Boone Watershed Partnership
Awards
for
Water Quality Protection
Boone Watershed Partnership
1999 Aquatic Resource Preservation Award
Second Award
Ernest C. Blankenship, (Right) Special Assistant to the Commissioner,
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation,
presented the "1999 Aquatic Resource Preservation Award"
to the Ken Chase, Chairman, Boone Watershed Partnership at
TDEC's Environmental Assistance Center in Johnson City, TN
on May 25, 1999. This is the second consecutive year
the Partnership has received this award.
The Boone Watershed Partnership recognized the Steele Creek Nature Center of the City of Bristol, TN; East Tennessee State University,Environmental Health Science Laboratory; Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District; and Green Valley Poultry Farm at the Fourth Annual Recognition Event at Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, VA on July 13, 1999.
Water Resource Awardees
City of Bristol, TN
Steele Creek Nature Center
Left to Right: Kevin Hamed, Director, Steele Creek Nature Center; Ken Chase, Chairman, Boone Watershed Partnership; Mike Johnson, City of Bristol, and Dr. John Gaines, Mayor, Bristol, TN.
The Steele Creek Park Nature Center interprets the natural wonders of the Park to visitors of all ages. Many projects were completed to enhance and protect the aquatic environment. Projects were reintroduction of native mussels and work with Bristol Motor Speedway to stabilize a part of the lake shoreline. Many programs were conducted for school groups with focus on the many factors affecting water quality.
Environmental Health Science Laboratory
East Tennessee State University
Left to Right: Ken Chase, Chairman, Boone Watershed Partnership; Jim Napier, East Tennessee State University; and Chris Craig, First Tennessee Development
In October 1997, the Environmental Health Science Laboratory, ETSU, commenced a pollutant loading monitoring project of tributary streams in the Boone Watershed. The data collected by ETSU and two waste water treatment plants was used by TVA to calibrate and implement a useful pollutant loading model for Boone Lake. The laboratory conducted analyses of various bacteriological indicators. This effort was the latest in the past 10 years of studies by ETSU of Boone Lake and the watershed.
Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District
Left to Right: Richard Rhea; Ken Chase, Chairman, Boone Watershed Partnership; Don Quesenberry, Chairman, Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District; Ned Allison; Jim Combs and Dave Johnson.
Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District has historically promoted getting conservation on the ground in a effort to improve water quality and reduce soil loss. During the past year they have obtained cost-share funds for numerous installations of Best Management Practices (primarily livestock exclusion from streams and alternative watering systems).
Green Valley Poultry Farm
Left to Right: Kenny Hobbs, Manager,Green Valley Poultry Farm; Ken Chase, Chairman, Boone Watershed Partnership; Rodney Wagner, Owner, Green Valley Poultry Farm..
The Green Valley Poultry Farm dates back to 1926 and is the largest poultry farm in Southwest Virginia. Processing and packaging the eggs involves tremendous amounts of water. All wastewater from the egg processing plant is hauled and processed at a waste water treatment plant. All chicken feed contains phytase enzyme to help lower pH in the litter. Nutrient management plans are used to use the litter as fertilizer. A filter area is also provided for roof run-off. Educational tours and videotapes are provided for elementary and high school students.
