Date
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Time
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Location Name
Room 301E
Name
Diving into the Clinch -A Study of Water Quality of One of Tennessee's Pristine Rivers
Track
Environment
Description
The Clinch River spans over 300 miles from its source in Southwest Virginia to its confluence with the Tennessee River. Renowned for its exceptional water quality and ecological diversity, the stretch between Norris Dam and Melton Hill Dam supports recreation, aquatic habitats, and serves as the primary water supply for the Anderson County Water Authority (ACWA) and Clinton Utilities Board (CUB). From June to December 2024, Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI) conducted comprehensive water sampling and monitoring of a 12-mile segment of this river between Miller’s Island and the Hwy 61 bridge in Clinton, Tennessee. The data collected was used to develop an in-depth water quality model to safeguard water resources while supporting sustainable growth and development in the region.
The presentation will detail the methodologies used to collect and analyze data, including the collection and laboratory sampling of key parameters such as chlorophyll-A, periphyton, and ortho-phosphate, as well as field measurements of key parameters such as velocity, pH, and conductivity. Continuous monitoring was achieved through the deployment of multiparameter sondes which automatically recorded measurements of certain parameters at routine intervals. Attendees will learn about the challenges and benefits of implementing these monitoring tools in natural environments.
A highlight of the study was a simulated point source pollution event, where rhodamine dye was introduced into the river. This event required careful coordination with ACWA and CUB to suspend water withdrawal temporarily and assess the river’s response to the simulated contamination. Attendees will gain insights into the planning and execution of such simulations, as well as their relevance for emergency preparedness and response strategies. Another key discussion point will be the development of river cross-sections to enhance hydrodynamic modeling. This process leveraged advanced equipment and techniques to accurately characterize the river’s morphology, providing critical input for water quality modeling efforts.
The study's success relied heavily on collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), whose regulation of river flows necessitated halting power generation at Norris Dam to ensure safe and effective sampling conditions. The presentation will delve into the importance of multi-agency coordination, emphasizing the role of flexibility and communication in overcoming logistical challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the technical and logistical complexities involved in large-scale water quality studies. The presentation will also explore how these efforts contribute to the development of robust models for environmental protection and provide actionable insights for balancing ecological stewardship with regional economic growth.