CLEAN WATER TIPS

         

                                            Think about Tennessee's Beautiful Water

People who live in Tennessee love and cherish the state’s beautiful waterways and water bodies. In many areas throughout the state of Tennessee you can find breathtaking waterways and water bodies. According to research, Tennessee has fifty thousand miles of rivers and streams, and more than half a million acres of lakes. It is no wonder why so many people who live in Tennessee love to go fishing in May. Fishing can be a fun way to be close with nature and spend time with your family or friends. But have you ever wondered about what kind of impact stormwater runoff can have in Tennessee’s famous waterways?

 

                                                  Native Fish and Other Wildlife

Stormwater runoff can carry toxic and dangerous pollutants into Tennessee’s waterways. When it rains or snows, rainwater and snow can turn into stormwater runoff and can flow into streams and rivers. Rain and snow turn into stormwater runoff when they land on hard surfaces, like rooftops, bridges, and driveways. They are able to flow on these surfaces and enter streams and rivers. Eventually they will flow downstream into large bodies of water. This can impact native fish and wildlife that depend on Tennessee’s waterways and water bodies. Native fish like the Bill Dance and the Bluegill need clean water bodies.

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                                                  Dangerous and Deadly Pollutants

                                   

                                                                  Mercury 

Pollutants like mercury can harm native fish and other wildlife. Many sources of mercury come from electronics and batteries. When stormwater runoff carries mercury into streams or rivers, it can enter the fish’s cells and blood. Fish who are exposed to high levels of mercury are more likely to have problems with growth, development, and reproduction. This can have a negative impact on ecosystems who depend on fish. 

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Many researchers have conducted studies on people who eat fish that are exposed to high levels of mercury. Their studies concluded that people who eat fish with high levels of mercury can suffer serious health issues. They concluded that people who eat fish with high levels of mercury are more likely to suffer from depression and nervousness. Studies have also concluded that they could suffer from lack of eyesight and hearing. 

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                                                                                       PCBs

PCBs are very toxic to fish and people. PCBS are man-made chemicals that can be found in plastic and oil based paint. Although PCBs are banned in the U.S, many PCBs can still be found throughout the country. PCBs are difficult to break down and do not mix with water. When stormwater runoff carries PCBs to rivers and streams, it can harm immune systems in fish and cause nervousness. People who eat fish that are exposed to PCBs are more likely to have cancer. People who eat fish with even low levels of exposure can get cancer over time.

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                                                               Plastic Pollution

Stormwater runoff can wash microplastics into rivers and streams. Microplastics are tiny particles that are less than five millimeters. Microplastics are man-made pollutants that are toxic to animals and people. Despite its toxicity, many commercial products and household items are made of microplastics. This includes plastic water bottles and plastic bags. A lot of microplastics can be found near Tennessee’s waterways. When stormwater runoff washes items made out of microplastics to rivers and streams, fish and wildlife can get stuck. They can choke on microplastics.

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                                                                               Fishing Lines

Stormwater runoff can carry fishing lines into rivers, streams, and lakes.  Fishing lines can flow downstream when people forget to pick them up. Stormwater runoff can carry fishing lines into rivers and streams and flow into water bodies. People who forget to pick up their fishing lines can harm fish and other wildlife. Animals and other wildlife have a hard time seeing fishing lines when they are in water. Animals and other wildlife can get caught on fishing lines. This can harm ecosystems who depend on Tennessee's waterways and water bodies.

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                                                                        Your Lake Your Impact

Tennessee’s waterways and water bodies are very important to animals and people. Everyone depends on Tennessee’s waterways and water bodies. Therefore it is important to improve your impact and do something about it. Remember to respect Tennessee's water and act responsibility when fishing. Remember to pick up all of your items. Fishing lines, microplastics, batteries, and many other products have pollutants that are harmful to fish and people. This will prevent stormwater runoff from carrying pollutants into Tennessee’s waterways and water bodies. 

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Click links below for more information:

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https://www.tnvacation.com/articles/explore-and-enjoy-tennessees-abundant-waterways#:~:text=More%20than%2050%2C000%20miles%20of%20winding%2C%20enchanting%20rivers%20and%20streams,to%20the%20wonders%20of%20water.

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https://seafood.edf.org/pcbs-fish-and-shellfish#:~:text=PCBs%2C%20or%20polychlorinated%20biphenyls%2C%20are,to%20small%20amounts%20of%20PCBs

 

https://www.neefusa.org/story/water/stormwater-runoff-can-make-waves-salmon-and-human-health#:~:text=The%20heavy%20metals%20and%20toxins,inland%20close%20to%20urbanized%20areas

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https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html

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https://www.savecoastalwildlife.org/managing-fishing-line-waste#:~:text=BUT%20the%20problem%20is%20mono,ingest%20the%20lines%20and%20die.&text=If%20playback%20doesn%27t%20begin%20shortly%2C%20try%20restarting%20your%20device

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WHAT IS LITTER?

Litter is defined by Tennessee law as perishable animal and vegetable waste, garbage, perishable and nonperishable solid waste and tobacco products.

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TENNESSEE LITTER LAWS

Section 39-14-503. (a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. Criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars

($50.00)

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Section 39-14-504. (a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 Ibs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume. Littering is a Class B misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine. In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this part to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also be a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of &me not to exceed eight (8) hours.

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Section 39-14-505. (a) Aggravated criminal littering is littering: In an amount exceeding ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume; or In any amount for any commercial purpose Aggravated criminal littering is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the following circumstances, in which case it is a Class E felony, up to a $1,500 fine.

 

TENNESSEE TOLL- FREE LITTER HOTLINE

1-877-8-LITTER PROVIDES MOTORISTS A WAY TO REPORT LITTER BUGS

Tennesseans who are tired of trash along state roadways now have a new tool to report litter bugs. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced today a new toll-free litter hotline, 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). The litter hotline is part of the statewide anti litter campaign. The hotline provides a way for Tennesseans to report people they witness littering along the state’s roadways, such as a person throwing a paper cup or cigarette bud out of a window, or an item falling from an unsecured load. “The new toll-free litter hotline gives citizens the ability to Stop It,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Now anyone who witnesses a person littering can report it and trigger action to improve the quality of the environment and the cleanliness of our roadways. Tennessee has some of the best roads in the nation. With everyone’s help, we can have some of the cleanest, too.”Citizens who witness a litter bug in action can call 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). Callers will reach a recording that asks them to provide information about the vehicle. The information that will be requested includes: license plate number (Tennessee plates only) type and make of the vehicle day and &me the incident occurred location where the incident occurred the type of item tossed or blown from the vehicle TDOT will mail a leer to the registered owner of the vehicle along with a car trash bag or portable ashtray and other anti litter information. The leer is a gentle reprimand reminding the recipient that littering is against the law and punishable by a one of up to $1500.

Click here for more information.