Fall 2017 A publication of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK)

and a Changing Climate in the Chattahoochee

Though the effects of climate industry, electricity production and change often seem distant, sanitation. More than four million people Water-Saving Checklist use water from the Chattahoochee daily, the is and the river supports hundreds of plant Indoors: . already feeling the heat and animal species. Wash laundry and dishes only when you have a full load For the first half of 2017, mountain The drought will end, but the demands on Fix leaky faucets and ‘running’ toilets streams that feed the Chattahoochee were our river are only set to increase in pace Install low-flow water fixtures and water- running at historic low flows. Less rainfall with population growth in the region. As we efficient toilets (free kits and rebates in the mountains meant a low water level in plan for the growing demand on the river available from your water utility) Lake Lanier, and lower flows in the river and future impacts of climate change in the downstream of Buford Dam. Late spring Outdoors: region, it becomes more important than rains helped raise lake levels, but Lake ever to take a big picture approach. Avoid new plantings or use drought Lanier still entered the summer season tolerant plants more than six feet below full pool. The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Mulch to retain soil moisture Planning District (Metro District), which Chattahoochee Basin Drought Install a rain barrel or cistern for irrigation includes the 15-county metro area, Conditions in January 2017 recently completed a comprehensive Water Reduce outdoor watering and avoid watering during the day Resource Management Plan that outlines strategies for regional watershed Use drip irrigation instead of sprinklers management. Climate change will be an Avoid pressure washing

important consideration for future Saving Energy Saves Water Too! planning, and the Metro District is the first of Georgia’s 11 water planning regions to Replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs explicitly include climate resiliency in its Install a programmable thermostat long range water supply, wastewater and Update appliances to ENERGY STAR and watershed planning. water efficient models

“With millions of people in metro Atlanta depending on the Apalachicola- Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) will host Chattahoochee-Flint Basin for their water Shepherd, along with acclaimed author supply, it is critical to consider climate Paul Hawken and numerous regional resiliency in water planning,” said Danny experts, on September 27-28 at our Johnson, Manager of the District. inaugural Climate Change Conference. We invite you to join us to learn about some of Rising temperatures are already becoming the challenges and solutions for protecting part of the climate resiliency challenge. our waters in a changing climate. Since 2014, each successive year has been ranked as the hottest on record. In the future, it will be important to prepare accordingly for the changing climate to avoid negative impacts to our communities and environment in the Chattahoochee region.

Sometimes it takes a drought to remind us “The Chattahoochee River Basin is likely how important the Chattahoochee River is to experience many challenges to our in our day-to-day life. Each day, we draw water infrastructure as a result of climate hundreds of millions of gallons of water change,” said J. Marshall Shepherd, For more information, visit: from the river and its lakes for drinking, Director for the Program in Atmospheric chattahoochee.org/our-work/water- landscaping, recreation, agriculture, Sciences at the University of Georgia. conservation-programs/ STAFF REFLECTIONS MELANIE BAIRD OF THE RIVERKEEPER COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER

TAMMY BATES OUTINGS MANAGER During a recent camping trip with my family, I How many kids today are glued to a device for found myself reflecting on my childhood and a large portion of each day? What impact is HANNAH BRADFORD WATERSHED PROTECTION SPECIALIST & NATURALIST comparing it to how kids are growing up that having on their development? How will LAURA BREYFOGLE today. their early experiences affect their perception WPLFC NATURALIST of the environment and our natural world DALE CALDWELL WATERSHED PROTECTION SPECIALIST I spent much of my young life fishing and when they are adults?

JULIET COHEN exploring the woods. Those experiences EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR played a significant role in making me who I am When my children were born, I made a goal to ERIK FYFE today. raise them with a strong sense of environmental WATERSHED PROTECTION SPECIALIST awareness. We recycle, pick up trash as we go OGECHI IRONDI NEIGHBORHOOD WATER WATCH FELLOW for walks and talk about not wasting water at

HENRY JACOBS home. MIDDLE CHATTAHOOCHEE OUTREACH MANAGER KEVIN JESELNIK On my recent camping trip, I remembered that STAFF ATTORNEY spending unstructured time outdoors can be BECCA KLEIN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR just as formative. Whether we’re taking a long

CHRIS MANGANIELLO hike in the woods or fishing on a lazy river, it WATER POLICY DIRECTOR is time far better spent than playing on a digital MICHAEL MEYER Jason’s eight year-old daughter device. NEIGHBORHOOD WATER WATCH DIRECTOR on a recent camping trip. MARCELA MORENO INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FELLOW I have made a commitment to double down

CATHERINE LEWIS SÁENZ When I was growing up, we did not have nearly and spend as much time outdoors with my kids DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE the number of technological distractions that as possible, and I hope all parents and JESSICA STERLING we have today. There was no internet, iPods or grandparents will do the same. Our kids’ river TECHNICAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR iPads. There were no smartphones, email or and planet will benefit from our effort to create SUZETTE TAYLOR FINANCIAL MANAGER social media. nature lovers today.

JASON ULSETH RIVERKEEPER As I sat comfortably in my camp chair watching JANET WESTERVELT my six-year-old son dig for worms and my HEADWATERS OUTREACH MANAGER eight-year-old daughter play in the canoe CHRISTINA YORK DATABASE MANAGER resting at the water’s edge, I thought about BOARD OF DIRECTORS how today’s technology and devices compete with children’s time outdoors. J. RUTHERFORD SEYDEL II, CHAIR DAVE KIRKPATRICK, VICE-CHAIR REBECCA CRANFORD FELICIA DAVIS FACES SARAH DEARMAN OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE DENISE DONAHUE BERT ELLIS “As farmers, we all have the same GERARD GUNTHERT challenge once the ground is broken and BILLY HALL you have plants to nourish: a plentiful VICTOR HAYDEL HUGO HERNANDEZ supply of water. RICHARD JACOBSON MARY ANNE LANIER Hopefully there’s an abundance of rain, JEFF MOKOTOFF but as with recent drought conditions that STEVE O’DAY hasn’t always been the case. Along with MARIAN PITTMAN groundwater, Long Cane Creek (a tributary JAMIE PRYOR MARY SCHREPFER of the Chattahoochee River) is the nearest DAVID SHAFFER source of water for me—what happens LAURA SMITH when there’s not enough rainfall to CATHERINE WOODLING recharge the creek though, I don’t know.

With everything happening these days

Our mission is to advocate and secure and the thought of climate change, water the protection and stewardship conservation makes economic sense. of the Chattahoochee River, its lakes, Fortunately, it’s coming up more often in tributaries and watershed. conversations with other farmers.

ATLANTA OFFICE 3 PURITAN MILL I’m also glad that groups like CRK are 916 JOSEPH LOWERY BLVD. taking on the role of education and ATLANTA, GA 30318 404-352-9828 advocacy. Otherwise the water resources I depend on may not be around for future GAINESVILLE OFFICE 104 WASHINGTON STREET, S.E. generations.” GAINESVILLE, GA 30501 678-696-8866 ERIC SIMPSON LAGRANGE OFFICE New Eden Ecosystem 35 LAFAYETTE SQUARE LAGRANGE GA 30240 West Point, Georgia 706-882-3701 newedenecosystem.com

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG

2 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER ON PATROL WITH CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER

NOT SO “ROTTEN”WOOD CREEK

Neighborhood Water Watch (NWW) volunteer Greg Grantham took one whiff of Rottenwood Creek and knew something was off. Tests NWW EXPANDS TO indicated there was a serious problem, so CRK CLARKSVILLE REGION trackers donned waders in search of the source. Real-time optical brightener tests helped to find NWW is coming to the Soque River raw sewage flowing from a broken pipe at an watershed thanks to a new apartment complex into Rottenwood Creek not partnership with North Georgia far from the Chattahoochee River. Spurred by Technical College and the Soque media attention from WSB-TV, the apartment River Watershed Association. complex made necessary repairs to stop the Together, we established a drop- off spill and water quality has returned to normal location for volunteers to deliver levels. water samples in Clarksville. This expansion allows CRK to engage people living in the uppermost part of the Chattahoochee watershed. These water samples are being processed in a laboratory at North Georgia Technical College in TRACKING GETS TIRESOME accordance with CRK protocols.

