|
|
Purpose
The mission of the TNSA is to assist local government entities in their efforts to comply with State and Federal clean water laws and Stormwater Regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; and through such assistance, to protect and improve the quality of the waters of Tennessee. This mission will be accomplished through TNSA members’ exchange of information and knowledge regarding the design, construction, maintenance, administration and operation of stormwater facilities. The TNSA will promote the dissemination of information in stormwater control measures and the adoption of improved practices in stormwater administration.
Creation
The Tennessee Stormwater Association is a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Tennessee. The Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA) was created June 10, 2008 upon the filing of the Charter with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The TNSA is a state-wide organization operating within the boundaries of the State of Tennessee.
Members
TNSA membership is composed of designated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) including local governments (city and county), universities, military installations, and other entities such as TN Department of Transportation (TDOT). Associate members include environmental advocacy groups, consultants, vendors etc.
Highlights
The TNSA has been successful in working with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) in becoming an active stake holder in the development of the new MS4 permit.
TNSA has also been successful in obtaining grants to help coordinate education between the various MS4/stormwater communities across the State and to help distribute information to those members. The grant also funds the creation of localized education material and statewide education programs with some matching funds to assist our members in obtaining the greatest impact with our limited budgets.
 TNSA worked with the TN Department of Transportation, the TN Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tourism Department and other vital partners in the development of the new Guide to Traveling TN Watersheds...a new map to be used as educational material to be distributed across the state at communities and Interstate Welcome Centers and Rest Areas. For more information, visit the Department of Environment & Conservation.
|
|
|
|
COMMUNITY INFO
What You Should Know! |
 |
|
|
| |
|
2011 brought several changes for the future that will affect storm water and water quality improvements in our communities.
- New Congressional Bill
passed recently clarifying that the federal government is required to pay stormwater fees. Upon Presidential signatory authority, the Bill becomes law and local governments can collect fees that will help implement water protection efforts.
New state permits are also part of this process, to help protect our important water resources. Emphasis is placed on low impact development and green infrastructure to reduce runoff and erosion while encouraging water infiltration onsite.
New Stormwater Permit (and Related Forms):
Updates at:
http://tn.gov/environment
New Construction General Permit (CGP):
- The last Public Hearing was held by TDEC on 12/8/2010
- New permit expected to be issued soon.
Updates at: http://tn.gov/environment
WHY ARE STORMWATER AND
WATERSHEDS IMPORTANT?
Basically because they affect water quality
and quantity, which affects everyone in a community.
You may have a stormwater fee on your local water bill or
seen the Watershed Signs while traveling along TN highways.
You may have some questions…
What is STORMWATER?
Stormwater is rain – rain that picks up pollutants
as it washes through an area after a storm.
Pollutants such as litter, chemicals, dirt, leaves and
pet waste that runs UNTREATED into local streams
and lakes. These local waters are often the drinking water source for communities, so it is important to protect water quality for health, animal habitat and recreational use.
Stormwater is also regulated by Federal and State
agencies under the Clean Water Act. The stormwater fee helps communities protect local water quality and meet regulations with funding
for infrastructure repair and maintenance.
Click here for Local Stormwater Information
What is a WATERSHED?
A watershed is the land region in which
rain drains downhill into the closest creek,
stream, river or lake in the area.
Watersheds range in size from small in your neighborhood, to a large regional area like a basin.
Click here for Watershed Information.
TNSA is dedicated to improving and protecting the
quality of Tennessee’s water resources, especially through a coordinated ‘watershed approach’. This means we are
working together with partners across Tennessee to protect
and keep our rivers, lakes and streams clean and healthy. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
