Division of Water Resources
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6th Floor, L & C Annex
401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-0625
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- Water Quality Laws
- Rules
- General Information & Planning Documents
- Water Quality Assessment Publications
- Technical & Engineering Documents
Water Quality Laws
| Law | Citation | Brief Description | Contact Person |
| Tennessee Water Quality Control Act | 69-3-101 et seq | Law establishing water pollution control program. Identifies responsibilities and extent of authority for Commissioner and the Water Quality Control Board. Establishes concept of clean water goals and water quality planning and assessment. Provides for permitting program for discharges to, or alterations of, water of the state. | |
| Tennessee Environmental Protection Fund | 68-203-101 | Law establishing mechanism for fees to be charged for permits issued by the Division of Water Pollution Control. |
Rules
All rule downloads provided by the Secretary of State
| Regulation | Citation | Brief Description | Contact Person |
| Certification of Qualified Hydrologic Professionals | 0400-40-17 | Establishes qualifications and process for persons to obtain certification as a hydrologic professional for the purpose of identifying streams and wet weather conveyances. Includes requirements for submitting of hydrologic determination reports. | Robert Baker robert.d.baker@tn.gov |
| General Rules | 1200-4-1 |
Establishes treatment requirements for point source dischargers. | Monya Bradley monya.bradley@tn.gov |
| Plans Submittal, Control of Construction | 1200-4-2 |
This regulation identifies the requirements for Division approval of plans for construction of sewer lines and treatment plant expansions. | Saya Qualls saya.qualls@tn.gov |
| General Water Quality Criteria 2011 Version |
1200-4-3 |
Establishes numeric and narrative criteria for each of the seven classified uses. Additionally, contains Tennessee’s Antidegradation Policy, which identifies scenarios in which degradation can be allowed in surface waters. Note: groundwater criteria are in a separate document available from the Division of Underground Storage Tanks. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Use Classifications for Surface
Waters 2007 Version |
1200-4-4 |
Establishes seven classified uses for surface waters. Identifies a combination of uses for each named or unnamed surface water. Note: classified uses for groundwater are established in a separate document available from the Division of Underground Storage Tanks. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Effluent Standards | 1200-4-5 |
This regulation establishes treatment requirements for facilities that discharge to effluent-limited streams. | Saya Qualls saya.qualls@tn.gov |
| UIC Regulations (Division of Water Supply) |
1200-4-6 |
Establishes permitting process for the discharge of materials into ground water by way of wells and/or sinkholes. | Tom Moss tom.moss@tn.gov |
| Aquatic Resource Alteration Permits | 1200-4-7 |
Establishes permitting process for physical alteration of waters of the state. Includes general permits for several activities including utility line crossings. | Robert Baker robert.d.baker@tn.gov |
| Navigable Waters Permit | 1200-4-8 |
Establishes permitting process for physical alteration of navigable waters not regulated by the Corps of Engineers. This regulation is specific to Reelfoot Lake. | Robert Baker robert.d.baker@tn.gov |
| Water Well Licensing(Division of Water Supply) | 1200-4-9 |
Establishes licensing process for well drillers. Identifies requirements for well construction. | Luke Ewing luke.ewing@tn.gov |
| NPDES General Permits | 1200-4-10 |
Establishes general NPDES permits for certain activities including discharge of industrial stormwater and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. | Jim McAdoo Jim.McAdoo@tn.gov |
| Environmental Protection Fund Fee Rules | 1200-4-11 |
Establishes fee schedules for different types of permits issued by the Division. | |
| Pretreatment Requirements | 1200-4-14 |
Establishes responsibilities of State, and local government, industry and the public to implement the National Pretreatment Standards. | Jennifer Dodd Jennifer.Dodd@tn.gov |
| Public Sewerage Systems | 1200-5-2 |
Establishes supervision requirements during the construction and operation of public sewage systems. | Phil Simmons Phil.Simmons@tn.gov |
| General Water Quality Criteria and Use Classification for Surface Waters 2012 amendments and responses to public comments. |
1200-04-03 and 04 amendments 12-10-12 | Includes 2012 amendments establishing numeric and narrative criteria for each of the seven classified uses for surface waters. Additionally, contains Tennessee’s Antidegradation Policy, which identifies scenarios in which degradation can be allowed in surface waters. Identifies designated use classifications for surface waters. Includes summary of public comments and TN Water Quality Control Board responses. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| General Water Quality Criteria and Use Classification for Surface Waters 2012 redline amendments and responses to public comments. |