A massive tire dump (estimated at more than 10,000 tires!) was discovered in Proctor Creek’s Valley of the Hawks while CRK pollution trackers were investigating high bacteria levels in a nearby tributary. Trackers were able to locate CITY DENIES LANDFILL PROPOSAL and stop the bacteria source, but the titanic tire dump has yet to be removed. Tire recycling fees CRK successfully opposed a proposal from a are largely diverted from the state fund that private landowner to create an inert landfill should pay for tire dump clean-ups. The Georgia adjacent to Big Creek—at a site approximately Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has half of a mile from Lake Lanier and 7,500 feet been notified and we are pursuing a cleanup upstream of Buford’s municipal drinking water plan for the illegal dump. intake. Buford’s Board of Commission acknowledged residents’ and CRK’s concerns and denied the proposal.

PROPOSAL FOR ATV PARK ALONG RIVER WITHDRAWN

In early July, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) announced that it would no longer pursue plans to build a 14-mile network of ATV trails along the Chattahoochee River at Bush Head Shoals in Heard County. CRK and dozens of concerned citizens voiced RED ALERT: SEWER SPILL FOUND opposition to this poorly sited ATV park in DURING A RIVER PATROL written comment and at public meetings citing concerns about noise, trespassing, safety, During a May river patrol, CRK discovered foul, wildlife protection and erosion. The individual bright red water pouring into the Chattahoochee who sold the 700-acre property to a River in south Fulton County. We tracked the spill conservation group, which then deeded it to up to a broken sewer line, which was caused by the state, wrote in opposition to the plan that, erosion and a fallen tree. Fulton County crews “I cannot imagine a use more inconsistent fixed the broken line the next day and reported with my intent…” that the bright red liquid was soft drink syrup from a local beverage manufacturing company with a permit to send excess syrup to the wastewater treatment facility. Fulton County estimates that more than 17,000 gallons of raw sewage mixed with soft drink syrup spilled into the river before the pipe was repaired.

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/our-work/enforcing-environmental-laws

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 3 THE FISH HAWK-IN DANGER AGAIN?

Though the Osprey is the second most widely distributed raptor in the world, its life along shores puts it at risk—again.

Ospreys, like many birds of prey, were close and personal look at these birds in brought to the brink of extinction due to their natural habitat. exposure to DDT, a farming pesticide used in the early-to-mid-20th century. Before DDT was banned in 1972, the ’ “One of the most rewarding Osprey population was rapidly declining. parts of our floating classroom programs is Today, populations have returned and new watching students as they generations are thriving, but this upward spot Ospreys through trend may be threatened in the coming binoculars with excited years due to habitat loss along our nation’s exclamations. These sightings Creative Commons waterways. Change in climate and rising sea levels threaten these migratory hawks, as are a definite highlight for us.” were planted in the late-1960s by ranger 79 percent of their summer migratory range - Laura Breyfogle, John Anderson to warn boaters of shallow could be underwater by the year 2080. Since CRK’s WPLFC Naturalist water. The trees stand approximately 8 to their diet consists only of fish, inundated 10 feet tall and are completely isolated from shorelines means more Ospreys will have to shore, making great nesting sites for compete over less prime habitat. West Point Lake is a great place to see these Ospreys. magnificent birds, partly because of small Sightings of the charismatic bird are always bald cypress trees that inhabit the shallows. So the next time you’re on the water, look a treat—just ask West Point Lake Floating It is rumored that these trees, which are not around and make sure to catch a glimpse of Classroom (WPLFC) students that get an up native to the Chattahoochee River basin, this impressive bird.

RECORD-BREAKING 733 VOLUNTEERS ‘SWEEP THE HOOCH’

A record-breaking 733 volunteers dug into river and streams. These volunteers spread CRK’s and our partners’ efforts through the nooks and crannies of more than 40 out across 43 sites and spent half the day Sweep the Hooch have removed more than sites in and around the Chattahoochee pulling trash and debris from the river. 58 tons of trash and debris with the help of River for CRK’s annual Sweep the Hooch “Participating in an event like Sweep the nearly 4,000 volunteers since it began in clean-up event. Thanks to the hundreds of Hooch is a fun way to explore different 2011. volunteers, we removed 16.7 tons of trash! sections of the river,” said Jerry Duncan, who volunteered at the Jones Bridge site in Fulton County.

“It’s amazing the amount of trash that is collected year after year, plus the number of volunteers. It’s truly amazing.” - Jerry Duncan, Jones Bridge volunteer

THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 The record-breaking 733 volunteers were a EVENT SPONSORS: 25 percent increase from the previous year, despite high water levels and unseasonably RIVER BENEFACTOR: cool temperatures after heavy rains earlier The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in the week. Family 2 Family The Home Depot CRK organized the multi-site cleanup in “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of all RIVER ADVOCATE: partnership with the National Park Service the volunteers and sponsors to clean trash Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation/ and the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of and debris from more than 100 river miles Brown Bag Marketing Trout Unlimited. Volunteers served in three along the Chattahoochee,” said Jason Patagonia different capacities at the cleanup: paddlers Ulseth, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. “We are WEG Electric Corp. picking up trash from the water, waders thrilled we were able to set a new volunteer RIVER CONSERVATOR: cleaning the river banks and walkers record in 2017 and look forward to another David B. and Gail Chester canvassing the grounds adjacent to our big year in 2018!”

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/our-work/enforcing-environmental-laws

4 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND DONORS FOR HELPING US KEEP WATCH OVER OUR WATERS! January through June 2017

