Water Quality
In an effort to minimize erosion and stream sedimentation from forestry practices, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has an agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to educate the forest community and promote the use of forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Under the same agreement with EPD and through an understanding with the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, the GFC also investigates and mediates forestry water quality and wetland complaints.
The agreement also requires the GFC to monitor BMP implementation.
In July of 1997, the state of Georgia came under a federal court order that requires well over 1,100 Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) rates and Implementation Plans to be developed by 2004 on 800+ water quality impaired stream segments identified in a 2000 report. The GFC developed the forestry component for those TMDL plans.
Since January 2003, the GFC is conducting monthly BMP Assurance examinations in an effort to provide "reasonable assurance " that forestry operations are complying with the BMPs and meet any TMDL requirements.
The GFC has also been involved in the State River Basin Planning effort. The plans include Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data, BMP implementation rates, and plans for implementation measures.
For assistance with water quality issues contact the GFC Water Quality Forester located in your District.
Resources
