Curbing Chattahoochee Pollution: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

The Chattahoochee River has been facing a pollution problem for years, with sewage spills, high levels of bacteria, and littering all contributing to the issue. The question of how to reduce this pollution has been asked by many, and there are a few key ways to tackle it. One of the major causes of pollution in the river is littering, with trash being washed into the river. Thermal pollution is also a significant issue, caused by roads and paved surfaces heating the rainwater that flows into the river, which can be deadly for the organisms and fish in the river. To address these issues, there have been calls for better education on appropriate pesticide and fertiliser use, as well as for holding polluters accountable and enforcing compliance with clean water standards.

Stop littering in and around the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries

One of the major causes of pollution in the Chattahoochee River is littering. People do not throw away their trash, and it gets washed into the river. Littering in any place is never good, but it is particularly harmful to the river and its tributaries. To stop this, people should dispose of their rubbish properly, and not drop it in or near the Chattahoochee River.

The Metro Atlanta community needs to take action to prevent roadways from contributing to thermal pollution. Roads and paved surfaces heat the rainwater that flows into the river, which kills many of the organisms and fish.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is a non-profit organisation that has pursued a federal Clean Water Act lawsuit against the City of Atlanta for repeated sewage spills and ongoing sewage pollution in the river. In late May, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) fined the City over $163,000, in addition to several requirements to fix equipment in the facility and get e. Coli and other pollutants to legal levels in the river.

Muscogee County Extension has also provided workshops and educational materials to homeowners and green industry professionals related to appropriate pesticide and fertiliser use, irrigation, and landscaping choices. These resources address short-term problems like littering but also long-term issues like water conservation and erosion.

Hold polluters accountable for sewage pollution

The Chattahoochee River has been facing a pollution problem for years, with sewage spills, high levels of E. coli bacteria, and littering all contributing to the issue.

To hold polluters accountable for sewage pollution, several steps can be taken. Firstly, routine water quality monitoring is essential to detect high levels of bacteria and other pollutants. Once the source of pollution is identified, the relevant authorities, such as the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), should be notified immediately. The EPD can then investigate and take appropriate action, such as fining the responsible party and requiring them to fix the issue, as they did with the City of Atlanta in 2024.

In addition to government action, non-profit organisations like the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper play a crucial role in holding polluters accountable. They have a history of pursuing legal action against entities that repeatedly pollute the river, as demonstrated by their federal Clean Water Act lawsuit against the City of Atlanta. By filing lawsuits, they ensure that polluters are held to enforceable deadlines for compliance and upgrades to their facilities.

Public awareness and education are also vital in addressing sewage pollution. Organisations like the Muscogee County Extension provide workshops and educational materials to homeowners and professionals on appropriate pesticide and fertiliser use, irrigation, and landscaping choices. They also address littering and the importance of water conservation through hands-on educational programs in schools. By empowering individuals with knowledge, they can make more informed decisions that positively impact the river's health.

Finally, to hold polluters accountable, there must be a collective effort to report any instances of pollution. This can include reporting illegal dumping, faulty wastewater treatment plants, or any other activities that may harm the river. By working together, the community can ensure that polluters are identified and held responsible for their actions.

Reduce thermal pollution caused by roads and paved surfaces heating rainwater

To reduce thermal pollution caused by roads and paved surfaces heating rainwater, the Metro Atlanta community could consider implementing measures to reduce the impact of roadways on the river. This could include the development and implementation of strategies to minimise the amount of rainwater that comes into contact with paved surfaces, such as permeable pavements or green infrastructure.

Permeable pavements, also known as porous pavements, allow water to infiltrate and seep into the ground below, reducing the amount of rainwater that flows into the river. This not only reduces the volume of water but also helps to filter and clean the water before it reaches the river. Green infrastructure, such as bioswales or rain gardens, can also be utilised to capture and treat rainwater before it enters the river. These natural solutions can help to cool the water and remove pollutants, improving the health of the river.