RIVER BENEFACTOR The Kroger Company Joseph & Friends Laura & Carmen Hadgraft NEW & RENEWING ($10,000 & UP) Foundation Alan Kendall Walter Hall DONORS ($99 & LESS) The Village at Deaton Creek Celia & James Lismore Binz & Ryan Hansen The AEC Trust by Del Webb Garden Club Georgann & David Lyons Harmonia Holdings Group, LLC Dr. & Mrs. Richard Abrohams Alice Richards Charitable Fund Tull Charitable Foundation, Inc. Rhonda & Lonny Martin Cheryl & Bill Hayn LaSha & Peter Ackerman Anonymous Vanason’s Hair Salon, Inc. Jeffrey McCoy Paula Heer Holly Adams Arthur M. Blank Watershed Alliance of Norton Agency Helen & George Henry Marla Adams Family Foundation Sandy Springs Fran & Steve O’Day Gail Herzich Michael & Whit Adams Bonneville Environmental West Point Development Patricia & Charles M. Plumly II Ms. Elizabeth Hillick & Sylvia Agee Foundation Authority Family Foundation Mr. Maiben Mckinley Adel Alamo Charles Stewart Mott Mary & Charlie Yates Patrick Ray Maxwell Holder Jan Albitz Foundation Family Fund Salesforce.com Foundation Ronald Horner David Alexander The Coca-Cola Company ZWJ Investment Counsel Salon Lafaye Howard Hsu Virginia & Bond Almand Cox Enterprises, Inc. Southern Charm Salon & Spa Kellie Iannone Joseph Alonso JST Foundation RIVER PATRON SouthWings Iles Family Sandy Althomsons Patti & Don Ross ($500-$999) Springwood School Indigo Salon & Spa AmazonSmile Foundation Ray C. Anderson Foundation St. Luke United Methodist Alicia & Hal Jacobs Alicia Anderson Roy & Janet Dorsey Foundation Debbie & Jess Austin Church Lisa Johnson Ben Anderson Sartain Lanier Family Meredith Bell The Outside World Junod Family Kimmar Anderson Foundation, Inc. Bowden Spratt Law Firm Trinity Christian School Doug Kallman Patrick Anderson Turner Foundation Brookstone School, Inc. Unitarian Universalist Metro Laura Kearns Paul Anderson UPS Kara & Merle Campbell Atlanta North Debbie Kelly Elizabeth Annan Anonymous Van Michael Salons Chambers County Catherine Woodling Kendra Scott, LLC Library Board Randall Kent Anonymous RIVER DEFENDER Charter Bank RIVER SUPPORTER KeyBank Foundation Leslie Arias ($5,000 - $9,999) Chattahoochee Parks ($100-$249) Kathy King Adam Armagost & Meg Bevan Conservancy Kai Matthews & Bethany & Thomas Atkinson Aflac City of Milton A. Shane Buffkin Salon Breannah Kirkpatrick Ethyl Ault City of LaGrange Mr. David Cofrin & Russell Abney Joyce & Stephen Kramer Joel Avrunin Tom & Nolan Ayers Delta Air Lines, Inc. Ms. Christine Tryba-Cofrin Alison & TJ Ackerman Krucher Family Cheryl Babik Shearon & Taylor Glover Craig Stewart Salon Richard Albee Lake Northridge, Inc. Tory Baggett The Home Depot Foundation Mary Anne & Brian Ericson Anazao Salon Courtney & Nathan Lee Kerstin & Bob Bagus Mary Jane & Dave Kirkpatrick Georgia Transmission Melinda & Dale Anderson Mary Ann Lee Allison Bailey PNC Bank Corporation Felicia Andrew Richard Leigh Steve Baird Porsche Cars The Harris Family Meg & Casey Baer Lola Salon Marilyn J. Baker Sally & Pete Parsonson Charitable Fund Sandra Banks Wesley Long Jr. Debra & Tim Banks Southwire Company Jabian Cares Nancy Basks Molly & Kip Lynch Lamar Barrington Turner Enterprises, Inc. Susan & Max Ker-Seymer Margery & Bill Bouris Vicki Brown-Macomber & Vicki & Frank Barron Waterkeeper Alliance Ann & Lawrence Klamon Kayla & Daron Boys Mike Macomber Patricia Barton Stephan Kuppenheimer Laura Braswell Dana Massengill Rose & Mark Barton RIVER ADVOCATE Amy & Ken Kvasnicka Deb & Jim Brewer McGarity’s Business Products Stephanie Barulic ($2,500 - $4,999) LaGrange - Troup County Laura & Sam Breyfogle Karen & John McHugh Roni & Dan Batchelor Chamber of Commerce Alice Brock McKelvey Family Jim Baxter Anonymous Mary Anne & Jaime Lanier Bill Brooksher Carlos Menezes Joanna & Paul Baxter Brown Bag Marketing Mainstreet Community Service Mr. Greg Brough & Milton Martin Toyota Dave Shaffer Martin Bay Association Inc. Ms. Rebekah Hudgins Ahmed Moinuddin Diverse Power Foundation Carol & Alan Beatty Mr. & Mrs. Nunn Buford Lanier Woman’s Club Peter Montgomery EarthShare of Georgia Alex Beaver ORTEC Bernie Burgener Karen & Michael Oot Hawkins Foundation Carol & Bill Beavers Marian & Damon Pittman David Burns John O’Sullivan Henry Howell Lee Becham Teed & Sadler Poe Dave Butler Michele Papotto Interface, Inc. Candace Beck Point University Frank Buttler Peachtree Garden Club Orvis Bee Natural River Network Pomme Salon, Shoppe, Inc. Julie Campbell Lynn & Paul Behr Sandy Springs Society Cathy & Art Rollins Douglas Caulkins Alonso Prado-Masias William Bell Sugarfuzz Music Carran Schneider Challise & Company, Inc. Joseph Ramion Ashley & Daniel Bellamy The Erosion Company, Inc. Serenity Day Spa/Salon Clermont Veterinary Hospital Rejuvenate Teresa Benamy The Benevity Community Laura & Edward Smith Clouse Family Jim Ries Dan Ben-David Impact Fund Mr. David Stockert Linda & Steve Collins Stewart Roberts Jr. Charles Bennett True Salon, Inc. & Mrs. Cameron P. Ives Susan Copeland Bill Roper Tanya Bennett Weed Man Lawn Care University of North Georgia Katherine Coppedge Louise & Edwin Rothberg Valerie Benson WEG Electric Corp Voya Chris Cotney Teresa & Robert Sands Billy Betz WestPoint Fund at the Eliza & Mark West James Crowe Margaret & Eugene Schaufler Jacquelyne Binninger Community Foundation Westminster Schools Steven Culpepper Gay & Ron Shook Bonnie Birrell RIVER CONSERVATOR Mark Dessommes Sinquefield Family Dana Bittenbender ($1,000-$2,499) FRIEND OF THE RIVER Matthew Downs Jamie Smithson Sarah & Hubert Blanchard ($250-$499) Michael Drinkard Southern Alliance for Belle Blanton Aria Salons Mary & Andrew Dugenske Clean Energy Brandon Bledsoe Atlanta Rowing Club Pegi Amend & Sandi & David Dunbar Gena & Mike Spears David & Maureen Blencoe Beverly & John Baker Robert Buschman Dunwoody Women’s Club Jeff Springston Phil Bleser Bambu Salon & Spa, LLC Carolyn Appen Stefanie Dye & State Farm Companies Caroline Nelson & Sim Blitch Jessa & Tierson Boutte Aquascape Environmental Mark Schurmann Foundation Robin Boggs Gail & David Chester Atkins Park Tavern (Atlanta) Betsy Elliott Cynthia & David Stennett Carol Bohannon City of West Point Auburn University Susan Ellman-Zweig Kathryn & Mike Stivers Christine Boldt Denise Donahue & Neal Audet Anne & Martin Emanuel Janet & Jim Stockslager Tyler Boldt Simone du Boise Rob Bohn Ens & Outs Aggie & Marty Swails Mark Bolin Elements Salon Becky & Roger Boyd Olivia & Bill Evans Tammy Tatum Katherine Bolt Ellis Communications, Inc. Brandon Family Robin Fabrick Maleah Taylor David Bolton Graphic Package Dorothy & Bob Cammon John & Jill Federico Sam Trapino Roberta & Richard Bondi Cathy & Phillip Hodges Mysti & Christopher Cenkner Paul Felch Jan Trussell Sam Booher Marcia & Richard Jacobson Clayton Distributing Company, Sean Fitzsimmons Pat & L.W. Tucker John Booth Mincey Marble Mfg., Inc. Inc. Tim Flanagan Barbara Vlasz Joe Boris Mitigation Management Coll’Age Hair Design Mildred & Mark Fockele Kenneth Vroman Craig Bounds Jackie & Tony Montag Collier Hills Civic Association Martine Ford Dawn Walker Patrick Bourgeois Network for Good Jim Crowley Gerard Foret Karen & Coy Wehunt Ron Bourne North River Tavern Pat & Russ England Emilie & Richard Friese Westerfield Family Cherrie Bowen R2T, Inc. Cynthia & Gerald Fulks Tracey & Gary Gaines Leo Witting Haley Bowman Radiance Solar, LLC Gainesville Flooring Patti Garrett Nancy Wylie Jodie Boyd Rain Barrel Company, LLC Julie Hairston Mary Lou & Richard Gennings Julie Yamamoto Dylan Boyntan Ruth Rollins Jewell Harper Georgica Pine Marilyn York Hannah Bradford Sylvia & Ron San Martin Homeschool Group Aquatic Jennifer Gilbert Kathy & Jim Young Caryn Webb & Donald S. Brant Anonymous Studies Program Gigi & Edward Glasscock Michelle & Michael Young Marianna Brashear Sobi Salon Hutchinson - Traylor Insurance Deanna & John Greco Annette Zerbe Bill Braswell Stephanie & C. Austin Stephens Hyde Family Foundations Griffith Family Lindsay & Bill Zerressen Marc Brese

