Spring 2013 A publication of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) RiverCHAT www.chattahoochee.org POLITICAL CRONYISM: A LEADING CAUSE OF STATEWIDE WATER PROBLEMS ver the past decade, the health A careful look at the coalition’s Dirty Dozen Chattahoochee ‘offenses’ of ’s waterways has been shows that the message is about dirty poli- Ocompromised by political cronyism tics as much as dirty water. The proposed Glades reservoir on Flat and a lack of funding for environmental pro- Creek, a to in Hall grams, according to the Georgia Water Coali- The coalition highlights $213 million in County, is a returning “water offense” from tion, which released its annual “Dirty Dozen government spending that should concern the 2011 Dirty Dozen list; it made this year’s 2012: A Call to Action” in November. fiscal conservatives … and conservation- list at No. 3. ists. The dirty facts include $9 million in state gifts to some of Deal’s political sup- Aside from provoking downstream states, porters, $82 million in loans to questionable Glades reservoir would have devastating reservoir projects, and $122 million in pol- impacts on the system. The dam would lution control fees collected from taxpayers obliterate more than 17 miles of free-flowing but raided by state budget writers. . Because Flat Creek alone isn’t big enough to fill the proposed impoundment, Contributor payback? the county proposes to pump 100 million gallons of water per day directly from the Headlining the 2012 Dirty Dozen is Gov. Chattahoochee above Lanier and into the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) is a Deal’s $300 million water supply program, reservoir, reducing flows into the lake and founding member of the coalition, which with its intended purpose of directing state further downstream. was established in 2002 to protect state loans and grants to “critical, cost-effective” waterways and now includes about water supply projects. The state’s continuing failure to ensure 300,000 Georgians. adequate monitoring and mainte- nance of critical flows in the river Budget cuts, fox guarding hen house at in was listed at No. 7. Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has seen its funding Twice in 2012, communication cut by 44 percent and staff cut by 23 glitches between agencies led to percent (250 positions) since 2008, extreme low-flow conditions in the jeopardizing the agency’s ability to Chattahoochee below Buford Dam. enforce state environmental laws. , a reservoir on the Chattahoochee formed by Morgan More problematic is the political cro- Falls Dam, almost disappeared, nyism that puts campaign contribu- stranding boaters on mud flats. Riv- tors, representing their business in- er flows dipped to unprecedented terests, on the Department of Natural lows at Peachtree Creek and else- Resources Board that oversees EPD where with unknown water quality — the agency that regulates those consequences, underscoring a chronic prob- same businesses. A great idea … if “critical and cost-effective” lem: the lack of real-time monitoring. remain the guiding principles. Instead, cro- Of the 16 governor-appointed board mem- nyism trumped “cost-effective.” For a copy of the 2012 Dirty Dozen report, see bers serving when the report was released, http://www.garivers.org/gawater/dirtydozen. 11 had ties to entities that EPD regulates. The only projects to receive direct state htm. To get involved with the Georgia Water investment (funds not requiring reimburse- Coalition at the State Capitol, see page 6. ‘Liberal interest group’ ment to the state) were a $4.4 million well-drilling plan for a private resort and Gov. Nathan Deal’s administration, a target water park owned by Deal campaign con- Inside This Issue: of much of the report, responded by calling tributor Virgil Williams and a $4.6 million the coalition a “liberal interest group.” experimental groundwater injection pro- Coal ash disposal rules overdue Page 3 posal from a Deal campaign contributor, Joe It was a curious characterization of a Tanner & Associates. Board member brings world view Page 4 187-member coalition of environmental, hunting and fishing, business, landowner When the first round of loans and grants Get outside with CRK in 2013 Page 5 and faith-based groups. It’s also an inac- were announced, $82 million of the $100 curate one that substitutes name-calling for million awarded was directed only to Celebrate Earth Month this April Page 7 effective solutions to water problems. questionable reservoir projects — no water conservation initiatives. 2012 — By the Numbers Page 8

