Crystal Freiberg, Bradley County attorneyCLEVELAND, Tenn. – Bradley County’s environmental officer, who is responsible for enforcing laws on hazards to the health, safety and general welfare of residents and natural resources, has been “given some teeth,” according to county commissioners.
The commission recently passed a pair of resolutions that better define the authority of the officer in relation to dilapidated properties, overgrown vegetation and the disposal of garbage, litter, refuse and rubbish.
The resolutions keep in line with current state codes on environmental health and safety hazards, Bradley County Attorney Crystal Freiberg said. However, they are more specific, refining what the environmental officer can address and making the process more efficient.
“In my interpretation of it, it gives [the environmental officer] a little more discretion,” Freiberg said.
“If it’s basically a health and safety issue for the community, then that’s when it becomes a violation of this resolution,” said Joe Renner, Bradley County’s environmental officer.