1200-04-03 and 04 amendments redline 12-10-12 | Includes 2012 amendments establishing numeric and narrative criteria for each of the seven classified uses for surface waters. Additionally, contains Tennessee’s Antidegradation Policy, which identifies scenarios in which degradation can be allowed in surface waters. Identifies designated use classifications for surface waters. Shows all revisions in red. Includes summary of public comments and TN Water Quality Control Board responses. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| General Water Quality Criteria and Use Classification for Surface Waters 2012 red-blue-purple-line amendments and responses to public comments. |
1200-04-03 and 04 amendments redline 12-10-12 | Includes 2012 amendments establishing numeric and narrative criteria for each of the seven classified uses for surface waters. Additionally, contains Tennessee’s Antidegradation Policy, which identifies scenarios in which degradation can be allowed in surface waters. Identifies designated use classifications for surface waters. Shows original revisions in red; 2011 revisions in blue and 2012 revisions in purple. Includes summary of public comments and TN Water Quality Control Board responses. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
General Information and Planning Documents
| Publication | Brief Description | Contact Person |
| Tennessee’s Watershed Management Approach | A brochure describing the watershed management approach as envisioned and implemented by the Division of Water Pollution Control. | Sherry Wang sherry.wang@tn.gov |
| The Tennessee Rivers Assessment Summary Report | This full color report identifies scenic and recreation (fishing and boating) values for streams in Tennessee. | David Duhl david.duhl@tn.gov |
| Bacteriological and Fishing Advisories in Tennessee | List of streams and reservoirs where fish consumption or human contact advisories have been issued. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Stream
Mitigation Guidelines July 1, 2004 |
This document provides general guidance and discussion for compensatory mitigation of permanent impacts to streams. | Robert Baker |
Water Quality Assessment Publications
New Publications
| Publication | Brief Description | Contact Person |
| 2012 305(b) Report: The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee |
Report on the general water quality of surface waters in Tennessee. Contains information about water quality, the assessment process, use support, causes and sources of pollution, and waterbodies posted due to human health risks. | Michael Graf michael.graf@tn.gov |
| Proposed Final 2012 303(d) List |
A proposed final list of streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes that do not meet water quality standards in 2012. Provides pollutant information and TMDL prioritization. Responses to Public Comments | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Exceptional Tennessee Waters & Outstanding National Resource 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. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| EPA Approved Final Version Year 2010 303(d) List October 2011 |
An EPA approved final list of streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes that do not meet water quality standards in 2010. Provides pollutant information and TMDL prioritization. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Quality
Systems Standard Operating Procedure for Chemical and Bacteriological
Sampling of Surface Water (TDEC, WPC) (4.4 mb pdf) August 2011 |
This document describes procedures for collecting chemical and bacteriological samples of surface waters as well as chain-of-custody and quality control approved by the Division of Water Pollution Control. Protocols are also described for the specifications and accurate use of water-quality probes, sampling equipment, and flow meters. | Michael Graf michael.graf@tn.gov |
| Quality
System Standard Operating Procedure for Macroinvertebrate Stream
Surveys (TDEC, WPC) (2.7 mb pdf) July 2011 |
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. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Quality Assurance Project Plan for 106 Monitoring in the
Division of Water Pollution Control Volume I May 2011 |
This document describes monitoring, analyses, quality control, and assessment procedures used by the Division of Water Pollution Control to develop TMDLs, 305(b) and 303(d) assessments. | Linda Cartwright Linda.Cartwright@tn.gov |
| 2010 305(b) Report The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee November 2010 |
Report on the general water quality of surface waters in Tennessee. Contains information about water quality, posted waterbodies, and watershed summaries. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Quality System Standard Operating Procedure for Periphyton Stream Surveys January 2010 |
This document describes procedures for performing periphyton 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." | Michael Graf michael.graf@tn.gov |
Water Quality Assessment Publications
Existing Publications
| Publication | Brief Description | Contact Person |