STAFF Sally Bethea Executive Director and Riverkeeper Reflections Tammy Bates Outings Manager My mentor and friend Jerry McCollum recently But don’t let his modesty fool you. Few if any of retired from the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF), these successes, and many others, would have been Juliet Cohen General Counsel and I’ve been thinking about his legacy — for people achieved without Jerry’s excellent political sense and and wildlife in the state of Georgia, for Chattahoochee unflagging work ethic. Laura Hartt Water Policy Director Riverkeeper, and for me personally. Coalition-builder Bonnie Jackson For 25 years, Jerry served Operations Manager as president of the oldest Purposefully and methodically, Jerry worked to ex- Becca Klein (1936) and largest conser- pand the reach of Georgia’s conservation community Development Director vation organization in the by helping create, as one example, the Georgia Water Mary Manson state. He led GWF from Coalition (see Page 1). GWF’s Alcovy Conservation Receptionist a largely dysfunctional Center has long served as the permanent home for Michael Meyer Water Coalition meetings and celebrations. Watershed Protection Specialist group of mostly hunt- ers and fishermen in the David Lee Simmons Importantly, these coalitions and other team efforts Communications Director late 1980s to a politically influential organization have not just helped protect Georgia’s natural environ- Jill Sistino ment; they also have fostered enduring friendships Regional Outreach Manager that has literally changed Georgia’s natural landscape for the better. and provided opportunities for younger conservation- Jessica Sterling ists and activists to learn and thrive. Program Assistant A wildlife biologist who worked with the Georgia DNR Jason Ulseth before taking the GWF reins, Jerry has always advo- On a more personal Technical Programs Director cated natural resource management decisions based level, I have always Christina York on science, never expedience. Persistently and elo- known that I could Database Manager quently, he has used his common sense approach and count on Jerry when- BOARD OF DIRECTORS determination to give a strong voice to the wildlife, riv- ever I was in a pinch and needed sound Sarah Dearman ers, forests and estuaries that help define our state. advice — and that Denise Donahue it would be exactly Gary Gaines Saving our natural heritage what I needed to hear, Billy Hall From the coast and the , across even when it pushed Victor Haydel the state to the mountains, Jerry helped me in a different, per- Hugo Hernandez save and restore pieces of our natural heritage for cur- haps uncomfortable, Photo courtesy of Georgia Wildlife Federation Bill Hoffman rent and future generations of sportsmen and women, direction. Jerry McCollum Christine Hung birders, hikers, boaters and families. Dr. Victor Ibeanusi Generous and loyal almost to a fault, Jerry believed in Richard Jacobson For all of this and more he deserves our sincere me and our fledgling organization, like he has believed Dave Kirkpatrick gratitude and appreciation; Jerry did this work with no in so many others over the years, and when I hardly Steve O’Day thought of self-promotion or fanfare. believed in myself. That inspiration — to “just get on Jamie Pryor with the work,” as he would say — is basic for meeting David Shaffer He’s likely to tell you that he was just one player in our mission to protect the Chattahoochee, and so Charles Smith achievements, including land deals that protected much more. Catherine Woodling tens of thousands of acres, the successful fight to stop J. Rutherford Seydel II, Chair titanium mining from harming the Okefenokee, and the creation of Georgia’s Schoolyard Habitat Program, Our mission is to advocate and secure the Hunters for the Hungry and the Camo Coalition — pro- protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee grams that spawned offshoots nationally. Executive Director and Riverkeeper River, its and watershed. ATLANTA OFFICE 3 Puritan Mill 916 Joseph Lowery Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30318 Watershed Moment 404-352-9828 I love the rushing bend of the Chattahoochee just below the Buford Dam, GAINESVILLE OFFICE especially in the summer when a cold mist rises over the fast-moving river 615 F Oak Street Suite 1000 and into hardwood thickets along the banks. While the area may be an Gainesville, GA 30501 uneasy joining of nature and mankind, I still like to hike the trails along 770-531-1064 the ravine and enjoy the many birds who have seemingly forgiven our in- LAGRANGE OFFICE trusion. I am not a fisherman, but I find a common ground with those who 35 Lafayette Square come here for the trout — we all want to protect this natural bounty. LaGrange GA 30240 — John Eidschun, www.chattahoochee.org www.getthedirtout.org What’s your “Watershed Moment”? Email your hi-res color image of the river, and about 100 words about its inspiration, to [email protected].

