A new ordinance soon may require Chattanooga businesses to have permits and keep accurate disposal records if they handle waste tires.
The new regulations seek to curb tire dumping and improper tire storage, because tires can be fire hazards and “provide habitats for rodents, insects, and other vermin and serve as excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry diseases,” the ordinance states.
In January, the Chattanooga Public Works Department reported waste crews picked up 17,000 tires last year. Code Enforcement had logged 24 tire dumping cases by early April, compared to 16 cases for 2015. Council members have lamented a number of second-hand tire dealers whose businesses they described as eyesores.
On Tuesday, the City Council voted 8-0 in favor of the ordinance on first reading. It has its final reading and vote on May 3, after which it will become law if approved.
“This ordinance is the result of a lot of work to find a way to protect our citizens and roadways from the illegal tire dumping taking place in our cities,” said Councilman Ken Smith, who sponsored the measure.