Bluff City officials debate after citizen calls TDEC about pump-station repair

Bluff City — A Feb. 8 repair at the Igloo Pump Station on Bluff City Highway was completed by the town’s public works staff, but a resident’s call to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation prompted a report process and a heated exchange at the Bluff City Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

Town officials described the problem as a stuck check valve that required multiple pump trucks to lower levels enough to reach and repair the part. “They pumped everything out. They identified the issue. They repaired it and went on,” the town said during the meeting. Town staff said there were no spills from the repair.

The matter drew broader attention after a resident identified in the meeting as Alderwoman Payne said she called TDEC to ask about a spill when neighbors reported septic trucks at the pump station. “I called Michelle, and she didn't answer. I left a voicemail, and then I followed up with a text wanting to know what was going on,” Alderwoman Payne said at the meeting. Payne said she was concerned about a return to past sewer overflows and that she forwarded a photo of a septic truck.

Town officials said staff had the situation under control but that TDEC’s inquiry required starting a spill-report record once the agency was contacted. The town manager, identified in the meeting only by her first name, said the works department resolved the mechanical issue and that she and public works director Allen had been in contact while the repair proceeded.

The exchange escalated into broader complaints about board members contacting department heads outside formal channels. Several aldermen and other speakers urged adherence to procedures for communications and emphasized that the town manager is the primary point for operational issues. “If you have a concern, you bring it to the mayor,” one board member said, urging members to use the official chain of communication. Payne argued she was acting on constituent concerns and said she had a duty to respond.

The dispute also surfaced procedural questions about when board members may contact department staff and how the town posts public updates; Payne said signage and public communication could have reduced confusion. Town Recorder Paul Fry (as recorded in the meeting) and other board members offered to clarify the rules and suggested working to improve notification practices.

The board did not take formal disciplinary action during the meeting. Members said they will consider clarifying who citizens should contact for operational emergencies and how the town will notify residents when visible maintenance activity is occurring at critical infrastructure.

Speakers at the meeting repeated that no spill was confirmed by the town’s staff and that the incident stemmed from a valve malfunction that was repaired. The meeting record shows the matter was discussed in public comment and agenda discussion but no ordinance or enforcement action followed from this incident.