Franklin—The City of Franklin has received its five-year water withdrawal permit from the Tennessee Department of Conservation (TDEC) after an extensive process by the City. The permit maintains withdrawal limits of a maximum withdrawal percentage of 20 percent, and a withdrawal restriction at low flow (10 cubic feet per second), both standards were included in the 2007 permit. The new permit includes additional standards and reporting suggested by the City of Franklin during the permit process. The permit that was appealed by the City over a year ago sought to reduce the withdrawal maximum from 20 to 15 percent. In response, TDEC re-initiated the permit process, resulting in this new 2015 permit.
“Water quality, reliability, and efficiency have always been the City’s priorities under its 30-year Integrated Water Resource Plan. This new permit is based on data and science. We believe the permit enhancements that the City has suggested and worked with TDEC to develop will build on our community’s commitment to stewardship of our natural resources while meeting the needs of our growing community,” stated Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey. “We appreciate the time and effort to delve into the facts of this issue by the TDEC team. The City is encouraged by TDEC’s affirmation through this permit process that Franklin’s water withdrawal is responsible and not degrading to the river along with the recognition of the importance of maintaining a secondary source of municipal water. We consider this a victory for all, especially the citizens and ratepayers of Franklin.”
According to TDEC, they coordinated with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to use the best available science in drafting this permit. It builds on the 2007 permit with additional conditions suggested by the city regarding flow and withdrawal measurement and reporting. The City also volunteered to incorporate a new withdrawal restriction based on minimum dissolved oxygen levels. Something the City has been dedicated to during the Integrated Water Resource Planning and suggested during the appeal process.
In the notice of determination letter (the technical justification for the permit), TDEC confirms the city is not impairing the river, “The Division determined that the proposed withdrawal rate at 20 percent (maximum the city can withdraw) of the flow in the river would not result in an impairment of the uses designated to the Harpeth River…”
To see a copy of the permit and the determination letter go to http://www.franklintn.gov/government/water-management-department/water-division
