Tennessee Code Title 5. Counties § 5-19-114

(a) Either on the commissioner's own initiative or at the request of the governing body of any political subdivision of the state, the commissioner of environment and conservation may investigate refuse disposal operations within any county, city or town in the state, may make written or other recommendations for the improvement thereof, and may offer such technical advice and assistance to the responsible local officials for the betterment of refuse disposal practices within their jurisdictions as limitations of staff and budget will allow.

(b) The commissioner may also draw up, publish, distribute information and recommend standards in refuse disposal for the consideration of responsible local officials.

(c) The commissioner may delegate the responsibilities described in subsections (a) and (b) to appropriate personnel of the department of environment and conservation or to the director of a city, county or district health department to the extent deemed necessary.