| 2010 Probabilistic Monitoring of Wadeable Streams in Tennessee | A probabilistically-based survey of wadeable streams in Tennessee. This report is a follow-up to a study conducted in 2007 and 2008, which was published in a series of 6 reports. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Mercury Air Deposition and Selenium Levels in Tennessee Fish and Surface Water December 2010 |
This document reports the results from a study that was designed to test whether predicted mercury air deposition levels using the REMSAD model was correlated to mercury concentrations in fish tissue and water samples. Selenium concentrations were also analyzed in the fish tissue and water samples. | Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| 2007-2008 Probabilistic Monitoring of Wadeable Streams in Tennessee Volume 2: Study Design and Stream Characterization February 2009 |
A probabilistically-based survey of wadeable streams in Tennessee. A series of 6 reports are being published to convey the results of the study. Volume 2 provides detail on the design and implementation of the project. It describes the site selection process. Information on drainage area, ecoregion, watersheds and land use is discussed to determine representativeness of the subsample to the entire population of Tennessee streams. This volume also provides information on sample collection, analyses and quality assurance. |
Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| 2007-2008 Probabilistic Monitoring of Wadeable Streams in Tennessee Volume 3: Macroinvertebrates and Habitat February 2009 |
A probabilistically-based survey of wadeable streams in Tennessee. A series of 6 reports are being published to convey the results of the study. Volume 3 provides details on macroinvertebrate populations and habitat quality. |
Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| 2007-2008 Probabilistic Monitoring of Wadeable Streams in Tennessee Volume 4: Water Chemistry March 2009 |
A probabilistically-based survey of wadeable streams in Tennessee. A series of 6 reports are being published to convey the results of the study. Volume 4 provides details on field measurements and chemical data. |
Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| 2007-2008 Probabilistic Monitoring of Wadeable Streams in Tennessee Volume 5: Pathogens February 2009 |
A probabilistically-based survey of wadeable streams in Tennessee. A series of 6 reports are being published to convey the results of the study. Volume 5 provides details on bacteriological data using the indicator organism E. coli. |
Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| 2007-2008 Probabilistic Monitoring of Wadeable Streams in Tennessee Volume 6: Periphyton June 2010 |
A probabilistically-based survey of wadeable streams in Tennessee. A series of 6 reports are being published to convey the results of the study. Volume 6 provides details on periphyton. |
Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| EPA Approved Final Version Year 2008 303(d) List July 2008 |
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. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Proposed Final Year 2008 303(d) List May 2008 |
A list of streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes that do not meet water quality standards in 2008. Provides pollutant information and TMDL prioritization. Responses to Comments |
Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| 2008 305(b) Report The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee April 2008 |
Report on the general water quality of surface waters in Tennessee, including 2006 – 2008 assessments. Contains information about water quality, posted waterbodies, and watershed summaries. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Mercury Levels in Tennessee Fish | The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation compiled tissue data from multiple agencies in order to analyze mercury concentrations in fish from Tennessee's rivers, lakes, reservoirs and streams. This analysis led to the issuance of new and updated mercury advisories in April, 2007. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| 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. | Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| EPA
Approved Final Version Year 2006 303(d) List December 2006 |
An EPA approved final list of streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes that do not meet water quality standards in 2006. Provides pollutant information and TMDL prioritization. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| 2006
305(b) Report The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee April 2006 |
Report on the general water quality of surface waters in Tennessee, including 2004 - 2006 assessments. Contains information about water quality, posted waterbodies, and watershed summaries. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Threatened and Endangered Species List | This lists the known threatened and endangered species including aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and aquatic animals in Tennessee. The list is subject to revision. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Regional