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 5 Leah Brewer Cameron Dean Ron Goetzke Michael Humphrey Will Looney Lisa Briseno Mitzi Deaton Scott Goggans Carol & Don Hundeby Sue Lorincz Elizabeth Brooks Chris Decker Ronald Golden Heidi Hunt Kenneth Louko Jane Brubaker Ed Decker Theresa Goldstone Hurndon Family Nancy Lovingood Ruth & Robert Bruner Robert Dennis Robin Golivesky Charles Hyatt Lewis Lucas Susie Bruttomesso Jared Deright Sally & Larry Golsen Lee Irminger Maria & Gary Ludi Laura Buck Kaitlin & Karen Desselle Linda Goodiel Sara Irwin Amelia & Andrew Luke Buffalo Exchange Cynthia Devine Rhese & Jennifer Goodsite Isabelle & Bryan Jacob Jennifer Lynch Grady Bunn Cristina & Michael Diaz Mary & Frank Gordon Diana Jansen JoAnn & Steve Lyons Connie Burdis Rosemary Dodd Peter Gordon Tammy Jergovich Alexander Macbeth Robert Burek Rebecca Doll & Matthew Gore Alison Jeselnik Scott MacKenzie Dorothy Burkette Charles Gibisser Kathy Gosselin Joseph Jibreen Magee Magee Ted Burnell Amy Donahue Chelsea & David Gray Chelly John Andrew Mahon Pamela Burns Deborah Donovan Edward Green Johnny’s New York Style Pizza Daniel Maldonado Ms. Julie Burroughs & Justin Dooley Wendy Green (West Point) Mallory Family Mr. Michael Joseph Leslie Doucette Jim Green Brenda & David Johnson Katy Malo Fran Burst-Terranella Coral Douglas Robin Gregory Daryl Johnson Burt Manning Fran Buser Pam & Keith Drake Adam Greim Karen Johnson Nick Margaritondo Pat Butler Dan Draper Mary, Beth & Ed Griffin Leslie & Chuck Johnson Bobby Marie Nick Byrne Doug Drives Steve Griffin Martha Johnson Robert Marmorato Anthony Caldwell Kim Drye Brad Griffiths Pete Johnson Christine Marok Charlie Caldwell Sandee Dudenhoeffer Catherine Grimes Sandie Johnson Diane Marsden Melanie Caldwell Gerald Duncan Sarah Grizzle Sandra Johnson Lewis Marshall D Call Melissa Dunn Dinah & Robert Grollman Sara & Jeff Johnson Sharon Marshall Patrick Callahan Timothy Dunn Sue Gross Wendy Johnson D Martin Mr. Jim Callison & Paul Durrence Karen Gudger & Staci Bond Anjo Jones Jackie Martin Ms. Tamara McClelland Susan Dzienius Tammie Guebert Daniel Jones Katharine & Daryl Martin Keira Camillo Amy Eakins Joe Guion Emily Jones Nancy & Tom Martin Amelia Campbell Kathleen & Dutch Earle Jon Gunderson Lee Jones Mike Martinez Carol & Kenneth Campbell Betty Edwards Wayne Haddock Savannah Jones Susannah Masarie Catherine McElroy & Bill Egeland Jonathan Halas Jonathan Jordan John Mather Mr. Ryan Campbell Cathy Eilert Franz Halaschek-Wiener Steve Jordet Kathryn Mattson Dianne Cannestra Elle Salon on the Square Rosine Hall Diana Kafka Homer Maxwell Jason Caravella Suanne Ellis Tracy Hambrick Candice & Craig Kalin Cindy & Edwin Mayer Gene Carden Stephanie Ellison David Hamilton Sharon Kane Rachel & Chris McBride Kevin Carraher Carolyn Emery Jeffrey Hammen Linda Keck Rebecca McBride Bruce Carraway Nancy Emmons Betty Hanacek Dwight Keith W Gary McBride Mary C. Carroll Brian Englert Arianna Hanchey Amber Keller Maria McCann Brian Carson Robert Entenza Joan Hand Craig Keller Alexis McCarley Jackie Carter Howell Epperly Rob Hand Pamela & James Kelley Chadd McCarley Richard Catrambone Elizabeth Ervin Willie Handlee Rebecca Kelly Mary & Michael McCarthy Sr. Allison Cauthen Lisa Esapa Art Hansen Jan Kepic Tamara McClelland MaryAnn Cauthen Conchi Estivariz Kyle Hansen Joe Kidd McClung Family Amy Celec Elizabeth Evans John Haralson Eric King Cynthia McCollough James Chaffin Erin & Jeremy Evans Sophie & Ian Harkins Evelyn Kirby Clara McComb Ronnie Chavez Benjamin Everette Sue Harmon Gillespie Kirkland Sandy McCray Fernando Chen Glianny Fagundo & Maria Toro Andrew Harper Linda Kirkman Maggie McDonald Kristina Cherry Elizabeth & Mathew Fallon Richard Harper Anna Kirkpatrick Jared McFarlin Sue & Tim Chisholm Noha Farag & Fatma Rashed Linda Harrah Carl Kirkpatrick Norman McGinnis Rohit Chitre Maria Farrar John Harris Harriet & Kip Kirkpatrick Bill McGoldrick Alice Christenson Jeremy Faughtenberry Matthew Harris Peter Knaup & Victoria McHugh Susan & Fred Christian John Ferguson Charles Harrison III Jose de Athayde Neto Linda McKay Bill Christie Susan Ferguson Sabine Haselhurst Dyna & John Kohler Strphanie McKinnell Brooks Clay Michael Ferrara Jen & Matt Hauser Elizabeth Kohler Glaucia & Duncan McLauchlan Brian Clements Andrew Fine Liz Hausman Holly & Marshall Korschun Marianne McNelly Pete Clements Linda Finn Charles Hawkins Diane & Gene Korzeniewski Connor McRae Adam Clifton Margaret Fisher Darlene Hawksley Hannah Kraar Kendall McRae Pamela Coan Glenn Flake Carol Hayes Daniel Krase Michael Medlin Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Chris Fletcher Cathi Hayes Prema Krishnan Daniel Meier Northern New England Ginger Florey-Powell Patrick Healy Craig Krugman Sharon & Cliff Meinhardt Elie Cohen Michael Fogas Marny Heit Jake Krzysiak Danielle Mekulsia George Cohen Ryan Fogg Chris Hendell Tamara Kullback Holly Melvin Rick Cohen Lisa Forniss Denise Henderson Ralph Kytan Will Merrill Anna & Jason Cole Mozella Forniss Don Henderson Meagan & Ryan Lafferty Marilyn Metzler Justin & Laura Coleman Byron Foster Kevin Henggeler Emily & Jarvis Lakemaker Gabrielle Micale Jesse Colkett Andy Fotiades Anne-Renee Heningburg Bryna Lamb Microsoft Sally & Thomas Colkett Christine Fountain Grace Hennessy Lisa & Neil Lambert Debbie & John Miller Merrideth Colwell & Francesconi Family Barbara & Doug Henry Dean Lamm Erica Miller Thomas Shea Jerri Franco Donna Hesketh Julie LaMothe Jeff Miller Steve Combs Casey Fraser Amanda Hickman Tamara Landeis Judy & John Miller Eric Conder Carlin Fravel Gordon Hilbun Langston Langston Phyllis Miller Nancy & Rob Conley James Frederick Craig Hill Karen Lapeyrouse Adyson Mills Debbie & Joseph Connell Linda & Frank Frederick Donna Hill Gail Latham Ms. Barbara Mills & Roberta Cook Benjamin Freeman Karen Hill Dominique & Thomas Lawton Mr. George Geeslin Amanda & Jude Cooks Cathy Freeman Patrick Hill Christi Lazear Kaye & Greg Minchew Allen Cooper Joan Frierson Liz & Maiben Hillick Elizabeth Lear Lisa Mitchell Deborah Cooper Carl Fuller Bradley Hilton Katelyn & Taylor LeBlanc Kenneth Mock Jessica Cooper Fulton Family Nancy & Elvin Hilyer Richard Lebovitz Barbara Moore Liz Cornish Caitlin Fynan Alex Hinerfeld John & Katie Lee James Moore Annie Couch Malinda Fynan Vinard Hitt Krista & Clifford Lee Michelle Morgan Diane Cousins Neil Gaines Jason Hjelseth Phillip Lee James Morris Josh Covin Elizabeth & Jean Gammage Kim Hobbs Glenn Legacki Shirley & Keith Morris Vanessa & Ian Cowie Jairo Garcia Robert Hoff Sue & Robert Leggett John Morrow Paul Cox April Gardner Stacey Hoffman Sharon & John Lemire Lora Morse Stephanie & Steve Cox Mckenzie Gates Cassandra Hoffmann Kris Leszczynski Trey Mosier & Joshua Crane-Whittington Danita Gaudette Jeanine Alfredsson Hogan & Levine Family Alicia Higginbotham David Crean Donna & Jim Gawlas William Hogan Michael Levine Claire M. Mullin Sandra Creaney Anne Gentry Sean Holcombe Bonny & Bill Levinson Lamar Mullis Dean Crist Georgia Women Flyfishers Fran Holland Catherine Lewis Saenz Warren Mullis Rowena Cromer Elizabeth Gerlach Wendy Holmes Melissa Lewis Saenz Casey & Jason Mummaw Abby Crowe Anne Gerry Ellie Honey Lynne Lindsay John Murillo Alex Crumpler Josh Gilbert Michael Honnold Cary Liner Trudy Murphy Christine Curtin Leigh Gilbert Vici Hood Rashan Linton Elise Myers Bruce Cutler Rebecca Gilbert Shae Hoschek Simon Locke Jeffrey Nachamkin Caren Daivs Edward S. Giles Jr. Joan & Carson Hostetter Jesse Logan Mr. Richard Nailling & Anna F. Dancu Joye Girardot Carol & Jens Houkens Mark Logan Ms. Janet Schoff Leslie Daniels Mr. Joey Giunta & Douglas Howard Emilie & Scott Long Donna Najafi Chase Dasilva Ms. Beckie Hawkins Melissa & Duncan Hughes Larry Long Ruth & Tony Narcisse Laura Davis Kris Goettig Ricardo Humareda Michael Looney Robert Narvaez