2 River CHAT Smelly landfill may be polluting creek On Patrol The largely minority community of Newtown in Gainesville has suffered decades of industrial pollution, most recently a disgust- For further details on CRK’s investigations and enforcement actions, go to ing odor emanating from Gainesville Waste and Recycling www.chattahoochee.org/on-patrol. (GWAR), a facility owned by Ken Cronan and originally permit- ted to handle inert construction material. The permit was modi- RULES FOR COAL ASH DISPOSAL fied last year to allow “composting” of septage sludge and food waste. Nearby Allen Creek is impaired for bacteria, according OVERDUE to the state, and a stormwater pond on the GWAR site “blew- n 2008, an earthen dam holding a billion gallons of out” last December, possibly sending additional pollution into the coal ash waste generated at TVA’s Kingston Fossil creek. Working with GreenLaw, Newtown residents demanded answers, and investigations revealed unauthorized activity that Plant in Tennessee failed, and the toxic sludge I may be continuing on the site. CRK is serving as an advisor to poured into the Emory River, a water supply source. GreenLaw on water-related aspects of this issue, which was With a renewed sense of urgency, the U.S. EPA pro- highlighted in the 2012 Dirty Dozen report released by the Geor- posed rules to regulate the disposal of coal ash, but gia Water Coalition (see Page 1). four years later the rules have yet to be promulgated. Coal ash contains heavy metals and toxic elements, which are concentrated in the ash when they are prevented from escaping through the plants’ smoke- stacks. Most coal ash waste is stored behind unlined, Buford proposes to pipe earthen dams where it can leak into surface and groundwater. The toxic contaminants in coal ash are for aquatic center known to severely damage human health and the en- The city of Buford in Gwinnett vironment including arsenic, lead, mercury, selenium, County has applied to the Georgia cadmium and chromium. Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for a permit to pipe Expired permits a tributary to the river to build a new aquatic center. The stream runs Atlanta project could block According to the nonprofit Appalachian Voices, there across half of the project site, which river navigation are 450 coal ash impoundments in the Southeast hold- is nearly 12 acres in size. Only A project being conducted by the Army ing back 118 billion gallons of ash, including multiple 6 acres are needed to build the Corps of Engineers and the city of Atlanta ponds at three coal-fired plants on the aquatic center and parking areas, could block some boat passage in the Chat- banks of the Chattahoochee. Plant McDonough in At- which could be achieved without tahoochee at Peachtree Creek. The project will lanta was retired in 2012 and Plant Yates near Newnan impacting the stream. However, the take place at the city’s drinking water intake is planned for retirement in 2015. The third plant, city is proposing to fill in this stream structure located at the downstream end of and build on top of it without using Wansley, is located just upstream of . the National Recreation the most developable part of the Area approximately 48 miles downstream All three of these facilities are currently operating property. CRK submitted comments from Buford Dam. The city’s goal is to add under expired permits, a problem afflicting many to EPD urging denial of the request, additional large rocks in the river that will power plants in the region. Each one has a system of as currently proposed; we will be help pool water near the intake for easier wet lagoons that holds hundreds of millions of gallons closely monitoring this project. withdrawal; however, this man-made structure of coal ash waste. could also impede some boat passage in this CRK participated in the EPA rulemaking process by part of the river. CRK is working with the city submitting written comments calling for protective, and Corps to ensure that their design meets nationally uniform standards. We continue to advo- their project goals, but also allows passage by cate for comprehensive regulation of coal ash storage, recreational boaters, emergency responders including monitoring requirements and proper and CRK’s patrol boat. closure for retired lagoons.

