Only 2 years after initial microbial source tracking studies were performed on local streams in Eagleville, a recent study again points to high levels of Escheriachia coli, (E. Coli); placing the city under an imminent threat that could greatly increase the chances of obtaining sewer dollars from the state, federal, or even the county level.

The Harpeth River Watershed Association, who partnered with Dr. Frank Bailey of Middle Tennessee State University’s biology department, sampled four local streams, all of which corresponded with a previous microbial source tracking study performed in 2007.

The four sites tested were Cheatham Spring, Cheatham branch beside the community center, Cheatham branch behind the community center downstream from the Eagleville School sewer discharge, and behind the Hill residence. Each was found to have alarmingly high levels of coliforms that are often linked to fecal contamination that can come from failing septic systems.

With the exception of Cheatham Spring, each of the four sites also showed high levels of E. Coli, which, "raises a significant concern for the health of people in the Eagleville area who may have contact with the water," said Dr. Bailey in his report to the mayor.

The EPA and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) utilize concentrations of E. Coli to determine if rivers, lakes, or streams are suitable for recreational use. Recreational use includes boating, wading, and swimming; while fishing is also taken into consideration.

Since three of the four sites exceeded the recreational limit in both 2007 and the recent study performed in July, "there has been no improvement in the fecal coliform contamination in the Eagleville area over this time period," said Dr. Bailey.

Meanwhile, the mayor and city council continue efforts of alleviating the city’s needs for a sewer system, and have recently entered into a contract to purchase a 5-acre tract from John and Judy Turner that could be utilized for a sewage treatment facility. *See picture

In addition, the Wastewater Treatment Selection Committee has recently been established, with Mayor Sam Tune naming himself, Craig Sewell, Roy Holt, Jerry Shell, and Councilman Darrin Rowell as its members. "In regard to the committee, I tried to pick people with some business experience and sewer knowledge," said Mayor Tune. "I want to over-emphasize that the Selection Committee cannot spend any money," he said.

The newly formed committee will, however, evaluate prospective engineering firms who respond to requests for qualifications sent out by the city.

A total of 19 requests for qualifications will be sent out to a list of engineering firms provided by the State of Tennessee, as well as to others who have already expressed a previous interest in the city’s sewer project. Each letter requests the engineering firms to specifically address sewer systems they have successfully completed.

The Wastewater Treatment Selection Committee will report at the next city council meeting on August 27, 2009, although an engineering recommendation may not be made at this time. The city council does retain discretion to decline the committee’s final recommendation.

*At a called city council meeting on August 5th, 2009, Mayor Tune showed everyone in attendance a picture of a wastewater treatment facility (pictured at left) belonging to a Membrane bioreactor. Mayor Tune and some members of the city council toured the Alabama facility last month.