The Richland Creek Watershed is composed of suburban and urban regions, and located in the southwest area of Davidson County.

"Richland Creek Watershed" refers to the land area that drains into Richland Creek and its five tributaries: Sugartree Creek - Tributary to Richland Creek - the Jocelyn Hollow - Vaughn’s Gap - Belle Meade Branch.

There are 28.5 square miles in the Richland Creek Watershed which flows to the Cumberland River then downstream to the Cheatham Reservoir. 

The red segments illustrated on the Damage Reach Map indicate damaged areas of the watershed in the 2004 Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan (draft version). This report was prepared by subcontractor AMEC Earth & Environmental for Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management. Click to see a larger map.

 

Why do we need a Richland Creek Watershed Alliance?
To protect this valuable and historic water resource and urban treasure.

1) Commercial, industrial and urban conditions are threatening the stream's viability, water quality, aquatic ecology and riparian habitat.
     • Non-point source (NPS) pollution; large impervious areas that drain stormwater run off into streams, carry many pollutants and most often have no pervious area for any natural attenuation of pollutants before entering the stream.
     • Sightings of repeated dumping and trash accumulation in and around stream are inhibiting aquatic and riparian ecology.
     • Areas observed without stream buffer zones have destabilized stream banks. Observed consequences: large volumes of polluting runoff and heavy sediment loads entering stream, riparian erosion; litter and debris inflowing, and in some cases, deep and fast channels which encourage destabilization, create urban dams and consequently impair proper stream flow.
     • Industrial and commercial activities straining water quality.
     • Lawn and turf chemicals, leaks from vehicles, litter, yard waste and pet waste from residential, commercial, and institutional sources enter the streams untreated.
     • All stormwater run-off in the watershed goes directly into Richland Creek and its tributaries without pre-treatment. Metro Water Services’ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program is responsible for stormwater management and regulatory compliance of their MS4 permit. This permit is issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and is compliant with the federal National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) program. These regulatory laws are based upon the Clean Water Act.

2) Official reports describe Richland Creek's water status as "impaired." 2006 TN Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Status of Water Quality reported “impaired waters” for Richland Creek. For more information visit TDEC Water Pollution Control Publications (see the the Cheatham Reservoir sections). See also EPA data on Impaired Waters of Richland Creek (click on the tributaries in Richland Creek Watershed: Jocelyn Hollow, Vaughns Gap, SugarTree, Unnamed Tributary, Belle Meade and Richland Creek).

3) To generate better informed stakeholders, savvy eco-observers and overseers, towards public unification of water resource sustainability issues, and the policies that resolve them.

4) To promote the environmental and historical significance of the watershed area for future generations.

5) To protect and improve land values.

6) To harmonize with nature, and have its splendor to enjoy within an urban environment.

7) For our health and well being.

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