The Management of Flat Creek in Gainesville

Abstract

In the past, pollution of lakes, rivers, and streams was controlled by federal and state agencies, even though these pollution problems obviously affected the local environment. As decreased revenue sources have limited the involvement of these agencies, it has become necessary for local agencies to become more involved in control of these local pollution problems. Flat Creek is an example of a local pollution problem first addressed by state agencies and more recently handled mainly on the local level. Flat Creek is a small urban stream which originates at four (4) different springheads within the boundaries of Gainesville. The stream then flows approximately five (5) miles through both residential and industrial areas before entering Lake Sidney Lanier. Lake Lanier is the first lake in the Chattahoochee River basin and provides drinking water for an estimated 60% of all Georgians.