TDEC provides nearly $2 million grant to repair Mountain Creek

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Nearly $2 million will be put into repairing Mountain Creek in Hamilton County.

Erosion is causing pollution there.

Pipes and wires are becoming visible along the bank.

They’re not supposed to be visible, and this causes a risk to property owners.

The soil runoff is causing the creek to become polluted.

This cloudy creek is one of many that runs into the Tennessee River.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation (TDEC) is providing the grant.

“Really, this grant will allow us to repair about 1500 feet along Mountain creek, which is critical. The best way to do that is with vegetation. Natural vegetation repair along the banks there. TDEC is providing roughly $1.8 million to do that through a competitive grant,” said Chattanooga Chief Operating Officer Ryan Ewalt.

The city of Chattanooga is also putting forward $300,000 from property taxes. That money comes from the water quality fee on those taxes.