Turning a New Leaf

Over the past year, River Network provided extensive investigation into environmental health threats in a predominantly African-American section of Hattiesburg.

Our staff reviewed numerous records from EPA and the state Department of Environmental Quality that detailed toxic releases and permit compliance. We submitted Freedom of Information Act requests to the State to obtain Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs).

Our efforts unveiled numerous violations of DMRs at the Hattiesburg South Lagoon Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) (pictured at right). Among other things, the facility violated Clean Water Act permits limits for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), fecal coliform and several other water quality parameters.

Through our local Partner -- the Forrest County Environmental Team -- we reached out to area businesses and the Mayor’s office to plan a collaborative meeting with area industry and neighborhood residents.

We then worked with regional partners -- the Gulf Restoration Network and the Tulane Law School -- who made moves to file a 60-day notice of intent to sue, which motivated the local wastewater treatment facility management to announce plans for a major overhaul of the facility.

Our work on this issue was made possible by donations to our River Rescue Fund, which enables our staff to respond quickly to local and regional Partners in cases where our expertise can help leverage results quickly. Thank you one and all!

You can help rescue another river by making a tax-deductible donation today!