The Savannah River is the lifeblood of our economy and quality of life, but like most major rivers, the Savannah River is at risk. Since the 1970s, there have been considerable improvements in discharges to the river from municipalities and industries, and there have been measurable improvements in capturing and treating stormwater. Even so, these positive developments are a small part of a larger picture. The Savannah River remains at risk - now more than ever.
There is mounting evidence that rapidly escalating human demands - inside and outside the Savannah River Basin - are compromising the Savannah River's capacity to support our water withdrawal and wasteload needs; to fuel our economy; and to sustain riverine ecology. Simply put, a growing population means higher demands on water. Recent political developments have demonstrated the urgency of these issues at the state level on both sides of the river.
IN 2003, GEORGIA Gov. Sonny Perdue created the Georgia Water Resources Council to establish a statewide comprehensive water plan. He noted, "Because Georgia's water resources are precious and vital to the support of the state's economy, the protection of public health, the welfare of our natural systems, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all citizens, it is critical for the state to ensure their sustainable management."
In 2004, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford issued the Water Law Report and announced plans to pursue a water compact with Georgia for an equal share of the river's resources. ...
One issue relating to the urban corridor of the Savannah River is the "assimilative capacity" of the river, which means the ability of the river to efficiently assimilate pollutants and still remain within water quality standards. ...
We have a wake-up call that we are approaching the limit of services the Savannah River can provide unless we learn to manage our river resources with sustainable practices. The Environmental Protection Agency's pending implementation of new total maximum daily load limits would reduce permitted wasteload allocations of oxygen-demanding substances for all wastewater dischargers from Augusta downriver. This suggests that virtually all wasteloading capacity for some pollutants within the Savannah River already is being used, if not overallocated.
TODAY, THERE IS robust development in the urban corridor and on lakeshores in both states. Growth creates conflicting demands by stakeholders. Some focus on lake levels and the lake-driven economy. Others focus on demands for water withdrawal and wasteload allocation downstream of the dams. Stakeholders increasingly are turning to the river as their primary water source, and the river is facing unsustainable demands.
Now is the time for leadership to guide a common vision for a sustainable Savannah River and to address the costs and benefits in terms of environmental, social, and economic interests within the greater Savannah River Basin. ...
It is imperative that we learn to manage our river system for ecological and societal sustainability. Each citizen plays roles as both a consumer and a steward of the environment. As part of efforts to foster proactive environmental stewardship at the community level, the academy is sponsoring a public forum, starting at 9 a.m. today at Savannah Rapids Pavilion, to inform stakeholders on issues relating to our river resources; to provide access to Georgia and South Carolina legislators and public officials; and to improve the dialogue between the states to develop a well-crafted and mutually beneficial water compact.
(Editor's note: The writer, a restoration ecologist, founded the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy in Augusta in 1996. He is an adjunct faculty member at Clemson University and the University of Georgia.)