Blue Heron Blog

Harmful Seismic Blasting Allowed in the Atlantic

12/6/2018

By Jacob Oblander, SRK Outreach Coordinator

With little warning last week, the National Marine Fisheries Service released Incidental Harassment Authorizations for five different private companies to conduct Seismic Surveys along the Atlantic Coast, which means they can “incidentally but not intentionally harass marine mammals” while conducting surveys for fossil fuels in the seabed.

This survey process involves seismic blasting, a way of using powerful airguns to blast underwater at 10-second intervals, measuring the echoes off the seafloor to help map offshore oil and natural gas fields. And it's more than just a little noise. Seismic blasting has been shown to drive marine species away from an area, and do damage to those that stay in its path. Serious issues arise when there is repeated blasting, not just by one company but by five different companies. Repeatedly testing the same zones can cause animals to permanently vacate an area, mating and feeding can be disrupted, and there have even been instances of whales beaching themselves to escape the blasts.

You might be thinking that the plight of dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures being bombarded with sound from air guns is sad for them, but it won’t affect you. But, that’s not exactly how marine and coastal biology works. For better or worse, it’s all connected. Our local tourism and commercial fishing industries rely on a functioning ecosystem to thrive. With the possibility of seismic blasting coming closer, we could see major damage to or the loss of coastal fisheries that we all cherish and enjoy as both anglers and consumers. We’ve seen in other areas and through extensive research that this type of testing crashes fisheries by driving away high-level predators and the smaller organisms that start the whole food chain, like shrimp and plankton.

The outcry to stop this kind of damaging practice has been overwhelming, with thousands of local business, commercial fisherman, citizens, and municipalities speaking out to protect our coasts and way of life.

What can you do? Click here to send an email letting your member of Congress know you need them to stand up for the coast and protect marine life. They should be fighting to stop these heinous practices that threaten our daily lives and the food on our plates.

"Watergoat" Trash Traps Helping Curb Litter in Augusta

11/30/2018

November 30, 2018 - Augusta, GA - The City of Augusta has a new method for curbing the amount of litter and plastic waste that reaches the Savannah River. With the help of Savannah Riverkeeper and the Bigwater Rescue Foundation, the city’s Engineering Department has secured and three “Watergoat” trash traps in local waterways notorious for debris from high traffic: Lake Olmstead, Rae’s Creek, and the Sibley Mill outfall of the Augusta Canal. Savannah Riverkeeper has installed two so far, with the last going in early next week. The device is essentially a floating boom and net that attach easily to embankments, stormwater outfalls, canals or creeks, to gather floating trash before it reaches the main waterway, in this case the Savannah River.

“Even with a robust cleanup program, litter has gotten to be such a major problem for our local waterways,” said Savannah Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus. “We will continue our efforts with the city and other partners to curb waste and debris in the community, but the fact is everything that is not disposed of correctly reaches the river. The Watergoats will serve as our last line of defense.”

The specially-designed trash traps are virtually indestructible, easily and safely maintained without getting in the water, and what’s best, they are inexpensive both to purchase and to operate. Watergoats are used in more than 80 locations around the country, each collecting on average more than 125 lbs. of litter every month. But that’s a low estimate- SRK retrieved more than 700 lbs. of trash from the Rae’s Creek location after just two weeks.

“Given the history of these locations, we expect Augusta’s Watergoats will collect large amounts very quickly,” said SRK’s Truck Carlson, who will head up maintenance of the trap. “Especially after rain events, we typically see a rush of in litter in the waterways. So these traps will be hugely beneficial to trapping that.”

Savannah Riverkeeper will maintain the two traps collecting and weighing trash weekly as well as reporting on the type and levels of trash collected, and recommended steps for future litter prevention. They’ll be using volunteers from the organization as well as from the Veterans for Clean Water program, whose focus for the winter months is on cleanups and restoration in the community. In addition, two students from Richmond Academy will be monitoring the trap at Hiers Pond as part of a school project.

“This is something we saw a need for in our community and on the river, and we’re grateful that the city got on board,” said Bonitatibus, however, the nonprofit organization’s trash collection and maintenance of the traps will require support. To help fund efforts to keep the Watergoats operational in Augusta, please consider donating at www.savannahriverkeeper.org.

