Board backs resolution to intervene in TDEC enforcement over Legardo Elementary drip field

The Wilson County Board voted unanimously to direct legal action to protect the school district’s interest in the drip field serving Legardo Elementary. The resolution asks the board’s attorney to file a petition to intervene in the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) enforcement/appeal involving the Water & Wastewater Authority and its operator, Adenas.

Kevin Mack, who introduced the resolution, told the board the goal is to "reserve all wastewater effluent drip field capacity at Legardo Elementary School exclusively for BOE use, now and forever," and to ensure the district has a voice in any settlement or permit modification. Public commenters and board members cited TDEC findings of permit violations and the authority’s apparent operational problems.

Board members debated whether a formal resolution or a motion would suffice and discussed whether intervening is procedurally appropriate; counsel advised that a petition to intervene would likely be required and that the board would need to authorize counsel to act. The board approved the resolution 7–0.

Board members emphasized the action is preventive: though there was no finding of a current violation affecting Legardo Elementary, members said earlier enforcement actions and the ongoing appeal leave open the possibility that future permit changes could increase effluent loading on the school’s drip field. The board asked its attorney to pursue intervention and, if necessary, attend hearings so the district can protect future capacity for school needs.