Tennessee Code Title 69. Waters, Waterways, Drains and Levees § 69-3-114

(a) It is unlawful for any person to discharge any substance into the waters of the state or to place or cause any substance to be placed in any location where such substances, either by themselves or in combination with others, cause any of the damages as defined in § 69-3-103, unless such discharge shall be due to an unavoidable accident or unless such action has been properly authorized. Any such action is declared to be a public nuisance.

(b) In addition, it is unlawful for any person to act in a manner or degree that is violative of any provision of this part or of any rule, regulation, or standard of water quality promulgated by the board or of any permits or orders issued pursuant to this part; or to fail or refuse to file an application for a permit as required in § 69-3-108; or to refuse to furnish, or to falsify any records, information, plans, specifications, or other data required by the board or the commissioner under this part.

(c) The plea of financial inability to prevent, abate, or control pollution shall not be a valid defense under this part.