Background on Tennessee River Basin

At 40,000 square miles, the Tennessee Regional Watershed is one of the smallest in the nation. However, portions of eight states (Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and West Virginia) are part of the drainage and is home to approximately 4.5 million people (2000 Census). The upper watershed boundary marks the ultimate reach of glacial impacts from the last ice age; where the aquatic species of the north met those of the south. This unique geologic history has made this watershed the most diverse freshwater aquatic habitat in the world. Numerous species of fish, freshwater mussels and invertebrates inhabit the drainages of the Tennessee River which are found no where else on earth. The Great Smoky Mountains to the East meet with the Lower Mississippi River Watershed to the West. Almost all wetlands in the area are associated with riverine systems. Historical losses have left the watershed with only 1967 square miles of wetlands (5% of the total area).

The deepest felt and most visible impacts to the watershed are the hydroelectric dams of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The margins of many of the resulting reservoirs are developed. However, TVA also operates the largest federal watershed assistance and management program in the area.

Mining has also left visible evidence throughout the landscape. Although abandoned miles are still an issue, the newest challenge to the health of the aquatic ecosystem stems from mountain top mining which in effect places excess mountain top materials in a valley and obliterates the stream system that used to flow there. This area, as most of the south, has experienced higher than average growth in population.

Nutrient enrichment, sedimentation and pathogens are the leading causes of water quality impairment in the region.