Mine Reclamation in Caney Fork Watershed as a Result of Successful Litigation by TEC

 As a result of the litigation brought by TEC to prevent sewage discharges into Dry Fork Creek and the Rumbling Falls cave system, two abandoned mine sites will be reclaimed in the Caney Fork watershed.

 In 2000 TEC and others objected to discharges from a new sewage plant to Dry Fork Creek, which flows into a very large underground cave system and into Fall Creek Falls State Park .  After objections to the permit were not considered adequately by the state and the town of Spencer , TN , TEC went on to sue and prevail in Chancery Court regarding the discharge and its potential impacts on water quality.  As a result of the case, the state agreed to spend funds to assist with water quality improvements in the area.   

After reviewing impaired streams, TEC identified a number of abandoned mine sites that continue to contribute pollutants to streams in the area.  After working with TDEC and TDOT (which is supplying funding for the restoration) Samples Fork and Go Forth mine sites have been selected for reclamation.

 Both are abandoned sites in the Caney Fork watershed that contribute iron runoff into local streams.  Additional planning is underway to determine a successful plan for reclamation.   

For more information about these reclamation efforts, contact Doug Ezell, TDEC, at 615-532-0648.