TVA continues Bear Creek dam repairs

Franklin County offers many outdoor activities, including camping, hiking and fishing. One of the popular outdoor destinations is Bear Creek Reservoir – which is undergoing some continuing TLC.

Last spring Tennessee Valley Authority representatives discovered the Bear Creek Dam had developed some seepage at its base. Now, Jim Hopson, manager of public relations for the TVA, has announced there has been progress made toward fixing this problem.

Hopson said the first phase of the TVA investigation is complete. The TVA has determined that the seepage was coming through the rock strata at the base of the dam.

“Over time this could cause foundation problems if not taken care of,” Hopson said.

He said it is a good thing the seepage is coming through the rock strata and not from a problem with the concrete spillway, which controls the release of water flow from the dam.

“This is good news because it means this summer the level of the reservoir should remain normal,” Hopson explained.

Currently the reservoir is 610 feet above sea level, and in the summer it should rise 10 more feet depending on “Mother Nature,” Hopson said.

Hopson estimated that by May, phase two of the TVA’s plan will be in full swing. Phase two will require inserting additional electronic instruments into the earth and embankment that will continue to monitor the problem. This will help TVA officials make sure they aren’t missing anything and are taking the proper steps to fix the seepage.

“There are no safety or operational issues with the dam,” Hopson said.

He said the TVA hopes to have drill rigs and equipment operating by March to start preparing for phase two.

After phase two is complete, the TVA will be able to move forward with fixing the problem. Hopson said in many cases like this, the repairs are completed by injecting grout into the rocks’ cracks that will stop the water seepage, but if other methods are needed, the TVA is prepared for that as well.