Our Methods
Pollution is one the largest threats to the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Some sources of water pollution in these rivers are sewage, industrial chemicals, and coal pollution. These threats harm the quality of clean water.
The Tennessee Riverkeeper’s goals are to reduce these threats and protect the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers by enforcing environmental laws and educating the public.
“Our mission is to protect the entire Cumberland and Tennessee Valleys, which includes the River and its tributaries.”
Outreach and Education
Tennessee Riverkeeper knows that protecting and restoring our waterways takes the effort of every citizen. We work with civic and environmental groups to educate and assist citizens and support policy initiatives. Tennessee Riverkeeper utilizes various methods to engage the public and distribute vital river information.
Technology and Social Media
Tennessee Riverkeeper utilizes the best available technology to raise awareness about pollution and its effects.
Tennessee Riverkeeper uses social networking to build community and raise awareness about these pollution issues. The online outreach work that David Whiteside led for Black Warrior Riverkeeper and now Tennessee Riverkeeper has reached tens of thousands of young citizens and received national acknowledgment for this social networking success. Whiteside has also produced videos on coal mining and other issues for Riverkeeper in addition to many promotional videos featuring famous musicians and actors.
Events and Festivals
Tennessse Riverkeeper attends numerous festivals and events to connect with the public to share information. Through these events, Tennessee Riverkeeper is able to promote various campaigns and keep the public up-to-date on river issues.
Tennessee Riverkeeper works with scientists, attorneys, and other experts to protect the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers by challenging illegal pollution.
Tennessee Riverkeeper enforces environmental laws in order to protect the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers by challenging the illegal activities of polluters.
Comments and Letters
Tennessee Riverkeeper also battles pollution by commenting on Clean Water Act permits and proposed environmental regulations. By advocating for stronger permits and stricter laws and enforcement, Tennessee Riverkeeper can help reduce pollution before it becomes an illegal violation.
Enforcement and Litigation
Legal Docket
Tennessee Riverkeeper seeks to address pollution by the most effective means, including litigation when appropriate. Environmental laws such as the Federal Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act provide for citizen enforcement actions against polluters for civil penalties and to enjoin violations.
Legal Docket Work
Tennessee Riverkeeper seeks to address pollution by the most effective means, including litigation when appropriate.
Environmental laws such as the Federal Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act provide for citizen enforcement actions against polluters for civil penalties and to enjoin violations.
Citizen lawsuits have proven to be a very effective means of abating ongoing sources of pollution, both on the local level and nationally.
Pending Case
Tennessee Riverkeeper vs. 3M Company, BFI Waste Systems of Alabama, Inc., and City of Decatur, Alabama, to abate PFOA and PFOS contamination and require cleanup. Read intent to sue letter.
Mark Martin, prosecuting attorney for Tennessee Riverkeeper, speaks to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urging the EPA to classify Coal Ash as hazardous waste under subtitle C of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.