People polluting water in the us state of Tennessee face online infamy. The state's department of environment and conservation has begun listing companies and individuals violating the Clean Water Act from June 26, 2007.

The action is part of a public access bill that was passed as part of the Tennessee Clean Water Act, which was cleared earlier in June. According to a spokesperson of Tennessee's department of environment, only water pollution violations will be listed at first but all other violations may be posted later.

This is good, says Rene Hoyos, executive director, Tennessee Clean Water Network: "For the first time in over 30 years, Tennesseans will know which contractors expose them to liability and which protect water resources." This is the first step in moving Tennessee towards public participation in decisions that protect water resources.