6 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER Early Nathan Gil Rapley Stacy Sheets Judy Toppins Cary Wise Justin Neal Tom Rasmussen Kramer Shiflett Travis Towns Sarah Wise Tammy Neal Laura Ratliff Will Shill Joe Townsend Michael Wisener Phillip Neill Sylwester Ratowt James Shimkus Katie Troline Nancy Witham Angela Nelson Nikki Ray Jean Shirley Circe Tsui Sherry Wittenberg Beth & Chris Nelson Lauren Reece Heather Sholes Anna Tucker Heidi & Thomas Wolff Teresa Nelson Bonney Reed-Knight Betty Rose & Thomas Shope Norma Tucker Jere Wood Ann Newman Doug Reineke Randy Silver Lisa Turner Donna Woody Susan & Mike Newsome Paula Reith Greg Simmon Rhonda Turner Sue Wortman Julie Nguyen Angela Rhoton Charity Simmons Wilma Turner Heath Yates Nick Nichols David Rich Susan & Robin Simms Hunter Tuttle Christie Young Tim Nichols Jen Richards Barbara & Dudley Sisk Della & Steve Twite Parker Young Jim Nickens Jennifer Richardson Melissa Sisson Aaron Tyre Cory Zahner Meredith Nienkamp Troy Richmond Norman Slawsky Ms. Mandy Ulseth & Rad Zamani Norfolk Southern Foundation Stephen Rickaby Robert Slotin Mr. Delorean Ostrom Mike Zamora Lana Norris Don Riddell Paul Slovisky United Health Group Brian Zelis Thaddeus North Jennifer Riley Betty & Paul Smith Daniel Vaccaro Claire Zens Northrop Family Rincon Family Cheryl Smith Karen Vaglia Chris Novaic Trey Rinesmith Chris Smith Sara Valentine IN HONOR OF/ Zona & Ron Noyes Katie & Douglas Roberts Erik Smith Jill Van Auken MEMORIALS Jim Nuetzel Sherry & Dan Robinson Gary Smith Laura Van Der Mandele David Ohmann Alejandra Rodriguez Julie Smith Kilsup Van Lieu In honor of J. Carolyn Denise Olive Anthony Rogers Lyn Smith Joanne Vandewater Leonard Seal Tim Olive Ben & Jennifer Rogers Mike Smith Christine Vanover Joyce Oliver Dean & Joanne Rogers Ric Smith James Varda In memory of Kevin Dyer Evelyn Orenbuch Patty & John Rogers Sharon Smith Anne Venero Joi & Robbie Cook Lynda-Martins Osadebe Ryan Rogers Kim Smith-Bufton Steven Vickery William Eason Chris Osment Sean Rogers Smoke Rise Garden Club Brittany Friedman & Joshua Heidi Moreno & Jennifer Arvin Matt Osucha Amanda Romig Ashley Snider Videlefsky Jere & Michael O’Reilly Ruari O’Sullivan Mark Romzick Ray-Lynn Snowden Angela Vines Angela OToole Ryan Ronnenberg Mark Soll Henry Voelker In memory of Hans Ernst Linda Owen Brett Rosen Tiffany Sornpao Andy Vogel Jeanette Colbert Bonnie Owenby Justin Rosenbleeth Sharon Sowders Robert Vogelei Chris Owens Michael Rosenthal Rick Spann Sarah Volling In honor of Art Hansen Lauren Panetta Mary Rosevear Susan Spann Arthur Volpi Kaitlin Hansen Diane & Philip Parker Sandra Ross Brenda Speir Henning Von Schmeling Sandra & Thomas Parker Dave Rosselle Melissa Spencer Paul Von Ward In memory of June Klein Beth Parsons Roy Rubin Ron Spiers Tory Vornholt Amy Dunkin Willa Patzer Bob Ruby Samantha Spitzner Jason Walburn Myra Fineman Joseph Paul Jonathan Rucks Chuck Spornick Victoria Walburn Jayne G. Pauley John Ruggiero Sheila Spruill Kurt Waldner In honor of Tamara Neal Debra Pauli Lisa Rule Steve St Laurent Cipriana Walker Meredith Bentley-Barlow Sharon Pauli Don Russell Joy & Fred Staeck Mary Beth Walker Nikolina Payne Robby Russell Gord Stefaniuk Todd Walker In honor of Jennifer Nourollahi Mary & William Peebles Steven Ryan Jessica Stehlin Zachery Walker Lydia T. Lichtenberger Ryan Pelfrey Elizabeth Sabel Telle Stein Scott Wanzor Faye Perdue Michael Sabula & Karen Stephens Dona Ward In honor of Mary Schrepfer Angela Perry Ruth Ann Steinbrecher Andy Stevens Robert Ward Antoinette Appling Richard Pfeiffer Howard Salk Mark Stevens Dawn Ware Brian Pheil Tracy Sample Carol Stewart Jon & Melanie Washburn GIFTS IN-KIND James Pickard Lee Sanders Jean & Tom Stewart Morning Washburn Dita Pickering Lyndsey Sargent Don Still Adam Webb 97.1 The River Justin Pickett Fisher Saude Cheri Stone Donald Webb AJC Libba & William Pickren Patricia Saude James Story Gary Weeks Another Broken Egg Jan Pierce Betsy Savage Robert Strangia Carolyn Wells Atlanta Department of John Pinyerd Kismet Scarborough Kat Stratton Michael Wells Watershed Management Andrew Pirrello Anthony Scavo Jennifer & Max Street Joy & Bob Werth Batdorf & Bronson John Pirrello Mary Schauer Greg Stuart George West Coffee Roasters John Pittman Maverick Schippmann Marc Suarez Vicki & Thomas West Big Daddy DJ Sandra Platten Schippmann Family Genevieve Summer Lacey Wheeler Brenau University, Inc. Betsie Poinsett Bob Schmitt Michael Summer Richard & Annie Wheeler Classic Tents & Events Kimberly Poole Jennifer Schneider Joseph Summerour Paula Whitaker Clear Channel Nancy & Lendy Poole Laura Schneider Brent Swiger Andrew White Cox Enterprises, Inc. Rosie & Bob Popp Paula Schubert Craig Swiger Cindy White Family 2 Family Karen Porch Cathy & Mitch Schueler Lou Tabickman Joan White First Baptist Roswell Church Colin Porter Joselyn & James Schutz Peter Tamblyn Kristian & Matt Whittington Home Depot - Norcross Jessica Powell Schwartz Family Martha & Terry Tankersley Karen Wilkins Nantahala Outdoor Center Barb Price Tabitha Schwartz Jill Taylor Jennifer Wilkinson Patagonia Atlanta Susan Price Brad Scott Kathy Tedeschi Adam Willess Publix Supermarkets Charities Matt Pridgen Cindy Scott Kayne Tedone Bruce Williams Shane’s Rib Shack Kayla & Lee Pruett Don Scott Kelly Teem Eulouise & Joe Williams Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP John Pulliam Erin Scott Allen Tennis James Williams Sweetwater Brewing Company Jay Purut Jocelyn & Jonathan Scott The Lovett School Kevin Williams The Coca-Cola Company Kimberly Putnam Kaleigh & Shaun Scruggs Jennifer Thomas Lois & David Williams The Home Depot Carl Quertermus Linda Selinger Patricia Thompson Matt Williams The Kroger Company Pawel & Thamara Racis Jennie Sellen Corinne & Jim Thornton Michael Williams Foundation John Radtke Ms. Mimi Seydel & Barbara Tiszai Pam Williford The Outside World Steve Radtke Mr. Guy Hunt Georgia Todd Anna Willis Tom Wilson Marsha & Joseph Ralph Meena & Ned Shanmugham Christina Toliver-Ehrhardt Gina Willis Erica & Mark Rambler Cheryl Shaw Alan Toney Jarod Wills Rob Randall John Shaw Sarah Topper Wayne Wilson

