By Paul Leach
Correspondent
COPPERHILL, Tenn. - TVA has begun a new phase of groundwork for the Ocoee flume system repair project.
A rock slide below Ocoee Dam No. 2 destroyed between 60 and 70 feet of the wooden flume on April 28. The flume system was built in 1912 and channels water from the river to an electrical powerhouse.
Before TVA can repair the damaged flume, it must stabilize the rocky cliffs nearby.
Tennessee Valley Authority spokesman Travis Brickey said the agency began debris removal and stabilization procedures in June. Last week, TVA crews begin securing the cliff by inserting large bolts into the rock wall.
Flume repairs are expected to take place this fall, he said.
The work shouldn't present any problems for rafters on the Ocoee River, he said.
"We have a fence in place to catch falling material," Mr. Brickey said. "We also have spotters in place in case we need to temporarily stop rafters coming downriver as a safety precaution."
TVA has not needed to prohibit rafting traffic since it began the repair project, he said.
In the meantime, water meant for electrical power generation continues to flow down the Ocoee River seven days a week.
According to scheduling agreements with TVA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, rafting outfitters generally have river access every day but Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer.
Mr. Brickey said that TVA is able to meet the higher energy requirements of the summer months even without No. 2's powerhouse.
TDEC continues to control and maintain river access areas seven days a week, according to spokeswoman Tisha Calabrese-Benton. The agency began extra coverage shortly after the rock slide.
Larry Mashburn, president of the Ocoee River Outfitters Association, praised TDEC's extended coverage and TVA's efforts to ensure rafters' safety and minimize expedition delays.
However, the extra water release days have not necessarily translated into extra business for the outfitters.
"The extra days are not guaranteed releases," explained Mr. Mashburn, "and I can't think of any outfitters that want to take a chance on disappointing anyone who has traveled a long way for their rafting trip."
He said one of the biggest benefits to rafters is the extra water volume in the river while the flume remains offline.
"This is a great summer to have some exciting rides on the Ocoee," Mr. Mashburn said.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. E-mail him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.
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