###

Savannah Riverkeeper serves as the primary guardian of the Savannah River, striving to respect, protect, and improve the entire river basin through education, advocacy, and action. We are a 501 c(3) non-profit organization funded by individuals and foundations that share our commitment to creating a clean and healthy river that sustains life and is cherished by its people. For more information please visit: www.savannahriverkeeper.org

Veterans for Clean Water Update

11/7/2018

By guest blogger Truck Carlson, VCW Program Coordinator

Having launched the Veterans for Clean Water program officially just 5 months ago, we have certainly come a long way. Our Veteran Volunteers collected well over 300 water samples throughout the watershed, testing for bacteria levels. We created and maintained data on the Swim Guide app and website on a weekly basis, which allowed the public to access information about the water quality at their favorite swimming and boating spots in the watershed. We worked directly with Ironman staff to ensure the water quality was safe for swimmers for the event. On regular cleanups and outings, we collected more than 300 tires and many hundreds of pounds of trash. While ending our water sampling portion of the program in late September, we are now moving on to restoration.

There are two major projects that SRK's Veteran Volunteers are spearheading. One is the restoration of Butler Creek in South Augusta. The goal is to remove the debris along the creek from Deans Bridge Road all the way to the outflow into the Savannah at Lock and Dam. The end result will be to return Butler Creek to a usable recreational waterway. This will be a daunting project and will require a great amount of effort from the volunteers as well as collaborating with the City of Augusta.

The second project we are taking on is the deployment of three trash-catch systems at critical points in the watershed, thanks to WaterGoat. We expect to receive them in early November and deploy them shortly after. Once deployed, our Veteran Volunteers will maintain them and remove trash on a weekly basis, or as needed after a rain event.

On November 14, SRK is hosting a dinner cruise aboard the Patriot Riverboat highlighting our program. This will be a fundraising event focused on the growing work that Veterans For Clean Water is involved in. We would like anyone who is interested in supporting this program, or even those who want to learn more about getting involved, to join us. For more information, please see the event on Facebook and RSVP to attend.

I am truly thankful for everyone who has supported this program from its inception and
continue to support the program as we move forward. This program is proving to have a huge, positive impact for OUR river, OUR community, and OUR Veteran Volunteers!

And don't forget to like us on Facebook, catch my weekly live feed videos, and share with your friends and colleagues!

-Truck

SRK is Hiring: Executive Assistant

11/1/2018

Savannah Riverkeeper seeks a full-time Executive Assistant to become a key member of our dedicated team working to protect, restore, and improve the Savannah River.

Date Posted: November 1, 2018

Who We Are: Savannah Riverkeeper serves as the primary guardian of the Savannah River striving to respect, protect, and improve the entire river basin through education, advocacy, and action. The workplace culture is collaborative, dynamic, flexible, and dedicated. Savannah Riverkeeper makes an impact in the watershed, region, and beyond. We protect our most important natural resource and we improve people’s lives in the process. The organization believes in following a strategic path forward, and in ensuring the mission and our integrity are foremost in all that we do.

Who We’re Looking For: Savannah Riverkeeper’s mission requires well-functioning processes to stay abreast of multiple issues and campaigns. That’s where we need your help! To thrive in this fast-paced field, we need someone who is productive, organized, and professional, but also adaptable, quick-thinking, and a problem-solver. This person should have the ability to execute initiatives set by the Executive Director/Riverkeeper with minimal oversight. This is not a traditional work environment. One morning for example might be spent navigating waterways to respond to a pollution complaint, then attending a meeting with legislators that afternoon, all with TV interviews in between. It’s hard work, but exciting, and very rewarding. Do you have what it takes to be the Riverkeeper’s sidekick?

The Job We Need: (Major duties will include but are not limited to those below.) Administrative and Executive Support: The Executive Assistant will join the core team to support the efforts and responsibilities of the Executive Director/Riverkeeper. You will direct calls and calendars and provide assistance in managing a varied and busy schedule of engagements. You will help build and maintain relationships with sponsors, supporters, board members, community leaders, and more. You will collaborate with the rest of the staff (finance, communications, and advocacy) to ensure programs and initiatives are carried out efficiently.

Fundraising and Grants: You will aid the Executive Director/Riverkeeper in successful fundraising efforts to meet our annual budget and strategic growth goals. Coordinating communication with current donors and grantmakers, researching new prospects, drafting proposals and letters of intent, and meeting grant and report deadlines are all crucial.

Event Coordination: You will play a major role in planning, organizing, and delegating for our various fundraisers and outreach events throughout the year. You should be able to maintain relationships with the community and sponsors, have and work with Volunteer Coordinator to oversee an effective event team. Experience serving on directing a committee is valuable.