Improvements on the way for urban stream CRK has been regularly monitoring Atlanta’s Proctor Creek in partnership with the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance as part of our Neighborhood Water Watch Program since 2011. Our data has revealed extremely high levels of E. coli bacteria in this tributary to the Chattahoochee. After reporting our findings to Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management, city person- nel surveyed the area and found multiple areas where sewage has been flowing into underground pipes that lead to the creek, instead of to the treatment plant. Extensive corrective work will begin soon that could include digging up roadways and yards in order to repair the sewer lines and properly route the sewage to the treatment plant. Photo courtesy of John Wathen/Hurricane Creekkeeper Photo courtesy of John Wathen/Hurricane Donna Lisenby with Waterkeeper Alliance paddles the Emory River, a few days after the massive coal ash spill in 2008.

River CHAT 3 River Stewardship NEIGHBORHOOD WATER WATCH PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW hat started out three years aided greatly by funding provided by the ago with a few water samples U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Wtaken from two streams has Urban Waters Grant Program, Kendeda turned into one of CRK’s most impres- Fund, UPS, and the Waterfall Foundation. sive success stories, as the Neighbor- hood Water Watch (NWW) Program now In December, CRK hosted a public forum collects about 850 samples per year to review and discuss the data collected from nearly 40 sites in local streams by volunteer monitors and interested and waterways. parties. Also in attendance were repre- sentatives from the city of Atlanta, EPA, NWW marked its third anniversary in citizen groups, and residents interested in January with a host of accomplishments water quality. The forum covered a range — from new grant funding and staff to of topics including a review of the data CRK’s emergence as a state leader in collected, a summary of work and efforts monitoring work. As a result, we’ve made in response to problems indicated seen improved water quality in NWW volunteer Eli Dickerson of the Conservancy takes a sample from a by the data, and a discussion segment in several tributaries. tributary to . which specific questions and future actions were reviewed. NWW is a partnership with neighborhood groups, schools and citizens to monitor the health of urban streams. Each week, NWW volunteers Results collected as part of the NWW Program are also entered into collect water samples from their respective stations in Atlanta and Georgia’s Adopt-A-Stream (AAS) database. AAS is Georgia’s volunteer Gainesville for analysis at CRK’s labs. The samples are tested for a variety water quality monitoring program, which currently has about 200 active of parameters, most importantly E. coli. groups across the state. For the third year in a row, CRK was named the most active AAS group in the state based on water samples collected and More sites, volunteers analyzed in 2012.

The program currently includes 39 active test sites, working with more Learn more about our NWW Program by contacting Watershed Protection than 20 community organizations and volunteers. This growth has been Specialist Mike Meyer at [email protected].

SPELMAN PROFESSOR PROVIDES GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE r. Victor Ibeanusi is a classic example of thinking globally and acting locally. As a small boy growing up in Nigeria, the long-time Dchair of Spelman College’s environmental sciences department had to get up at 3 a.m. every day to walk eight miles round-trip with his sister to fetch water for their family — and still make it to school on time to avoid severe punishment.

“I said, you know what, when I grow up, I will leave to ensure that com- munities have increased access to safe and clean water,” said Ibeanusi, who recently joined CRK’s Board of Directors.

With his expertise in environmental microbiology, Ibeanusi worked with UNICEF in Nigeria testing for fecal coliform bacteria and toxic metals, which he said reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for clean water.

