A cattle farm in Clay County, accused of polluting waterways, is being sued by the State of Tennessee.

Court documents filed in Davidson County Chancery Court indicate the farm failed to acquire proper permits after being issued several violations over the last year.

The lawsuit states Browning Land & Cattle Company LLC maintains around 8,000 cattle on several properties in Clay County, including Red Boiling Springs.

The state alleges the cattle farm owners have been illegally operating the 174-acre animal-feeding farm without permits. If proven, it violates the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act.

Documents state dangerously high levels of E. coli were detected following water sampling inspections of Wilson Branch and Trace Creek waterways in August 2023. The sampling took place one year after the first notice of violation was issued to the farm by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Court documents state in response to the August 2023 sampling results indicating dangerously high E. coli levels, TDEC posted signs on September 7, 2023, warning the public not to swim, wade, or fish in the entirety of Wilson Branch and large portions of Trace Creek.

Other violations included color changes in Trace Creek and surrounding tributaries caused by site runoff, unpermitted land disturbance activities, and incomplete permit applications.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti seeks damages for expenses incurred in investigating and enforcing violations and compensation for any loss or destruction of wildlife, fish, or aquatic life.

To see the full lawsuit, click on the following link:

clay county cattle