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UCR patrols our watershed and identifies potential problems related to water quality. Here are updates on some investigations and enforcment actions we have pursued so far in 2009:
Buffer Violations in Douglas County
City of Atlanta Sewage Repair
City of Cumming
Flow at Peachtree Creek
Forsyth County / Deep River Farm
Forsyth County / Trout Fishery
Georgia Power Co. / Plant Wansley
River Tour Reveals Buffer Violation in Douglas County
While giving a staff advisor of Congressman John Lewis a tour of the river, we discovered an illegal buffer encroachment on the Chattahoochee in Douglas County where a large area of vegetation had been removed down to the water’s edge for an unknown purpose. We plotted the area on our GPS unit and relayed the coordinates to Douglas County inspectors, who responded immediately. The county issued a stop-work order to the property owner, along with a requirement that the disturbed area be restored. We will continue to monitor the restoration of this area.
Another Milestone for City of Atlanta Sewer Repair
On July 17, 2009, UCR joined the city of Atlanta to celebrate another major milestone in sewer repair—the completion of sewer rehabilitation of Sewer Group 1. Over 80% of the system, almost 1300 miles of pipelines, has been evaluated and 300 miles of the system with the most chronic pollution problems have been rehabilitated. This work is part of the city’s plan to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows, as called for under the federal consent decree that settled UCR’s 1995 lawsuit against the city.
Lawsuit Settled with the City of Cumming
February 8, 2010, the City of Cumming signed a settlement with UCR for its violations of the Clean Water Act and the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act. While clearing land to make way for a new aquatic center, the City of Cumming has violated multiple environmental regulations. The site located less than 400 yards from Lake Lanier, failed to properly plan for and install all of the necessary best management practices to protect Lake Lanier from muddy runoff coming from this site during rain events. The City also destroyed a tributary stream to the lake during the clearing process, in addition to other violations including clearing more land than what was permitted through the City’s notice of intent to the GA EPD. The settlement terms, which are subject to review and approval by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. District Court of Northern District of Georgia, will result in the restoration of streams that flow to Lake Lanier and will also support environmental initiatives that benefit the local community.
Corps resumes Chattahoochee flows to protect water quality, trout
In the Spring of 2009, UCR urged the Corps to deny any requests by the GA EPD for an extension of the 650 cfs reduced flows in the Chattahoochee River at Peachtree Creek. On May 1, the Corps resumed normal operations, reinstating the 750 cfs flow requirement citing water quality concerns. In October 2009, EPD stated they would not request another reduction of flow during the fall/winter months. This is a sharp departure from one year ago, when the Corps agreed to hold more water in Lake Lanier in response to drought concerns raised by EPD. UCR continues to monitor the Chattahoochee to ensure flows are adequate for water quality, fish, and recreation. UCR also will continue to encourage Metro Atlanta’s leaders, businesses, and residents to embrace aggressive water conservation measures in order to alleviate our water crisis.
Stop-Work Order for Riverbank Violations in Forsyth County
Last summer, we received a Hotline call about construction activities on the Chattahoochee River in Forsyth County at Deep River Farm. Our investigation revealed that the property owner had cut a boat ramp into the riverbank and constructed an overlook area and stairs without any of the necessary permits or variances. After UCR filed a complaint, Forsyth County issued a stop-work order and citations that require the restoration of the damaged areas. We will continue to monitor the restoration of this area because buffers along our waterways are critical to protecting water quality and wildlife habitat.
Trout Fishery at Risk from Forsyth Discharge?
In 2008, Forsyth County applied to EPD for permission to discharge 6 million gallons per day of treated sewage into the river upstream of the McGinnis Ferry Bridge in pristine trout and recreational waters. Concerned about potentially adverse effects to water quality and increases in water temperature which could harm the reproducing trout fishery, UCR submitted a detailed comment letter. In addition to a discharge permit from EPD, the county must also receive a permit from the Corps of Engineers and the state to construct an outfall pipe. Again, UCR submitted comments. In September, EPD decided to hold its approval for the pipe pending resolution of concerns that the cumulative impacts of all discharges from Buford Dam to Morgan Falls Dam might result in temperature
Coal Combustion Waste at Power Plant
Georgia Power Company has applied for a permit to fill streams and wetlands to store coal combustion waste (CCW) from its sulfur dioxide scrubbers at Plant Wansley in Heard County. The desulfurization process generates a by-product of gypsum and toxins in wet slurry form. EPA advises that CCWs should not be stored or used in environments where it will come into contact with water. UCR submitted comments to the Corps of Engineers and the Georgia EPD recommending a dry storage method to avoid impacts to wetlands and streams that flow into the Chattahoochee River. We have received no response to date.
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