Tennessee regulators will tighten utility licensing requirements to withdraw water from the Duck River, according to the settlement agreement released Tuesday.

There is a maintenance group I’m seeking protection For the River – Host The largest species of creatures North American freshwater rivers – for years.

The Duck River provides water to an estimated 250,000 Tennessees. The eight utilities aimed to increase daily water withdrawals from the river to a total of 73 million gallons per day as the Central Tennessee region grew. Southern Environmental Law Centre (SELC) and other conservation groups Warned about this increase in withdrawal And there is an extreme drought Risk Rivers and their residents’ health.

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation, represented by SELC, has appealed three permits issued by the Tennessee Department of Environmental Protection (TDEC). The new settlements between the department and each utility will limit the amount of water allowed to leak from the utility system and set goals that require the utilities to follow an updated drought management plan approved by the department.

The state will also work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to investigate river flows using the Corps’ analytical software. Data collected from this study notifies you of updates to drought management plans for the Duck River area, according to the settlement.

The most endangered Duck River in the country

The settlement applies to permits granted to the Bedford County Utility District, the Duck River Utility Commission and the Columbia Power and Water System.

“Through this process, we’ve heard from farmers, anglers and local business owners who value the Duck River and who recognize that the river deserves our stewardship and protection.” “This settlement is We are approaching the ability to use and enjoy unique natural treasures for generations, and we are also working with stakeholders and state leaders to protect this iconic river. We will continue to cooperate.”

TDEC updates drought plans Duck River Development Agencyresponsible for river drought management. Their work involves assessing flow levels to induce voluntary and forced conservation measures, enforcement, and aquatic life protections.

TDEC has also agreed to publish daily withdrawal data from each utility each month.

Each utility also develops plans to promote water conservation.

Utility permission changes are still applicable In Pre-implementation announcements and comments procedures.

The village continues in November with Governor Bill Lee Presidential Order Protects the Duck River. The order created a 19-person Duck River Basin Planning Partnership to manage drought, reduce water loss, maintain habitat and identify ways to engage with communities and industries that use the river.

Officials hope that the Lee administration will raise budget requests to the Tennessee General Assembly during this session to fund the development of a statewide water conservation plan.

The US Department of Agriculture Awarded $20 million To the Duck River Basin Association in October to support stream restoration of the Duck River.

“There will be important opportunities for planning and conservation to ensure the health and future of Duck over the next few years,” said Mike Butler, CEO of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, in a news release. “If these permits are renewed, we must now act to avoid a bigger crisis. Cooperation between all stakeholders is key to protecting this national treasure “