By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Paris Board of Public Utilities (BPU) General Manager Terry Wimberley had good news at Tuesday’s meeting for everyone who drinks water courtesy of the BPU: “I’m happy to confirm we have no lead issue here,” he said.
BPU conducted the lead and copper testing required every three years, he said, with samples taken at 30 sites around Paris. “The large majority had no trace whatsoever. It was below detection level. At maybe five or six sites, testing came back with an insignificant amount, nothing requiring any action.”
That is exactly what was anticipated, Wimberley said.
Director of Water and Wastewater Operations Tony Brown said, “The 30 sites that are sampled are high risk sites, so if there’s no problem there, there’s no problem.”
In other business during the meeting, the board authorized execution of a contract with the owner of A & P Place at 305 W. Blythe St. to purchase the one-acre property and lot for $25,000.
Wimberley noted that the small parcel is the only part of the property between Jenkins, S. Caldwell, and Fentress Streets that is not owned by BPU. “It’s obvious when you look at the map why we would want to purchase it,” Wimberley said.
“We have no current use for it, but it’s a good idea to purchase it when it’s available,” he said, noting the property would be demolished in the coming months. Once it is BPU property, that entire lot can be secured with a gate.
The property is adjacent to the BPU present and future water treatment plant.
Photo: Wimberley reviews reports while Board Member Dr. John Van Dyck and Board Attorney Steve Greer look on. (McFarlin photo).
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