City Council Discusses Role Of EPA In Proposed Merger Of City And County Sewage Operations

  • Tuesday, July 2, 2019
  • Joseph Dycus

The Environmental Protection Agency may be a national organization, but it was a central topic of conversation for the Chattanooga City Council.

The council members engaged in a vigorous discussion about authorizing a study between Hamilton County and WWTA (Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority) about feasible connection methods in providing wastewater services to residents within a certain service area.

The study would not put anything into effect, but rather look at the effects it would have on employee retirement, benefits, and other related aspects. Such an agreement would have to be approved by the EPA, Councilman Darrin Ledford noted.

“Well, I have a funny feeling EPA is going to step in, as the EPA will want to, regardless of what we want,” said the councilman, “And nothing can be done without the approval of the EPA.”

The EPA currently has the city under an expensive Consent Decree, and it is expected the county will soon be under a similar major cleanup order.

Another notable point of discussion was the impending memorialization of Hickory Valley Road. The project had come across two snags: the first being the all-important question of “How will Chattanooga pay for this project?”

The second hurdle was, as Mr. Ledford said, the road’s horrific condition.

“It wouldn’t be very honoring,” said Ledford, who suggested a paving project in order to restore the road.

Lastly, the council discussed various appointments to different boards. Councilman Russell Gilbert asked fellow councilman Ken Smith about whether or not he was “close” to appointing someone for his district to the new 9-member police advisory and review committee.

“If I was close,” said Councilman Smith, “I would have told you.”

On that rather short remark, Chairman Erskine Ogelsby adjourned the 1:30 p.m. council planning session.

Latest Headlines
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/29/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ASBERY, DAVID BENJAMIN 1920 GUNBARREL APT 404 CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 48 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD VANDALISM/MALICIOUS ... more

New Hope Fire Department Disputes TWRA Report On Kayaker Rescues
  • 3/28/2024

New Hope Fire Department Corey Comstock disputed a report by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency about the rescue of 33 kayakers from extremely high winds near Nickajack Cave on Monday. ... more

Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
Woman Dies After Being Seriously Injured In House Fire Thursday Afternoon
  • 3/28/2024

A woman died after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a house fire on North Moore Road Thursday afternoon and was rescued by Chattanooga firefighters. Hamilton County 911 received a call ... more