CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Millions of tons of waste flow into waterways every year, but one of the biggest contributors may not be what people expect.
Studies from recent years show particles from tires may account for about 45 percent of all microplastics found in both land and water. Those particles can make their way into soil, streams, and eventually the Tennessee River.
As part of NewsChannel 9’s Clean Currents campaign, we took a closer look at a tire dumping site in Chattanooga and the questions surrounding responsibility for cleanup.
Any kind of trash can harm the Tennessee River, and that includes old tires, especially when dumping sites are left unchecked.
“I think we could strike Scenic City from our name and just be Chattanooga, the filthy city once again,” said Carter Parham, a concerned citizen…