Length Of Sparta’s Sewer Moratorium Depends On How Quickly City Rehabs System

The duration of Sparta’s sewer moratorium all depends on how quickly the city addresses its problem areas.

That is according to TDEC Water Resources Compliance and Enforcement Manager Jessica Murphy. Murphy said the city seems to be heading in the right direction since it entered a consent order which outlines the needed work.

“Just because they have a consent order, it’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Murphy said. “It’s going to get them back on the track to compliance. Once their pipes are in good shape again, the moratorium will not be necessary.”

Murphy said the agreement with TDEC came after the city self-reported 151 sewer overflows from January 2020 to December 2021. Murphy said the city is required to find and correct the problems.

Murphy said many cities across the state face similar issues. Murphy said many things can cause an overflow such as blockages due to tree roots, undersized pipes or aging infrastructure.

So far, Sparta Aldermen have approved a small manhole project along Highway 111 near Mose Drive to help the situation.

Murphy said the moratorium is meant to prevent more overflows by limiting new sewer connections.