Text Size: A
A
A
A
Signal Mountain Lion Jerry Pala, Clean Streams Task Force chairman George Davenport and King Lion Jim Simpkins, from left, prepare for a presentation on clean water initiatives on the mountain. Photo by Rebecca W. Miller
The Clean Streams Task Force is well on its way to understanding water quality problems on Signal Mountain, outlining solutions and sharing the study results with residents.
“What we want to do is sit down and map out a communications plan for three or four months,” said George Davenport, committee chairman for the Clean Streams Task Force, during a recent Signal Mountain Lions Club meeting. “We would like people to understand first the problem or issues, then understand steps we’re taking.”
Davenport said Short Creek, Bee Branch and Shoal Creek were placed on the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s 303(d) list. The contaminant in the steams is E.coli, which makes the water unsafe for drinking, wading, swimming or fishing. Research by the task force discovered that the contamination is mostly due to failing septic systems.
“In a 2000 EPA report, 31 states listed septic systems as their second greatest potential source of groundwater contaminants,” Davenport said. “WWTA has no other area that has the problems that we have.”
Because of the amount of clay and rocks in the soil on Signal Mountain, most residents’ yards are not able to filter contaminants from overflowing or failing septic systems. Instead, the undesirable bacteria slides faster through the septic field and enters the nearest body of water.
“The long-term solution is expansion of the sewer system,” Davenport said. “We’ve learned a lot in seven months and have made good progress.”
Many Signal Mountain residents are not connected to the current sewer system and can’t connect until the moratorium is lifted. Until then, members of the task force, when speaking with residents and organizations, stress the importance of regular maintenance for a septic tank.
Davenport said tanks that aren’t pumped every two to five years, depending on the family size and usage, are much more likely to fail or overflow. However, simple preventative measures such as not washing solids down the drain and not running all appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and showers at the same time can help.
Davenport and other members of the task force are starting to focus on communicating their findings and presenting solutions to residents. Davenport said he is willing to visit with organizations to give a presentation on the organization’s findings and to raise awareness about the issues.
“What we want is to have you understand the magnitude of the problem and what we’re doing to solve the problem,” Davenport said. “The mission of the task force is to ensure that the streams and creeks on Signal Mountain are safe for recreational use by its residents.”
del.icio.us
digg
Furl
Spurl
YahooMyWeb
co.mments
Ma.gnolia
De.lirio.us
blogmarks
BlinkList
NewsVine
scuttle
Fark
Shadows
Comments
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.