News Summary
Residents of the Alcy Ball neighborhood in South Memphis are initiating a community-led groundwater protection plan in response to concerns over industrial contamination. Collaborating with various organizations, they aim to empower citizens as ‘scientists’ to test the environment and design sustainable infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water. With funding support from local foundations, the project will build community trust and may serve as a model for similar initiatives in Shelby County.
Memphis โ Residents of the Alcy Ball neighborhood in South Memphis are taking steps to ensure the protection of their drinking water by launching a community-led groundwater protection plan. This initiative is in response to concerns over potential industrial contamination, particularly from the nearby former Memphis Defense Depot, which has a history as a Superfund site due to environmental hazards.
The project will be a collaborative effort involving the Protect Our Aquifer organization, the Alcy Ball Development Corporation, the Memphis-Shelby County Office of Sustainability and Resilience, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. With the aim of empowering local residents, the initiative will involve community members acting as “citizen scientists,” participating actively in environmental testing and green infrastructure design to protect their water source.
Funding for the project includes a $150,000 grant from Partners for Places and an additional $75,000 from the Hyde Family Foundation. These resources will be utilized to document environmental risks in the neighborhood and develop a strategic approach to safeguarding the groundwater that is essential for the community.
Importance of the Memphis Sand Aquifer
The Memphis Sand Aquifer is an essential resource, providing clean drinking water to a significant portion of the Mid-South region, which spans eight states in the Mississippi River Basin. The aquifer’s water is filtered through layers of sand and is typically protected by a clay layer. However, when breaches occur in this layer, there is a risk of contamination that can severely impact water quality.
The Alcy Ball neighborhood is particularly vulnerable, as it is situated atop a known breach in the clay layer near the former Memphis Defense Depot. This has raised serious concerns among residents about the safety of their drinking water and the overall environmental conditions in the area.
Community Engagement and Oversight
To address these concerns, community meetings will be organized to gather residents’ insights on data and proposals concerning the safety of the aquifer. This engagement will be crucial in ensuring the community’s voice is heard in the decision-making processes regarding their environment.
A resident-led environmental review will also be conducted, with the support of technical experts, to identify potential threats to the aquifer. This collaborative effort aims to create a detailed plan that not only assesses the area’s land usage but also emphasizes conservation strategies for the groundwater.
Designing Sustainable Infrastructure
As part of the project, a โgreen infrastructure demonstration projectโ will be developed, focusing on sustainable practices tailored by local residents. This hands-on approach will allow community members to contribute directly to the planning and implementation of solutions designed to protect their water supply.
There exists a significant mistrust among Alcy Ball residents towards institutional efforts regarding cleanup and environmental safety. This project aims to rebuild that trust by promoting transparency and active participation from the community in shaping the future of their neighborhood.
Looking to the Future
The collaborative project not only addresses the immediate concerns of groundwater contamination but also aims to serve as a model for similar community-led groundwater protection initiatives across Shelby County. By involving residents in every aspect of the project, the Alcy Ball community is taking an essential step towards safeguarding their most vital resourceโclean drinking water.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Memphis Community Launches Groundwater Protection Initiative
Trump Takes Control of California’s Water Policy
Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Memphis Sand Aquifer and Alcy Ball Neighborhood
- Memphis Flyer: Alcy Ball Residents Groundwater Protection Plan
- Tennessee Lookout: South Memphis Neighborhood Protect Aquifer
- Fox 13 Memphis: South Memphis Residents Concerns
- Wikipedia: Memphis Sand Aquifer
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
