Commission opposes wastewater plants outside Lebanon city limits after residents raise sewer concerns

Wilson County commissioners on June 15 passed a resolution opposing construction of wastewater treatment plants outside the corporate limits of Lebanon, Tennessee, following multiple public comments about sewer infrastructure and treatment capacity.

Public speakers raised operational questions about the Log Road treatment facility and argued the county should protect farmland from possible forced siting. Michael Swope told commissioners he had reviewed a 2021 Lebanon ordinance and a Tennessee Department of Environment notice of violation documenting a flow discrepancy at the Log Road facility: "According to TDEC calculations, that's a 30% mismatch… 23,383,000 gallons came into the facility from November to January. What came out of the facility was 16,867,000," he said, urging the commission to scrutinize any proposed agreements.

Christy Chastain urged commissioners to approve a resolution to protect farms outside Lebanon’s urban growth plan and warned of eminent-domain risk if the city pursues off-site sewer solutions. Commissioner Evans said he supported Commissioner McFarland’s resolution but noted the county relies on Lebanon for many services, listing facilities served by the city including the jail, WEMA headquarters and several county buildings.

Commissioner Marlo presented Resolution 26-6-20 opposing construction of wastewater treatment plants outside Lebanon city limits; commissioners approved the resolution after discussion. The transcript records one negative vote by Commissioner Gentry; the motion passed with the rest of the body voting in favor.

The resolution does not compel the city of Lebanon to alter its infrastructure decisions; it registers the county commission’s opposition and is intended as a formal intergovernmental position should the city seek to site new treatment capacity outside its boundaries. Commissioners and members of the public said they will continue engagement on sewer capacity and siting at future meetings.