#!/bin/bash
# Chemical Dumping Information Search Automation
# Purpose: Locate publicly available records about chemical dumping at Bumpus Cove Rd, Erwin TN 37640 (1970s)
# Configuration
SEARCH_DIR="./erwin_tn_chemical_search_results"
TIMESTAMP=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)
LOG_FILE="$SEARCH_DIR/search_log_$TIMESTAMP.txt"
# Create results directory
mkdir -p "$SEARCH_DIR"
# Function to log output
log_message() {
echo "[$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')] $1" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
}
# Function to perform web searches using curl
search_online() {
local query="$1"
local source_name="$2"
log_message "Searching $source_name for: $query"
# Note: These are examples. Actual implementations depend on API availability
# You may need API keys or alternative approaches for some sources
case "$source_name" in
"google")
# Using a simple approach - encode query and open in browser
query_encoded=$(echo "$query" | sed 's/ /+/g')
echo "https://www.google.com/search?q=$query_encoded" >> "$SEARCH_DIR/google_queries_$TIMESTAMP.txt"
;;
"archive")
# Internet Archive Wayback Machine
query_encoded=$(echo "$query" | sed 's/ /%20/g')
echo "https://web.archive.org/web/*/erwin,+tennessee+chemical+dump" >> "$SEARCH_DIR/archive_queries_$TIMESTAMP.txt"
;;
"epa")
# EPA Superfund and environmental records
echo "https://www.epa.gov/superfund" >> "$SEARCH_DIR/epa_queries_$TIMESTAMP.txt"
;;
esac
}
# Function to search local resources
search_local_records() {
log_message "Searching for local records and files..."
# Search for any local PDFs, documents mentioning the location
if command -v find &> /dev/null; then
find . -type f \( -name "*.pdf" -o -name "*.txt" -o -name "*.doc" \) \
-exec grep -l "Bumpus Cove\|Erwin\|chemical.*dump\|1970s" {} \; \
2>/dev/null >> "$SEARCH_DIR/local_files_$TIMESTAMP.txt"
log_message "Local file search completed"
fi
}
# Function to generate research guide
generate_research_guide() {
local guide_file="$SEARCH_DIR/research_guide_$TIMESTAMP.txt"
cat > "$guide_file" << 'EOF'
RESEARCH GUIDE: Bumpus Cove Rd Chemical Dumping (Erwin, TN 37640 - 1970s)
PUBLIC SOURCES TO CONSULT:
1. EPA RESOURCES:
- EPA Superfund Sites Database (epa.gov/superfund)
- CERCLIS database (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System)
- State environmental agency records
2. INTERNET ARCHIVE:
- Wayback Machine (web.archive.org)
- Historical newspaper archives accessible through it
3. GOVERNMENT RECORDS:
- Campbell County, TN Courthouse (County Clerk records)
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
- FOIA requests to EPA Region 4 (covers Tennessee)
4. NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES:
- Newspapers.com
- ProQuest Historical Newspapers
- Local Erwin/Campbell County historical societies
- Knoxville News Sentinel archives (regional coverage)
5. LIBRARY RESOURCES:
- Tennessee State Library and Archives
- Library of Congress (loc.gov)
- University of Tennessee Special Collections
6. PUBLIC DATABASES:
- State Superfund sites lists
- USGS records
- Historical industrial records
SEARCH TERMS TO USE:
- "Bumpus Cove" chemical dump
- Erwin Tennessee 1970s chemical
- Campbell County environmental contamination
- Tennessee chemical waste 1970s
EOF
log_message "Research guide generated: $guide_file"
}
# Function to create FOIA request template
create_foia_template() {
local foia_file="$SEARCH_DIR/foia_request_template_$TIMESTAMP.txt"
cat > "$foia_file" << 'EOF'
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) REQUEST TEMPLATE
To: [Agency Name]
[Address]
Date: [Current Date]
RE: Freedom of Information Act Request
Dear [Agency]:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552), I am requesting
copies of the following records:
REQUEST: Any and all documents, reports, investigations, or records related to
chemical dumping, hazardous waste disposal, or environmental contamination at or
near Bumpus Cove Road, Erwin, Tennessee 37640 during the 1970s, including but
not limited to:
- Incident reports
- Investigation files
- Correspondence
- Environmental assessments
- Cleanup records
- Enforcement actions
- Photographs or maps
Please provide these records in the format they are normally maintained or, if
voluminous, provide them in reasonably accessible form.
If any portion of these records is withheld, please identify the specific exemption(s)
claimed and provide a detailed justification.
I will pay all reasonable copying and postage costs. Please confirm receipt of
this request and advise on expected fulfillment timeframe.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]
EOF
log_message "FOIA template created: $foia_file"
}
# Main execution
main() {
log_message "===== Chemical Dumping Information Search Started ====="
log_message "Target: Bumpus Cove Rd, Erwin, TN 37640 (1970s)"
# Perform searches
search_online "Bumpus Cove Erwin Tennessee chemical dump 1970s" "google"
search_online "Erwin TN environmental contamination history" "google"
search_local_records
# Generate helpful resources
generate_research_guide
create_foia_template
log_message "===== Search Setup Complete ====="
log_message "Results directory: $SEARCH_DIR"
log_message "Review the generated guides for detailed research instructions"
}
# Run main function
main
# Display summary
echo ""
echo "=========================================="
echo "Search automation complete!"
echo "Results saved to: $SEARCH_DIR"
echo "=========================================="
echo ""
echo "Next steps:"
echo "1. Review research_guide_*.txt for comprehensive search strategies"
echo "2. Use FOIA template to request official records from agencies"
echo "3. Check EPA Superfund database: https://www.epa.gov/superfund"
echo "4. Contact Campbell County Courthouse for local records"
echo ""
