Nitrogen Pollution: Nolichucky River's Unseen Danger

The Nolichucky River, a beloved and well-known river in North Carolina and Tennessee, has been the site of numerous environmental controversies. One such controversy involves US Nitrogen, an industrial chemical company that sought to pump water from the Nolichucky River for its manufacturing processes. The company faced opposition from local communities and environmental groups concerned about the potential impact on the river's health and the endangered species that call it home. Despite protests, lawsuits, and concerns over conflicts of interest by local officials, US Nitrogen pushed forward with its plans. The river has also faced threats from sediment and runoff from poor agricultural practices, radioactive waste, and other human impacts. With a history of pollution and the presence of enriched uranium, the question of whether US Nitrogen's actions have further polluted the Nolichucky River is a pressing issue for those fighting to preserve this historic and ecologically significant waterway.

US Nitrogen's pipeline construction

US Nitrogen, an industrial explosives manufacturer, planned to construct a 12-mile dual pipeline along the Nolichucky River in 2011. The river, which runs through North Carolina and Tennessee, is home to diverse ecosystems and endangered species of molluscs and mussels. The proposed pipeline construction by US Nitrogen faced strong opposition from residents and environmentalists due to concerns about potential pollution and its impact on the river's health and the surrounding communities.

The construction of the pipeline by US Nitrogen was marred by controversies, including alleged conflicts of interest by local officials, lawsuits, and violations. Residents and environmental groups, such as Save the Nolichucky and Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee (CWEET), expressed concerns about the lack of an environmental impact study and the potential effects on aquatic life, vegetation, and water quality. They also questioned the legality of permits that allowed the pipeline to be installed in state highway right-of-ways.

US Nitrogen intended to pump water from the Nolichucky River to their industrial chemical plant in Greene County and then return the treated water back to the river. However, the company's plan was met with scepticism as it would result in the deposition of ammonium nitrate and additional pollution from agricultural fertiliser run-off, affecting both the river ecosystem and downstream communities.

While US Nitrogen claimed that mussel populations downstream would not be affected, the public's trust in the company was low due to recent coal ash and chemical spills that had polluted other water sources. The construction of the pipeline faced resistance, with residents uniting to protect the river and its ecosystems.

The specific details of the pipeline construction process by US Nitrogen, such as the materials used, the timeline, and the exact route, are not publicly available. However, it is known that the pipeline construction industry involves rigorous assessments, advanced testing methods, and the use of nitrogen for purging, pressure testing, and inerting applications. Companies like Atlantic Nitrogen, which is not affiliated with US Nitrogen, provide pipeline testing services, cryogenic nitrogen pumping expertise, and reliable nitrogen delivery services for various industrial applications. They prioritise pipeline integrity, safety, and environmental protection in their practices.

The impact on aquatic life

The Nolichucky River, flowing through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, is a vital source of water for the communities that reside alongside it. The river is also home to a diverse range of aquatic life, including endangered mollusks and mussels.

However, the river has faced several threats due to human activities, including pollution from US Nitrogen, an industrial chemical plant in Greene County. The company's plan to pump water from the river and return polluted water with ammonium nitrate deposits has raised concerns about its impact on aquatic life. While US Nitrogen has stated that mussel populations downstream will not be affected, environmentalists and residents worry about the potential consequences.

The presence of US Nitrogen and other industries along the river has led to increased pollution and sediment runoff, affecting the health of the river and its ecosystems. In addition to ammonium nitrate, the river has been contaminated with enriched uranium, thallium, and mercury. These pollutants can have toxic effects on aquatic life, including fish and other organisms. High mercury levels, for example, have led to a fish consumption advisory issued by the TDEC.

The construction of a 12-mile dual pipeline by US Nitrogen has further threatened the river and its aquatic inhabitants. The pipeline, approved in less than six months, extracts approximately 1.4 million gallons of water daily from the river, disrupting the natural flow and potentially impacting the habitats of aquatic species. Residents and conservation groups like Save the Nolichucky and Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee (CWEET) have united to oppose these industrial activities, expressing concerns about the river's health and the fate of endangered species like the Appalachian elktoe mussel.

The impact of US Nitrogen's activities on the Nolichucky River's aquatic life is a significant concern for the surrounding communities. While the company claims to treat the water before returning it to the river, the additional pollution adds to the existing issues of fertilizer runoff and poor agricultural practices. The cumulative effects of these pollutants on the river's ecosystems and the species that depend on it remain to be seen, but the potential for long-term damage is evident.

Pollution from agricultural runoff

The Nolichucky River, which runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and flows into Tennessee, has been facing various threats, including pollution from agricultural runoff. The river is an integral part of the communities that reside alongside it and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including endangered mollusks.

