Request Approval of the 2012 Hiwassee Little Tennessee

Request Approval of the 2012 Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, & Savannah River Basinwide Water Quality Plans

Regions

Hiwassee River Basin

Hiwassee River Basin Biological Sites

Hiwassee River Basin Impairments y lle Va n Per s o m im ek e r C r e Riv

Hiwassee Watershed Coalition Restoration Activities • Valley River Restoration – Since 2003 ~ $2 million spent • >2. 5 stream miles restored • Increased floodplain & improved pasture • 25 acres of riparian easement • Brasstown Creek Watershed – Since 1999, ~$2 million spent • • 5. 5 stream miles restored 45 acres buffers restored/created Pasture improvements 32 landowners involved • Lake Chatuge – Focus on Nutrients • Grant from GA to develop Watershed Action Plan • Future work - Ag BMPs, repairing failing septic systems, installing rain gardens & bioretention areas.

Ecosystem Enhancement Program Peachtree-Martins Local Watershed Plan covering 39 sq. miles The project team performed intensive water quality, habitat, and channel assessment and landowner outreach activities 18 square miles (about 45%) of the area has seen significant deterioration in ecological condition and is functioning at a low level or worse. Stressors • • Lack of riparian vegetation Channel modification Excess nutrients and sediments Fecal bacterial contamination

Little Tennessee River Basin

Little Tennessee River Basin Biological Sites

Little Tennessee River Basin Impairments

EEP- Franklin to Fontana Watershed Plan Stressors Identified • Lack of riparian buffers • Channelization • Sedimentation • Nutrients • Bacteria • Stormwater runoff • Tomato pesticides • Fish passage barriers Recommendations • County steep slope ordinance • Stormwater management ordinance • Buffers • Environmental Education

Watershed Association for the Tuckasegee River dogs Gray water discharge?

3500 2005 Scotts Creek at mouth 3200 (Rafting put-in) Fecal Coliform values reported in FCU's (fecal colonies per unit) 3000 2500 2000 1800 1600 1500 Fecal sources located & removed 1000 2007 500 2008 2009 570 510 360 320 350 200 38 84 60 120 140 170 490 440 310 2011 230 200 84 88 80 280 120 110 160 180 220

The Little Tennessee Watershed Association/ Land Trust for the Little Tennessee • Collect WQ data – Maintain database – Produce stream health report cards • • Write Watershed Plans Implement restoration Land Acquisition State of the Stream Report

Savannah River Basin

Savannah River Basin

Recommendations / Needs • Support Regional Erosion and Sediment Control Initiative • Support locally developed Watershed Plans and coordinate with watershed groups • Encourage adoption of Universal Stormwater Program • Bacteria- Identify resources to eliminate sources • Continue collaboration with Trout Farms

Request Final Approval Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, & Savannah River Basinwide Water Quality Plans