Nutrient Pollution
Harpeth Conservancy is active in efforts to combat nutrient pollution and restore the Harpeth River, and rivers statewide.
Costs of Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution in the U.S. is estimated to cost in excess $4 billion annually, both in the cost of reducing that pollution as well as the impacts nutrient pollution has.
Nutrient pollution can over-fertilize rivers and streams. Nutrients support the growth of algae, which is an important food source for fish and other marine animals. Just like putting too much fertilizer (which is composed of nitrogen and phosphorus) on your lawn can burn or kill it, too much nitrogen and phosphorus can cause the growth of algae. Too much algae growth (called an algae bloom) can choke off a water body. This can result in low dissolved oxygen levels, which can kill fish and endanger other life in and around a stream. In some cases, nitrogen and phosphorus discharges can cause a “harmful algae bloom” or “HAB.” CLICK HERE to learn about HABs.
Harpeth Conservancy's Work
Sewer Treatment Plants: Sewer plants can present a number of challenges to water quality, including overflows, low dissolved oxygen levels, nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms. CLICK HERE to learn about our efforts to reduce nutrient pollution at the City of Franklin’s sewage treatment plant.
Restore the Harpeth River: Harpeth Conservancy is working with state and federal agencies to develop a Nutrient Reduction Plan to inform watershed managers of ways that the Harpeth River can be improved to reduce nutrient pollution. CLICK HERE to learn more about these efforts.
Latest Posts
Advocacy Action Alert: Support the creation of a TN Office of Outdoor Recreation
February 7, 2023
The legislative season is upon us and we have an unusual opportunity to join forces to create a Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC) in
Harpeth Conservancy Monitoring the Development of “Ariza Bellevue” Project
January 1, 2023
Important Links: Bellevue Strong, Community Organization Site Ariza Bellevue, Developer’s Site Petition against new development in ‘flood-vulnerable’ area reaches 1,800 signatures (3/9/23: WSMV4) Bellevue development
Discharge Permit for Franklin Sewer Treatment Plant
July 29, 2022
Email Petition Instructions: Use our email petition form to the left in order to send a message to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
Action Alert: Franklin Sewer Permit
July 28, 2022
YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE AUGUST 30, 2022 PUBLIC HEARING AND WRITTEN COMMENTS TO TDEC ARE CRITICAL! THE HARPETH RIVER IS STILL IMPAIRED, BUT THE DRAFT
HC and others Comment on Cookeville Wastewater Treatment Plant Renewal
June 2, 2022
On June 2, 2022, Harpeth Conservancy along with the TN Chapter of the Sierra Club (TNSC), and Brian Paddock (a Cookeville environmental lawyer) sent comments