May 21, 2012
KINGSTON, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Does a Roane County official know more than we do about heath risks stemming from the coal ash spill?
That question is being asked today shortly after Roane County's Attorney filed for and received a temporary restraining order against his ex-wife.
His request, she not be allowed to take their children swimming in the Emory River near the spill.
Roane County Attorney Tom McFarland claims he has no secret information.
He got his information from test samples of arsenic and other contaminants taken by the EPA posted to the Internet plus advice from his children's pediatrician.
But the state Department of Conservation and Environment as well as the EPA do have recreational advisories for being in the waters near the plant.
"Like any parent who protects his children, I'll do what I have to do to protect my children," says Roane county attorney Tom McFarland.
McFarland did just that after he says his ex-wife took their two young children for a day on the river at a sandbar near the site of the Kingston Plant's coal ash spill.
"I asked the court for a temporary restraining order," says McFarland.
And for 15 days, McFarland got the order signed. McFarland says he has his beliefs about the safety of the water after looking at higher than normal rates of arsenic in the water and seeking professional advice.
"I consulted the children's pediatrician who says the children should not be swimming in it," says McFarland.
The state Department of Environment and Conservation and the EPA both have recreational advisories along parts of the Emory River.
Advice some who live on the waterway are heeding.
"I haven't been swimming this year at all because I'm leery," says Quimby.
And Quimby says the popular Sunday at the sandbar isn't so popular anymore.
"They'll be 125 boats parked around it. This year so far, maybe 15," says Quimby.
For now, an order keeps those children from going back to the area but a judge will decide later this month if the restraining order stays in force.
"We need to find out what's in that water before we allow our kids to go in there. I don't want my kids there. I'd recommend you don't allow your kids to go there," says McFarland.
Attempts to reach the children's mother, Joan McFarland, were unsuccessful.
A hearing date on the temporary injunction is set for June 26th.
