TVA to Lower Level of Blue Ridge Reservoir to Inspect Penstock
Aug. 25, 2003
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – TVA will lower the level of Blue Ridge Reservoir approximately 48 feet below the normal winter level to inspect the penstock, an underwater pipe at the dam that carries water from the reservoir to the turbines in the powerhouse.
The drawdown, which will reduce water pressure on the outside of the penstock, is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 2. By late November, the reservoir is expected to reach an elevation of 1,620 feet, which is 48 feet below the normal winter level. The reservoir level will be held at that elevation for about three to four weeks while engineers decide exactly what needs to be done to repair the penstock during the next drawdown. The reservoir will then be allowed to return to normal as rainfall permits.
The penstock at Blue Ridge has had structural deficiencies since it was placed in operation by the Tennessee Electric Power Company in 1931. Because of these deficiencies, a deep drawdown is required about every five years to inspect and document the condition of the penstock.
The planned repairs will ensure the continued safe operation of Blue Ridge Dam by preventing further damage to the penstock. They also will eliminate the need for future deep drawdowns for periodic dam safety inspections, which will benefit the growing number of people who visit Blue Ridge reservoir each year.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood control, navigation, water quality, and recreation. Its power system and natural resource stewardship programs are self-financed.
Media Contact:
Pat Becker, Knoxville (865-632-4660) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
