TVA: Bear Creek Dam needs repairs
By Staff
Rebecca James, Franklin County Times
The Tennessee Valley Authority announced Wednesday that leaks in Bear Creek Dam need to be repaired or rebuilt at a cost $35 million.
The recommendation is expected to be released by TVA in a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will detail possible actions and impacts from each of the alternative solutions studied.
Bear Creek Dam has had problems with leaking and needs to be repaired in order to correct the problem and to ensure the safety of drinking water.
"This is great news for Franklin County, Northwest Alabama, and its residents," said Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville). "The problem with the Bear Creek Dam was originally brought to my attention by the Franklin County Water Service Authority back in 2006, and we were concerned about how the damage could threaten the area's drinking water supply."
In June of 2006, the then Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water drafted a letter to TVA CEO Tom Kilgore at the request of Congressman Aderholt asking for a detailed report on TVA's plans for the dam.
"Bear Creek Dam is a vital part of Franklin County and the entire area, and I think that Franklin County citizens were justifiably concerned about the future of their drinking water supply," Aderholt said. "This is exactly what we wanted for Bear Creek Dam."
Aderholt met with Kilgore to discuss his concerns over the dam in April.
"I believe that Mr. Kilgore understood our concerns of our area and the importance of the dam to Franklin County," Aderholt said. "This problem has far reaching consequences that spread beyond Franklin County."
Following the release of the EIS, there will be a 45 day window during which TVA can respond to public concerns. After the 45 days, TVA will issue a final EIS that will be available for review for 30 days.
"We expect TVA to issue the Record of Decision in the fall to complete the study," Aderholt said. "Ideally construction will begin this fall. With the recommendations that TVA has made, they are assuring the safety of the community and the continued well-being of Bear Creek Dam."
