In observing our natural surroundings, one can readily see that Tennessee is unique in its diverse physical features, abundant water resources and broad variety of plant and animal life. It is because of this uniqueness that we have such a rich heritage of natural areas and forest lands, as well as cultural and historical sites and features.

Over the past several years, Tennessee has focused on improving environmental protection. But how do we know how well we have progressed with these efforts? How can we measure improvement to public health and the environment? To help in this effort, TDEC is working to develop reasonable, achievable environmental goals to provide a cleaner, safer environment for our children and grandchildren. Clear, measurable indicators or criteria are necessary to determine our progress in accomplishing these goals.

Tennesseans can be proud of the progress already made in environmental protection, much of which has been made possible by additional resources provided by the EPF Act of 1991. This funding will allow TDEC to add more than 300 new staff to the environmental regulatory programs by 1995 and will allow the state to retain experienced staff and do its job better. Some measures of progress include:

• A backlog of water quality permits requiring review is steadily being reduced. Additional resources enable the TDEC to devote staff and resources to focus on protecting aquatic life and their habitats as permit requests are considered.

• The number of inspections and the technical assistance provided to public water suppliers have been greatly increased. Tennessee now has one of the best monitoring compliance rates in the nation for small and medium water systems. Also, the number of staff working to protect well water users and the state's ground water resources has been increased from three to 13.

  

• Routine inspections of landfills have tripled in the last three years. Solid waste complaint investigations have increased from 500 in 1990 to more than 1,200 in 1994.

• Staff issued nearly 6,000 more septic tank permits, took 800 more water samples, prepared 2,000 more inspection letters and produced 3,000 more subdivision lot approvals than just three years ago.

• A backlog of radioactive material license inspections has been eliminated, and a routine comprehensive inspection program for radioactive con-tamination of scrap yards and wastewater treatment facilities has been implemented.

• Increased inspections and monitoring have led to more documented violations. Subsequently, the number of enforcement cases opened has almost doubled.

Other accomplishments have contributed significantly to the improvement of Tennessee's environment:

• A statewide pollution prevention and environmental awareness program has been created to assist business and the public in reducing waste generation and to educate the public on a broad range of environmental issues. Also, TDEC will continue its emphasis on hazardous waste reduction and will continue to offer training and technical assistance to implement inno-vative approaches to hazardous waste reduction.

• For the first time ever, local governments are planning for future solid waste management needs. With technical and financial assistance from the Solid Waste Management Fund, counties are providing collection and recycling services, assuring proper waste disposal and encouraging waste reduction.

• A used oil collection program helps citizens find a safe place to dispose of used motor oil. Also, a household hazardous waste mobile collection program will assist citizens in safely disposing of old paint, pesticides, batteries and other toxic household items that should not be landfilled.

• Funding is being provided to acquire the most significant endangered or threatened lands for conservation, including forests, wetlands, natural areas and areas of cultural significance. By the end of 1994, Tennessee will have spent nearly $6 million to acquire 13,370 acres of some of the state's most scenic areas to ensure that they are properly managed and preserved for future generations. Another $21 million will have been spent to purchase and preserve 68,308 acres through the Wetlands Acquisition Fund.

• A $5 million bond issue approved by the General Assembly in 1993 is being used to expand and develop natural resources already owned by the state. In 1994, the General Assembly approved an additional $34.4 million to further expand and improve some of our state parks and facilities.

• Funding and technical assistance are being provided to help local governments in developing local parks and recreation facilities. By the end of 1994, local communities will have received $8 million to purchase land and develop needed recreational facilities.