Emory River Closed as TVA Kingston Cleanup Continues
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) continue removal efforts at the TVA Kingston Fly Ash Spill site, large hydraulic dredge equipment is being used to expedite the removal of ash from the Emory River. To keep the river as safe as possible, the Emory River will continue to be closed from mile marker 1.5 to mile marker 3 through Feb. 15, 2010.
The initial river closure began on Aug. 11, 2009 and was extended through Oct. 11, 2009. No river traffic will be allowed through this area. In early February, EPA and TVA will review the situation and determine when the river can safely be re-opened.
EPA's advisory map can be found at http://www.epakingstontva.com.
Individuals requiring further information or instructions regarding recreational use of Watts Bar Reservoir should contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, Stephanie Y. Brown at 800.564.7577 or 865.717.1635.
For more information about EPA's oversight and response activities at the Kingston site, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region4/kingston and http://www.epakingstontva.com.