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Conservancy asks Soddy‑Daisy to support State Scenic River designation; raises reclamation concerns
Summary
Representatives of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy asked the commission for a letter of support for Class 1 State Scenic River designation and urged vigilance over reclamation work by a stone harvesting operation, saying reclamation was due by June 2023 and the city should monitor compliance.
Representatives of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy asked the Soddy‑Daisy commission on Jan. 19 to support a State Scenic River designation for roughly 9 miles of the creek and requested a letter of support from the city. Lucien Scott said legislation had been introduced in the Tennessee Senate and noted support from state legislators and County Commissioner Chip Baker. City Attorney Elliott asked whether the group needed a letter or a resolution; Scott requested a letter and was asked to email specifics to City Manager Johnson.
Tim Laramore and Susan Crowell of the conservancy also raised concerns about compliance and reclamation by Custom Stone Handlers, saying the company agreed to cease harvesting Dec. 15 and posted a $50,000 bond with reclamation due by June 2023. They asked the city to be vigilant during the interim and to inspect progress toward reclamation; Inspector Grant said the item was now on his inspection list and City Attorney Elliott said he expected reasonable progress.
Public Works Director Steve Grant told the board the city does not currently have land‑disturbance permits and that Soddy‑Daisy participates in the Hamilton County Stormwater Program; Crowell urged the city to consider oversight of borrow pits and fill areas. Commissioners expressed consensus that the proposal and reclamation oversight "sounded like a good thing" and asked staff to follow up.
