Environment and Conservation Lifts Water Contact Advisory for Little Fiery Gizzard Creek and Tributaries in Grundy County

TDEC Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shari Meghreblian to Preside Over Ceremonial Removal Event

TRACY CITY, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shari Meghreblian, Tracy City Mayor Larry Phipps, Monteagle Mayor Marilyn Nixon and Grundy County Mayor Lonnie Cleek will join state and local elected officials and members of the community on Friday, May 17, for a ceremonial removal of a 13-year water contact advisory for Little Fiery Gizzard Creek and several of its tributaries in the Tracy City, Tenn. area of Grundy County.

The water contact advisory was originally issued in 2000 due to operational problems at a small wastewater treatment facility at the Tracy City Elementary School and the presence of failing septic tanks at individual homes.  Members of the media are invited to attend the event on Friday, which will include brief remarks, a photo opportunity and light refreshments. 

WHO:              

Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Shari Meghreblian

State Senator Janice Bowling

State Representative Charles Curtiss

Tracy City Mayor Larry Phipps

Grundy County Mayor Lonnie Cleek

Monteagle Mayor Marilyn Nixon

Evann Freeman, Office of U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander

Katie Davis, Office of U.S. Senator Bob Corker

Boards of Commissioners for Tracy City, Grundy County and Monteagle

Beth Jones, Director Southeast Tennessee Development District

TDEC Director of Division of Water Resources, Dr. Sandra Dudley

TDEC Chattanooga Environmental Field Office, Dr. Dick Urban

Park Manager John Christof, South Cumberland State Park

WHAT:

Local water quality improvement event, celebrating the "de-posting" of a 13-year water contact advisory for Little Fiery Gizzard Creek and its tributaries.

WHEN:             

Friday, May 17

10 a.m.  (CDT) – Remarks

10:40 a.m. (CDT) – Ceremonial Removal of Advisory Signage / Photo Opportunity 

WHERE:                       

10 a.m. – Dutch Maid Bakery / 2nd Floor Conference Room

109 Main Street 

Tracy City, Tennessee 37387

10:40 a.m. – Short Walk to Highway 41 Bridge (over Little Fiery Gizzard Creek)

With more than 2,900 employees working across the state, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is a diverse and dynamic department, serving the state by (1) safeguarding the health and safety of Tennessee citizens from environmental hazards; (2) protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee's land, air and water; and (3) managing Tennessee’s 54 state parks, 83 natural areas and a variety of historical or archaeological sites.  For more information about the department, please visit www.tn.gov/environment. 

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