Bronte Wells
The Cumberland River, which runs through Tennessee and Kentucky, has faced several issues with pollution. The river has a history of flooding, with major flooding events occurring as recently as 2010 and 2020. The river is an important source of drinking water for local residents, but pollution from various sources has raised concerns about water quality. Groups like the Cumberland River Compact are working to address these issues through initiatives such as litter cleanup and the installation of litter traps to improve water quality and reduce pollution in the river.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pathogens | Giardia and Cryptosporidium |
| Pathogen pollution | Top of the list of impairments to water quality |
| Methylmercury | Top impairment for the Lake Cumberland watershed |
| Streams impaired | 61% |
| Causes of impairments | Urbanization, agriculture, and mining |
| Toxic coal ash | 235,000 tons produced by the Gallatin plant |
| Hexavalent chromium | Detected in water by the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Flooding | Flooded Nashville and Clarksville in 2010 |
| Major flooding | Occurred in Pineville, Barbourville, and Williamsburg in 2020 |
| Initiatives | Litter cleanup, placement of a litter trap, restoration of streams |
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What You'll Learn
Pathogens from human or animal waste
The Cumberland River, a major waterway in the southeastern United States, has faced various environmental challenges, including water pollution. While it provides essential water resources for communities along its path, it has also been impacted by human and animal waste, leading to concerns about pathogen presence.
Another source of pathogen entry is agricultural runoff. Animal waste from farms, especially those with large concentrations of livestock, can contaminate nearby waterways if not properly managed. When animal waste enters the river, it introduces harmful pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, and giardia. This can occur when heavy rains cause manure to run off into nearby streams or when farmers apply manure to fields as fertilizer, and it subsequently washes into the river during rainfall or irrigation.
Additionally, wildlife and pet waste can also contribute to the presence of pathogens in the river. Bird droppings, for example, can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, which can be washed into the river during storms or when birds nest or roost along the riverbanks. Pet waste, if not properly disposed of, can also introduce pathogens into the water. High levels of pathogens in the river can pose significant risks to human health, including gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and other waterborne diseases.
To address and mitigate the presence of pathogens in the Cumberland River, several measures can be implemented. Upgrading and improving wastewater treatment infrastructure is crucial, ensuring that sewage is properly treated before being released into the river. Separating stormwater and sewage systems can also help reduce the overload of combined sewer systems during heavy rainfall. Additionally, implementing better practices for managing animal waste in agricultural settings, such as proper storage and application of manure, can reduce the risk of runoff into the river. Educating the public about the importance of proper waste disposal and the potential health risks associated with polluted water is also essential for encouraging behavioral changes that can help protect the river's water quality.
Regular monitoring of water quality is also essential to detect the presence of pathogens and identify sources of contamination. By conducting frequent water tests and sampling, authorities can pinpoint specific areas of concern and implement targeted interventions. Community engagement and involvement are crucial in this process, as local residents can report any observed pollution incidents and advocate for cleaner water practices. Overall, addressing the issue of pathogens in the Cumberland River requires a multifaceted approach that involves infrastructure improvements, agricultural best practices, public education, and continuous water quality monitoring.
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Methylmercury from coal-fired power plants
The Cumberland River, which provides drinking water for local residents, is one of the many waterways across the United States that is impacted by pollution from coal-fired power plants. The Gallatin plant in Tennessee, for instance, burns approximately four million tons of coal each year and releases about 235,000 tons of toxic coal ash. This coal ash is disposed of in wet-storage ponds, which can contaminate the river if the pond walls fail to hold.
Methylmercury, a highly toxic organic compound, is one of the major pollutants from coal-fired power plants that end up in waterways. It is formed when mercury, a potent neurotoxin, combines with carbon. Mercury is released into the atmosphere when coal is burned as fuel, and it can stay airborne for over a year, travelling to remote ecosystems. Mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants have been regulated by the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) since 2012, and pollution has decreased by 90% in the last decade. However, many power plants continue to emit large quantities of mercury, and stronger safeguards are needed to protect public health.
Coal has higher mercury concentrations than other fossil fuels, which is why coal-fired power plants often emit more mercury pollution. Mercury pollution from coal plants is particularly severe in certain parts of the United States, with the highest-emitting plants concentrated in North Dakota and Texas. The combustion of coal releases mercury, which can then enter the global cycle, where it is transported by air, land, and water over long distances.
The main way that people are exposed to methylmercury is by consuming fish and shellfish that contain high levels of the compound in their tissues. Methylmercury exposure is associated with neurocognitive deficits and issues with fine motor function, verbal memory, and cardiovascular disease. It can also cause brain damage in babies and result in neurodevelopmental delays in children.
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Toxic coal ash in wet-storage ponds
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) owns and operates six coal-fired power plants in the state, including the Gallatin plant, which burns approximately four million tons of coal annually. While the plant provides jobs and power to hundreds of thousands of homes in the area, it also produces 235,000 tons of toxic coal ash, which is disposed of in wet-storage ponds.
