TVA to Deploy Debris Management Device Across Douglas Reservoir

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ­— Historic flooding from Hurricane Helene in the North Carolina mountains and parts of Tennessee has created a large field of floating debris that has accumulated in the Douglas Reservoir in Sevier and Jefferson counties, in Tennessee. The debris is near the inflow point of the Nolichucky, Pigeon, and French Broad Rivers and other watersheds. As of late Wednesday, the debris field on Douglas is approximately 1 square mile in size and moving 1 mile per day downstream, toward Douglas Dam.

To help contain the debris, TVA is deploying a 1-mile-wide boom, from shore to shore, across Douglas Reservoir just above the town of Dandridge, Tennessee. A boom is a floating barrier that captures surface and submerged debris in bodies of water. This is one of the largest boom deployments in TVA’s history. 

The boom will be in place until further notice. For the safety of the crews installing the boom as well as the safety of boaters, we are advising the public to stay off the lake in this area until further notice. Boaters will not be able to pass through this location. TVA Police along with officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be on the water patrolling to help ensure safety, and signage will be set up around the area of the boom. 

Deployment of the boom is intended to help protect water supply intakes and other infrastructure downstream of the debris and ensure TVA’s ability to continue flood control and normal operations at Douglas Dam. By containing the debris, we can provide more time for our partner agencies and groups to explore options for removing the debris.

Debris can include vegetation (trees, branches, shrubs), household items (garbage, glass, appliances, propane tanks), and construction materials (roofing, lumber), among others. Debris can be hazardous, with the potential to cause injury or death.