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Wednesday, November 4, 2026Nov 4

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Hamilton County looking at alternatives as growth strains waste capacity

Staff photo by Abby White / Chattanooga City Sewer Director Mark Heinzer speaks during an interview at their main facility. The Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority is responsible for the public sewer system throughout Hamilton County. Tuesday, March 20, 2025.
Staff photo by Abby White / Chattanooga City Sewer Director Mark Heinzer speaks during an interview at their main facility. The Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority is responsible for the public sewer system throughout Hamilton County. Tuesday, March 20, 2025. Staff photo by Abby White / Chattanooga City Sewer Director Mark Heinzer speaks during an interview at their main facility. The Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority is responsible for the public sewer system throughout Hamilton County. Tuesday, March 20, 2025.

Hamilton County has a sewer problem.

Six years ago, an attempt to add another wastewater treatment plant, which would have expanded capacity to meet the county’s growth, was shut down by residents who opposed the plant’s proposed location in Ooltewah.

Officials then warned that without additional sewers, growth in the county would slow or even stop.

That, of course, hasn’t happened.

(READ MORE: ‘Working against each other’: Hamilton County leaders gather to seek common ground on growth)