TVA Seeks Public Input on Chatuge Dam Safety Modifications

HAYESVILLE, NC­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority is inviting the public to comment on modification options to address an issue with the spillway at Chatuge Dam that will help ensure its continued safe operation as well as the safety of surrounding and downstream communities.  Routine inspections determined the joints in the top layer and underdrain of the spillway system have deteriorated over the years. If TVA were to use the spillway for an extended period to manage an extreme rainfall or flooding event, water flowing over the spillway could potentially damage part of the concrete chute.

The safety of the communities we serve is TVA’s top priority.  TVA is focused on reducing the potential risk associated with the dam’s long-term operations. This focus on safety is important given the dam and reservoir’s potential impact on the safety and livelihood of communities nearby and downstream during an extreme rainfall event.            

TVA understands the economic, environmental and personal value of the dam and its reservoir to those in the nearby community as well as those living downstream, and we are committed to ensuring the safe and long-term operations of Chatuge Dam for generations to come. More information on the project can be found here.           

The Chatuge Dam safety study is scheduled to be completed in 2026, and work on a potential solution could begin as early as late 2027. Five options for completing the required work have been identified and are outlined below:

• Alternative A: Take no action at this time.
• Alternative B and C: Rehabilitation of the existing spillway and replacement of the Howell Bunger Valve, which allows water to flow through the dam absent of power generation.  The spillway would be rehabilitated by reconstruction of the existing contraction joints (Alternative B) or by installing a concrete overlay (Alternative C). The estimated reservoir drawdown duration for Alternative B would be up to eight years and the drawdown for Alternative C could last up to six years.
• Alternative D: Construction of a new spillway and abandonment of the existing spillway, replacement of the Howell Bunger Valve, and dam embankment stabilization. The reservoir drawdown duration for Alternative D would be up to four years.
• Alternative E: Construction of a new gated spillway, rehabilitation of the existing spillway, replacement of the Howell Bunger Valve, and dam embankment stabilization. The estimated reservoir drawdown duration for Alternative E would be up to five years.  

The maximum reservoir drawdown from any of these alternatives would be to an elevation of about 1,908 feet, which is approximately 10 feet lower than the normal winter pool. A drawdown allows TVA to maintain appropriate levels of protection for the downstream public provided by the existing spillway and maintains the safety of project laborers throughout any construction effort.

Two open houses and two virtual meetings are scheduled for the public to learn more about the project, ask questions and to give input.

• Open House 1: Scheduled 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 8 at the Clay County Community Services Building in Hayesville, North Carolina.
• Open House 2: Scheduled 5 to 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 13 at the Towns County Recreation Center in Young Harris, Georgia.  
• Virtual Meetings: 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 15. Register for the virtual meetings here. The link can also be found at tva.com/nepa and tva.com/chatuge.

Written comments should be sent to Erica McLamb, NEPA Compliance Specialist, 1101 Market Street BR 2C-C, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Comments may also be submitted online or by email at [email protected]. To ensure consideration, comments must be postmarked, submitted online, or emailed no later than May 28, 2025.