What Qualifies You: Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent military service. Two or more years of administrative and/or nonprofit experience. Expertise, traits and skills matching the job responsibilities, proficiencies, and attributes listed above. Professionalism and excellent interpersonal skills. Proven event planning experience. Computer skills, including the ability to operate donor/membership databases and social media. Campaign strategy experience is a plus. Progressive mindset and passion for clean water and a healthy environment. Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and ability/willingness to travel extensively using your own transportation.* Ability/willingness to regularly work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Job Type: Full-time (40+ hours/week); some nights, weekends, and travel are required.
Start date: To train ASAP; official start January 2, 2019
Compensation: $22k-$32k commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position that includes 401k, a generous vacation package, modest healthcare stipend, an encouraging and flexible work environment, training, and career growth opportunities. *Travel expenses are reimbursed.

To Apply: Send an email to elena@savannahriverkeeper.org with the subject line EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT. The email should include a single PDF attachment that contains a cover letter, resume, and list of references.
Application deadline: November 15, 2018

Savannah Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any race, religion, color, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying disability, veteran status or other basis covered by law. All employment and promotion is guided by qualifications, merit, and need. We believe there is strength in diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

SRK Hurricane Florence Update

9/13/2018

HURRICANE FLORENCE NEWS:
The NHC has confirmed that Hurricane Florence is now likely to make landfall near Myrtle Beach, SC by this weekend as a Category 2.

Hurricane Florence is approaching the Southeast U.S. coast as an extremely dangerous, major hurricane. The latest forecast brings the center of the storm near the coastal Carolinas on Friday, then Florence could stall or drift slowly southwest to west over the weekend. Regardless of the exact path, impacts will extend well away from the center and into both central South Carolina and eastern Georgia this weekend with the worst conditions expected Friday night into at least Sunday, although impacts could linger longer depending on the uncertain evolution and track.

The main threatening impact in the region may be a prolonged heavy rainfall event with associated flooding through early next week. Storm surges as high as 9 feet and rainfall of as much as 40 inches in some spots are predicted if conditions fall into place. This rainfall would produce catastrophic flash flooding and prolonged significant river flooding. Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may overflow. An extended period of tropical storm force winds is also possible.

Coastal evacuations should be well under way and emergency plans should be in place by now. Watch the video from your Savannah Riverkeeper for tips on how to stay safe.
FORECAST AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATES:
This is a rapidly changing and potentially life-threatening situation. Please stay up to date by following these pages:

NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
US National Weather Service Columbia South Carolina
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
Georgia Emergency Management Agency
US National Weather Service Southeast River Forecast Center
Local Government Pages such as Chatham Emergency Management Agency

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information from the state of South Carolina see scemd.org
- For information from the state of Georgia see gema.ga.gov
CLICK HERE to see a map of USGS rain gauges throughout the basin.

If you get good photos of flooding, damage, or high water around the watershed, click here to drop them in this folder, with your name and the location in the filename.

SRK Launches One River Campaign

8/29/2018

Savannah Riverkeeper has launched our One River campaign! From now through September we are reaching out to all corners of the watershed to help people understand their connection to the Savannah River, and spread the word about our efforts to protect this vital resource.

Our goal for this special drive is to gain 500 new members and $10,000 to support Savannah Riverkeeper's good work, from community and waterway cleanups to pollution patrol, legislative efforts, citizen advocacy, and more.

Are you a SRK member yet? What are you waiting for? The Savannah River needs friends like you. Visit www.savannahriverkeeper.org/one-river to join today!

Keep an eye on your social media, inbox, and mailbox for One River promotions and don't forget to share with your colleagues, friends, and family members. If you're not already receiving our e-newsletter, click here to subscribe!

SRK Press Release: Swim Guide and More Ways to Get Water Quality Info on the Savannah

6/19/2018

SC DNR: All South Carolina counties drought free for first time in nearly two years

5/30/2018

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Press Release
May 29, 2018 - COLUMBIA, SC - The S.C. Drought Response Committee met Tuesday via conference call to update the drought statuses of all counties in South Carolina.

Above average rainfall totals across much of the state during the month of May, along with improving numbers across a range of indicators, prompted members of the Committee to vote unanimously to change the drought status of 13 counties from “incipient” to “normal.” The counties that were removed from the first level of drought (incipient stage) included Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Dorchester, Edgefield, Hampton, Lexington, McCormick, Richland, and Saluda.

“The last time the entire state was drought-free was July 8, 2016,” said S.C. State Climatologist Hope Mizzell.

