TVA Begins Bear Creek Dam Environmental Review
June 5, 2006
RED BAY, Ala. -- TVA will hold an open house on June 20 to hear public comments on the issue of water leaking through Bear Creek Dam.
The open house will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Spirit Bank Arts and Entertainment Center, 303 Fourth Ave. SE, in Red Bay. An environmental impact statement being prepared by TVA will use the public input in helping determine what alternatives are available to resolve the leakage problem.
Additional investigative work on the downstream side of the dam is currently under way to better define the extent of damage caused by the leak. The roadway across the dam will remain open during the site investigative work.
This work will involve exploring below the surface of the dam to identify paths of leakage and possible cavities or voids created by underground erosion.
TVA continues to operate the reservoir at a seasonal elevation range of 565 to 568 feet, which is eight feet lower than the normal summer level. TVA also continues to closely monitor leakage through the dam and has notification plans and procedures in place to ensure the safety of people downstream from the dam.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financed with revenues of $7.8 billion in 2005. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.6 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality, and recreation.
Media Contact
Barbara Martocci, Knoxville, (865) 632-8632
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
