Tennessee River Pollution: Causes And Concerns

The Tennessee River, a 652-mile-long waterway, is facing a significant pollution crisis. With over 5 million people living within its watershed, the river has become vulnerable to plastic and chemical pollution due to economic activity and development. Microplastics, resulting from littering and single-use plastics, are a major concern, with studies finding up to 18,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter of water, making it one of the most polluted rivers globally. Additionally, industrial pollution, coal ash spills, and stormwater runoff contribute to the degradation of water quality, endangering both human and aquatic life.

Microplastics

The Tennessee River is facing a microplastics crisis. A 34-day swim of the river by Dr. Andreas Fath revealed that the Tennessee River is among the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world, with close to 18,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter of water. This is one of the highest microplastic concentrations ever recorded in a major river globally, with levels in the Tennessee River around 80 times higher than in Europe's Rhine River.

The Tennessee River's central location, large water supply, and rich wildlife have attracted economic activity to its waters. Over 5 million people live within its watershed. However, the economic boom has come at an environmental cost, with the river now labelled the "River of Plastic". The high levels of microplastics are attributed to a culture of littering, a lack of involvement in recycling, and the abundance of plastic packaging in the US. Dr. Martin Knoll, Professor of Geology and Hydrology, notes that the near-uniform levels of microplastics across the river indicate that they are not coming from a single source but are more likely a result of plastic pollution.

To combat the microplastics crisis in the Tennessee River, several steps can be taken. Dr. Fath suggests implementing a treatment step in sewage plants to reduce the release of trace substances and advocating for legislation to control release limits for industries, agriculture, and hospitals. He also emphasizes the importance of encouraging recycling programs and reducing single-use plastics. Tennessee Riverkeeper conducts cleanups focusing on plastic litter removal, especially from shorelines and shallow water, as it is more challenging to remove litter from deep water. Additionally, the Tennessee Aquarium has joined the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), a consortium of 22 aquariums dedicated to speaking out against and leading the fight against microplastic pollution.

Industrial pollution

The Tennessee River has been a major contributor to the economic and industrial development of the Tennessee Valley. However, this economic success has come at a cost, with the river becoming a victim of industrial pollution.

One of the main sources of industrial pollution in the Tennessee River is the discharge of toxic substances by industries located along its shores. For instance, the 3M Decatur Chemical plant was found to be releasing perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FBSA) and fluorinated sulfonamide alcohol (FBSEE) directly into the river for over a decade, in violation of the Clean Water Act and its Environmental Protection Agency permit. This incident highlights the need for better regulation and enforcement of environmental laws to hold industries accountable for their waste disposal practices.

Coal-fired power plants also pose a significant threat to the Tennessee River's health. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) operates several coal-fired power plants within the watershed, and their coal ash disposal sites have been a cause for concern. In 2008, a billion tons of toxic coal ash spilled into waterways that drain into the Tennessee River, and TVA continues to store coal ash in unlined pits and ponds, allowing heavy metals to leach into the groundwater and eventually the river. This issue underscores the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and ensuring proper waste management practices in the industry.

In addition to chemical and coal-related pollution, the Tennessee River also suffers from plastic pollution. The river has been dubbed the "River of Plastic" due to the high levels of microplastics found in its waters. Microplastics are small plastic particles less than five millimeters in length that come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as disposable plastic bags. These microplastics can be ingested by wildlife, impairing their bodily functions and transferring chemicals into the food chain. The Tennessee River's plastic pollution is attributed to a combination of littering, a lack of recycling, and the widespread use of plastic packaging. While there is no easy solution to eliminating microplastic pollution, efforts such as cleanups, reducing single-use plastics, and promoting reusable alternatives can help mitigate the problem.

Furthermore, storm-water runoff, which is recognized as the single largest threat to water quality in the United States, also contributes to industrial pollution in the Tennessee River. As rainwater flows over paved surfaces, development sites, and lawns, it picks up pollutants and channels them directly into the river through storm drains. This alters the amount, quality, and temperature of the water, impacting the river's ecosystem. Proper erosion and runoff control measures, such as Best Management Practices (BMPs), are often not implemented or enforced correctly, exacerbating the problem.

