Water
- Mandatory connection to the sanitary sewer system is required to provide for the proper treatment of wastes.
- Industrial discharge permits with ongoing reporting requirements are in place to address the discharge of pollutants into the sewer system.
- Backflow prevention devices are required for industrial, institutional and other uses.
- A storm water management program for new development is enforced to reduce the quantity of pollutants entering waterways during storm events.
- Support of the Steele Creek Lake and tributaries clean-up events.
- Support of the Beaver Creek and South Holston Lake clean-up events.
- Active participation and leadership in the Ozone Action Partnership to achieve air quality attainment goals within Sullivan County.
- Assistance in establishing a 55 MPH speed limit on interstates in Sullivan County to reduce NOx emissions.
- Administrative policy established during ozone action days, including free rides on the transit system; cessation of mowing and pavement resurfacing activities; and the temporary suspension of burn permits (BMP).
- New HVAC units at the Central Fire Station and Stations 2 and 3 operate with ozone-friendly refrigerant.
- Staff is certified to safely and properly handle cooling refrigerants.
- Nearly no aerosol propellants are used for cleaning of city buildings (BMP).
- Electric golf carts were purchased for use at Steele Creek golf course.
- Placed into service an electric vehicle for use in primarily pedestrian traveled areas that would normally be patrolled with a gasoline powered small vehicle.
- Mowing operations of city parks and rights-of-way have been lengthened, when appropriate, to reduce fuel usage and emissions (BMP).
- An inventory of trees in city parks and the downtown is underway tevaluate and monitor the urban forest.
- Tree planting continues on city property to expand the urban forest.
- Speed limits are monitored and enforced as higher speeds are not only more unsafe but also result in more fuel use and pollutants.
- The efficiency of the transportation system is ongoing including the timing of traffic signals to enhance flow, the addition of turn lanes, the elimination of unneeded signals, and other physical improvements.
- A pilot project to test the use of bio-diesel fuel was undertaken but was discontinued upon the finding that the product resulted in unsatisfactory vehicle performance at a higher cost.