Agricultural practices in the region have been identified as a source of pollution in the Nolichucky River. Poor farming methods have resulted in sediment and runoff entering the river, degrading its water quality and posing risks to the ecosystems it supports. This is further exacerbated by the use of fertilizers, which contribute to increasing nitrogen levels in the water. The impact of agricultural runoff is not limited to the river itself but also affects the communities downstream who rely on the river for various purposes.

In addition to agricultural runoff, the river has also faced threats from industrial activities. US Nitrogen, an industrial chemical plant, has been at the center of controversy due to its plans to pump water from the Nolichucky River for its operations. Despite the company's assurances of treating the water before returning it to the river, concerns remain about the potential impact of added pollution, especially the deposition of ammonium nitrate. The construction of a 12-mile dual pipeline by the company has faced opposition from residents and environmental advocates, who worry about the cumulative effects of pollution on the river's health and the surrounding communities.

The presence of US Nitrogen and other industrial facilities along the river has led to concerns about the release of toxic chemicals and their impact on water quality. Studies have detected enriched uranium in the Nolichucky River, potentially linked to the nearby Nuclear Fuels Systems plant in Erwin, Tennessee. Additionally, thallium, a potentially deadly chemical, has been found in one of US Nitrogen's holding ponds, likely attributed to rainwater runoff. These incidents underscore the complex nature of pollution in the Nolichucky River, where multiple sources, including agricultural runoff and industrial discharges, contribute to the degradation of water quality and ecological health.

The efforts to protect the Nolichucky River have united residents, environmentalists, and landowners. Grassroots organizations like Save the Nolichucky and Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee (CWEET) have emerged to advocate for the river's health and the rights of the communities dependent on it. These groups have initiated water monitoring programs, legal challenges, and public awareness campaigns to safeguard the river and hold responsible parties accountable. Their work highlights the importance of independent monitoring, strict enforcement of regulations, and community engagement in preserving the ecological integrity of the Nolichucky River and mitigating the impacts of agricultural runoff and other sources of pollution.

The legality of permits

The approval process for the 12-mile dual pipeline, which would benefit only US Nitrogen, took less than six months, raising questions about the legality of the permits. Residents and conservationists have united to form groups such as "Save the Nolichucky" and "Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee" (CWEET) to oppose the project and ensure independent monitoring of the river. They have filed injunctions and lawsuits against multiple entities, including US Nitrogen, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and the Greene County Industrial Development Board.

The lawsuits question the legality of permits that allowed the pipeline to be installed in state highway right-of-ways reserved for utilities serving the public. This indicates that the primary legal issue revolves around the allocation of public resources and whether the permits were granted in accordance with the intended purpose of those rights-of-way.

The situation is further complicated by allegations of conflicts of interest by local officials and other controversies, including trespassing and open meetings violations. These factors have contributed to a lack of trust in the company and the regulatory process. Residents and environmentalists are concerned about the potential impact on aquatic life, vegetation, wells, and the overall health of the river, especially given the presence of endangered species and the existing issues with agricultural runoff and radioactive waste.

The discovery of enriched uranium in the Nolichucky River has also raised concerns about the permits granted to nearby plants. While the source of the uranium is disputed, with some attributing it to the Nuclear Fuels Systems plant in Erwin, TN, it highlights the potential for regulatory failures and the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws to protect the river and the communities that depend on it.

The need for independent monitoring

The Nolichucky River, a beloved and well-known river in the region, flows through North Carolina and Tennessee, nourishing farmland and supporting a variety of wildlife. The river is an integral part of the communities that reside alongside it, providing economic assets, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty.

However, the river has faced various threats to its health and ecosystem, including sediment and runoff from poor agricultural practices, radioactive waste, and pollution from human activities. In particular, US Nitrogen, an industrial chemical company, has sought to pump water from the Nolichucky River for its manufacturing processes, returning polluted water with ammonium nitrate back to the river. While the company claims to treat the water before returning it, there are concerns about the additional pollution affecting the river and the species that depend on it, especially given the existing issues with nitrogen runoff from fertilizer use in agriculture.

The controversy surrounding US Nitrogen's activities has led to the formation of grassroots organizations such as Save the Nolichucky and Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee (CWEET). These groups, along with concerned citizens, have raised questions about the legality of permits, the lack of an environmental impact study, and the potential harm to aquatic life, vegetation, and water quality. They have also initiated lawsuits and protests to protect the river.

Groups like CWEET, in partnership with environmental research laboratories, are taking proactive steps by conducting chemical and biological water monitoring. They have already completed baseline data collection and will continue quarterly sampling with the help of volunteers. This independent monitoring effort is vital to ensure that any pollution or negative impacts on the river are identified and addressed promptly, holding companies accountable for their actions and ensuring the long-term health and preservation of the Nolichucky River.

Frequently asked questions