NASHVILLE

The MOU establishes a clear path for a strategic plan to be developed, pooling resources to prevent these species from getting a foothold in Tennessee.  In addition, the MOU outlines the provision for a public information point source and a citizen reporting system if these species are detected.

Kudzu (Kerry Britton)

Those signing the MOU include the U.S. Department Of Agriculture (Forest Service – Cherokee National Forest, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency); the U.S. Department of Interior’s Fish and Wildlife and National Park Services; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Tennessee Valley Authority; the Tennessee departments of Agriculture, Environment and Conservation and Transportation, as well as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; University of Tennessee Extension; the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council; and Invasive Plant Control, Inc.

“A Memorandum of Understanding signed by these various agency and organization leaders creates an avenue for cooperative efforts of control to be taken,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke.  “I am pleased these agencies have formed a partnership that will improve our ability to protect our natural resources.”

While there are ongoing actions to eradicate or control well-established invasives such as kudzu and bush honeysuckle, other menacing invasive plants are potential serious threats to agriculture, forestry and native ecosystems.  One such species is cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), a perennial grass native to portions of Asia and Africa, among other areas.  A 2003 survey indicated that cogongrass has overtaken more acreage in parts of the Southeast than the notorious kudzu.  Tennessee is joining other states such as Alabama and Mississippi to attempt to eradicate this difficult-to-control species.

Cogongrass (Charles Bryson)

“Cogongrass is creeping its way to Tennessee from states to the south and ranks in the top ten of the world’s worst weeds,” added Terri Hogan, president of the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council.  “It is a plant that could quickly impact the state’s environment and economy, and the time to act is now – before it gets established here.”

Through this agreement, federal and state agencies will establish a cooperative weed management area, which includes the entire state of Tennessee and addresses:

• Early detection, rapid response and prevention of the introduction and spread of cogongrass and other invasive plant species;
• Public education, detection, monitoring and methods of control;
• Working cooperatively to educate, train and share technology between partners and the general public about invasive plants; and
• The establishment of a steering committee to coordinate the activities related to the MOU.

Memorandum of Understanding

For more information about the MOU, including additional details and photos of these invasive threats, please visit www.tninvasives.org.

For additional information about Environment and Conservation’s Resource Management Division, please visit www.tn.gov/environment/na.

In accordance with state water pollution control and environmental protection laws, today, the City of Clarksville’s Gas, Water, and Sewer Department has applied to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for an Aquatic Resources Alteration Permit, (ARAP). The permit is sought as part of the utility’s plans to perform preparatory infrastructure work at the Hemlock Semiconductor project site.

With the application for the ARAP being formally posted on TDEC’s website, the public comment period is officially in effect. Any persons or parties interested in the details of the permit application or wishing to make comment on the proposed site alteration or wishing to request a public hearing should visit the TDEC website, for more information.

The permit application announcement

NRS09.187 – The City of Clarksville Gas and Water Department proposes to install 14,305 linear feet of gravity sewer line for the Hemlock Semi-Conductor Industrial site and future forecasted growth that will require five crossings of Spring Creek and four tributaries; Clarksville, Montgomery County.

The application described above has been submitted for Aquatic Resource Alteration Permits under The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act of 1977, T.C.A. §69-3-108. In addition, a federal permit may be required from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers or from the Tennessee Valley Authority under §404 of the Clean Water Act and §26a of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act , respectively. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that an applicant must obtain a water quality certification from the state when a federal permit is required. These notices may cover applications subject to §401 or navigation permitting (Rule 1200-04-08).

No decision has been made whether to issue or deny these permits. The purpose of these notices is to inform interested parties of this permit application and to ask for comments and information necessary to determine possible impact to water quality. Persons wishing to comment on a proposal are invited to submit written comments to the department. Written comments must be received within thirty days of the date that the notice is posted. Comments will become part of the record and will be considered in the final decision. The applicant’s name and permit number should be referenced.

