The Known Exceptional Tennessee Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters

 

Tennessee water quality standards require the incorporation of the antidegradation policy into regulatory decisions (Chapter 1200-4-3-.06). Part of the responsibility the policy places on the Division of Water Pollution Control is identification of exceptional Tennessee Waters (previously know as Tier 2) and Outstanding National Resource Waters (Tier 3). In exceptional waters, degradation cannot be authorized unless (1) there is no reasonable alternative to the proposed activity that would render it non-degrading and (2) the activity is in the economic or social interest of the public. In Outstanding National Resource Waters, no new discharges, expansions of existing discharges, or mixing zones will be permitted unless such activity will not result in measurable degradation of the water quality.

 

The Division of Water Pollution Control has compiled the list of waters that follows based on the characteristics of Exceptional Tennessee Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters set forth in the regulation by the Tennessee Water Quality Control Board. In general, these are waterbodies with good water quality, important ecological values, valuable recreational uses, and outstanding scenery. Wherever possible, the Division has utilized objective measures to apply these characteristics and the basis for each listing is provided.

 

The following factors should be considered:

 

1.     The list will be updated regularly and does not include waterbodies that the division has not evaluated. The fact that a waterbody does not appear on this list by name does not preclude the possibility that it may be high quality.

2.     In some cases, only a portion of a waterbody is considered high quality. The extent of each listing is provided.

3.     This compilation of waterbodies is based on the most recent information obtained by the division and may be reconsidered upon submittal of further information.

4.     The list is organized in hydrological order. Reviewers should be aware that many waterbodies share the same name. It is our goal to develop a mapping tool to help locate these high quality waters.

 

It is our hope that this compilation of high quality waterbodies will provide a valuable planning tool for both the public and the regulated community. Questions about the antidegradation policy can be directed to Greg Denton, (615) 532-0699, or gregory.denton@tn.gov