KNOXVILLE, Tenn.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority values community input and is seeking public input on its Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed removal of the Saulpaw Mill Dam located on Oostanaula Creek in Calhoun, Tennessee.

TVA is making the Draft EA available for an additional 30-day public review and comment period at  tva.com/nepa. The Draft EA was first made available for comments from Nov. 15 to Dec. 18, 2023.

The Saulpaw Mill Dam is owned by TVA and it does not generate electricity. The dam, constructed in 1869, was associated with an old flourmill that was removed by TVA in 1940 as part of flood control for construction of Chickamauga Reservoir. TVA is evaluating removal of the dam to address negative environmental impacts and potential safety hazards to the recreating public. Removal of the dam is part of a larger partnership with the Tennessee Aquatic Connectivity Team to remove barriers to aquatic life in the Tennessee River basin.

Comments can be submitted Feb. 20 through March 18, by email to [email protected], submitted online at tva.com/nepa or mailed to Erica McLamb, Tennessee Valley Authority 1101 Market St. Chattanooga, TN 37402. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection. Comments received during the 2023 comment period will be considered and do not need to be resubmitted.

TVA will host an in-person open house from 5-7 p.m. on March 7, at the Calhoun Elementary School at 150 Sherwood Ave., Calhoun, Tennessee. Visit tva.com/nepa for meeting details.