TVA To Lower Little Bear Reservoir for Safety Inspection

April 11, 2008

RUSSELLVILE, Ala.  TVA is lowering the water level in Little Bear Reservoir for a dam safety inspection.

The inspection will help staff determine the source of sediment that was observed in the spillway channel earlier this week.

The Little Bear Reservoir water level was at elevation 619 feet before TVA began lowering the reservoir level. To allow for visual inspections, TVA will drop the water elevation a foot per day during  the next week until the reservoir elevation reaches 608 feet.When the elevation reaches 608 feet, dam safety personnel will assess the source of the problem and develop any necessary steps for maintenance or repairs. The inspection is being done as a precautionary measure, and there is no immediate threat of further problems developing at the dam.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self- financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 159 power distributors that serve approximately 8.8 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
Gil Francis, Knoxville, (865) 632-8031

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