Stop the Sewage Campaign

The top priority campaign for Tennessee Riverkeeper is to systematically investigate sewage from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Tennessee River basin. We are aware that there are many significant sewage problems in the watershed, especially the section that flows through Alabama.

Strategy

We are developing a database of all WWTPs and known problems in the watershed, which is a major first step in addressing sewage violations. We are in the process of reviewing all wastewater NPDES permit holders’ public documents for self-reported violations (DMRs), inspections by the state or EPA, and enforcement actions. The Riverkeeper and its legal team will then develop a plan of addressing problem dischargers. If litigation is required, we will develop and implement a litigation strategy.


Analyzing Clean Water Act permits at Tenessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)