The weather pattern across South Carolina for the month of May began with warm and dry conditions. However, the weather pattern changed during the second half of the month, according to Leonard Vaughan, Senior Hydrologist/Meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“A persistent trough of low pressure produced a moist, southerly flow, which increased rainfall coverage,” said Vaughn. “This, combined with the additional moisture from Sub-Tropical Storm Alberto, brought even more beneficial rainfall. Over the past fourteen days, rainfall across South Carolina, has ranged from 200 to 600 percent above normal, with totals from 3 to 12 inches.”

“Recent rainfall, along with higher humidity, has helped reduce the number of wildfires statewide,” added Brad Bramlett, Rural Fire Coordinator with the S.C Forestry Commission. “This was very much needed, since we were well above our 5- and 10-year averages for the number of fires just a month ago.”

The above normal rainfalls over the past several weeks have also significantly improved streamflow levels across the state. All of the state’s major reservoirs are now at or near their target levels for this time of year, reported South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Senior Hydrologist Scott Harder. “According to the latest available data, lake levels and stream flows across the state are in good shape now,” said Harder. “Overall groundwater levels look good as well.”

These improved conditions supported moving all counties that were previously in an incipient drought status to a no drought (normal) status. The committee will continue to monitor the weather and will meet again as conditions warrant. More information about drought conditions and drought policy in South Carolina is available via the new and improved South Carolina Drought Portal at www.scdrought.com

Rock the Dam Update: Let's Keep it Rocking!

4/19/2018

We've been rocking out our Rock the Dam campaign! We're working to make sure the best plan for the river is put in place at the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam. Before the Corps of Engineers releases their options for comment this summer, we're advocating for the City of Augusta to make a decision to save the locks. We think keeping them in place will provide an excellent opportunity for amenities like a whitewater course that could be great for the community.

But we need you to rally behind it! Here are a few ways to get involved:

Like the new Rock the Dam page on Facebook.
Join in the Rocks 4 Rocky activity! It's like the rock-hiding game you know and love, but with our spin on it. Make one, take one, or paint your own, hide it, take a photo and share with the hashtag #RocktheDam to show your support for efforts to bring whitewater to Savannah's River Region.
Find Rocky at a Savannah Riverkeeper event near you and take a photo together!
Click here to get your FREE Rocky sticker to display proudly.
If you haven't yet, sign the petition to support "rocking" the dam.
If you're in Augusta, email Mayor Davis and your Commissioner and tell them you want to SAVE THE LOCKS at Lock & Dam and you want to see plans for a whitewater center. It's an opportunity to boost our economy and recreation that we can't pass up!

SRK Pipeline Update

4/12/2018

SOUTH CAROLINA
This week, the moratorium on new petroleum pipelines was extended in the legislature by a unanimous vote - 104 yeas with none opposed. A few abstained, but not many. Take a moment to check the vote history and email your Representative to say thank you! There is still work to be done, but we appreciate our lawmakers' wisdom in recognizing that good pipeline policy should not be rushed. In the meantime, our state will remain protected.

GEORGIA
Georgia has made moves to implement more stringent permitting requirements for pipelines' use of eminent domain. You can read a summary of the proposed rules in this week's editorial from Savannah Morning News. Your last chance to weigh in closes at 4:30 p.m. today, Friday April 13. Written comments can be emailed to EPDComments@dnr.ga.gov and should include “Proposed Petroleum Pipeline Permit Rule Amendments” in the subject line. We've made it simple - click the EPD address for a quick form email to fill in!

SRK VS. KINDER MORGAN
Just yesterday, the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals overturned an earlier decision from a South Carolina court ruling Kinder Morgan was not in violation of the Clean Water Act for a pipeline spill near Belton, SC in 2014. The pipe leaked more than 370,000 gallons of gas and diesel into local waterways, one of the worst spills in state history. Savannah Riverkeeper and partners Upstate Forever sued to require cleanup of the ongoing pollution.

This week's ruling means we can continue our case against Kinder Morgan to ensure they are held accountable and this atrocious leak is remediated.

The fight to ensure our states are protected from dirty, dangerous pipelines is one we must keep up, but we need your help. Make a donation to this effort today!

Please support our ongoing work. CLICK HERE TO GIVE.

We're thrilled to share this short film of the Palmetto Pipeline story, produced by Corey Robinson for Savannah Riverkeeper. Incredible teamwork by many who came together to defeat this project has made great progress for Georgia and South Carolina. Without the dedication of these landowners and advocates, the Palmetto Pipeline would be flowing alongside our rivers today. Watch it here or on our Vimeo page, and share! #PushBackthePipeline