Tennessee Legislature Approves Protection for Middle Tennessee Rivers

The Tennessee state legislature granted final approval on April 9, 2026, to legislation that expands scenic river protections for the Duck and Buffalo rivers and several other waterways in Middle Tennessee. House Bill 1510 establishes safeguards for newly designated segments of these rivers and creeks while prohibiting the installation of new landfills within two miles of the protected scenic waterways.

The legislation was guided through the legislative process by Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Marsh, a Republican representing Shelbyville. The bill’s progression included a key moment when lawmakers rejected a proposed amendment that would have removed the clause barring the placement of landfills within two miles of the scenic rivers.

Designated Waterways and Protections

House Bill 1510 applies Class II pastoral protection to specific portions of several Tennessee waterways. The legislation extends these protections to the following rivers and creeks:

• The Duck River
• The Buffalo River
• The West Piney River
• The East Piney River
• Beaverdam Creek
• North Fork Lick Creek
• South Fork Lick Creek
• Dry Branch Creek
• Swan Creek

The bill focuses on protecting these sensitive stretches from high-impact development. According to a press release from the Tennessee House GOP dated April 10, 2026, the Duck River is viewed as a critical natural resource that provides drinking water for millions of residents across the state.

Property Rights and Legal Framework

The new protections are designed to coincide with the Scenic Rivers Act, which was originally passed in 1968. Under the 1968 Act, landowner permission is required to establish a boundary for rivers designated as Class I, Class III, and in certain instances, Class II.

To ensure that private property rights are respected, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is tasked with obtaining permission from property owners. This process will be conducted through the use of notarized consent.

The Duck River is an extraordinary natural Tennessee treasure that provides drinking water for millions. This legislation is critically important because it provides the tools to protect these sensitive stretches of the Duck River and other scenic waterways from high-impact development, while fully respecting private property rights. This is an irreplaceable resource for future generations of Tennesseans and a major victory for conservation.

Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Marsh

Landfill Restrictions and Exemptions

A central component of the legislation is the restriction on landfill development near protected waters. The law prohibits the installation of landfills within a two-mile radius of the designated scenic waterways to prevent environmental degradation of the pristine resources.

However, the legislation includes a grandfather clause to protect existing operations. Active landfills that possess valid permits issued before the law takes effect are exempt from the new restriction. These permitted facilities may continue to be built, operated, or expanded, even if they are located within the two-mile protected zone.