Thallium in Nolichucky Puzzle Continues

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

Tennessee environmental officials say they have yet to identify the source of a potentially deadly chemical found in the the Nolichucky River, but there are no plans to do any further testing.
"A source has not been identified, but we have no evidence at this time to demonstrate any public health concerns," wrote Kim Schofinski, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, in an email response to questions.
The presence of thallium in the eastern Tennessee river was reported by US Nitrogen in a recent filing with TDEC.
The company reported that water it discharged into the river had 10.3 parts per billion of thallium. That is some three times the level recommended for drinking water.
Subsequent tests by TDEC showed no detectable levels of thallium in the river, according to state officials
US Nitrogen pumps millions of gallons per month from the river for use in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate. Excess amounts of that water are discharged back into the river at milemarker 20.8.
Though the Nolichucky is a source of water for local consumers, officials of the Greeneville Water Commission say annual tests they performed showed no traces of thallium. The commission draws its water some 37 miles upstream of the US Nitrogen discharge point.
US Nitrogen officials have not responded to a series of questions about the test results, the level of thallium in the water the company draws from the river or how the company extracts thallium from the river water.
When first questioned about the data the company submitted to the state, Kim Ryans, an environmental expert for US Nitrogen said,"The US Nitrogen facility does not use thallium or substances containing thallium as a component of any manufacturing processes."
"The water sampled and discharged to the Nolichucky River does not come into direct contact with US Nitrogen’s processes," she added.
Schofinski said that while the agency has no current plans to do any further testing, "we will continue to monitor this issue closely."
She said that the agency has not requested any additional documentation from US Nitrogen "specific to thallium."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Thallium can affect your nervous system, lung, heart, liver, and kidney if large amounts are eaten or drunk for short periods of time. Temporary hair loss, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur and death may result after exposure to large amounts of thallium for short periods."
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