“That work enabled me to realize that through my profession, I can Spelman College professor Dr. Victor Ibeanusi specializes in environmental microbiology and is passionate about clean water. change people’s lives …,” he said. “That drove me.” its, etc. — to work together to ensure clean water for everyone. Clean water for everyone In 2005, Mayor Shirley Franklin and Atlanta’s Department of Watershed The one-time Senior Fulbright Fellow has a patent on a bioremediation Management honored him for his work, and he was included in an exhib- process that helps remove toxic metals from water. Ibeanusi has taken it titled “African-American Pioneers in Water & Environmental Sciences.” this global perspective not only into his Spelman College classroom, but also to the city of Atlanta. As a CRK board member, Dr. Ibeanusi hopes to engage his students with research opportunities that can complement and supplement our re- In 2003, he chaired the inaugural Safe Water International Conference search on water quality, which can in turn be used for publications. This in Atlanta — which coincided with the United Nations naming 2003 the way, he says, “I can give more attention to the efforts already being done “International Year of Freshwater.” (He has chaired subsequent confer- by the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.” ences in Johannesburg, South Africa, and San Diego, Calif.) The idea, Dr. Ibeanusi explains, was to bring together a range of stakeholders of the For a list of CRK’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board members, visit community — private citizens, industry leaders, governments, nonprof- our website at www.chattahoochee.org/board.php. 4 River CHAT MIDDLE CHATTAHOOCHEE SCHOOLS ADOPT STREAMS early 140 students and teachers at Villa opted nearby Centralhatchee Creek, a tributary to River Matters Rica High School (Douglas County) and the Chattahoochee, and Villa Rica High School has For information on these and other river-related NHeard County Middle School have adopted the Little . events, visit www.chattahoochee.org/calendar learned how to monitor water quality in nearby streams, thanks to a grant from the Alice ‘It’s research and it’s local’ March 16 Richards Foundation. Georgia AAS Confluence Conference Students at Villa Rica High School and Heard Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Last fall, the students were provided with County Middle School are routinely collecting April 6 sampling equipment and training by CRK staffers samples from their adopted streams throughout 7th Annual Urban Forestry Festival Jason Ulseth and the school year — Outdoor Activity Center, Atlanta Mike Meyer, who are an excellent hands- both certified Geor- on learning experi- April 13 gia Adopt-A-Stream ence that teaches 3rd Annual Sweep the Hooch (AAS) instructors. them scientific Chattahoochee River procedures with April 19 AAS is the state’s real world applica- EarthShare Earth Day Leadership Breakfast successful volun- tions. teer water quality monitoring program “I wanted to have June 15 which engages my students get 11th Annual Back to the Chattahoochee adults and young involved in real River Race & Festival people in 200 ac- research,” said Garrard Landing to Riverside Park (Roswell) tive groups around Stephanie Miles, June 29 the state to learn who’s in her first CRK Watershed Protection Specialist Mike Meyer shows Heard County Middle School River Discovery Series begins! about the health of year teaching AP students how to analyze a water sample. Paddle Buford Dam to McGinnis Ferry (9 miles) waterways in their environmental Other scheduled trips: July 19, Aug. 17 communities. For the past several years, CRK has science to her been the top AAS group in Georgia, based on num- students at Villa Rica High School. “So I thought ber of samples collected and analyzed. this would be perfect for them. It’s research and it’s also local. They really feel like they’re part of Volunteers take samples that are checked for vari- something. We even decided to add plastic water ous parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, bottle recycling to our recycling program!” conductivity, temperature and E. coli. The data Members inspired at collected by volunteers is used to assess stream CRK will be returning to each school at the end ‘Celebration’ health and spot pollution, and it can also be an of the academic year to discuss the data that the excellent opportunity to bring science into the students collected and what the measurements classroom. The program also is an effective way mean for the health of their adopted streams. to encourage partnerships between citizens and their local government. For more information about Adopt-A-Steam Programs, see www.chattahoochee.org/dnr-adopt- Heard County Middle School in Franklin has ad- a-stream.php.

