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At the latest meeting of the Moore County Metro Council a major concern regarding safety at the 3 Rivers facility was at the forefront of discussion following the accident that happened last week. Specifically discussed were what options the council might have in preventing or mitigating any future spills.

Over two million gallons of water was spilled when one of the tanks ruptured as it was being water tested for tolerance. Power poles were washed out and power lines were down, cutting service in the area. Trees, mud, fencing, and parts of the tank were on the road. Four of the seven tanks on site were damaged. The tanks were only filled with water and not mash, the latter of which could have caused a major ecological disaster had something similar happened while it was holding product.

Options discussed by the Metro Council included having the facility build a containment wall, shutting down the road during any capacity testing, providing an evacuation plan for the high school, and providing the council with the company’s safety plans. However, the council cannot make any demands on the facility without assuming some future liability, as plans for the facility have already been approved.

The discussion then turned to whether the council might have any options concerning the facility’s permit, such as putting a hold on further building until safety questions have been answered, or even revoking the permit altogether. Mayor Sloan Stewart pointed out that it would probably be months before the clean up was completed, giving the council time to further investigate their options.

That would also give 3 Rivers facility time to answer concerns and show the council what actions they would take to prevent or mitigate damage in the event of another tank failure. The facility has not yet shown any safety plans to the council. Safety is the responsibility of 3 Rivers and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).

Metro Council will continue seeking answers and investigating their options.