Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit (ARAP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - NEW February 21, 2008
An Aquatic Resources Alteration Permit (ARAP) is required for projects that will physically alter surface waters of the state (streams, wetlands, lakes, etc.). Examples of alterations that may require an ARAP include dredging, bank sloping or stabilization, water withdrawals, wetland filling, and road and utility crossings of waters. A list of Frequently Asked Questions has been compiled for your assistance.
>>> View a list of questions and answers
>>> Link to ARAP Permit page
Water Reuse Inventory
In 2007, the Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of Water Resources and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) distributed the second annual survey of Tennessee wastewater treatment utilities (only those that are legally allowed to handle 0.1 million of gallons or more of water per day [mgd]) to find out which ones were using water conservation and water reuse practices. A survey like this is important to Tennessee as it faces strong pressures on its water resources from human use.>>> View the results of the Water Reuse Survey (exit TDEC)
The Known Exceptional Tennessee Waters
The Division of Water Pollution Control has compiled a partial list of exceptional Tennessee waters based on characteristics set forth in the regulation by the Tennessee Water Quality Control Board. In general, these characteristics are streams 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.
>>> Click to view the list of the Known Exceptional Tennessee Waters
Threatened and Endangered Species List
This lists the threatened and endangered aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and aquatic animals in the state of Tennesee. The list is subject to revision.
>>> Click to view the 6-page list
Summary of Public Comments and Tennessee Water Quality Control Board Responses to Draft 2006 Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards
The Department of Environment and Conservation has provided this document as a means to assist public participation in the triennial review of water quality standards.
>>> Click to view the comments and responses
Proposed changes to General Water Quality Criteria (1200-4-03)
The following general considerations and criteria shall be used to determine the permissible conditions of waters with respect to pollution and preventative or corrective measures required to control pollution in various waters or in different sections of the same waters.
>>> Click
to view second proposed revision
>>> Click
to view the proposed changes
Regional Characterization of Streams in Tennessee
Regional Characterization of Streams in Tennessee with Emphasis on Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrients, Habitat, Geomorphology and Macroinvertebrates
>>> Click to view the full 286-page report
2008 305(b) Report Status of Water Quality in Tennessee
Report on the general water quality of surface waters in Tennessee. Contains information about water quality, posted waterbodies, and watershed summaries.
>>> Click to view the full 108-page report
EPA Approved Final Version Year 2008 303(d) List
An EPA approved final list of streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes that do not meet water quality standards in 2008. Provides pollutant information and TMDL prioritization.
>>> Click to view the full 180-page report
Quality Systems Standard Operating Procedure for Macroinvertebrate Stream Surveys
This document describes procedures for performing two types of macroinvertebrate surveys approved by the Division of Water Pollution Control for assessing biological integrity of streams. The entire procedure is described including protocols for sample collection, habit assessment, sample analysis, data reduction and reporting.
>>> Click to view the standard operating procedure document
RFP for TMDL Support Grants
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is seeking project proposals for funding of grants that support Tennessee’s TMDL program.
>>> Click to view the request for proposal and guidance documents
Watershed Management Plans
Watershed Water Quality Management Plans are prepared in Year 5 of the watershed management cycle. These watershed plans include a general watershed description, water quality assessment summary results, inventory of point and nonpoint sources, water quality concerns voiced by citizens at public meetings, federal, state, and local initiatives, and management strategies. A public meeting is held to discuss the draft plans with local citizens, elected officials, and the regulated community.
>>> Click for the watershed management plans
Ground Water Classification - Working Documents
>>> Click for the
Slide Presentation
>>> Click for
the Draft Rule
Fishing and Bacteriological Advisories in TN
When streams or lakes are found to have significantly elevated bacteria levels or when fish tissue contaminant levels exceed risk-based criteria, it is the responsibility of the Department of Environment and Conservation to post warning signs so that the public will be aware of the threat to public health.
>>> Click for the list of bacteriological advisories in Tennessee
Probabilistic Monitoring of Streams Below Small Impoundments in Tennessee
This report describes the results of a probabilistic study of 75 streams below small impoundments and the effects of the impoundments on aquatic life, nutrients, dissolved oxygen, pH, iron, manganese, habitat, flow, and periphyton density in the downstream reaches.
>>> Click to view the full 283-page report
Water Videos
Educational videos related to water pollution control in Tennessee.
>>> Click to view water videos, including some in Spanish.
Ocoee River Sampling
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is monitoring the Ocoee River weekly. Water samples are collected during periods of recreational use in order to give an accurate picture of readings at recreational flows.
>>> Click for sampling results and more information