Wet-storage ponds are used to contain and dispose of toxic coal ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants. This ash contains harmful substances such as heavy metals and chemicals, including hexavalent chromium, which is highly toxic and persistent in the environment. If the walls of these ponds fail to hold, large amounts of toxic waste can be released into the surrounding area, including nearby rivers and waterways, such as the Cumberland River.
The storage and disposal of coal ash have become a significant concern for residents in the area, as the toxic waste can contaminate local water sources, including private wells. In 2015, the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation detected hexavalent chromium in the water, which is commonly associated with coal ash. This detection led to a lawsuit filed by conservation groups against the TVA, alleging violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
The presence of toxic coal ash in wet-storage ponds near the Cumberland River poses a significant risk to the environment and public health. The potential release of harmful substances into the river and surrounding waterways can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and the health of local residents who depend on the river for drinking water and other purposes. It is crucial to address the safe disposal and management of coal ash to prevent further pollution and protect the ecosystem and communities reliant on the Cumberland River.
To address water quality issues in the Cumberland River basin, groups like the Cumberland River Compact are working to improve the understanding of water quality data and collaborate with partners in agriculture, urban centres, and mining communities to reduce impairments. Initiatives such as the iCreek interactive map help raise awareness among supporters and the public about the health of the basin and target restoration efforts effectively. Additionally, the Compact focuses on litter cleanup and installing litter traps in creeks to prevent trash from polluting the waterways and further degrading water quality.
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Sediment and soil erosion
The Cumberland River is polluted, and one of the top pollutants is siltation, which is caused by sediment and soil erosion.
Soil erosion is accelerated by high water flow and human activities that disturb the surrounding land. When the amount of soil in the water exceeds its capacity to transport it downstream, the excess soil settles in the river. This process is called sedimentation, and it clogs the habitats of fish, insects, and other river life. Sedimentation also interferes with photosynthesis in aquatic plants, reducing the dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
Vegetation is the most important factor in preventing soil erosion. A good vegetative cover binds the soil, making it resistant to runoff and filtering sediment. Other factors influencing erosion include climatic conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, and soil characteristics like texture and particle size. Soils with more medium-sized particles (silt) are more prone to erosion, while clay and sandy soils are more resistant.
The Cumberland River Compact has suggested several measures to address siltation, including de-paving work, rain barrel sales, and the removal of unused dams. The Compact also encourages community members to participate in planning efforts, advocate for measures to protect water quality, and write to elected officials to raise awareness about water impairment issues.
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Litter
The Cumberland River Compact, a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit founded in 1997, has been working to address the issue of litter in the Cumberland River Basin through its Clean Stream Initiative. The initiative was started in 2018 to tackle the growing problem of litter in communities across the Basin. Since its launch, the Clean Streams Initiative has facilitated over 225 cleanups, engaging more than 2600 volunteers and resulting in the removal of over 4,000 bags of trash from the watershed.
The impact of litter pollution in the river is far-reaching. It not only affects the aesthetics of the river and surrounding communities but also poses a serious threat to the health of the river ecosystem and the local community. The litter, particularly plastic waste, can have detrimental effects on aquatic life, leading to injuries, entanglement, and ingestion of harmful materials. Additionally, the pollution can contaminate the water, impacting the quality and safety of the water source for both humans and animals.
Volunteer efforts and initiatives, such as the community stream cleanups organized by the Cumberland River Compact, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of litter pollution. During these cleanups, volunteers haul various types of litter, including mattresses, tires, bottles, and plastic bags, from the river and its surrounding areas. These activities not only help to restore the beauty of the natural spaces but also raise awareness about the extent of the litter problem and encourage community members to take action.
Educational programs and stewardship opportunities are also vital components of addressing litter pollution. By educating residents about the impacts of litter and providing them with the knowledge and tools to make a difference, organizations like the Cumberland River Compact aim to prevent pollution and foster a sense of responsibility for the health of the river and the community. This includes engaging individuals, communities, and governments to work together to reduce litter and promote sustainable practices that protect the valued water resources of the Cumberland River Basin.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Cumberland River is polluted. The river is an important passage for hunters, settlers, and trade, but it is contaminated by human and animal waste.
The Tennessee Valley Authority owns six coal-fired power plants in the state, including the Gallatin plant, which burns approximately four million tons of coal each year. The plant produces roughly 235,000 tons of toxic coal ash, which is disposed of in wet-storage ponds.
The Cumberland River Compact is working to restore the waterways through litter cleanups, installing litter traps, and addressing the underlying issues impacting water quality.
The presence of pathogens in the water, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, can cause headaches, diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. The pollution can also impact the drinking water quality and the health of local residents.
