Erosion and sedimentation make the water cloudy, which in turn reduces photosynthesis and eliminates a portion of the food supply for fish. Erosion and sedimentation can also introduce pollutants such as oil, to the streams. A great deal of erosion and sedimentation goes on without attention being drawn to it because regulatory agencies have no knowledge of these sites. Citizens drive through, work, or live inside the Dog River Watershed, and it is their responsibility to learn about the laws and regulations and to report illegal procedures to regulatory agencies to ensure that Dog River is there for succeeding generations to enjoy. Knowing what and to whom to report is of great importance.
Citizens also call regarding flooding and stagnant water.
If the problem does not affect a water body of the state of Alabama, ADEM has no jurisdiction. If complaints are reported to the wrong authorities, there is a chance that nothing will be done to rectify the problem at hand, and the citizens will also lose credibility. This paper will give the people of the community, the knowledge about laws that effect erosion and sedimentation within the Dog River Watershed. It also identifies the agencies to which the citizen should report violations as well as politicians with a stake in the Dog River Watershed. The Dog River Watershed lies within the city and county of Mobile.