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The Savannah River originates in the Blue Ridge mountains of Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina and straddles South Carolina and Georgia as it winds down to the piedmont and the low country's tidal creeks, finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Sumter National Forest, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and the Department of Energy Savannah River Site in South Carolina.

Historically an important transportation corridor, the river is still home to one of the East Coast's largest ports. It stretches 300 miles and drains into a basin of more than 10,000 square miles, providing water for industry, power generation, recreation and drinking supplies for Hilton Head Island, Beaufort and other communities.

Along the Savannah River's banks and in its waters are more than 75 rare and endangered species. But the wear and tear of the textile industry, agriculture, logging and sprawl has taken its toll on the Savannah River. The water pollution from the river's heavily industrialized stretches has been compounded by mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants, leaving the trademark fish consumption advisories in its wake.

Water quality concerns are compounded by quantity concerns. A battle is brewing over the waters of the Savannah River as the rapidly expanding Atlanta Metropolitan Area reaches further and further for water to meet increasing demands. Sierra Club is working on both fronts to curb mercury pollution by installing modern pollution controls and to promote water conservation.

To become a part of this important effort, please contact Bob Guild at 803-252-1419 or bguild@mindspring.com; or Sam Booher at 706-863-2324 or sbooher@aol.com.