Eastman Reports 150-Gallon Discharge into Holston River

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Eastman Chemical Company reported that about 150 gallons of a chemical intermediate was accidentally released into the South Fork of the Holston River through the company's industrial sewer system on March 7. The incident resulted in a visible white sheen on the waterway, raising environmental concerns in the Kingsport, Tennessee area.

Why it matters

Eastman is a major employer and industrial presence in the Kingsport region, and any discharge into the local waterways can have significant environmental impacts on the surrounding ecosystem and community. Spills and leaks of chemicals can threaten wildlife, drinking water, and recreational activities along the river.

The details

The release occurred through Eastman's industrial sewer system and resulted in a visible white sheen on the surface of the South Fork of the Holston River. Eastman reported the incident to the appropriate authorities and is working to investigate the cause and contain any potential environmental damage.

• The discharge occurred on March 7, 2026.

What’s next

Eastman is working with local and state environmental agencies to assess the impact of the discharge and take appropriate remediation actions.