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No-wake Zone Reduced to Emory River Mile 1.8 to 2.1

Release Date: 08/30/2010
Contact Information: James Pinkney, 404-562-9183, pinkney.james@epa.gov

(Atlanta-August 30, 2010) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has reduced the posted no-wake zone to Emory River Mile (ERM) 1.8 to 2.1 from the previously posted ERM 1.7 to 2.8.

Work in the East Embayment east of dike 2 is complete, the boom has been removed, and the area is now open to the public.

Work is still ongoing at the Kingston Fossil Plant intake channel adjacent to the main channel. That work zone remains boomed off, therefore, the public is not allowed in that area.

Additionally, EPA, in consultation with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Department of Health, has lifted the River Advisory and determined that any coal ash remaining in the river presents minimal health risks to recreational users.

Casual contact with ash in the river should not cause skin irritation, although long-term contact could result in some irritation from sand-like particles in the ash. River users are advised to wash after exiting the river, especially in areas where ash is clearly visible.

Individuals requiring further information or instructions regarding recreational use of Watts Bar Reservoir should contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, Stephanie Y. Brown at 1-877-718-3752 or 865-717-1635.