Slopes
A series of ridges and valleys cross the East City Sector. Those features result in a wide range of topography, varying from very steep hillsides to relatively flat terrain. Slopes steeper than 25 percent occur along Sharp’s Ridge and a small area north of the Holston River. Slopes of 12 to 25 percent occur in approximately one third of the sector, mainly in the North Hills and Holston Hills areas. Development is possible on these slopes, but they are more expensive to build on and more susceptible to erosion.

Soil
Eleven soil groups exist within the sector. Suitability for land development is in part determined by soil characteristics, and some areas of the sector should not be developed because they contain hydric soils, typical of wetland areas.

Flood Prone Areas
Flooding and drainage are affected by the presence of sinkholes, steepness of slopes, amount of vegetation, soil characteristics and land development. Impervious surfaces (including roofs, roads and parking lots) reduce infiltration and increase the potential for rapid, direct runoff. The First Creek and Williams Creek watersheds are prone to flood problems. Local flooding problems also occur. The City of Knoxville funds an ongoing Neighborhood Drainage Improvement Program, which seeks to correct neighborhood drainage problems. Drainage improvements to correct flooding problems at Morningside Hills Apartments (a 100-unit apartment complex near the Central/East Sector border) is being funded in the City’s Capital Improvements Program for 2001-2006.

Water Quality
First Creek, Love Creek and Williams Creek have experienced problems with water quality. Portions of First Creek are under a bacteria advisory due to urban runoff. Detailed information on water quality is provided by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation’s Division of Water Pollution Control. Documents available in the MPC library include The Status of Water Quality in Tennessee Year 2000 305(b) Report and the 303(d) list. The 303(d) list includes streams considered ‘water quality limited’ or those that are expected to exceed water quality standards in the next two years. Water quality limited streams have one or more properties that violate water quality standards. Streams considered unpolluted and streams that the division can not assess due to a lack of water quality information are not included on the list. Love Creek and Williams Creek are not on the list, but should be monitored to obtain more information.

Least Constrained Land
Very few large parcels of land remain undeveloped in the East City Sector. Additional development along Buffat Mill Road is expected, and with extension of the sewer lines, it is possible to develop areas along Riverside Drive.