The Southside Chattanooga area is immediately adjacent to downtown Chattanooga and was prone to flooding during the early 1900’s and prior to the development of damming and flood control measures by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Several of the homes along Read and Mitchell Avenues appear to have been built on 4-5 feet of clay fill.

In addition, the Battle Academy Elementary School which neighbors the site was sampled in mid June 2012. A 20’ by 20’ grid was laid over the school property and 140 grids were screened using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). No significant lead contamination was found and all lead levels were below 55 ppm.

On Monday, Sept 16th, the ERRs crew conducted removal efforts at the back yard of 1604 MA, hand dug an area in the front yard of 1600 MA, conducted removal in the back yard of 1600 MA, and at the right side (facing front) of 1522 MA.

On Tuesday, Sept 17th, the crew placed crush-n-run in the alley way behind 1604 MA, and continued removal efforts in the back yard of 1600 MA and side yard of 1522 MA. 

9/18/13, START conducted screening in the back yard of 1703 MA.  The crew dug down much further than when this back yard was initially screened.  START observed several locations with exceedances for lead, and some instances exceedances for arsenic.  START, ERRS PM and the OSC discussed options with the resident regarding future removal efforts in his yard.  The crew removed a small section of fence at 1604 MA. The crew then continued removal efforts at the 1600 MA back yard at 1522 MA side yard (all the way to the back alley/rock parking area).

9/19/13, the crew placed sod at 1602, 1606, and 1608 MA.  Once this task was completed, START screened several locations between 1518 and 1514 MA to determine if removal needed to take place.  Clay was observed in this area, likely due to 1518 MA being newer construction, however toward the very back of the property before the alley way, exceedances for lead in soil were observed.  The crew began a grass scrape near the residential structure and then dug down to depth where the contaminated soil was located.  A small area in the front yard of 1518 MA was also hand dug, as this location was between the dilapidated rock wall and an old, large tree.  The excavator was utilized in the front (on the street) to scrape grass and loosen soil for the crew to shovel out into the skidsteer bucket. After removal areas were addressed, the crew began backfill efforts.

On 9/20/13, the crew placed sod at 1606, 1604, 1602, 1600, and 1518 MA. They also reconstructed a section of fence at 1600 MA that was disassembled during removal efforts. During removal, the concrete driveway in the back yard of 1602 MA was cracked due to excessive weight and a pre-existing void.  The crew rented a large saw and cut the concrete driveway where the cracks were located. The water truck was utilized during the cutting efforts to control dust.  Once broken pieces of concrete were removed, the crew added expansion joints and used 2 x 4s to square off the edges of the driveway before cement was poured.  The cement truck arrived at 1445 hours. The crew raked out wet cement mix into the area and later smoothed the cement.

Sept 23rd through Sept 28th 2013

On Sept 23rd, the ERRs crew placed a small load of crush-n-run at the back alley way behind 1602 MA. Once rock was placed, the crew moved efforts to the back yard of 1703 Mitchell. This back yard removal had been delayed at the request of the owner so that he could harvest his garden.  The crew began work by removing sections of fence around the back yard.  Once removed, the crew uprooted several fruit and vegetable plants the owner wished to save.  Contaminated soil was removed from under the tall deck and back yard area. START also rescreened the back yard of 1701 MA in an effort to delineate areas that needed to be addressed.  START observed several locations of contamination. 

On Sept 24th, the property owner at 1703 Mitchell owner provided a sketch of locations and dimensions of garden beds for the back yard.  The crew measured off and drew lines for the garden beds and filled these areas with compost material. The remaining areas were then backfilled with clay and top soil.  The soil was graded, tamped and covered with a layer of straw due to incoming rainfall. 

On Sept 25th removal operations were cancelled because of rain.  

On 9/27/13, the crew removed sections of fence at the back yard of 1701 MA in an effort to obtain access.  The crew then began removal efforts at the back yard and the back area adjacent to the alley way behind 1703 MA. Backfill of clay began at 1515.

9/28/13, the crew continued backfill efforts. Once clay was placed, it was covered with a layer of topsoil and then tamped.  Also on this day, the crew added more compost to the 1703 MA back yard garden beds at the request of the owner.  The crew also re-planted some vegetable and fruiting plants.

The OSC continues to coordinate clean up efforts and assessments with Tenn Dept of Environmental Conservation (TDEC) and Tenn Dept of Health as well as Hamilton County health officials. TDEC and the OSC plan to update Chattanooga City Council during February 2013. A specific date has not been set by City Council.

The OSC, Tenn Dept of Health and Tenn Dept of Environmental Conservation (TDEC) are currently preparing an assessment strategy for Chattanooga City Council addressing future lead assessments in the downtown area.

The OSC, Tenn Dept of Health and Tenn Dept of Environmental Conservation (TDEC) are currently preparing an assessment strategy for Chattanooga City Council addressing future lead assessments in the downtown area.