Department of Environment & Conservation
Jim Fyke, Commissioner
U.S. EPA recognizes Environment and Conservation as a national leader in its management of water quality assessment data for Tennessee at the Feb. 2008 KY-TN Green Development Conference in Nashville (l-r): EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles, Water Pollution Control GIS coordinator Rich Cochran, Water Pollution Control Director Paul Davis, TDEC Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan and TDEC Commissioner Jim Fyke.
Governor Bredesen visits site of TVA Kingston ash slide with administration officials and shares state commitment for full, complete cleanup of impacted areas in the region. |
January 5, 2009
Dear Friend,
It’s a tradition for the department to publish a list of highlights as we close out the year. Many good things happened for Environment and Conservation over the past twelve months. Here’s a quick look at a few headlines from some of our Top Stories for 2008:
Governor Bredesen selected to receive National Humanitarian Award
Largest local recreation grant distribution in Tennessee history
Free radon test kits provided to Tennessee families
Green Development Conference sparks unique grant partnership
Rocky Fork protected with help of the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund
Heritage Conservation Trust Fund helps protect more than 4,600 acres with five grants
Tennessee Conservationist magazine receives national recognition
State employee recycling program wins top EPA WasteWise award
We celebrated a variety of honors, awards and successes achieved by many of our people and programs in 2008. Along with these well-deserved accolades, I appreciate the commitment and hard work of each department employee. From implementing the successful cleanups at the Cumberland Trail and Henry Horton State Park to hosting the 35th national Natural Areas Conference in Nashville, their work made a positive impact for Tennessee and beyond.
Most news outlets had already published their “Top Stories for 2008” before the extraordinary ash slide on December 22 at the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant. Since initial notice of that early morning break at an on-site holding pond, our department has been actively engaged with federal, state and local partners addressing potential impacts to surface waters, solid waste disposal and drinking water supply for the impacted communities. Working through the holidays, department employees from various divisions in the Knoxville Environmental Field Office and Central Office have been essential to an effective, coordinated response. I want to particularly thank the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan and the many department employees who have been instrumental in protecting public health and safety during the initial emergency response and early recovery activities.
This is a historic environmental disaster for Tennessee. While the road to recovery for citizens, water quality and aquatic habitat in these communities will likely be long and difficult, the department is committed to a full, complete cleanup for the region. Our work supports Governor Bredesen’s expectation for TVA to fulfill its pledge to take all appropriate actions to assist those affected and to clean up and restore damaged property. Click here to learn more about the department's efforts to ensure full, complete cleanup at the site of the TVA Kingston ash slide.
I know 2009 will be full of challenges and opportunities, but I am confident we will rise to the occasion. Best wishes to every Tennessee family for a happy and healthy New Year.
Jim Fyke, Commissioner
