farragutpress

BOMA briefed on sewage spill response, testing

September 16, 2026 by Tammy Cheek

While hearing committee reports during the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s Thursday, Sept. 10, meeting, Board members questioned Stormwater Advisory Committee vice chairman Patrick LaPine about actions the committee is taking in response to a May sewer main break that contaminated North Fork Turkey Creek.

“Earlier this spring, on May 11, Town of Farragut staff notified First Utility District of a sewer main break that contaminated North Fork Turkey Creek, from Grigsby Chapel Road to Fort Loudoun Reservoir,” LaPine said. “At the time, residents were informed that no one, both humans and animals, should be around North Fork Turkey Creek, south of Grigsby Chapel Road, until FUD said the water was safe.

“It should be noted that the Town of Farragut was not responsible, in any way, of course, in this contamination nor involved in the cleanup, but Town staff served as a liaison to FUD during the process,” he said.

LaPine added the committee received updates on the sewer main break and reports regarding coordination with FUD’s sewer rehabilitation project.

“There’s some concern expressed about children playing in the different waterways in the Town,” Vice Mayor Greg Wiberley said. “Apparently, testing of water is not a routine thing by the Town, but every couple of years. Is that what’s advised, or should we be more prudent in testing the waters?”

LaPine replied that at one of the committee’s recent meetings, members discussed the testing process in response to the contamination.

“There were some questions from the committee to the staff regarding the process,” he added.

“We can do testing on a more regular basis if you like,” Town Engineer Darryl Smith said. “I can find out how much it costs and bring that to you any time.”

LaPine explained the committee’s responsibilities include overseeing stormwater matters and water-quality programs and serving as an advisory body to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The committee also hears appeals of notices of violations and civil penalty assessments related to water quality.

LaPine also said the committee received updates regarding stream-bank mitigation at Founders Park at Campbell Station.

Wiberley related an anecdote about a pond at Anchor Park, where signs had been posted indicating the pond could present a hazard.

“I think maybe we need to identify more clearly why that is,” he added.

“We always had it in mind [the signs] were due to an alert to parents that water is a hazard,” Smith said. “I know we’ve had issues when we had ice forming down there with kids getting out on the ice … and kids getting into the water. You know, you really can’t see the bottom of that pond. It gets fairly deep, I think.”