RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-31

A resolution requesting the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct additional environmental testing in the vicinity of the former Metropolitan Landfill at Metrocenter.

WHEREAS, it has recently been reported that toxic waste buried at a Dickson County Tennessee landfill has been contaminating the groundwater in the surrounding area; and

WHEREAS, this groundwater contamination may be adversely affecting the health of the residents in the area of the groundwater contamination; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has been monitoring the levels of trichlorethylene (TCE) in the groundwater and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is studying the groundwater and drinking water contamination in the affected area; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government formerly operated a landfill on land that is now the Metrocenter complex; and

WHEREAS, there are several athletic fields on the Metrocenter property that are used for junior league football and youth soccer leagues; and

WHEREAS, natural streams and a pond in the Metrocenter vicinity are home to a variety of wildlife species and are used by the public for fishing and other recreational activities; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conduct adequate tests to ensure that the Metrocenter area is not exposing the public and wildlife to possible environmental contaminates as a result of the former landfill activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct additional environmental testing in the vicinity of the former Metropolitan Landfill at Metrocenter.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and to Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Section 3. That the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is further requested to submit a response to the Metropolitan County Council within ninety (90) days from the date of the adoption of this Resolution regarding the feasibility of the request stated in Section 1 hereof.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel