The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation responded to our follow up questions re. the Ocoee sediment discharge:

Q: Are there any short or long-term environmental concerns regarding the sludge (other than the obvious fish kill)?

A: It's a pollution load. We have a recovering system there and that recovery is threatened anytime you have a significant pollution event. It's possible that this release could retard the re-establishment of fish and aquatic life in the Ocoee River, but it is difficult to predict at this point how long recovery will take.

Q: Will there be testing for toxic materials?

A: Yes. The U.S. Forest Service collected samples of the sediment/sludge when the water receded enough to do so safely. [TDEC] was not able to collect samples on Tuesday because TVA was again sluicing and we could not collect those samples safely. We did see the Forest Service samples and they are adequate. The Forest Service will be sharing those results with the department when they receive them*.

We have requested a statement from TVA, and will let you know when we hear something from them.

PREVIOUSLY:

"Sludge-like material" released into Ocoee River

TDEC preliminary report on TVA Ocoee #3 sludge release

Commentary: TVA's Ocoee sediment discharge