TVA is currently running a higher minim flow on the Toccoa to keep the reservoir at a constant level. I Have heard that the intake for the constant flow generator was damaged and that they are unable to use it. TVA is currently either spilling or sluicing water at a rate of around 460 cfs. I am still waiting on a report to find out what the water temps are running. Worst case scenario is that if they are spilling the surface water temp could possibly cause another fish kill. If they are sluicing and can maintain the water temps then the river should be fine. For now though it looks like we will all just have to wait and see.
From www.tva.gov
May 1, 2012 — TVA will continuing holding the water level in Blue Ridge Reservoir at approximately 1,672 feet (its current elevation) at least through the end of July 2012. This means the reservoir will remain below normal summer pool for this year.
Blue Ridge Dam is safe and stable. There is no change in the dam’s ability to hold water.
Because public safety is TVA’s number one priority, we are being overly cautious and holding the reservoir at this level after we saw unexpected ground movement on March 7, 2012. This movement occurred during the completion of the two-year Blue Ridge Dam rehabilitation project.
To ensure long-term dam safety, we are conducting significant monitoring, testing and analysis on the earlier ground movement at the dam. Holding the reservoir steady provides TVA consistent conditions for collecting the data necessary to complete a full engineering evaluation. It removes the variable of fluctuating water pressure against the dam from monitoring readings. This will allow us to determine if additional long-term stability work is necessary before completing the dam rehabilitation project.
No comments:
Post a Comment