By Walter F. Roche Jr.
A company involved in now abandoned high stakes negotiations with Nashville over the future of a prime riverside parcel has been cited by state environmental officials for multiple violations of state and federal regulations uncovered on that very same parcel.
In a notice issued last week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation imposed a $75,130 civil penalty on PSC Metals for being out of compliance with several provisions of its state permit.
According to the notice the scrap metal firm located along the Cumberland River failed to update and implement provisions of its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan including conducting quarterly and annual inspections of the property.
Former Mayor David Briley's administration was engaged in negotiations with PSC to free up the prime parcel on the East Bank of the Cumberland in return for a relocation plan that could have cost the city $25 million.
The negotiations ended when John Cooper took office.
PSC, in response to the complaint blamed the failures on the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant lack of staff.
The records show TDEC extended the deadline for coming up with a correction plan from March 31 to May 29, but the company again failed to respond.
The Jan. 28, 2020 TDEC inspection found clogged drains, booms full of oil and grease, another drain clogged with trash and debris and large fuel tanks dripping diesel fuel.
Review of company records showed required routine inspections were not performed.
Under the complaint PSC must pay $15,026 in penalties within 31 days along with $640.60 in damages.
The company has 60 days to file a corrective action plan.
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