Soil erosion is the "silent global crisis" that is undermining food production and water availability, as well as being responsible for 30 percent of the greenhouse gases driving climate change.
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HARPETH RIVER WATERSHED SEDIMENT STUDY

Comprehensive Technical Report Final

The #1 pollutant in the Cumberland Basin is sediment (affectionately known as DIRT) coming from our yards, fields, construction sites, and river banks. The thousands of tons of dirt block out light, smother life in the streams and carry bad things attached to it. Most of it stays here forever behind dams as it settles out when the water shallows. It is difficult to measure because it only moves to our streams during rain storms.

Through the expertise of Dr. David Wilson and our dedicated Water Quality Advisory Committee, the Compact initiated a pioneering detailed study which developed procedures and protocols, trained volunteers, and uncovered new analysis methods for the Harpeth River Watershed which attempts to quantify the total tons entering the waters of this river. Volunteers with the Harpeth River Watershed Association completed the study and determined that the annual sediment loss for the entire watershed is estimated to be 113,000 tons—that is equivalent to 15,000 elephants! This is the major first critical step in understanding our largest perennial pollutant, and it sets a standard for all watersheds.

This newly released final report on the Sediment Study on the Harpeth River is now available in PDF format. To read this report click here.

WHAT'S A SEDIMENT STUDY?

A sediment study is the collection of information, conducted in a controlled and scientific manner, to determine the suspended solids in river and stream water. These solids are usually topsoil that have been washed into the water by heavy rainfall. On land, the washing away of soil is called erosion.

Erosion and sediment have been identified in reports by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as having a major impact on water quality in the Cumberland River Basin generally, including the Harpeth River watershed.

Excessive sediment interferes with the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms. Deposition of sediment in sluggish portions of a river raise the level of its bed, resulting in increased flooding.

High levels of sediment interfere with the operation of drinking water treatment plants. High levels of sediment often indicate stream bank erosion, with damage to streamside property. They also indicate loss of valuable topsoil in the watershed through erosion.

The Cumberland River Compact therefore has decided to do a study on sediments. The Harpeth River watershed was selected as the first watershed to study because of the existence of our sister group, the Harpeth River Watershed Association. The Cumberland River Compact collaborates with the Harpeth River Watershed Association, through the presence of several gauging stations, taking stream depth measurements at lots of bridges in the watershed, and through the use of our Harpeth River Watershed Map, which is used in planning the effort.

Other similar studies will be conducted throughout the Cumberland River Basin in all 14 watersheds as our development plans continue for starting new local watershed groups. The Red River watershed will be next.

Harpeth River Watershed Association members regularly monitor the river and its tributaries in their area and make hundreds of field reports every month. These volunteers are trained and equipped to properly gather this important information.

David J. Wilson, a water quality expert with the Cumberland River Compact, compiles the data and creates monthly reports that show scientifically the overall quality of the Harpeth. This information is used by government officials and Compact members to gauge the condition of the river and develop helpful strategies for improving water quality.

Long term studies of this type are rarely done because of the thousands of woman and man hours needed to collect the data. This is an all volunteer citizen based effort that demonstrates the kind of interest we must all take to improve our rivers and streams.

If you are interested in participating in your area, please contact us.