The permit application, supporting documentation including detailed plans and maps, and related comments are available for review and/or copying at the department’s Natural Resources Section.

To comment on this permit

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation- Division Water Pollution Control can be reached by writing:

NRS08.280 (Permit Application Number):  The City of Clarksville proposes to construct a public recreational boating facility to accommodate both transient and seasonal boaters with docks, service, fueling and sanitary pump out facilities. The rental dock provides 198 slips. In order to construct the facility 986,000 cubic yards of material will be excavated and impacts will occur to 6.655 acres of wetland and 1,104 feet of two unnamed tributaries to the Cumberland River, Clarksville, Montgomery County.

• Any resident or interested party having questions or objections concerning this project are now authorized to present their concerns in writing to TDEC.
• Any concerned party may also request that in addition to written communication, a public hearing be scheduled.

According to the TDEC website, the applications have been submitted for Aquatic Resource Alteration Permits under The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act of 1977, T.C.A. §69-3-108. In addition, a federal permit may be required from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers or from the Tennessee Valley Authority under §404 of the Clean Water Act and §26a of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act , respectively. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that an applicant must obtain a water quality certification from the state when a federal permit is required. These notices may cover applications subject to §401 or navigation permitting (Rule 1200-04-08).

No decision has been made whether to issue or deny these permits. The purpose of these notices is to inform interested parties of this permit application and to ask for comments and information necessary to determine possible impact to water quality. Persons wishing to comment on a proposal are invited to submit written comments to the department (address at end of story). Written comments must be received within thirty days of the date that the notice is posted. Comments will become part of the record and will be considered in the final decision. The applicant’s name and permit number should be referenced. The permit application, supporting documentation including detailed plans and maps, and related comments are available for review and/or copying at the department’s Natural Resources Section.

Interested persons may also request in writing that the department hold a public hearing on an application. The request must be filed within the comment period, indicate the interest of the person requesting it, the reasons that the hearing is warranted, and the water quality issues being raised. When there is sufficient public interest in water quality issues, the department shall hold a public hearing in accordance with Rule 1200-4-7-.04(4)(f).

In deciding whether to issue or deny a permit, the department will consider all comments of record and the requirements of applicable federal and state laws. In making this decision, a determination will be made regarding the potential lost value of the resource compared to the value of any proposed mitigation. The department shall consider practicable alternatives to the alteration. The department shall also consider loss of waters or habitat, diminishment in biological diversity, cumulative or secondary impacts to the water resource, and adverse impact to unique, high quality, or impaired waters.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is committed to principles of equal opportunity, equal access and affirmative action. Contact the EEO/AA Coordinator at 1-888-867-7455 or the ADA Coordinator at 1-866-253-5827 for further information. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service (1-800-848-0298).

Submit comments to: TDEC Division of Water Pollution Control – Public Notice Comments

Paul E. Davis, P.E., Director
6th Floor, L&C Annex
401 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37243-1534
Ph: 615-532-0625

The permit number is NRS08.280

Email the Division of Water Pollution Control at: ask..us. Remember to include the permit application number and date of posting, March 11, 2009, in your correspondence.

TVA directors approved a 17% fuel cost adjustment and an additional power base rate increase of 3%. For the average household using 1,320 kilowatt hours, that translates to an additional $15 a month. The rates will show up on customers’ October billing cycle. This increase is the largest increase since 1974.

In a statement to the press, TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore cited the weather, specifically a lack of rain and a three year drought in Tennessee and the rest of TVA’s seven state region as partly responsible for the increase. Kilgore said the drought has forced TVA to rely more heavily on coal and natural gas, since hydrogeneration has been impacted by the lack of rain.

“We recognize that the increased costs TVA is experiencing are also driving up costs for the families and businesses we serve…we have no alternative for paying for fuel.” –TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore

The rate hike will not generate profit for either CDE Lightband or CEMC, since the increase will be funneled back to TVA to cover increased costs.