The Tennessee Clean Water Network says it is prepared to sue a Kingsport ammunition plant over its continued pollution of local drinking water.
BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc. operates the Holston Army Ammunition Plant for the military. Wastewater from the plant is discharged into the Holston River, about 10 miles upstream of a drinking water intake for the First Utility District of Hawkins County.
According to a notice of intent to sue filed Monday, the state told BAE in 2007 that it had to reduce the amount of the explosive RDX that was it was releasing into the river. Despite having five years to comply, the plant was releasing more RDX in 2012 than in 2007.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has not fined BAE for the violation.
