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Emory River to be Closed Until Mid-May while TVA Kingston Cleanup Continues

Release Date: 02/09/2010
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, (404) 562-8293, marraccini.davina@epa.gov

(ATLANTA – Feb. 9, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have brought in large hydraulic dredge equipment 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 until May 15, 2010 from mile marker 0 to mile marker 6.

The initial river closure began on Aug. 11, 2009, and was extended through Feb. 15, 2010. The U.S. Coast Guard, EPA and TVA reevaluated dredging operations and concluded that an extension to the closure area is necessary for continued public safety. No river traffic will be allowed through this area. After that time, EPA and TVA will review the situation and determine when the river can safely be re-opened.

EPA’s closure 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 1-800-564-7577 or 865-717-1635.

For more information about EPA’s oversight and response activities at the Kingston site, visit: https://www.epa.gov/region4/kingston and http://www.epakingstontva.com.