2006 Accomplishments

Helped prevent more than 25 major sewer overflows that would have dumped approximately half a million gallons of sewage into Nancy Creek—a result of our 1995 lawsuit against the city of Atlanta.

Led the Georgia Water Coalition in its successful efforts to defeat SB 510—the “stream buffer destruction” bill that targeted small drinking water supply watersheds; helped stop the Metro Water Planning District from weakening its model stream buffer ordinance; and promoted a comprehensive scientific study on buffers along trout streams.

Successfully settled our appeal of the state’s industrial stormwater permit, adding new provisions that will help clean up polluted stormwater at thousands of industrial facilities throughout Georgia.

Brought state and federal attention to chronic water quality violations in Lake Lanier—action that will ultimately force a new cleanup plan for the lake.

Kicked our Get the Dirt Out Campaign into high gear, working with other riverkeeper and watershed groups in Georgia to combat water quality problems from soil erosion.

Helped citizens stop a large development immediately upstream of a water supply reservoir; celebrated the restoration of the wetlands and lakes downstream of construction activities at a state prison; and permanently protected 30 acres of greenspace with conservation easements through negotiated settlements at two development sites.

Continued to help lead the efforts of the Tristate Conservation Coalition during this active year of massive water releases from dams, legal filings, endangered species debates, and public hearings; and worked closely with the Middle Chattahoochee Water Coalition.

Actively promoted water conservation in metro Atlanta through legislation mandating plumbing retrofits (introduced, but not passed), participation in committees and comment opportunities, development of a “report card” on Metro Water District progress, and media and editorial focus on metro conservation successes and failures.

Continued our multi-year involvement in the relicensing process for Morgan Falls Dam, which included advocating for the protection of the rare shoal bass and ensuring water quality and stream flow protection are required in the hydropower license.

Completed a watershed assessment for the Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy with specific recommendations for protecting water resources as the South Fulton County area develops.

Created our first major annual report, entitled Points of View, which highlights individuals who represent the diversity of our programs and supporters; organized a new Chattahoochee Challenger Series for paddlers; and held our other annual events, including a highly successful 10th Annual River Revival and the 4th Annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival.