Mark Harrison has resigned as executive director of the embattled Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority.
Mr. Harrison submitted his resignation to the board of the organization effective Wednesday, officials said.
Mr. Harrison first served as the WWTA’s chief engineer for approximately two years and most recently, served as executive director for more than two and a half years.
Officials said, "Under Harrison’s leadership, the WWTA is making first-time strides in addressing the needs of their service area proactively. By example, significant sewer projects are underway in both East Ridge as well as on Lookout Mountain. In addition, Harrison is credited for successfully guiding the organization through the proposed dissolution legislation two years ago. Additional projects continue even as the Hamilton County Commission determines next steps for placement of a new wastewater treatment plant or a series of holding tanks in the northern end of Hamilton County."
The County Commission recently turned down a site proposed by the WWTA for a new sewage treatment plant on Mahan Gap Road after a community outgrow.
The agency is facing a consent order in the range of $246 million from the EPA for correcting major sewage overflows.
WWTA Board Chairman Mike Moon said, “Being the executive director of the Hamilton County Water Wastewater Treatment Authority is extremely stressful as daily challenges are addressed along with long-term concerns that will shape the growth of Hamilton County for generations to come. Mark is to be commended for his dedication to the organization and the county as a whole. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to the future.”
At this time, no replacement has been named.“We will continue with the momentum we gained under Mark’s leadership,” said Mr. Moon. “We have an upcoming meeting with the EPA and intend to have continued meaningful dialogue with members of the Hamilton County Commission and community stakeholders as a future for infrastructure and economic development is determined.”