CHAPEL HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Duck River has been treasured as a great place for recreation. It is also considered to be one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America. But with all the growth in Middle Tennessee along the river, its future is at stake.
On Nov. 20, Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order to preserve the Duck River and ensure its long-term sustainability. The order charges the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) with much of the planning to manage the delicate balance of growth and conservation of the river.
April Grippo, TDEC's Director of Water Resources, said that the Duck River is important to Lee and many others, so the TDEC takes it task of conservation seriously.
"[Lee] has conveyed to us his own personal connection with the Duck River," Grippo said. "And it's important to Commissioner Salyers of TDEC that we ensure that the Duck River is around for generations to come."
Members of the Duck River Conservancy, a group that has for years criticized the increasing water withdrawals by public utilities, praised Governor Lee's decision. The conservancy's president, Douglas Jones, told News 2 the organization is ready to get to work and help you.
"This was critical for you to step in — for your administration to charge TDEC with this," Jones said. "It was in the nick of time is the best way I can describe it."
Grippo explained that TDEC's job is quite a balancing act.
"TDEC has one of the most complicated roles of everyone who is engaged with the Duck River," Grippo said. "Not only do we need to know that we are protecting the river for wildlife, such as the sensitive mussel species that make their home in the Duck River, we're also charged with ensuring that there's recreation for people at parks like this. We're also tasked by the legislature with ensuring safe, reliable, and plenty of drinking water for all Tennesseans, especially in the midst of the growth that we're seeing in this area."
There could be a pipeline from the Tennessee River to supply water for the area instead of taking it out of the smaller Duck River.
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"It's hard for me to speculate on specifics of a pipeline, but I will say that TDEC is working together with all stakeholders, especially water systems on a long-term solution for water supply in the Duck River," Grippo said. "We're considering all alternatives, including a pipeline."
Jones said a pipeline could be a viable solution for water resources within the valley.
"We've got to have a water resource for the valley," Jones said.
Who might pay for a project such as a pipeline, though? News 2 asked. Grippo thinks there would be options for funding.
"If we were to consider a pipeline, I think there would be a suite of options or funding this through various partners," Grippo explained. "TDEC has been involved in funding other water systems through the American Rescue Plan for the past couple of years to the tune of many millions of dollars. So we've convened many stakeholders to talk about long-term solutions there as well."
