Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sewer Lawsuit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town attorney says sewer overflows appear caused by roots, not negligence; litigation ongoing
Summary
Town counsel briefed the Bluff City board on a lawsuit alleging sewer overflows, saying crews found root intrusion and aging lines and that the town's exposure is likely limited under the government's liability cap pending TDEC and engineering reviews.
The town's counsel told the Bluff City board that recent sewer-overflow claims appear linked to root intrusion and aging terracotta lines rather than deliberate municipal negligence.
"Roots grow in. Pipes get burst crushed," the attorney said in explaining common causes he has seen; he added that the town has defenses and that any damage exposure will be weighed after discovery. He said TDEC oversight and engineering studies are central to the town's response.
The attorney outlined the litigation process and said damages can be limited by the government's liability cap unless intentional misconduct is shown. He added staff are coordinating required engineering and environmental follow-ups with TDEC.
Why it matters: the litigation prompted board questions about liability and repair timelines. The attorney cautioned it is too early to estimate damages or a firm timeline; he said the administration is following TDEC process and that more factual development will occur during discovery.
Board members pressed for updates and were told the town will provide more information as the TDEC investigation and engineering reports progress.