Coal mining and burning

Coal mining and coal-burning power plants have historically been and continue to be significant contributors to pollution in the Tennessee River. Tennessee was once one of the largest coal producers in the United States, and while coal mining has declined in importance in the state today, it still has a notable coal-dependent economy. In 2008, Tennessee ranked as the eighth most coal-dependent state in the country, spending $1.2 billion on coal imports.

The history of coal mining in Tennessee is fraught with environmental and social injustices. In the late 19th century, the expansion of the state's railway network led to exponential growth in coal mining, with production increasing from 133,000 tons in 1870 to 7 million tons by 1910. This period was marked by the exploitative practice of leasing convicts, predominantly Black individuals, to coal mining companies. The labour of these convict-miners was used to undermine union efforts, and Tennessee's legislature supported this by increasing punishments for petty crimes to ensure a steady supply of labour. By the early 20th century, a British coal mining company, the American Association, owned about 80% of the land in Campbell and Claiborne counties, highlighting the extent of coal mining's impact on the state's landscape and communities.

Coal-burning power plants and coal ash disposal sites present a significant environmental challenge in the Tennessee River watershed. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages several coal-fired power plants in the watershed, and these plants produce coal ash as a byproduct. In December 2008, a retention pond wall collapsed at TVA's Kingston plant, resulting in a spill that contaminated the Emory River and affected the Tennessee River watershed. This incident underscores the urgent need for proper monitoring and management of coal ash disposal to prevent similar disasters and mitigate their environmental impact.

Coal-burning power plants are a leading source of mercury air emissions, which have severe ecological and human health consequences. Mercury emitted from these plants can end up in the tissue of fish, posing a significant risk to people who consume them. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, especially dangerous to children and developing fetuses. Additionally, coal-burning power plants release carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

The impact of coal mining and burning on the Tennessee River and its watershed highlights the complex challenges of balancing economic development and environmental sustainability. It is crucial to address these issues through effective regulations, monitoring, and the transition to alternative energy sources to protect the health and well-being of communities and the environment.

Stormwater runoff

The Tennessee River, a 652-mile-long waterway that stretches from Knoxville to Paducah, TN, has suffered from increased economic activity and malign business practices that have contributed to stormwater runoff and other forms of pollution. The river's central location, large water supply, and rich wildlife have attracted economic development, including shipping, energy production, and flood control initiatives. However, this development has come at the cost of environmental degradation.

To mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff, communities can employ management practices and land use controls. Public education and outreach can help homeowners and businesses understand the proper use and storage of household toxic materials, equipment maintenance, and responsible lawn care. Additionally, erosion and sediment control measures can prevent sediment, chemicals, and nutrients from washing off construction sites. Local government officials can also encourage the use of open spaces, impose runoff-efficient site design standards, and locate high-risk activities away from drinking water sources to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on the Tennessee River and its tributaries.

The Tennessee River is vulnerable to the harmful effects of stormwater runoff, and addressing this issue requires the collective efforts of civil society organizations, local businesses, and regional authorities. By implementing management practices and land use controls, the impact of stormwater runoff on the river's water quality and ecosystems can be mitigated, ensuring the river's health and sustainability for future generations.

Sedimentation

The Tennessee River is a 652-mile-long waterway stretching from Knoxville to Paducah, TN, before emptying into the Ohio River. The river is an iconic symbol of Knoxville and the southeast, with over 5 million people living within its watershed.

Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to sedimentation in the Tennessee River. As rainwater flows over man-made surfaces, it picks up pollutants such as chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, carrying them into storm drains that lead directly to the river and its tributaries. This not only increases sedimentation but also reduces water quality by introducing harmful chemicals and pollutants.

The Tennessee Riverkeeper, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the river, plays a crucial role in addressing sedimentation and other pollution issues. They conduct regular patrols, utilize emerging technologies, and collaborate with local authorities to monitor and address "at-the-pipe" discharge problems and industrial discharges. Additionally, they advocate for the proper implementation of BMPs and work to raise awareness about the impacts of sedimentation and pollution on the river's health.

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