RIDGETOP, Tenn. (WTVF) — Several residents in Ridgetop are complaining about a sewage issue that's causing a stink when you drive through the city.
They say it has been happening for quite some time and that not only does it smells worse during hot weather or when it rains, but children walking to school have to pass it.
The problem is at the intersection of Hwy 41 and Lake Road, adjacent to Watauga Elementary. The sewage overflows from a manhole and flows down Highway 41.
"It smells really bad," Ridgetop resident, Margaret Dufresne, "It's rough, it's bad."
Michelle Hester, whose home is along the road says it makes relaxing at home on a nice day impossible.
"You don't open your windows for fresh air especially in the Spring time and you don't sit on your front porch right now."
She went on to say that, "It's horrible, it's like standing in the middle of a sewer."
Since the water line flows into Davidson County, Metro Water Services sent us this statement:
"The issue is a sewage manhole that becomes clogged and overflows.
MWS has been contacted and has responded multiple times to an overflowing manhole in Ridgetop. Each time, we have found and cleaned an excessive amount of grease from the manhole. It is important to note that the downstream force main carrying sewage from Ridgetop into Davidson County has been flowing and free of blockages when inspected.
MWS is working with the City of Ridgetop as well as Wataugau Elementary to assist in determining the cause as well as a solution."
When asked about the situation, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation reported that they have not received any citizen complaints regarding the location but they are currenly investigating the matter.
