TVA to Lower Level of Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir for Repairs to Dam
October 18, 2002
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – TVA will lower the water level of Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir this fall to its lowest level in more than 15 years to permit work on the spillway gates at the dam.
The drawdown will begin November 4 and continue through December 9, dropping the reservoir to an elevation of 1,226 feet above sea level, which is about 35 feet below normal. It will be the lowest reservoir level since 1986. TVA will maintain normal reservoir levels until November 4.
The special drawdown is necessary to permit workers to safely replace wire ropes used to lift the five spillway gates at the dam and make repairs to each of the gates, which in turn will provide for safe operation of the gates during heavy rainfall and potential flooding. TVA will also retrofit the dam to accommodate a bulkhead, which will reduce the need for future drawdowns.
Work is scheduled to be completed by late January, and the reservoir is expected to return to normal winter levels in February 2003.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer, and its power system is self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Barbara Martocci, Knoxville (865-632-8632) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
