TVA meeting over Bear Creek Dam

By Staff
Rebecca James, Franklin County Times
The Tennessee Valley Authority will hold a public meeting Tuesday, June 19 to discuss and seek comments on a draft environmental review of alternatives to repair excessive leaking from the Bear Creek Dam.
TVA announced Wednesday that leaks in Bear Creek Dam need to be repaired or rebuilt at a cost of $35 million dollars.
The dam has had problems with leaking and needs to be repaired to ensure the safety of drinking water for the residents of Franklin County.
TVA prefers that the dam be repaired to operate as it was originally designed. The summer pool level of the Bear Creek Reservoir would be restored to 576 feet elevation instead of 568 feet that is currently being maintained for dam safety.
Winter levels of the reservoir would remain at about 565 feet.
"This is the only meeting that will be held on the draft of the economic impact statement," said TVA spokeswoman Barbara Martocci.
"We want to give the residents of Franklin County a chance to respond to the Economic Impact Statement and offer their comments if there are any."
The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Spirit Bank Arts and Entertainment Center in Red Bay.
A representative from TVA will be in attendance.
"TVA will be accepting comments on the draft environmental impact statement through July 15," Martocci said.
"A copy of the draft document is available at the Red Bay and Haleyville libraries, and is also available at TVA's website."
Residents unable to attend the meeting will still be able to respond to the study through the TVA website or by mail to Jim Williamson, TVA, 400 W. Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37902.