About

As we target each sub-watershed our staff Riverkeeper and prosecuting attorney review the Clean Water Act permits for “point source” industrial dischargers. The Tennessee Riverkeeper also addresses other issues that arise and responds to citizen complaints. The Riverkeeper fields complaints in person, via telephone, and on our online pollution report form.

Strategy

In addition to monitoring the discharge monitoring reports found within these pollution permits, the Tennessee Riverkeeper uses emerging technology to investigate “at the pipe” discharge problems which may have evaded self-monitoring. We look for and address industrial discharges as we patrol on the water, on the ground, and from the air.

An example of work in this campaign was Tennessee Riverkeeper’s opposition to a proposed TEPPCO Fuel Depot in Decatur, Alabama 1,000 yards upstream of Morgan County drinking water intake. A video posted to Tennessee Riverkeeper’s YouTube channel helped generate awareness about this issue.

A video produced by David Whiteside and Tennessee Riverkeeper helped generate awareness about this issue, and is posted on our YouTube channel: