Severe permit violations discovered along Grassy Branch Creek, Spring Hill

Spring Hill is the second fastest growing city in the state of Tennessee.  Development is literally exploding, and with it, our streams and waterways (tributaries to the Duck River) are taking a severe beating.  On October 9, TEC’s John McFadden and Kyle Duvall met with David Huebner, President of Wyngate Community (500 residents) in Spring Hill, and Jonathan Duda, Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen and member of the Planning Commission.  During the planning discussion to begin restoration work on Grassy Branch Creek in the Wyngate community, the concern was raised to Mr. Duda that commercial development was occurring on acres of property without proper safe guards in place to protect both Grassy Branch Creek and Aenon Creek from the massive development project which was occurring literally at the banks of Grassy Branch Creek and Aenon Creek.

After some investigation, the mayor issued a temporary "Stop Work Order" until such time it could be determined if permits were properly secured from TDEC, and to assure that erosion control methods were put in place to protect Aenon Creek from the silt and mud due to storm water runoff which was threatening Aenon Creek as a result of poor development techniques.  TDEC responded expeditiously to the request to inspect the commercial development site as a result of discussions with the Governor's office and TDEC’s Deputy Commissioner, Paul Sloan.  The commercial site was photographed and video taped to produce documentation of the conditions prior to enforcement.  Silt fencing was ordered, and more intense monitoring of the commercial development site is currently underway.

Additionally, some severe permit violations were discovered along Grassy Branch Creek in the neighborhood of "The Reserve at Port Royal."  A complaint with TDEC was filed and numerous photographs of the violations were sent to Deputy Commissioner, Paul Sloan.  Kyle Duvall also produced a DVD mini documentary of stream impairment, which he presented to Mr. Tim Wilder, Director of Water Pollution Control (TDEC) – Columbia office.  After a physical inspection of the residential development site by TDEC, the developers of "The Reserve at Port Royal" were notified of “Water Quality Control Act” violations in addition to other serious permit violations. The developers are currently in the process of cleaning up the mess and inexcusable damage to Grassy Branch Creek made by the developers.  Please see photographs below.

Finally, there is much work that lies ahead. The positive news is the leadership of Spring Hill has welcomed our discussions as well as the expertise of John McFadden to aide the city in developing a comprehensive plan to reduce the damage to all streams and waterways in Spring Hill as the city continues to experience unprecedented growth.  Also, in 2006, TDEC designated the city of Spring Hill as an MS-4 community, and we will have influence in helping to define a comprehensive storm water policy for the city of Spring Hill.  Additionally, TEC will continue to monitor and encourage enforcement of permit and codes violations, while continuing to develop a meaningful relationship with the leadership of Spring Hill to further the cause of protecting public health and restoring our streams in Spring Hill to aquatic ecological health. 

 Grassy Branch Creek at “The Reserve at Port Royal” -- Spring Hill, Tennessee

Developers stripped away a portion of the creek bank and dumped heavy rock and gravel into the creek to facilitate a crossing for heavy machinery.  TDEC cited the developers for several permit violations. (Pictures taken by Kyle Duvall -- Nov. 2, 2006)