MORE DIVERSE OUTINGS PROGRAM OFFERED IN 2013! ave you hiked to the mountain spring that Lanier and the second upstream of West Point is the source of the mighty Chattahoochee, Lake. The overnight trips fill up quickly, so make CRK members came out for our annual Member seen the rare spider lilies at Flat Shoals sure to sign up as soon as registration is available. H Celebration in November at the Oakhurst Commu- Creek in Harris County, or taken a ride on CRK’s Join us on these outings for exercise, river aware- nity Garden to honor our volunteers, learn about 40-foot catamaran on Lake Lanier? ness, and great camaraderie! our 2012 successes and hear inspiring stories. In 2013, we will offer opportunities for you, your We acknowledged volunteers Melinda Langs- family and friends to do all of these things and 2013 River Discovery Paddle Trips ton, city of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed more — adventures to learn more about our river s April 27-28 – Paddle/Camp on the Upper Chattahoochee Management; Charlie Freed, Atlanta Rowing and its natural and human history. Water Trail, Sautee Creek to Mossy Creek State Park (21 miles) Club; Ryan Schultz, CRK intern; Michelle Cash, s June 29 – Paddle, Buford Dam to McGinnis Ferry Bridge Neighborhood Water Watch (NWW), Gainesville Several family-oriented hikes are being planned (9 miles) College; Jarrett Clinton & Vicki Porter-Fink within the Chattahoochee River National Rec- s July 13 – Paddle, Jones Bridge to Island Ford (9 miles) and Amanda Mayberry, NWW; and Tom reation Area (CRNRA) and a boat trip on Lake s August 17 – Paddle, Morgan Falls to Paces Mill (9 miles). This , photographer. And we heard from Lanier. See our website at www.chattahoochee.org sunset paddle will be followed with a cookout at the Paces Mill Wilson for dates and details and to register. Unit of the CRNRA! Stephanie Stuckey Benfield of GreenLaw, s October 12-13 – Paddle/Camp below Atlanta, McIntosh Todd Edwards of the Association County In addition, five paddle trips are already sched- Reserve to Franklin (21 miles) Commissioners of Georgia, and William Perry uled as part of our signature River Discovery Pro- of Common Cause. gram, including three trips within the CRNRA and Contact Tammy Bates at [email protected] to learn more two paddle-camping outings — one above Lake about the paddle trips or visit www.chattahoochee.org.

River CHAT 5 CRK SEEKS JUDICIAL REVIEW BY GEORGIA SUPREME COURT n December, CRK petitioned the Georgia Supreme Court for judicial tighter permit limits and pro- review of the Georgia Court of Appeal’s unfavorable decision in our tect the CRNRA and down- Icase challenging a new wastewater discharge permit. stream communities has been estimated at approxi- If the highest state court agrees to hear our case, it will be the fourth mately $180,000 per year. and last opportunity to overturn an illegal state permit. A decision is The effects of high bacteria expected by spring. SETTLES and phosphorous levels can BRIDGE k range from serious illness e e r State failed to recognize high-quality waters C to the recreating public, l ve smelly and unsightly algal Le In 2010, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issued blooms that reduce oxygen a permit to Forsyth County to discharge 6 million gallons per day of needed to support the trout treated sewage from a new wastewater treatment facility into the Chat- fishery, and increased costs tahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). CRK challenged the for drinking water treatment ek re permit’s effluent limits for fecal coliform bacteria and phosphorous as C downstream. ic k too weak – 100 times less protective of water quality than comparable D limits of other discharges in the river. CRK remains steadfast in our PROPOSED McGinnis Ferry Road work in the courts and other FORSYTH COUNTY MCGINNIS In administrative court, we successfully argued that the new discharge arenas to protect the safety DISCHARGE FERRY would degrade water quality in the river park, that tighter permit limits of the millions of people who for fecal coliform bacteria and phosphorous were technically and annually fish, paddle, boat economically feasible, and that the permit issued to the county was in and swim in the national violation of the federal Clean Water Act; however, Judge Kristin Miller’s recreation area, recently recognized as the nation’s first federally desig- decision was appealed by the county and EPD. nated “water trail.” To date, Forsyth County taxpayers have spent more than $500,000 on For more information, contact CRK General Counsel Juliet Cohen at legal counsel to oppose more protective limits in the new discharge per- [email protected]. mit. Yet, the estimated cost of additional chemical treatment to meet the PARTNERING WITH GA WATER COALITION AT THE CAPITOL he 2013 legislative session that commenced in mid-January marks The renewal of the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund (HWTF), which will the 12th year that Chattahoochee Riverkeeper has helped lead the sunset this coming June, is a second GWC priority. The HWTF provides Twork of the Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) at the Georgia Gen- money to help clean up more than 500 hazardous waste sites in Georgia eral Assembly. CRK is one of a dozen groups that make up a leadership which threaten ground and surface waters around the state. About $16 team that annually guides the coalition’s work program and develops a million is collected annually through fees from the transfer of solid waste legislative agenda to address pressing statewide water issues. and the handling of hazardous waste, but only 40 percent of the collect- ed funds go to their intended purposes. With 187 member organizations, the In addition to renewing the fund, the GWC now represents about 300,000 GWC wants to ensure that all funds are Georgians. See www.gawater.org. appropriated for their intended pur- pose, and not raided by the legislature. Emergency response, hazardous waste and Flint flows The , part of the Apala- chicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin, In recent years, the Georgia Environ- is suffering from over-allocation and mental Protection Division (EPD) has extremely low flows. The existing Flint inadequately responded to serious en- River Drought Protection Act (FRDPA) vironmental emergencies, specifically is not effective and is expected to be illegal discharges of toxic substances reconsidered in the current legislative into waterways that threatened public session. The GWC supports restructur- health and resulted in massive fish ing the FRDPA to secure a comprehen- kills. At the root of the agency’s failure sive and protective low-flow policy. to properly respond is the absence of a statutory obligation (mandate) to As always, we are working to make sure there are no rollbacks in existing envi- respond to spills that threaten public State Rep. Carl Von Epps from LaGrange (left) chats with environmental lobbyist Neill Herring and health, safety, drinking water sources, CRK General Counsel Juliet Cohen at the State Capitol. ronmental laws and regulations during and wildlife – in addition to a lack of the session. Stream buffer regulation, funding for personnel and training. a perennial target for weakening proposals, is likely to be an issue again this year. CRK and our GWC partners will work to avoid any weakening The GWC is working proactively to secure a statutory mandate for of this and other protective measures. specific actions that must be taken by EPD and others in the event of another emergency. To learn more and get involved, visit our homepage at www.chattahoochee.org and sign up for CRK’s bi-monthly eblast.

