Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis said Monday that county officials are working to try to hold down forest fires in the county, including formalizing a burn ban. The White Oak Mountain fire that has crept near I-75 at times is the largest in Bradley County at 8.5 acres and was considered to be under control as of Monday morning, but there is someone there day and night watching to make sure wind does not spread embers.
There are other fires all around the area and the Bradley County Fire Department is assisting fighting the large ones on Signal and Mowbry Mountains, having to use off-road vehicles to access them.
A representative from the fire department said that air tanker helicopters have also been used, carrying 14,000 gallons of water to the fires by air. The cost for a tanker is $9,000 per hour and so far Bradley County has clocked six hours. Federal money will reimburse the county, he said.
The burn ban prohibits all open-air fires. Examples given include among others, burning leaves, brush or construction debris, fields and gardens, campfires, grills and fire pits. Lit cigarettes being tossed out car windows are of particular concern. A fine of $2,500 will be given to any individual who sets a fire, and the person may be charged for the damage done. Even with a big rainfall, Tennessee is under drought conditions, so the ban will not be lifted until action is taken by the Department of Agriculture.
In Tennessee there are 200 water systems that are experiencing water shortages, said the county mayor. Commissioner Howard Thompson said that in addition to the fires, another problem is that many farms are short of drinking water for the animals. The county has been looking into getting a grant to help transport water and hay to them. Hay is needed since there is no grass for feed due to the drought. The commissioner said farmers who need help should contact the Department of Agriculture. The county can also transport water to farms in an emergency if they do not have access to city water or wells. It would be deposited into dried-up ponds. To use this plan, the farmer must get a meter and pay for the water and this service.
A representative from the field operations of Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation ground water services gave the Bradley County commissioners an update on ground water services as they relate to septic permits. This is pertinent information for builders because construction cannot be started before obtaining a septic permit.
The commissioners were told that a new employee has been hired for the Chattanooga office which services Bradley County. Bradley County is the biggest user in this district and so people from his department will be present most of the time. Cities will not have a solitary representative, but instead help will be provided where needed in the region. Improvements are planned for tracking timing of the services, or turn-around-times, for when the building is started. Improvements are expected in the number of days needed for obtaining a septic permit. The goal will be four to five days. Dependable office hours will be implemented, and they will be posted so people will be able to get in touch when needed, it was stated.
Improved communications will come about because field workers now have cell phones and their numbers will be posted on the website. It is expected that response will be made to a call within 24 hours. Field tablets have also been ordered for all field workers. A data base will be entered so that a permit can automatically be issued while at the site. Additionally, all ground water files across the state are now being digitized so a builder can look it up on a home computer. Educational meetings will be offered to development associations to explain how the system works.
Mayor Davis also reported that at the next commission meeting a proposal will be made to move forward with finalizing the financing for a 20-year note. After working with financial advisors and the county trustee to help estimate the expected interest rate for next year, 1.375 percent was agreed upon. The loan will have an adjustable rate that will be re-set each year. The money will be used to finance quality of life needs for county residents such as building walking trails, greenway improvements and libraries.
The next Bradley County Commission voting session will be Monday, Nov. 21, at noon.