United States . Office of Office of
Environmental Research and Water
Protection Agency Development
EPA/822/F-97/005April 1997
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CLINCH RIVER AT PENDLETON ISLAND:
The topography of the Clinch River Basin is character-
ized by dramatic relief, with steep, irregular mountains
and valleys. Geologically, large expanses of limestone
and dolomite are present, resulting in karst regions
(regions with sink'holes, sinking streams and caves).
What is an ecological risk assessment?
n ecological risk assessment evaluates the poten-
tial adverse effects of human activities on the
„ J plants and animals that make up ecosystems.
The risk assessment process provides a way to develop,
organize and present scientific information so it is
relevant to environmental decisions.. When conducted
for a particular place such as a watershed, the ecologi-
cal risk assessment process can be used to identify
vulnerable and valued resources, prioritize data
collection activities, and link human activities with
their potential effectsrBisk assessments provide a
focal point for cooperation among local communities
and state and federal government agencies, and a
basis for comparing various management options.
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The Clinch River
originating in
Virginia, flows
southwest to
where it is join-
ed by the Powell
River at Norris,
Tennessee.
Why Is ike Clinch River special?
The .Clinch River above Norris Lake is one of the
largest free-flowing segments of the Tennessee
River drainage basin with a length of 320 kilome-
ters (200) miles. At Norris Lake the Clinch is joined
by the Powell River, and continues to flow in a south-
westerly direction, eventually joining the Tennessee
River near the town of Harritnan, TN.
The watershed drains approximately
7,600 km2 (2900 square miles). The
assemblage of fish and freshwater
mussel species in the Clinch River is
among the most diverse and unique in
North America. In fact, many of the
native mussel species are found
nowhere else. The Clinch River
harbors at least 4 fish and 18 mussel
species that are either federally endangered, threat-
ened or are candidates for protection under the
Endangered Species Act. The Nature Conservancy—
an international resource conservation organization—
has established the Clinch Valley Bioreserve to
conserve biological diversity in the Clinch River water-
shed while continuing to meet social and economic
needs. A partnership has been formed between public
and private organizations that share a goal of
preserving or .restoring the valuable natural resources
of the watershed while maintaining its economic uses.
FEMALE WAVY-RAYED MUSSEL (LAMPSILIS FASCIOLA)
Many mussel species in the.Clinch river are endangered. Mussels require
clean, clear water and silt-free gravel or cobble to survive.
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How can this valuable
resource be protected?
This ecological risk assess-
ment will analyze the
stressors and resulting
ecological effects in the Clinch
River watershed. The assess-
ment promotes" community
awareness of ecological
problems in the watershed
and will provide information to
resource managers, including
government officials, organiza-
tions and the public. These
activities promote environmen-
tally beneficial results.
How is the ecological risk
assessment being done?
Interested organizations
collectively developed a
management goal and a
scientific study approach.
The ecological risk assessment
brought together numerous
organizations to analyze the
impact of stressors on the
watershed. Measurements of
watershed condition will be
plotted on maps and related to
land use within the watershed.
Relationships between the stressors caused by land use
activities and effects on fish and aquatic invertebrates
will be examined. This will provide information to esti-
mate risks associated with land-use decisions. A report
describing the management goals for the Clinch River
watershed and the analysis plan for the assessment
will be available upon completion of the analysis
described above.
Nonpoint source pollution,
(discharge not from a fixed
source, such as a pipe or
smokestack) including acid
mine drainage, has been
identified as the most severe
cause of water pollution in
the Clinch Valley. Resource
managers can work with
local land users to improve
agricultural and mining
practices to decrease
sediment loading.
evaluated
ecological risk
assessment are:
,1 t *
sempxetitatipn.
chejmical
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9
I
How wii! the results
be used?
Agriculture is a critical component
of the social and economic fiber
of the region. Some pasture and
row crop practices within the
floodplain, karst and lowland
areas pose serious risks to aquatic
resources.
i he Clinch River
Ecological Risk
Assessment will help resource managers predict
how changes in land use and river flow will affect bio-
logical communities in the watershed. This will enable
resource managers to make decisions based on more
information. This project is co-sponsored by the USEPA's
Office of Water and Office of Research and Development
_as an effort ,to bring the science of risk assessment into
the local community decision-making process.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency thanks the
following for their participation in this case study:
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
Tennessee Valley Authority
Virginia Cave Board
The Nature Conservancy
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Geological Survey
US National Biological Service
For more information, please contact:
Roberta Hylton
..... US Fish and Wildlife Service .
PO Box 2345
Abingdon, VA 24210
(540) 623-1233
MoUy Whitworth
US EPA/OPPE (2183)
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460
(202) 260-7561
COVER PHOTO: Jon Golden
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