6 River CHAT SWEEP THE HOOCH HIGHLIGHTS JAM-PACKED EARTH MONTH hat better way to celebrate Earth Month 2013 than to pull tons of trash out of the Chattahoochee River along with 500- Wplus other volunteers! For the past two years, in partnership with the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the National Park Service, CRK has organized Sweep the Hooch (April 13), a huge cleanup at 21 sites along the 48-mile stretch of the river in the Chattahoochee National Recre- ation Area — from Buford Dam to Atlanta.

Sweep is just one of many ways that CRK staff and board, members and volunteers will celebrate Earth Month.

A sense of ‘river community’

First organized in 2011, Sweep the Hooch has been a massive success, if participation and tonnage are any indication; last year, 445 volun- teers pulled out 3.81 tons of trash (1.1 tons of which were recycled). Last year’s Sweep the Hooch cleanup netted 3.81 tons of trash. Cleanups are also a great way to develop a sense of “river community”. It’s jaw-dropping what volunteers have found along with the usual ar- mental record — has selected CRK as its Georgia Earth Month partner. ray of glass, plastic water bottles, aluminum cans and yes, tires. We’ve In 2012, Aveda salons raised more than $50,000 for CRK programs at even pulled out the kitchen sink, more than once. local salons where staffers shared our success stories with their clien- tele. Please check out your local Aveda salon in April! “[T]his river cleanup is … one of the most unselfish things you could do,” volunteer Brian McDonald said after the first cleanup. “It helps You’ll also find our staff at the Captain Planet Kids Fest on April 13 ensure the health of the river, for current and future generations of (Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell) and at the SweetWater people and animals. What a wonderful sense of accomplishment 420 Fest on April 19-21 (Atlanta’s Candler Park), where we’ll provide afterwards.” information on our work and show off our new merchandise for 2013, so come see us! So much more! To sponsor or volunteer for Sweep, contact Tammy Bates at tbates@ We won’t just be out on the water during Earth Month. For the second chattahoochee.org. For information on the other Earth Month events, consecutive year, Aveda — a beauty company with a strong environ- contact Becca Klein at [email protected].

