FARRAGUT, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) — A sewage leak resulted in a complete loss of aquatic life within a 1.5-mile section of the North Fork of Turkey Creek, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The leak contaminated the water for five days. First Utility District crews collected water samples Tuesday to test bacteria levels from the sewage waste that seeped into the creek. The utility fixed the leak Monday afternoon.
TWRA’s aquatic habitat biologist confirmed the complete loss but said current conditions prevent determining an exact number of fish and other organisms lost, according to Matthew Cameron, Region IV public information officer for TWRA.
“The biologist will review historical fish survey data from the creek to identify which species are typically present. Using that information, along with continued site assessments, the agency will work to determine the types and estimated numbers of aquatic species impacted,” Cameron said.
Jane Terry, who has lived in Farragut for 29 years, walked the water’s edge Tuesday to see the damage for herself.
“I can see the fish that have died. I’ve taken pictures,” Terry said. “Water striders, the little spidery looking bugs that are on the top. None. Used to see them everywhere.”
FUD said a contractor’s machine sank in a wet, wooded easement near Grigsby Chapel and North Campbell Station, damaging the sewer line.
“As soon as we were notified, we mobilized crews, bypassed pumping equipment, and scheduled a work team to get on site,” said Edwin Deyton, Engineering Supervisor at FUD. “We had the line dug out and repaired by about 3 o’clock yesterday and restored sewer to normal service.”
Deyton said water flow data shows the leak started mid-week and worsened through the weekend. He said the contractor is not at fault.
“Generally speaking, they’ve done a very good job on this project, and I don’t have reservation using them again,” Deyton said. “This damage didn’t occur from negligence.”
A resident called the Town of Farragut Friday afternoon to report dead fish in the creek. That message was sent to a staff member who was out of the office, according to Wendy Smith, the town’s communications manager.
Monday morning, the staff member reached out to the town’s stormwater coordinator, who investigated and located the leak in the FUD sewage line, Smith said. The coordinator immediately notified FUD and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
FUD fixed the line Monday afternoon.
State agencies including TWRA and TDEC are assisting FUD. The utility said the creek will be tested every day.
