Cahaba Current: January 2022
Celebrating Education Director Gordon Black, updates on State & Federal Policy, Shades Creek Greenway Restoration Partnership, commemorating the life of Dr. EO Wilson, and more!
Celebrating Education Director Gordon Black, updates on State & Federal Policy, Shades Creek Greenway Restoration Partnership, commemorating the life of Dr. EO Wilson, and more!
We recommend the BWWB be proactive in seeking federal funds to meet system needs, to minimize
rate increases on ratepayers, and to factor in potential federal funding already available or in the
approval process as part of your rate evaluations. We urge the Board to research models for water
rates and system financing that ensure equity and encourage water efficiency.
The scale of the rainfall on October 6 and the swiftness, level and power of the flooding it caused has been called “unprecedented.” Yet flooding and erosive damage to property and infrastructure has been increasing in our region for years, as development replaces forests and outdated stormwater systems prevent groundwater absorption and send more and more runoff gushing into drains and creeks. In fact, we’ve had two flash flood emergencies just in 2021, and multiple other deluge rains this calendar year.
We’re looking for photos of you, your family, or friends swimming in the Cahaba or its tributaries to show that water quality standards must be upgraded to ensure they are
Learn about what our team has been working on this summer; find out what fish are unsafe to eat; read Cahaba River Society’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement; help get lead out of drinking water; join us for the Cahaba River Fry-Down 2021, & more!
CONTENTS:
Program Update from River Sustainability Director
Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Bill introduced in US House and Senate
UA Honors College Students fundraiser for Perry Lakes Park
Irondale Residents: your input is wanted!
Book your 2021 CLEAN Environmental Science Field Trip–Virtual and In-Person options available!
Upcoming Events:
Exploring Cahaba Lilies with Dr. Randy Haddock and Hoover Public Library (May 25)
Cahaba River Ramble (June 19-26)
Cahaba River Fry-Down (Oct 3)
Calling all cooks and home entertainers! Do you have a fish dish that’s sure to please? A wit that wows? The Cahaba River Society is taking its beloved Cahaba River Fry-Down fish-cooking competition virtual for 2020. Chefs will compete by submitting their favorite recipes for fish and side dishes and demonstrating them via videos that will be aired on the Fry-Down website, along with other exciting entertainment, like insider Cahaba fishing tips and Cahaba adventure videos, during the week of September 29-October 4.
Please take action and forward to your networks. Alabama Power intends to leave their massive, toxic coal ash ponds in place beside rivers throughout the state and just cap them.
Each time we wash our hands, we’re reminded that we can’t take clean water for granted. But is the EPA using the COVID-19 crisis to relax their enforcement of pollution?