Committee forwards stormwater-quality standards to full commission amid objections

The Blount County workshop committee voted to forward a resolution establishing stormwater quality management criteria for the county's urbanized area after discussion and objections from several members.

At the meeting Commissioner Michaels said he has "serious issues with passing anything that is more regulation on the citizens inside the county than the state of Tennessee requires," and urged that commissioners review the ordinance language carefully before final action. Despite those objections the committee recorded 13 yes votes and three no votes and moved the resolution to the full commission with a favorable recommendation.

Supporters described the proposal as necessary to protect water quality amid development. Opponents questioned whether the county should impose standards beyond state requirements and whether certain provisions represented an overreach of county police powers. The transcript shows back-and-forth over whether the county's earlier adoption of some mandatory measures affects the county's authority; a commissioner urged more attention before final passage and signaled intent to oppose at the full commission if concerns are not addressed.

The committee's action forwards the resolution to the full commission for final consideration; staff and commissioners noted they expect additional review and possible edits before adoption.