Update: Progress comes at high cost in Roane County

Most East Tennesseans knew the massive clean-up effort underway in Roane County wasn't going to come without a price. So far, that cost is estimated at more than $20 million.

"We're over a million dollars a day, that's a fairly safe answer, and we'll probably be at that level for a while yet," Preston Swafford, the Executive Vice President of TVA's Fossil Fuel Group said when asked for a ball-park figure Monday evening.

TVA officials have already told the Associated Press it's likely at least some of the clean-up cost will be passed along to customers.

Still, the utility says progress is coming along as well as can be expected in terms of the clean-up in Kingston.

"The site has got 40 to 50 pieces of equipment active in areas that up until the past few days we have not even been able to get on to," Swafford said.

Officials from the Tennessee Valley Authority met with citizens and Roane County's Commission Monday evening in Kingston to answer questions and discuss the future of the site.

Residents brought up continued concern over air and water quality in the county. TVA said their monitoring of water and air continues on a daily basis. So far, air tests have been safe and water tests at local water intakes have fared well also.

TVA did say some raw water in the county's rivers did turn up below drinking water standards because of high metals. They say heavy rains have contributed to runoff from the spill site and may be partially to blame.

County Executive Mike Farmer told citizens "the face of Roane County has changed."

He stressed clean-up would be a long process and to keep their eyes on the big picture.

"We're going to have to worry when that fishing tournament doesn't come next year and other recreation issues," Farmer said.

The county has set up an email account to help respond to citizen questions and concerns: TVArecovery@roanegov.com

Crews are still working to clean-up and repair roadways in the area. One major landmark reached this past weekend was the re-opening the rail line that leads to the steam plant.

"We're not removing the materials yet, but you've got to first start to shape it and get it under control because each time you work it, moisture comes up so it's an important first step in the process of removal and we're making good ground," Swafford said.

For citizens with questions and concerns, TVA will host an open house with experts on-hand to discuss housing, water testing, and other issues Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roane State Community College.