Blount County workshop forwards resolution opposing removal of Perry's Mill Dam after public concern about contamination and preservation

The Blount County workshop on Jan. 8 forwarded Resolution 261012 — a county statement opposing removal of Perry's Mill Dam — to the full commission after extended public comment and commissioner discussion.

The measure, introduced by Commissioner Carver and co-sponsored by Commissioner Joplin, was forwarded after staff recorded 15 yes votes. Residents and local experts urged caution about dam removal and pressed the county to seek greater environmental review and alternatives to demolition.

"I am speaking on item number 4 on the agenda concerning the possibility of toxins in the Townsend area," resident Brian Cox said, summarizing historical research into a former tannery and warning that historic tan-bark handling and large wet piles could have produced toxic compounds. Cox said the site should be inspected before progress on the dam continues and argued the dam is a historical and economic asset.

Ray Pickens, who identified himself during public comment, told commissioners the dam provides recreational value and about 14 acres of impounded water that could be useful for firefighting. He proposed a "minimal construction" solution: a continuous spillway made of large boulders at the dam’s toe to reduce hazardous recirculating flows rather than complete removal.

Tom Talley, who said he spent 30 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewing environmental impact statements, urged the commission not to oppose the Corps without ensuring a full environmental impact statement. "I would encourage this commission not to necessarily oppose this project, but to call for the Corps of Engineers to write a full blown environmental impact statement," Talley said, saying press reports indicated the Corps had issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

Commissioner Giles summarized a 45-minute conversation he said he had with Army Corps representatives: he reported cost estimates the Corps discussed (generally $14–15 million for multiple dam removals; an estimated $5–6 million if Perry's Mill Dam were removed alone), a timeline requiring scientific studies and planning after funding is secured, and that the Corps said ownership of the dam and property had not been determined. "They said it's a federal activity," Giles said, noting local legal recourse would be limited once the Corps acts. Giles also said Corps staff appeared willing to engage with local officials and the public.

Other commissioners stressed the symbolic importance of a local resolution. "For the record, this resolution does nothing. The federal government can do whatever they want to do," Commissioner Joplin said, while urging support as a local statement. Commissioner Bowers said the county should still make its voice heard to federal representatives.

The workshop did not direct a change in county policy or issue binding restrictions on the Corps; instead, the measure will be presented to the full commission for further consideration. Commissioners also discussed facilitating a meeting between Corps engineers and citizens who raised preservation ideas.

Next steps: Resolution 261012 will be considered by the full Blount County Commission at a future meeting; commissioners and speakers indicated interest in follow-up meetings with Army Corps representatives and local stakeholders.