Characterization of Streams in Tennessee with Emphasis on Diurnal
Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrients, Habitat, Geomorphology and Macroinvertebrates September 2005 |
This report describes a 2004 statewide study, which is a continuation of a 2002 study of regional differences in diurnal dissolved oxygen patterns in wadeable streams. Other goals of this study were to characterize streams based on geomorphology, periphyton, and nutrients and describe streams that cross ecoregions in west Tennessee. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Tennessee's
Plan for Nutrient Criteria Development (TDEC, WPC, PAS) September 2007 |
Describes the approach the Division of Water Pollution Control will use to identify and adopt additional water quality standards for nutrient related parameters. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Probabilistic Monitoring in the Inner Nashville Basin with Emphasis on Nutrient and Macroinvertebrate Relationships (Arnwine, Sparks, and Denton, 2003) | This report describes the results of a probabilistic study conducted in the Inner Nashville Basin to determine the relationship between the biological communities and nutrient levels. | Debbie Arnwine Debbie.Arnwine@tn.gov |
| The Results of Fish Tissue Monitoring in Tennessee: 1992 – 1997. (Freeman & Denton) | Contains a general description of the fish tissue monitoring program and contains the result of contaminate monitoring for a five-year period. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Development
of Regionally-Based pH Criteria for Wadeable Streams (Arnwine and
Denton, 2002) April 2004 |
This document describes a statewide study of regional differences in the effect pH has on the aquatic communities in wadeable streams and rivers. These results will form the basis of recommendations for regional pH criteria to be formalized in the General Water Quality Criteria.. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Evaluation
of Regional Dissolved Oxygen Patterns of Wadeable Streams in Tennessee
Based on Diurnal and Daytime Monitoring (Arnwine and Denton, 2003) (2.39 mb pdf) |
This report describes a statewide study of regional differences in both diurnal and daylight dissolved oxygen patterns in wadeable streams. Study results will help guide fish and aquatic life criteria decisions for the 2002 triennial review of water quality standards. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Dioxin
Levels in Pigeon River Fish 1996-2002 (Denton and Arnwine, 2002) (1.02 mb pdf) |
This report describes the improvement in water quality that has resulted in the removal of the fish tissue advisory for the Tennessee portion of the Pigeon River. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Comparison of Nutrient Levels, Periphyton Densities and Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Patterns in Impaired and Reference Quality Streams in Tennessee (Arnwine and Sparks) 2003 | This document compares algal densities and nutrient levels to diurnal DO patterns in reference and impaired steams in 16 subecoregions. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| EPA
Approved Final Version Year 2004 303(d) List April 2005 |
A list of streams and lakes that do not meet water quality standards in 2004. Provides cause and source of pollutant information and TMDL prioritization. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| 2004 305(b) Report The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee (Denton, Sparks, Arnwine, Cartwright) | Report documenting the general quality of surface waters during the period 2002-2004. Contains information about streams, lakes, and wetlands. Identifies streams that are currently posted due to fish contamination and elevated bacteria levels. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Final
Version Year 2002 303(d) List January 2004 |
A list of the streams and lakes not meeting water quality standards in 2002. Provides documentation of pollutants and general sources of pollutants. Prioritizes streams for future TMDL development. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| 2002 305(b)
Report The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee (Denton, Sparks,
Arnwine, Cartwright) (6.69 mb pdf) |
Report documenting the general quality of surface waters during the period 2000-2002. Contains information about streams, lakes, and wetlands. Highlights success stories and innovative management strategies. Identifies streams that are currently posted due to fish contamination and elevated bacteria levels. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Habitat Quality of Least-Impacted Streams in Tennessee 2001 (Arnwine and Denton) | This report describes the habitat quality of ecoregion reference streams. Seasonal variability, stream size and ecoregion expectations are discussed. Reference data is compared to historic habitat assessments. Guidelines for maintaining protective habitat in each of Tennessee's 25 ecological subregions are provided. The report includes a question and answer section of habitat guidance implementation. