Eastman sends TDEC corrective action plan after 150-gallon spill

KINGSPORT — Eastman Chemical Co. sent the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation a corrective action plan regarding an 150-gallon spill in March that caused a visible white sheen on the Holston River. In its letter to TDEC this week, Eastman said it installed a device that would prevent backflow, and that it will replace an old valve during its next shutdown for maintenance. The company also shared information from its investigation into the spill's cause. It said the chemical intermediate that spilled — CHDM liquid — inadvertently flowed through a manual valve that was closed but not fully sealed. The liquid then reached the industrial sewer system that discharges to the river through an outfall. TDEC sent the company a violation notice last month and asked for details about any additional action taken to prevent the issue from recurring. At the time of the spill, Eastman told Six Rivers Media that there was no impact on downstream users and no known impact on fish or aquatic life. CHDM is used in Eastman's production of polyester resins. It's corrosive and could cause serious eye damage, according to the Safety Data Sheet for the substance, which outlines a chemical's hazards for workers and downstream users. The sheet states there is no data available on the toxic effects the chemical could have from short-term exposure to it through inhalation, ingestion or touch. The sheet also states releasing CHDM into the environment should be avoided, as well as runoff into drains, sewers and streams. CHDM is readily biodegradable, meaning it can break down under natural conditions and is less likely to persist in the environment long-term. Eastman said its personnel contained the release upon discovery, cleaned the area and used equipment to absorb the spill in the river. TDEC fined Eastman almost $4,000 in April due to the accidental discharge of CHDM, as well as a December 2025 accidental discharge of turbine oil. That fine is for violating an order that was issued to the company in 2024 for multiple unauthorized discharges. The order requires the company to comply with its permitting for at least two years after submitting previous corrective action plans for the 20 incidents outlined in that order. Jorgelina Manna-Rea is a Report for America corps member reporting on issues relating to the environment for Six Rivers Media.