KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— State officials say the Emory River is now safe for public use following water testing in the days after a train derailment in Morgan County.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced that monitoring results from water samples collected between June 12 and June 20 showed no signs of contamination, allowing the agency to lift a temporary contact advisory that had been in place.
The advisory was initially issued out of caution after concerns that chemicals from the derailment could impact water quality in the area.
According to TDEC, testing showed that levels of ethanol and 2-butoxyethanol — a chemical commonly found in firefighting foam — were below the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended safety thresholds.
With the results confirming no harmful contamination, officials say the river is once again safe for activities such as recreation and contact with the water.
TDEC representative Jennifer Donnals says advisory signs posted along the Emory River will now be removed following the clearance.
The agency says it will continue to monitor environmental conditions as needed, but the latest results indicate no long-term impact from the derailment on water quality.