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s staff, board and volunteers are working hard every day to protect our river, lakes, and watershed: patrolling in our boats, monitoring neighborhood streams, teaching students on our floating classrooms, collaborating with government officials and business leaders, and fighting for our right to clean water in the courtroom.With your help, we will continue to stand strong to ensure that our drinking water is clean and safe and that our Chattahoochee River is protected for us now and for future generations. There is strength in numbers; now more than ever, we need your support!

Please become a member today. Join the thousands of people who are already helping us keep watch over our water by donating at www.chattahoochee.org.

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 7 ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS ENJOY FLOATING CLASSROOM

For many years, CRK dreamed of reaching more disadvantaged and underserved youth from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) with our on-the-water environmental education experience—a trip on the Lake Lanier Aquatic Learning Center, or “floating classroom.” Last year, that dream was made a reality.

Since the scholarship program for the floating classroom began in 2008, CRK had been unable to reach these students directly because of an unwritten rule that prohibited APS students from participating in on-the- water field trips. “This opportunity has provided our students with experiences “We wanted these children to have the experience, too; so we reached them that enhance the instruction that they receive in the classroom through after-school programs like the Boys with real-world applications that support our focus to produce and Girls Club,” said Becca Klein, CRK environmental stewards.” Development Director. “But we knew we - Rabieh J. Hafza, were still missing many children who should 6-12 grade Science Coordinator for Atlanta Public Schools also get this opportunity.” In year one of the program, students from support our focus to produce environmental Well, as they say—where there’s a will, Long Middle School, Coretta Scott King stewards,” said Rabieh J. Hafza, the 6-12 there’s a way; CRK was determined to find Young Women’s Leadership Academy, grade Science Coordinator for APS. the way. Young Middle School and others were able “Additionally, this opportunity provides to participate in the program, which students with the experiences that they Over the course of the past year, CRK teaches youth about the connection would not receive without this program and worked diligently with the APS between the river that supplies their partnership.” Superintendent’s Office and their legal drinking water and their day-to-day lives. department to find a way to make the field Each year, CRK brings more than 2,000 trips possible. Finally, last fall an “This opportunity has provided our students on board the Lake Lanier floating agreement was reached and CRK was students with experiences that enhance the classroom free of charge through given the green light to start working instruction that they receive in the scholarships. directly with Title One middle schools. classroom with real-world applications that

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/our-work/education-training/

PROTECTING THE RIVER RUNS IN THE FAMILY

“The river has always been a part of our plants discharge into the river. On the boat, Mary Anne Lanier lives,” said Mary Anne Lanier. she rediscovered her love of the river. “The river is incredibly important to protect From growing up in LaGrange and raising a because it serves the basic needs of millions family in Atlanta, Lanier has many memories of people,” said Lanier. of life along the Chattahoochee. As a young child she helped rescue her grandmother “It’s a privilege to protect the from her home when it was threatened by river, just like my Dad did.” rising creek waters after heavy rains near West Point Lake. Later, she slalom skied on - Mary Anne Lanier West Point Lake with her then-boyfriend and now-husband of 37 years, Jamie Lanier. Lanier joined the CRK Board of Directors They met in the headwaters of the and rolled up her sleeves as Chair of Chattahoochee. the upcoming 2017 Climate Change Conference. The conference will explore And yes, Jamie is related to Sidney Lanier, solutions for resiliency, and will feature Paul Lake Lanier’s namesake and author of the Hawken, Executive Director of Project poem “The Song on the Chattahoochee.” Drawdown. “Project Drawdown is not just a book, it’s an ongoing project with a roadmap The daughter of Ray Anderson—Founder Two years ago, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper of practical solutions that if scaled would and Chairman of Interface Inc. and known Jason Ulseth invited Lanier and her family reduce carbon levels in our atmosphere and as the world’s greenest CEO—Lanier is on board the CRK patrol boat to tour the lead to a resilient future,” said Lanier. carrying on her father’s legacy as a trustee river below Peachtree Creek, where nearly of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation. a dozen wastewater facilities and power

8 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER CORPS IMPLEMENTS POLARIZING NEW STANDARDS FOR LAKE LANIER OPERATIONS

Closing the book on a years-long effort, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued final approval of the Water Control Manual for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin (ACF Basin) on March 30.