FAMILY LEAVES LEGACY OF CLEAN WATER RK board member Dave Kirkpat- Now in his sixth year on our board of rick and his wife, Mary Jane, are directors, Dave is an active outdoors- Chelping build a legacy for our or- man who can be found at every CRK ganization that is already serving as an event. Mary Jane, who also loves the inspiration for other defenders of the outdoors, is a native of Louisville, Chattahoochee River. This past year, Ken. They reside in with Dave and Mary Jane became a part of their daughters Mary Elizabeth, 7, an elite group — The Legacy Society — and Sarah, 4. Together, they hope by naming CRK in their will. their legacy underscores the impor- tance of the Chattahoochee and our The Legacy Society was created to work as its steward. honor and recognize those who are future benefactors of our organization. “Some folks do not fully understand Through a will, trust, or other planned the critical role that CRK plays in our gift, members of the Society ensure that present and future,” said Dave. “As CRK will always have sufficient resourc- Mary Jane and I sat down to contem-

es to keep watch over our waters. Photo courtesy of Dave Kirkpatrick plate our planning, we knew that we The Kirkpatricks: Mary Jane and David with daughters Sarah (left) and Mary Elizabeth wanted to make a commitment to Making a commitment Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.”

“The Chattahoochee River plays such an integral role in our community,” A planned gift may offer many potential advantages, such as federal said Dave Kirkpatrick, an 18-year veteran of The Collegiate Licensing estate tax savings, the elimination of capital gains taxes, and the oppor- Company, a division of IMG College. tunity to increase spendable income.

“I hope I am wrong but I think that we are headed toward a future where For more information on how to become a member of CRK’s Legacy there is going to be less and less public funding for the protection of our Society, visit http://chattahoochee.org/planned-giving.php, or call Becca natural resources.” Klein at (404) 352-9828, ext 19.

River CHAT 7 Non-Profit Organization 2012 — BY THE NUMBERS! US Postage Paid Permit No. 3363 hattahoochee Riverkeeper enjoyed a tremendous year of accom- Atlanta, Georgia plishments in protecting and restoring the river that supplies Cdrinking water, recreation and more for nearly 4 million Geor- 3 Puritan Mill gians. Here’s a look at our 2012 metrics — check out the complete list 916 Joseph Lowery Blvd. Address Service Requested at www.chattahoochee.org/accomplishments/php.

Printed on paper made with 30 percent post-consumer waste.

Printing provided by Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

CRK staff investigated 49 sites and secured 10 enforcement actions to stop pollution.

Winning vote to extend the sales tax in the city 1 of Atlanta to fund the ongoing overhaul of its sewer system; 97% of sewer over- flows stopped to date. If you prefer to receive RiverCHAT electronically, contact David Lee Simmons at Boondoogle dam/reser- [email protected]. voir projects proposed 2 on Chattahoochee tribu- taries evaluated, resulting in the river being listed as one of the nation’s “most endan- gered” in 2012.

Businesses/organiza- tions recognized for 3 water conservation pro- grams: TOTO USA, Hartsfield- CRK released the 2012 update to our Filling the Water Jackson Airport, Atlanta’s Gap report and recognized local conservation successes. Better Buildings Challenge.

Neighborhood Water Watch programs monitoring 39 stations. 20 Cleanups drew 1,136 volunteers picking up trash at stream, lake and river cleanups.

Citizen Hotline Re- CRK members celebrated, including 1,531 sponse Program new members in 2012. 207 calls handled. 6,376 — Thank You! Citizens, govern- ment officials, 900 students and We brought 4,427 students and educators business leaders viewed Tapped aboard our floating classroom, 955 who received Out: The Drying Up of Atlanta. scholarships.

Rain barrels provided at conservation 1,132 workshops reaching more than 4,000 people. Nine paddles trips were organized for canoeists and kayakers, including the River Discovery Series. /܈ÌÌiÀ\ÊJ ,ii«iÀÊÊÊÊÊUÊÊÊÊÊ>ViLœœŽ\Ê >ÌÌ> œœV iiÊ,ˆÛiÀŽii«iÀÊÊÊÊÊÊUÊÊÊÊÊ9œÕ/ÕLi\Ê1 ,ˆÛiÀŽii«iÀ6ˆ`iœÃ