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County staff flag 1990 petroleum release behind jail; development district offers to fund updated assessment
Summary
Staff told commissioners a petroleum release behind the jail was confirmed in 1990, with monitoring through 2004 and tank removals in 1996; the Southeast Development District has grant funds to pay for a new Phase I environmental site assessment if the commission wants an updated review and DOT provides access permission.
County staff reviewed a historical record showing a petroleum release at the site behind the county jail that was confirmed in March 1990. According to the report presented to the commission, consultants installed 20 monitoring wells between 1990 and 1993 and sampled those wells through 2004. Two diesel tanks and two gasoline underground storage tanks were removed in April 1996, and consulting firm Quantum Environmental Engineering Services recommended closing the monitoring case in 2004 because wells had shown improving results.
Staff said the Southeast Development District — the region's planning and grant-writing partner — has a TDEC grant that could fund a new Phase I environmental site assessment at the parcel. Conducting the assessment will require permission from the landowner and a site-access signature; staff noted the property is still owned by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and said they believe DOT (or a DOT official) could be asked to allow a new assessment.
Commissioners and staff discussed the age of the records (the most recent monitoring data is roughly 21 years old) and whether updated testing is warranted before any property transfer or development proceeds on the parcel. Staff recommended the commission decide whether to request the assessment; if the commission approves, the Southeast Development District would arrange funding and a consultant to perform the Phase I review.
The commission did not take an immediate vote on commissioning a new assessment; staff said they can follow up with DOT and the development district about access and funding.
