Date
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Time
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Location Name
Ballroom A
Name
Hurricane Helene's Impact on Erwin Utilities Water and Sewer Systems
Track
System Management
Description
On September 27th, 2024, the Erwin Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant and portions of the sewer collection and water distribution systems were severely impacted by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene on the Nolichucky River and its tributaries. In response, Erwin Utilities initiated a comprehensive recovery effort, utilizing existing planning documents, local resources, and support from partner utilities and regulatory agencies, including TDEC, USEPA, USACE and others. This presentation will detail the methods employed to restore water and sewer service to the southern portion of the county and reestablish wastewater treatment. The presentation will provide a timeline of events, highlight successes, and identify challenges faced due to limited planning, resources, time, materials, and other constraints. A brief closing discussion and Q&A will cover our current recovery status and future steps for rebuilding and long-term resilience.