Region 4
Save the Illinois River Action Alert
Save the Illinois River (STIR) is concerned about a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study for the Illinois River watershed in Oklahoma and Arkansas. This study by U.S. EPA is now underway with the cooperation of both states. STIR is very concerned that there may currently be an effort to steer the EPA’s TMDL study in order to prolong and confuse its completion and implementation. Please check out the attached letter outlining the group's concerns, sent by STIR leaders to Administrator Lisa Jackson at EPA. More information about STIR and this issue can be found on their website: http://www.illinoisriver.org/default.aspx Picture from Save the Illinois River http://www.illinoisriver.org/Photos/15486.jpg
Georgia Wins Major Victory In Tri-State Water War
Below are links to recent news articles on the long-running tri-state water dispute between Florida, Alabama and Georgia. On June 28, 2011 Georgia won a major victory when the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the Army Corps of Engineers has authority to allocate additional water from Lake Lanier to the City of Atlanta.
U.S. EPA Finalizes Numeric Nutrient Standards for Florida
On November 14th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its Numeric Nutrient Standards for Florida. The final standards set numeric limits on the amount of nutrient pollution allowed in Florida's lakes, rivers, streams and springs.
Click the following link to visit EPA's website for the latest information on the finalized rule. CWN's Water Quality Standards Workgroup will review the final rule language as soon as possible. The Network also plans to send out additional specifics and fact sheets on the rule later this week.
EPA Threatens to Take Over Alabama Enforcement Program
EPA has issued a formal objection to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management 's (ADEM) proposed storm water permits for small cities, according to a recent article in the Birmingham News. EPA has expressed concerns that ADEM is not holding local governments to strict enough standards for controlling the runoff of sediment and pollution into waterways during rain storms.
Obama Signs Executive Order Officially Forming Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
Yesterday President Obama signed an Executive Order creating an intergovernmental task force to oversee ecosystem restoration in the Gulf of Mexico, a region devastated by the recent BP oil spill disaster and decades of petroleum exploration. The mission of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force is to coordinate efforts to implement restoration programs and projects in the gulf coast region.
Amendment Would Halt Critical Water Quality Protections in Florida
An amendment, being proposed by US Representative Crenshaw (FL) is circulating through Congress, which would prevent EPA from issuing court ordered numeric nutrient standards for the state of Florida, according to an op-ed in today’s Miami Herald. A copy of a letter addressed to House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (WI) and signed by numerous state and national groups urging the Committee not to adopt the Crenshaw amendment can be found HERE.
EPA Proposes Standards to Protect Florida's Waters
On January 14th, the EPA recently announced new standards to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in Florida's waters. The official EPA press release is pasted below.
Petition to Establish Numeric Standards and TMDLs for Nitrogen and Phosphorous
Petition submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calling on them to establish numeric water quality standards for nitrogen and phosphorous in the Mississippi River Basin. The standards should protect not only the river itself but extend to the portion of the ocean protected by the Clean Water Act but outside the jurisdiction of any state and to all water bodies in all states for which numeric water quality standards controlling nitrogen and phosphorus pollution have not yet been established.
Southern Environmental Law Center
The Southern Environmental Law Center was born out of a love of the South, its natural treasures, and its strong sense of place. Twenty years ago, this special region needed a champion: an organization capable of taking on big issues, and smart and tough enough to challenge the toughest opponents and get the job done.
I am proud to say this describes SELC today. In every major environmental issue affecting our region, SELC is there, playing a central role.
Region 4: Southeast
Region Four is located in the southeastern United States bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico The region consists of the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Important water bodies within this region include the Florida Everglades, the Cahaba River, Mobile Bay, the Caloosahatchee River, the Chattahoochee River and the Ogeechee-Canoochee River.