Soddy Daisy Commissioner Shane Harmon has agreed to pay a penalty and dumping fee to the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority for illegal dumping of septic waste by one of his employees.
Chris Clem, WWTA attorney, said the amount is about $7,000 for the penalty and about $2,000 for the dumping.
He said there is no indication that Commissioner Harmon knew that the employee was doing the dumping. Septic waste is suppose to be taken to an approved treatment facility.
Attorney Clem said the matter was brought to the attention of WWTA early this year when Soddy Daisy residents began complaining of a bad odor. He said WWTA found a Harmon Enterprises septic truck with a hose running to a manhole, and he said pictures were taken of the infraction.
He said tests were performed of the nearby lines and it was found they had a high concentration of septic waste.
Attorney Clem said a demand letter was sent to the business owner, then the WWTA examined company records of both septic and grease wastes to try to determine how much was taken in from customers at homes, businesses and restaurants and how much was taken to approved treatment facilities. He said it was concluded that none of the grease waste was illegally dumped.
He said the agreement has been reached, but all the paperwork has not been concluded.
Commissioner Harmon is running for a new term in the November election.