SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

 April

                    2014

 

  

Don't lose your temper; some poor soul might find it.
 
 
 
 
Vaughn Cassidy and Mark Penland from TDEC-Office of Sustainable Practices offer information about radon gas
     

The 13th Annual Tennessee Environmental Conference

 by:

Mark Penland

TDEC-Office of Sustainable Practices

 

On March 25-26, 2014, the 13th annual Tennessee Environmental Conference was held in Kingsport, Tennessee.

 

The theme for the conference was "Improving Our Environment and Public Health through Smart Choices" and included breakout sessions addressing the environment, health, sustainable economics, industry and energy, agriculture food safety along with water resources. Over 400 attendees participated in this year's event.

 

The opening keynote address was presented by Dr. Carol Anne Clayson of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Dr. Clayson addressed some of the basic concepts related to the science of climate change. Included in her presentation was a discussion of the conclusions on the state of climate change and the understanding of it based on the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

 

The first day of the conference included breakout sessions addressing such topics as rain gardens, brownfields, community gardens, food safety, air quality and an update on EPA regulations. On the second day, breakout sessions continued with such topics as asbestos, lead contaminated soil, the Kingston coal ash spill recovery, green infrastructure and the economic benefits of greenways. Also included during the conference was an opportunity for attendees to view and test drive alternative fuel vehicles.

 

TDEC Commissioner Robert Martineau provided the key note address on the second day and highlighted the ideas implemented across Tennessee that will improve the environment and quality of life for the citizens of Tennessee and empower local communities to meet national standards for cleaner air, purer water and better protected land.

 

 

        

Tennessee Health Leaders Visit Kingsport

by:

Jan Compton

TDEC-Office of Sustainable Practices

  

 

The Office of Sustainable Practices was pleased to partner with the City of Kingsport to host a visit from Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner and his staff on March 28th. The networking visit was sparked when Kingsport was featured as a livable community in a new publication from the Tennessee Regions' Roundtable Network. The publication was sponsored by the NADO Research Foundation, which highlights innovative community and economic development projects being implemented throughout Tennessee. Stories presented from the state's diverse regions and communities demonstrate collaborative leadership strategic partnerships, and implementation-funding techniques that local government, planning, and community and economic development leaders can put to use in their own communities.

 

Mayor Dennis Phillips opened the Kingsport meeting with a warm welcome to guests visiting the city. He highlighted some of the city's accomplishments which were achieved through public and private partnerships with local cooperation and collaboration. Representative Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, was in attendance to show his support for the city leaders and their achievements. Chris Campbell with the City of Kingsport gave an overview presentation of initiatives, some of which have been completed and others currently being targeted. The group participated in open discussion throughout the presentation with inquisitive dialogue while analyzing statistics, viewing supporting photographs, and reviewing survey results.                                                                                                                            

Following the discussion, Lynn Tully with the City of Kingsport led participants on a bus tour where they were able to visualize and experience some of the sites of interest featured during the presentation. Included in the mobile tour were the Sculpture Walk, the Harvest of Hope Community Garden, the Kingsport Birding Trail, and the Choice Neighborhood Initiative at the Lee Apartments. Dr. Dreyzehner requested to walk and experience a tour of the Kingsport Greenbelt and the new joint YMCA and Aquatic Center complex.

 

The Kingsport Times News quoted Commissioner Dreyzehner following a grant announcement later that day as he referenced the City of Kingsport, "You think wow, this is a city that is really thinking about its future," Dreyzehner said. "When I look at those things I see health and I see prevention."

 

       

 TDEC to Host Nonconnah Creek Watershed Meeting 

 

  

 

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation invites residents to attend the Nonconnah Creek Watershed stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, April 22. The meeting will give residents a chance to see what is being done in the Nonconnah Watershed to protect and/or improve water quality.

 

The event will be held in an open house format, giving residents an opportunity to learn about the activities that are happening in the watershed and find out how they can be involved. Several groups will have displays, quick-fire presentations and hands-on exhibits.

 

WHO:              Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

 

WHAT:            Nonconnah Creek Watershed Stakeholder Meeting

 

WHEN:           Tuesday, April 22 at 5 p.m.

 

WHERE:         Fisher Arnold Office

                       9180 Crestwyn Hills Drive in Memphis

 

The Tennessee portion of the Nonconnah Creek Watershed has 184 square miles in Shelby and Fayette counties. A watershed is a land area that ultimately drains into a particular watercourse or body of water. Everyone lives in a watershed. A healthy watershed is very important as it can help sustain the designated uses for that body of water, which vary from recreation to drinking water to supporting a healthy fishery. Watersheds do not adhere to manmade boundaries, so residents from various counties share the important responsibility of protecting and improving their water resources in the watershed.

 

 

For additional information about this watershed meeting, please contact Joellyn Brazile at (901) 371-3025 or Joellyn.Brazile@tn.gov. 

 

 

            
  

43rd Environmental Show of the South

 

April 30-May 2, 2014

 

Gatlinburg Convention Center

 

Click the logo for more information about registration.

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