Resolution could mean progress for Lupton mill

More than two years into the city’s cleanup project, neighbors of the abandoned mill in Lupton City may get some relief as the Chattanooga City Council considers an agreement to prime the cleanup process to begin.

The council will vote Tuesday on a resolution to apply for a program with the state to remove liability from the city for the environmental contamination caused by the ruins of the old mill.

“Essentially what this does is protect the city from liability from future contamination issues that are discovered on the site,” Public

Works Director Justin Holland explained at a recent council meeting. “It’s particularly helpful considering [the city] didn’t have any part in the placement of any of the chemicals or contaminants on this particular site.”

The Brownfield Voluntary Agreement is part of the scope of the plan to handle the property of the partially demolished R.L. Stowe Mill, which has remained an eyesore for residents of Lupton City for years since the site was abandoned.

With a $1.6 million cleanup contract awarded by the city in January and a $245,000 asbestos abatement contract awarded over the summer, the city seems to be taking steps toward fulfilling its overdue pledge to restore the property.

“The remediation of the Lupton Mills site continues to present immense challenges. When the City acquired the land in 2017, we knew this property was problematic but not to the extent that we’ve since discovered,” Richel Albright, spokeswoman for Mayor Andy Berke’s office, wrote after the contract was awarded. “We understand and share in the community’s frustration.”

According to Holland, if the agreement comes to fruition, most of the preliminary work for the cleanup process will be complete.

“The construction or demolition at the cite is approved by [the Tennessee Department of Ecological Conservation], and all of this is ready in a draft form to be executed,” Holland added.

In the email, Albright said that once a “notice to proceed” is issued, the contractor has 10 days to begin work, under contract.

“We recognize what a difficult situation this has been for the families of Lupton City,” she continued. “Our Department of Public Works and project consultants continue to work diligently to find the safest and healthiest longterm solution for the community.”

City council will vote on the resolution Tuesday at 6 p.m. during the regular business meeting, located at 1000 Lindsey St. in the council chambers.

Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416. Follow her on Twitter @sarahgtaylor.