Harpeth River to get a NEW pollution Reduction Plan according to EPA. A collaborative approach to be led by the state with HRWA, City of Franklin and others already committed as partners
HRWA is pleased to report that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the EPA have begun the process of developing a new pollutant reduction plan - or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) - for the Harpeth River! These required plans set how much pollution the river can handle in order to recover.
EPA will provide their expertise, and TDEC will lead the collaboration
with HRWA, City of Franklin and others already agreeing to be partners on the core planning team.
This collaborative effort will involve state, federal, and local officials, permittees, businesses, conservation organizations, scientific experts and others working together to devise a strategy both conducive to economic growth and ensuring that the Harpeth River meets water quality standards.
This new Pollution Reduction Plan is necessary given changed conditions in the river (such as the removal of the lowhead dam and increased urbanization) and the Harpeth's continuing seasonal violation of water quality standards stemming from nutrient enrichment that feeds algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and excess total Phosphorus.
HRWA has been recommending this collaborative approach for several years. It was such a partnership that resulted in the highly successful Harpeth River Lowhead Dam Removal Project that has earned national and statewide
recognition
. HRWA was honored to be the coordinator of the overall collaboration among 14 entities.
American Rivers' 2015 America's Most Endangered Rivers report highlights rivers that are at a crossroads: where upcoming public policy decisions will determine the fates of rivers facing continuing ecological threats. HRWA is excited that such significant public policy steps towards restoring the Harpeth are being taken.
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