Visitors to Chickamauga Dam are likely to see activity on the downstream side of the dam over the next several weeks as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s continuous hydro improvement program.
TVA engineers will be conducting field studies to examine the properties of the dam’s foundation. They will be collecting samples using a barge-mounted drill. The data will refine a health check analysis of the 5,800-foot dam in 2013.
“TVA dams perform well and are continuously monitored to ensure they are performing as designed,” said John McCormick, vice president of TVA safety, river management and environment.
The drilling activity began Monday and is expected to take about six weeks, depending on weather and other factors. Vehicle traffic will not be affected.