Tony Bible, a Greene County native, has moved his business, Advanced Treatment Systems, Inc., (ATS) to Midway from its previous location in Virginia.

Bible is a dealer and distributor of advanced "alternative septic systems."

He said his decision to relocate his business to this state "was based primarily on the actions of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Division of Groundwater Protection.

The division has recently enacted new regulations governing alternative subsurface sewage disposal systems.

"Basically, this means that Tennesseans now have an alternative when the local health inspector tells them that their land won't percolate."

Bible said, "The new regulations that the division is instituting are by far the most progressive and encompassing I've ever seen. "They basically say that if you have 20 feet of suitable soil measured from the surface of the ground down to a water table or rock layer then you can get a permit for an alternative subsurface sewage disposal system.

"That is, of course, as long as you meet the state mandated setback requirements to property lines, wells, foundations, etc. and have enough area to install a system."

Bible continued, "The mountainous nature of East Tennessee provides an ideal place for alternative subsurface sewage disposal systems,

"Our systems can be easily installed on steep and mountainous lots.

"Environmentally and aesthetically minded clients also need not worry about removing trees from their yards and destroying the looks of their homes when installing our systems.

"Advanced treatment systems require soil mapping of the site be performed by a licensed soil scientist.

"We've been working hard with many of the local soil scientists such as Grant Dunn, Kenton Brotherton and Mark Dew to get them trained and up to date on the requirements for designing these systems.

"In addition, the local TDEC Division of Groundwater employees will also be capable of determining a suitable footprint when working in conjunction with a licensed soil scientist.

It is definitely a team effort when designing these systems, and it is ATS's responsibility to make sure everyone is on the same page and receives all the support they need when questions arise."

He added, "I've been working in this business for nine years ever since I left Greene County in 2000 and have been on over 1,000 lots designing and inspecting sewage disposal systems."

For more information or to make an appointment, call Bible at 423-340-1119.