long-Range Water Supplies for Communities
Support Needed for Public Water Systems Funding
Duck River Flow May be Enough

DOE, Nuclear and Radioactive Materials
Uranium Enrichment Plant Proposed in Hartsville
New Nuclear Threat Advisory System Developed
Suit Seeks Resolution of Radioactive Waste Site
Plans to Ship Used Nuclear Fuel from Oak Ridge
Managing Depleted Uranium Hexafluoride
Progress on Spallation Neutron Source
DOE Accelerated Cleanup Plan for Oak Ridge

Transportation
Tennessee Participates in NGA Policy Academy
Regional Alt. Fuels Workshop Set for November
State Route 840 Update
Pellissippi Parkway Extension Halted

Air Quality
National Focus on Smoky Mountains
Reducing Diesel Emissions
Title V Permits Issued for 2 TVA Plants
EPA Expected to Approve Tenn. NOx SIP Call
EPA Releases Air Toxics Analysis Report
NPCA Sues TVA, Again

Energy
Tenn. Starts Chapter of Energy Svs. Coalition
Tapoco Seeking Relicensing of Hydro. Project
State Energy Education Committee Formed

Land Management and Conservation
TDEC Will Propose to Sell Land on Tims Ford
Hot Issues in State Parks
State Parks Need More Friends
Forest Certification Yields New Insights
Governor Renames Cumberland Trail
Aerial Pesticide Spraying Causing Concern
Absentee Speculation and Clear Cutting Concerns
Cates Landing Reviews Underway
Nat'l and International Interest in Tenn. Conservation
National Forest Plans Near Completion
Moccasin Bend National Park?
OHV Committee Supports Statewide Program
Forest Policy Vision Proposed

Management Issues
EPA Enforcement Stats Raise Questions
Assistance Needed for Non-English Speakers
Environmental Justice Update
Region 4 SES Mobility Rotations
Tennessee Conservationist Struggles
States Facing Environmental Budget Cuts

Food for Thought: Land Preservation in Tenn.

12) RESOURCE: The New ConserveOnline
The Nature Conservancy is pleased to announce the new ConserveOnline (www.conserveonline.org). This site significantly expands the existing library of documents on conservation science and practice to include discussion groups, maps and spatial data, and access to other large repositories of conservation information housed at the Conservancy and other organizations, including Conservation International, NatureServe, and the Society for Conservation Biology.

The Nature Conservancy believes that creating an online community and making scientific and practical information more readily accessible within and across organizations is one key to lasting conservation success at scale. Thus, the new ConserveOnline has many community-building features. The discussion groups, accessible from the ConserveOnline home page or directly through groups.conserveonline.org, cover a range of topics of interest to land managers, program managers, conservation scientists and planners, and policy makers. These discussion groups provide an opportunity to share expertise and experience among colleagues and partners, and to help build communities of practice in your areas of interest.

The ConserveOnline team will be adding more features and more information to ConserveOnline over the coming months, but you can begin using the site today. The team welcomes your active participation and input and is ready to work with you to make ConserveOnline as useful as possible, by creating new discussion groups, helping you add your resources (documents, maps, or data) to the library so that others may benefit from your efforts, or modifying the site to make it easier to use. For more information, please Jonathan Adams, [email protected], (703) 841-5322 or Frank Biasi, [email protected], (703) 841-4518.

The topics now available for discussions are listed below. If you would like to add a topic, or would like to be a moderator (this should take no more than a few minutes a day, and no more than one hour per week), please contact Carrie Sakai, [email protected], (703) 841-5997.

bird conservation * climate change * developing conservation strategies * marine ecoregional planning * ecoregional planning * feedback and comments * fire management * freshwater * freshwater invertebrates * GIS * grassland management * humor * information systems * invasive species * non-industrial private forest landowner * targets * travel * wetland management * Professional Opportunities

13) RESOURCE: US Geological Survey Develops Web-Site with Real Time Water-quality Data
As part of the National Water Monitoring Day on October 18th the USGS has developed a new Water Quality Monitoring website to share real-time water-quality data across the State. The website, which can gbe accessed from the Water Resources of Tennessee home page at http://tn.water.usgs.gov, provides a user-friendly interactive map with links to real-time available throughout Tennessee.

The Water Quality Monitoring website provides access to real-time water quality data for Tennessee streams, description of ground-water quality for the aquifers in Tennessee, historic water-quality data for surface water and ground water in Tennessee, and a categorized list of online reports dealing with water quality in Tennessee. The creator of the new website, Jeremy P. Floyd, comments, "The interface of this website wasdesigned for easy navigation, and the website brings the information about water quality and streamflow statistics of rivers and streams that are in our backyards to an approachable medium."

14) PUBLIC NOTICE: Corps of Engineers Public Notices in Tennessee
The following is a list of Public Notices that the Nashville District has issued for work in waters of the United States. The notices listed are for applications currently under review. All work is proposed unless otherwise noted. For information purposes, we will leave a notice on our web page for approximately 30 days past the notice close comment period, after which it will be removed from this list. If you wish to obtain a copy of a particular notice, you can contact our office at (615) 369-7500 or by mail and we will be happy to forward it to you. Be sure to include the Public Notice Number with your request.

U.S.Army Engineer District, Nashville
Corps of Engineers
Attention: Regulatory Branch
3701 Bell Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37214

Notice No.
02-70 - Expires 11/15/2002, Brent Lay, Proposed Excavation for Boat Access Channel, Beech River Mile 2.0R and Mile 2.6R, Kentucky Lake, Decatur County, TN

02-66 - Expires 11/12/2002, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Proposed Intermittent Channel Relocation for I-40 Interchange at SR 155/Briley Parkway/Robertson Road, Unnamed Tributary of Richland Creek Mile 3.3R, Opposite Cumberland River Mile 176.3L, Davidson County, TN

02-65 - Expires 11/12/2002, William DePriest, Proposed Suction Dredging for Community Docks, Spencer Creek Mile 0.3L, Old Hickory Lake, Wilson County, TN

02-37 - Expires 11/10/2002, Waste Industries, Inc., Proposed Wetland Fill Associated with the Development of a Class I Sanitary Landfill, Upper Reach of Dry Fork Creek, Tributary to Cane Creek, and Samples Branch, a Tributary to Rocky River Approximately 6 miles south of Spencer in Van Buren County, TN

02-71 - Expires 11/10/2002, South Blount County Utility District, Proposed Submarine Waterline Crossing, Lackey Creek Mile 1.5L, Opposite Tennessee River Mile 625.5L, Fort Loudoun Lake, Blount County, TN

02-69 - Expires 11/02/2002, Hales Bar Marina, Proposed Commercial Marina Expansion, Tennessee River Mile 431.1L, Nickajack Lake, Marion County, TN

15) PUBLIC NOTICE: ARAP Permits to TDOT
The applicants have proposed to widen the following roads. To get more information visit http:/www.state.tn.us/environment/new.htm.

a) I-40/75 west of Wesley Road to East of Papermill Rd. Knox County

b) SR-169 (Middlebrook Pike) from Hardin Valley Rd. to Cedar Bluff Rd. Knox County

c) SR-8 (Signal Mountain Road) from SR-29 to SR-27 (Suck Creek Rd.) Hamilton County