2000 Accomplishments

Advocated and secured protection of stream buffers throughout Georgia by negotiating statutory improvements to state buffer regulations to define and clarify provisions, close loopholes and mandate the development of much-needed variance criteria (adopted 10/00).

Helped settle Georgia's long-litigated General Stormwater Permit for Construction Activities, now touted as the strongest permit in the country to control runoff from developments over 5 acres.

Filed a legal action to stop sewer tap-ons to a private sewage plant on Lake Lanier that was dumping high levels of bacteria into the lake and worked with the state and the plant operator to secure an agreement to significantly upgrade the plant.

Purchased a 44-person pontoon boat, Chota Princess, and initiated a new water education program on Lake Lanier in cooperation with Elachee Nature Center.

Investigated and verified contamination problems at Fulton County's Morgan Falls Landfill where landfill leachate appears to be contaminating a detention pond and tributary to the Chattahoochee, which triggered discussions with the county and a legal challenge.

Helped lead an effort of diverse groups and individuals that drafted the Georgia Water Bill of Rights, nine basic principles against which to measure and evaluate all future water-related laws, policies and regulations.

Advocated and secured new water quality standards for Lake Lanier, an expanded water quality monitoring program by the state, and a commitment to promulgate regulations prior to the initiation of any pollution trading within the lake.

Initiated daily bacteria monitoring of the river within the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service, which data is available to the public via the Internet within 24 hours of testing.

Participated in a state technical committee that developed and finalized Georgia's first-ever process for listing and de-listing waterways as designated trout streams, an effort that came from a recommendation made by UCR to the state in 1998.

Conducted massive tree planting and bank stabilization on the river at an industrial facility in Cobb County, with support from Turner Broadcasting System.

Advocated for water quality, biodiversity and recreation in the ACF water allocation negotiations and related issues, such as hydropower re-licensing and drought management planning.