TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Oct 21, 2024

Middle Tennessee residents are joining environmental groups in calling for stronger state protections for the Duck River, one of the most biodiverse freshwater rivers in North America, Tennessee Lookout reports. The Southern Environmental Law Center is representing the Tennessee Wildlife Federation in an appeal against several state permits including one that would allow Columbia Power and Water Systems to develop a second water withdrawal site without additional restrictions during low water flows. Opponents of the permits argue that two factors — drought and utility companies’ plans to withdraw millions more gallons of water from the river to keep up with development and growth — are putting the river and the species that call it home in peril. The Duck River Conservancy, a preservation advocacy group, is advocating for a comprehensive water conservation and drought management plan for the region.