Local, state, and federal agencies are closely monitoring the Emory River following reports of dead fish downstream from a major train derailment that occurred earlier this month.

In a statement released last Friday, Morgan County Emergency Services confirmed they are working in tandem with the Harriman Utility Board (HUB), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to ensure the safety of both the river and the City of Harriman’s drinking water.

The safety concerns stem from a June 11 Norfolk Southern train derailment in the nearby Lancing community. An estimated 20 train cars—including several tank cars—veered off the tracks roughly two miles south of the Lancing Bridge overpass.

The derailment triggered a massive fire and caused ethanol to spill into a local stream, which eventually carried the chemical downstream into the Emory River toward Harriman and Oakdale.

“The safety of our residents is our highest priority, and we will continue to share updates as new information becomes available,” Morgan County Emergency Services stated.

While a “no-contact” advisory was initially issued for water activities—forcing the temporary closure of several nearby parks and campgrounds—officials have since reopened these facilities. However, water quality testing and environmental monitoring remain active.

Meanwhile, cleanup efforts are still heavily underway in Lancing. Norfolk Southern crews, alongside numerous contractors, remain on-site to manage the aftermath.

Despite the massive scale of the multi-agency response and ongoing public concern regarding the fish kill, local, state, and federal officials have not yet held a joint press conference to address the situation collectively.