Waste Plant Overflows In Monteagle

Early Tuesday morning flooding at Monteagle’s new sewage treatment plant filled the facility’s basement four feet deep with wastewater, potentially damaging equipment and leaving the town without sewer treatment capacity. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Agency spokeswoman Meg Lockhart said the incident happened overnight after heavy rains in the area. Electrical service was cut off at the plant and the backup, meanwhile, could overflow manholes and pump stations in Monteagle. Local firefighters brought pumping equipment to the plant Tuesday to pump wastewater from the basement onto the ground surrounding the plant because the treatment basins already are full.
Monteagle Mayor Marilyn Campbell Nixon said that plant workers discovered the mess early Tuesday. The plant, just opened this summer, is under warranty. She says contaminated water will be treated before being released into the creek system.