In addition to these physical measures, public education and awareness play a crucial role in reducing thermal pollution. Educating the community about the impact of littering and proper waste disposal can help reduce the amount of trash that ends up in the river. This includes encouraging the use of appropriate pesticides and fertilisers, as well as promoting water conservation and erosion control practices. By involving homeowners, schools, and green industry professionals, a collective effort can be made to protect the Chattahoochee River.

Furthermore, holding polluters accountable and enforcing compliance with environmental regulations are essential steps. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has taken action against sewage pollution by fining the City of Atlanta and requiring them to fix equipment to reduce E. coli and other pollutants to legal levels. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring water quality and ensuring that treatment plants operate effectively to protect the river from harmful discharges.

Provide educational resources on appropriate pesticide and fertiliser use

One way to help fix the Chattahoochee pollution problem is to provide educational resources on appropriate pesticide and fertiliser use. Muscogee County Extension has already provided workshops and educational materials to homeowners and green industry professionals on this topic, as well as on irrigation and landscaping choices. These resources are designed to address both short-term problems like littering and long-term issues like water conservation and erosion.

Educational resources can help to raise awareness about the impact of pesticide and fertiliser use on water quality. They can also provide information about alternative practices and products that are less harmful to the environment. For example, homeowners can be encouraged to use integrated pest management techniques, which involve monitoring pest populations and using targeted treatments only when necessary, rather than applying pesticides on a set schedule. Similarly, fertiliser use can be optimised by testing soil to determine the specific nutrients that are needed, rather than applying a general-purpose fertiliser that may contain unnecessary or excessive nutrients.

Educational resources can also emphasise the importance of proper storage and disposal of pesticides and fertilisers. For example, storing pesticides in a secure location can help to prevent accidental spills or leaks that could contaminate water sources. Proper disposal methods, such as taking unwanted pesticides to a hazardous waste collection site, can also help to reduce pollution.

In addition to providing educational resources to adults, it is important to reach younger audiences as well. Muscogee County Extension's Master Gardener Extension volunteers have led hands-on educational programs in schools to explain point and non-point source pollution. By engaging students in interactive activities, these programs can help to foster a sense of environmental stewardship and encourage students to take action to protect their local waterways.

By providing educational resources on appropriate pesticide and fertiliser use, communities can play an active role in reducing pollution in the Chattahoochee River and improving water quality for both humans and wildlife.

Improve water quality monitoring

Improving water quality monitoring is an important step in fixing the Chattahoochee pollution problem. The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) has been instrumental in detecting high levels of bacteria in the river and tracking the source of the pollution to the Big Creek wastewater treatment plant. Their routine water quality monitoring has helped identify the issue and hold the responsible parties accountable.

To further enhance water quality monitoring, the following actions can be taken:

• Increase the frequency of water quality testing: By conducting regular and more frequent water quality tests, any changes in water quality can be quickly identified, and appropriate actions can be taken. This proactive approach can help prevent long-term damage to the river and its ecosystem.
• Expand the monitoring network: Deploy additional water quality monitoring stations along the river and its tributaries. This expansion will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the river's health and help identify pollution sources more effectively.
• Implement real-time monitoring systems: Invest in advanced technology, such as sensors and remote monitoring devices, to provide real-time data on water quality. This will enable prompt detection of any sudden changes or anomalies, allowing for a quicker response to potential pollution incidents.
• Enhance laboratory capabilities: Upgrade laboratory facilities and equipment used for water quality analysis. This will ensure more accurate and precise testing, improving the reliability of the data collected. Additionally, consider developing a network of accredited laboratories specifically for water quality analysis, ensuring consistent and standardised testing procedures.
• Strengthen collaboration: Foster stronger collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organisations, and academic institutions to share data, resources, and expertise. By working together, these entities can develop more effective monitoring strategies and respond more efficiently to pollution incidents.
• Public awareness and reporting: Educate the public about the importance of water quality monitoring and encourage them to report any suspected pollution incidents. Providing a user-friendly reporting system, such as a hotline or online platform, can facilitate timely responses to potential issues.

By implementing these measures, water quality monitoring can become more robust and responsive, enabling better protection of the Chattahoochee River and the ecosystem it supports.

Frequently asked questions