The Water Control Manual outlines how the one by the State of Alabama and one from Corps manages its federal reservoir projects three nonprofits led by Apalachicola within the ACF Basin, which include Metro Riverkeeper—were filed challenging the Atlanta’s primary water supply reservoir at validity of the updated manual. Lake Lanier and Buford Dam. A major concern is with the Corps granting The update is an effort to balance operations the State of Georgia’s request for an increase of the dams between the Corps’ federally in water withdrawals of 216 million gallons authorized purposes and the ever-growing per day for a new total of 621 million gallons demands for water from the basin. per day from Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper closely Chattahoochee downstream of Buford Dam. Lake Lanier scrutinized the effort to update the Manual, which was informally updated in the late The new operations reduce the minimum Chattahoochee through Atlanta will make it 1980s, but had not undergone formal required flow in the river downstream of harder for the river to dilute wastewater revisions since the 1950s. Buford Dam during winter months to hold discharges from urban treatment plants, more water back in Lake Lanier. which could harm water quality in In January 2016, we submitted lengthy Nevertheless, this new seasonal flow regime downstream communities. comments on the draft manual. The final is unlikely to increase storage in the lake version was released in December 2016— due to the increased water withdrawals. CRK will continue monitoring the lake and with substantive changes that addressed river to gauge how the new operations some of our concerns—and formally Allowing more water to be withdrawn to impact the health of our river system and approved in March. supply Metro Atlanta will mean less water advocating for increased conservation and for communities in Middle and South efficiency to ensure we have enough clean The update to the manual has not come Georgia, as well as Florida. We are also water now and for future generations. without controversy. At least two lawsuits— concerned that lower flows in the

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/our-work/tri-state-water-conflict/

CRK DEEPENS ITS BENCH Chris Manganiello IN THE FACE OF THREATS TO WATER SUPPLY

When CRK analyzed the growing number of Carolina Press, 2015). The book is about threats facing river flows in the environmental manipulation and political Chattahoochee, it was clear the team power. needed to add some firepower to deal with the many challenges in this vital watershed. “People have transformed every major river Enter Chris Manganiello. in the region to secure cheap energy to fuel industrial and urban development,” Manganiello said. Undeterred by the tri-state water conflict, recurring drought, dams on tributaries, and increasing impervious landscapes from “We have been slow to roads, parking lots and buildings, acknowledge the Manganiello joined CRK in October 2016. In consequences of transforming his capacity as Water Policy Director, rivers and adding new Manganiello leads the organization’s water quantity program, tracking regional water demands on limited water planning at the Metro North Georgia Water supplies in a region assumed Planning District and regional water to have endless supplies councils, as well as legislative and of water.” regulatory initiatives. - Chris Manganiello playgrounds with their two young children Manganiello’s expertise stems from A native of Maryland, Manganiello grew up and dog. receiving his doctoral degree in riding his bike in concrete lined “creeks” environmental history from the University and exploring the Potomac River’s “I’m enjoying working on the CRK team and of Georgia in 2010, and authoring a book, recreational paradise in the heart of the collaborating with our partners in the Southern Water, Southern Power: How the Washington, DC metropolitan region. These Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Politics of Cheap Energy and Water Scarcity days, Manganiello and his wife have been Basin to protect this vital resource,” Shaped a Region (The University of North touring Atlanta’s in-town neighborhood Manganiello said.

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 9 CRK’S INTERNATIONAL INTERN TEAM: THINKING GLOBALLY, ACTING LOCALLY

Duoduo Lin and Ola Sunmonu training NWW volunteers

Bringing a world of perspective, our quick to throw on a pair of waders and take international intern team is working locally “The NWW program is crucial to the field to collect water samples and to improve our waters. Duoduo Lin and Ola in protecting the health of track sources of pollution. Sunmonu have made a huge impact in less community members that rely than a year, inspiring all of us to take part These interns work hard and stay late. They on these waterways for where and when we can. put on waders in the dead of winter and the livelihood or recreation.” high heat of summer, always with a smile on Duoduo joins CRK from China. She - Ola Sunmou their face and an eagerness to do meaningful recently completed a Master’s Degree of work. Their efforts have led to cleaner Science in Environmental Engineering at from . Ola believes waters and healthier communities. Georgia Tech. Despite the grueling school deeply in the Neighborhood Water Watch work, Duoduo wanted to make a local (NWW) program, and became a volunteer “The benefit goes both ways. Hosting an impact while here in Atlanta, and found a when he moved to Atlanta. Shortly after international intern team provides CRK with home at CRK after taking a graduate-level bringing in his first water sample, Ola global perspectives. Embracing their water quality class taught by our founding deepened his engagement with CRK by perspective strengthens our cause, tests director and riverkeeper Sally Bethea. applying to become an intern. our fitness and adaptability, encourages ingenuity, and makes us stronger and more Ola hails from Nigeria and has just received Both interns have been a big help to the inclusive,” said Mike Meyer, CRK’s NWW his Master’s Degree in Public Health, with NWW program. Each apply their vast program director. a special focus on Environmental Health, technical skills in the lab and are equally

ORVIS PARTNERS TO MONITOR E. COLI LEVELS IN THE HOOCH

Contamination from fecal bacteria has the made perfect sense for us,” said Paul potential to make people sick. It’s also a Range, the retail district manager for major concern to the outdoor water Orvis. the 2017 recreation community. That’s why Orvis Quality Hooch Program is raising “The real time data will funds to support the BacteriALERT project. benefit the many anglers that BacteriALERT is a partnership between already enjoy the river and CRK, the National Park Service and the also better educate those that United States Geological Survey to monitor have been reluctant to bacteria levels within the Chattahoochee participate in the past due to River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), feared contamination.” which receives approximately three million - Paul Range, visitors annually. CRK’s Jason Ulseth and Orvis’ Paul Range Retail District Manager, Orvis In 2015, Orvis approached CRK with the desire to start a cause marketing campaign runs through the highly urbanized greater The BacteriALERT program is popular with (similar to the Save the Hooch campaign metro Atlanta region and is home to a world Atlanta’s growing outdoor recreation started by SweetWater Brewing Company) class trout fishery. Many CRNRA visitors community because it is the only system to raise money to support CRK’s water participate in water-based recreational that provides real-time information about monitoring efforts. Through in-store activities, including fishing. Most of the time health risks from contact with the water in fundraisers, the sale of Quality Hooch hats water quality is safe. However, the CRNRA the river park. Through a system of remote and tees, a fishing tournament and film is subject to significant pollution sources, water quality sensors and laboratory festival the campaign raised $10,000! including E. coli contamination from analyzed samples, BacteriALERT issues polluted stormwater and other sources. public advisories when E. coli levels exceed The CRNRA encompasses 48 miles of the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Chattahoochee River from Lake Sidney “Supporting the BacteriALERT project recommended values. Lanier’s Buford Dam to Atlanta; this section through this year’s Quality Hooch Program

