Authorities Investigating Illegal Dumping of Human Waste in Rhea County

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)— Authorities are investigating an illegal dumping incident involving human waste discovered in the Soak Creek River section of the Piney River Resource Management Area.

Officials say the incident was reported earlier this week, prompting an immediate response from local and state environmental agencies.

At this time, specific details regarding how or why the waste was discarded remain unclear. Authorities are currently awaiting lab results from ongoing water tests to determine the extent of the contamination and any potential environmental impacts.