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Development of Regionally-Based Numeric Interpretations of Tennessee's Narrative Biological Integrity Criterion 2001 (Arnwine and Deton) | This report contains guidance for interpretation of existing narrative biological criteria based on regional reference data. The report details macroinvertebrate monitoring at reference streams. The metric selection and assessment guidelines are discussed. A description of how ecoregions were grouped into bioregions for assessment purposes is included. Seasonal variability of macroinvertebrate populations is discussed. Numeric biocriteria based on a multi-metric index is proposed and compared to historic targeted and probabilistic monitoring. The report contains a question and answer section on biocriteria implementation. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Development of Regionally-Based Interpretations of Tennessee's Narrative Nutrient Criterion. 2001 (Denton, Arnwine and Wang) | This report contains guidance for interpretation of existing narrative nutrient criteria based on regional reference data. The report summarizes reference nutrient data and describes how nitrate+nitrite and total phosphorus goals were developed. A comparison of reference data to historic targeted and probabilistic monitoring sites is included. Relationships between nutrient levels and macroinvertebrate populations are explored. The report contains a question and answer section on nutrient criteria implementation. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Tennessee Ecoregion Project 1994-1999. (Arnwine, Broach, Cartwright and Denton) | This report contains a detailed description of Tennessee's ecoregion delineation and reference stream monitoring project. The ecoregion report describes how subregions were defined and how reference streams were selected. The report includes descriptions of macroinvertebrate, bacteriological, and chemical monitoring as well as habitat assessment. Summaries of all data are provided. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee Year 2000 305(b) Report (Denton, Vann and Wang) | Report documenting the general quality of surface waters during the period 1998-2000. Contains information about streams, lakes, and wetlands. Highlights success stories, emerging water quality issues, and innovative management strategies. Identifies streams that are currently posted due to fish contamination and elevated bacteria levels. Additionally, the 305(b) report contains the water quality assessments of group 1,2 and 3 watersheds. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| 1998 303(d) List | A list of the streams and lakes not meeting water quality standards in 1998. Provides documentation of pollutants and general sources of pollutants. Prioritizes streams for future TMDL development. | Greg Denton gregory.denton@tn.gov |
| Ecoregions of Tennessee (Griffith, Omernik, and Azevedo) | This EPA publication documents work to delineate sub-ecoregion boundaries in Tennessee. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
| Level III and IV Ecoregions in Tennessee | A one-page color map illustrating the boundaries of ecoregions and sub-ecoregions in Tennessee. | Debbie Arnwine debbie.arnwine@tn.gov |
Technical/Engineering Documents
| Publications | Brief Description | Contact |
| Pretreatment Model Sewer Use Ordinance | View
in PDF format View in Word format |
Jennifer Peters Dodd Jennifer.Dodd@tn.gov |
| Design Criteria for Sewage Works | Guidance for municipalities and industries for the design of sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants.
Design Criteria Chapter 1- General Engineering Requirements
Design Criteria Chapter 2- Sewers and Sewage Pump Stations
Design Criteria Chapter 3- Laboratory, Personnel, Maintenance Facilities and Safety Design
Design Criteria Chapter 4- Preliminary and Pretreatment Facilities
Design Criteria Chapter 5- Clarifiers
Design Criteria Chapter 6- Fixed Film Reactors
Design Criteria Chapter 7- Activated Sludge
Design Criteria Chapter 8- Nitrification
Design Criteria Chapter 9- Ponds and Aerated Lagoons
Design Criteria Chapter 10- Disinfection
Design Criteria Chapter 11- Tertiary Treatment / Advanced Wastewater Treatment
Design Criteria Chapter 12- Sludge Processing and Disposal
Design Criteria Chapter 13- Plant Flow Measurement and Sampling
Design Criteria Chapter 14- Instrumentation, Control and Electrical Systems
Design Criteria Chapter 15- Small Alternative Systems
Design Criteria Chapter 16- Design Guidelines for Wastewater Treatment Systems Using Spray Irrigation
Design Criteria Chapter 17- Design Guidelines for Wastewater Dispersal Using Drip Irrigation
Design Criteria Chapter 18- Collection System Rehabilitation
|
Phil Simmons |
| Erosion
and Sediment Control Handbook |
A guide for protection of state waters through the use of best management practices during land disturbing activities. | Robert Karesh Robert.Karesh@tn.gov |
| TN Oil and Grease Control Guidance Document | Guidance for municipalities
in creating regulations and enforcement plans dealing with oil and
grease on a local level. Guidance Document Cover Page (78.6KB) Guidance Document (528KB) Appendices (512KB) |
Jennifer Peters Dodd |
Governor Bill Haslam
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