Another Milestone Reached in City of Atlanta Sewage Overhaul

UCR congratulates the city of Atlanta on another milestone reached in the sewer repair work required by the federal consent decree that settled UCR’s 1995 lawsuit against the city, which has significantly reduced the number of sewage spills into area waterways! Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management has completed the rehabilitation of the sewers in Sewer Group 1 (SG1) on time and within budget. The SG1 sewers were those identified as most in need of repair when the Sewer System Evaluation Survey (SSES) and associated rehabilitation began in 2002.

The city will hold a press conference this Friday morning, July 17, at 10 a.m. For more information on the press conference, contact Janet Ward at jward@atlantaga.gov.

Bill Clinton Speaks to Waterkeepers

Waterkeepers from around the world gathered for the Waterkeeper Alliance Conference from June 24-27 to hear from many distinguished speakers, including President Bill Clinton (pictured right with Sally Bethea and tattooed Hurricane Creekkeeper John Wathen) and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The conference focused on climate change and green energy. The former president praised the Waterkeepers for their activism, saying, “The thing I love about what you do is that you do. You don’t just talk about it. Your mission is important.” (Image courtesy of Matt Carr.)

UCR was the 11th licensed program in the Waterkeeper Alliance, now 191 organizations strong.

Rain Barrels Offer Sustainable Outdoor Watering Solution

See Upcoming Workshops on UCR’s Calendar

The drought may be over, but metro Atlanta is still one of the fastest growing regions in the country, placing increased pressure on our small and finite water supply. Rain barrels collect rooftop runoff rather than having it rush down the gutter and storm drains, capturing water to replenish the soil and gardens, saving money on water bills, and preventing polluted runoff. Since February, UCR has helped water authorities in Forsyth and Hall Counties promote the use of rain barrels through hands-on workshops. Find dates for upcoming workshops here.

See our Summer 2009 issue of RiverCHAT online for more information on this and other UCR programs.

Thanks for Voting for UCR on Brickfish!

Thanks to all of you who voted online for UCR in the Brickfish contest sponsored by North Face! We will find out in August if we have won the $15,000 prize. Special thanks to 97.1 The River, Rock 100, North Georgia Trout Unlimited, River Through Atlanta, and Surf Rider for their help in getting the word out about this contest.

Don't Forget Your High Country Discount!

Membership has its rewards: High Country Outfitters is offering 20% off rentals to UCR members; just mention your affiliation when you reserve your boat! Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are great ways to experience the Chattahoochee River. Call High Country at (404) 814-0999 or stop by the shop (3906 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342) for details or to reserve your boat today.

Take a Showcase Home Tour and Support UCR

UCR is proud to be the official charity partner for “Greenhaven,” the first LEED certified, eco-friendly Decorators’ Show House in Atlanta. Open to the public through August 9, Greenhaven will showcase the latest in green building techniques, sustainable interior design, state-of-the-art technology and energy efficiency, as well as featuring over 20 of Atlanta’s top interior designers. Tickets are $20 per person and benefit UCR.

Buy your ticket today or learn about how to volunteer for this event at www.greenhavenhome.com.
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