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/quality-hooch

10 RIVERCHAT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER INDUSTRIAL POLLUTERS HELD ACCOUNTABLE

Polluted runoff from industrial sites poses stream home. The pollution could also delayed responses, we brought in Andy a threat to water quality throughout the endanger Georgians that use and enjoy the Thompson, Partner at Smith, Gambrell and Chattahoochee River watershed. Through creek, as the site is located five miles Russell, LLP, to represent us in the case. our Protecting Streams and Communities upstream of the popular Sweetwater Creek from Industrial Pollution (PSCIP) program, State Park. In January, we sent the property owners a we use comprehensive mapping, review of formal notice of intent to sue pursuant to state records and field investigations to find Aerial view of the 11-acre the Clean Water Act. This action prompted and stop industrial sites from discharging property in Douglas County a response from the owners, who brought polluted runoff into our waterways when it in a consultant and developed plans to rains. As part of our PSCIP program, CRK install best management practices (BMPs) first attempts a proactive strategy to work to control stormwater runoff as well as with industrial site owners to bring them remove the aggregate materials. into compliance. A March site visit showed that the owners Unfortunately, not all site owners want to and operators were working to come into take proactive measures. That’s when we compliance with clean water laws. We

rely on the citizen suit provision of the continued to work closely with the owners

Clean Water Act, which allows member and their consultant to ensure that organizations to enforce the laws when the k appropriate BMPs are used. Sw e government is unwilling or unable to do so. ee re twater C In June, CRK and the property owners In 2016, CRK discovered an 11-acre CRK’s investigation revealed that the site finalized a consent decree that settled the property in Douglas County that had was leased to a company that grinds case, setting clear terms for the remediation towering piles of aggregate material and aggregate material for paving projects, but of the site and establishing a plan for long- gravel often used in road paving projects lacked permits and appropriate measures term protections to ensure the adjacent stored on the banks of Sweetwater Creek. to stop the flow of polluted rain water from waters are not polluted by stormwater running off site. runoff. During heavy rains, we observed dirty water flowing from the site into the creek. The In this case, the owners resisted our We will continue to monitor this and materials running off the site and into the attempts to proactively resolve these hundreds of other industrial sites to keep creek threaten the aquatic life that calls the issues. After two months of phone calls and pollution out of the Chattahoochee.

GAINESVILLE POULTRY PLANT CAPTURES POLLUTION

Flat Creek originates in midtown Gainesville and flows six miles through city neighborhoods, passing schools and churches before entering into Lake Lanier. Sadly, it’s one of the state’s most impaired waterways due to extremely high concentrations of E. coli (bacteria) and other harmful pathogens.

In 2012, CRK began a long-term monitoring Before After program to assess the degree of the creek’s impairment. During rain events, we found bacteria levels in Flat Creek were more “We are committed to being better stewards of Gainesville’s than 1,000 times the level recommended aquatic resources and look forward to working with by the U.S. Environmental Protection Chattahoochee Riverkeeper in the future,” Agency (EPA). Bacteria levels in stormwater -Tony Pyle, Complex Environmental Manager, Pilgrim’s Pride runoff from poultry processing plants were found to be a significant contributor to the This enforcement action mandated that the flush of a rain event from the facility and impairment. company implement a suite of corrective store the water until it can be pre-treated actions to control its stormwater discharges. onsite before being sent to the city’s When attempts to work proactively with To address its stormwater, Pilgrim’s Pride sewage treatment plant. poultry processing companies were hired a full-time Complex Environmental unsuccessful, CRK turned to the power of Manager, who conducted a comprehensive “In addition to Pilgrim’s important efforts to the media and the authority of local, state site assessment of the company’s capture and treat its stormwater onsite, one and federal agencies. Ultimately, the EPA stormwater system. of the best things to come from this hard took enforcement action against two of the work is the transparent and positive largest chicken processing plants in In 2016, Pilgrim’s Pride invested more relationship we have developed with Gainesville. In 2016, Pilgrim’s Pride than $500,000 to upgrade its stormwater Pilgrim’s and their management,” said Dale Corporation was issued a $65,850 fine by the infrastructure, including installing a Caldwell, Headwaters Watershed Protection EPA as a result of violations to the federal 70,000-gallon storage tank and pump Specialist at CRK. Clean Water Act. station, which captures the critical first

For more information, visit: chattahoochee.org/our-work/enforcing-environmental-laws/polluted-stormwater-control

WWW.CHATTAHOOCHEE.ORG RIVERCHAT 11 Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit No. 3363 Atlanta, Georgia

If you prefer to receive RiverCHAT electronically, contact Address service Printed on 10 percent post- Visit us online at: Christina York at [email protected]. requested consumer recycled paper. www.chattahoochee.org

CRK CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF ‘BACK TO THE CHATT’

More than 300 paddlers raced down the A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Chattahoochee on May 20 for the 15th PRESENTING SPONSOR: Waterkeeper Alliance annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Splash Series Event presented nationally by Toyota Race and Festival, organized by CRK in partnership with the National Park Service LOCAL PRESENTING SPONSORS: 97.1 The River, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Family 2 Family and City of Roswell. RIVER BENEFACTOR: Clear Channel Outdoor, UPS The paddle party launched from Garrard RIVER ADVOCATE: 755 Restaurant Corp., Landing Park in Roswell with 331 paddlers Another Broken Egg, Arthur M. Blank Family in 255 boats racing nearly eight miles Foundation, First Baptist Roswell, Nantahala Outdoor downstream to Riverside Park where Center, PNC, TEC – The Erosion Company, winners received awards in more than two Weed Man Lawn Care dozen categories and enjoyed SweetWater RIVER CONSERVATOR: Atlanta Department of brews. Watershed Management, Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters, Big Daddy DJ, Classic Tents & Events, After the race, festival-goers from all over The Coca-Cola Company, Kroger, Mitigation Metro Atlanta joined the paddlers to enjoy focused exhibitors. Proceeds from the event Management, Mountain High Outfitters, North River Tavern, R2T Inc., Shane’s Rib Shack, live music from Rock U Kids and Dead 27s, will help CRK achieve its mission of a SweetWater Brewing Company, plus an array of artisan and environmentally- drinkable, swimmable and fishable river. Tom Wilson Photography, ZWJ Investment Counsel

WEST POINT CELEBRATION A SUCCESS

Many thanks to the 110 paddlers who took the importance of water stewardship and part in the Chattahoochee Valley River CRK’s outreach programs, such as the West Revival on May 6! We had a great time on Point Lake Floating Classroom and NWW and off the water, as the paddle gave way to program. a festive evening at the Downtown River

Park in West Point, Georgia. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Along with the good food, fun activities Interface, West Point Development Authority, provided by our partners and music that The Indigo Group at Morgan Stanley, had people dancing, the event also provided Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Charter Bank, Southwire, Point University, Hutchinson Traylor us with a great opportunity to raise and Renasant Bank. awareness of the river. We also highlighted

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL A BIG HIT!

Our third annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival held in A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Gainesville was an inspiring event. The festival is a natural extension of CRK’s work to engage and encourage people The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Brenau University, to act on behalf of the environment. David and Gail Chester, Family 2 Family WSB-TV, Mincey Marble Along with presenting 15 motivational films, we hosted ten nonprofit partners at the Environmental Expo. Guests RIVER STEWARD: Outside World Outfitters enjoyed SweetWater beer and won coveted raffle and spinning wheel prizes! RIVER PATRON: University of North Georgia, IESA (Institute for Environmental Spatial Analysis)

New this year was a Children’s Film Festival and interactive fair to inspire young minds. Together we raised $11,000 to support the Headwaters’ NWW program.