Claxton Park to stay open, more testing called for
Anderson County Commission approved a resolution Monday night asking Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to do more testing at the playground at Claxton Community Park.
The resolution came about as a follow-up to last week’s Anderson County Operations Committee after that body declined to recommend closing the park due to a finding by a Duke University study that found toxins in the soil of the playground.
The study conducted by Dr. Avner Vengosh revealed those findings, by he would not say where his tests were conducted. He did confirm to Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank that there were “nano-particles” of contaminates found, and he was unwilling to say there is no risk.
Tracy Wandell said at the Operations Committee that he and Commissioner Chuck Fritts were in favor of keeping the park open based on the “low levels that do not exceed the state guidelines.”
Wandell added he wanted to see more test results and that if there is any hazardous found, “Then we should take action, and I believe we will.
“But as it’s presented right now …”
Citizens speaking before the Operations Committee favored the park being shut down, many saying TVA or TDEC