It is time to spread the news even more that Douglas Lake is back!

On behalf of the local, state, and federal agencies involved in the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Project, we would like to provide a progress update.

Zone Completion Progress:

• As of the Community Day of Service, all Tropical Storm Helene Debris removal has been completed below the location of the original boom (Zones 1 – 10).
• TVA is making their final sweep of all the remaining zones, starting upstream at Zone 20, and working their way downstream through Zone 11.
  • Zones 20L & 20R – Complete
  • Zones 19L & 19R – Complete
  • Zones 18L & 18R – Complete
  • Zones 17L & 17R – Complete
  • Zones 16L & 16R – In progress
  • TVA will be working sequentially through the remaining zones, from Zone 16 to Zone 11.  I will send more frequent progress updates as we move forward.

As a reminder, TVA has been mission assigned for Tropical Storm Helene debris removal.  Removing debris which existed prior to Hurricane Helene is not part of TVA’s mission assignment.  We also want to share an important note about the nature of this river-fed reservoir.  Douglas Lake is a living, breathing part of our regional water system. Its water levels ebb and flow with the seasons, and from time to time, natural debris will make its way downstream and into the reservoir. While TVA has worked diligently to restore the lake to conditions better than those before Tropical Storm Helene, the reality is that some debris will always be present in a dynamic, natural waterway like this.  As we make our final sweep and mark zones as complete, we’ll have video documentation to support these efforts. However, even in cleared areas, you may continue to see new debris accumulate over time. This isn’t a reflection of inaction—it’s simply nature in motion.

Water Quality Sampling Results:

• As of January 15, 2025, TDEC lifted the water contact advisory, and this has not changed.
• TVA has begun routine water sampling for the Douglas Lake.  Samples will be taken monthly from April through October.  We are pleased to share that the results for the April & May sampling events show the water quality is good and that the lake is open for everyone to enjoy.

Additional information:

• TVA has completed the underwater survey to identify potential boater safety hazards.  We are still in progress of addressing any issues that were identified as part of this survey.

 You can also find official information on the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Project on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s website. If you have additional questions or are receiving conflicting information, please reach out to us as your primary resource.

If you have friends or neighbors who would like to be added to this email distribution list, please send us their email address.

Thank you again for your patience and cooperation as we advance our debris removal efforts and work to keep you informed. 

Sincerely,

Missy Hedgecoth

 mahedgec@tva.gov

Interagency Outreach & Communications Lead