Posted on 10/13/2005 1:26:31 PM PDT by girlangler
Sluice Gate Releases Planned at Center Hill Dam
Nashville, Tenn. [Aug. 18, 2005] — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to take measures next week at Center Hill Dam to increase the dissolved oxygen content of releases to the Caney Fork River. This action will benefit aquatic life downstream.
Sluice gate releases will be concurrent with generation of electricity in the hydropower plant beginning Monday, August 22. By scheduling sluice releases during periods of power generation, the Corps will be able to meet downstream water-quality objectives and minimize impacts to fishermen and power interests. The measures are considered the best way to maintain the State dissolved-oxygen standard of six mg/l (milligrams per liter).
Corps representatives will periodically monitor the dissolved oxygen concentration in the river below the dam to determine the success of the sluice gate releases. Last year, between September 30 and November 15, the Corps successfully used the practice to raise the levels of dissolved oxygen to acceptable levels. The sluice releases were continuous during this period. This year the plan is to provide periods of no generation or sluice releases from the dam, however, circumstances may develop that would prevent this.
The sluice gate measures four feet by six feet and releases approximately 1600 cubic feet per second into the tailwater. The three hydropower turbines at Center Hill have been modified by the Corps to increase the dissolved oxygen level of hydropower releases. The sluice gate release is simply another practice employed by the Corps to improve water quality conditions in the Caney Fork River. These actions are consistent with the Corps’ Environmental Operating Principles.
These Principles are to maintain an environment in a healthy, diverse and sustainable condition necessary to support life, proactively consider the consequences of Corps programs, accept responsibility for activities under our control that impact the health of natural systems, seek ways to mitigate such impacts, and seek solutions to the nation’s problems that enhance the environment.
Corps officials are working closely with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, TWRA, and SEPA which benefits from power generated. Fishermen and boaters should avoid the turbulent water created by the sluice gate below the dam. Turbulence could actually draw small craft in and submerge them.
For more information concerning this matter, please contact Bob Sneed at the Nashville District Corps of Engineers office at 615-736-5675.
So, I was a thinkin' some of you Tennessee freepers, especially those near Nashville, might be contemplating doing some fishing.
This is good news for the trout in Center Hill tailwaters. The release was kinda vague about how long the water would be released. But should make for some good fishing there about now.
Heads up Grammy -- go get 'em, and get some practice.
Center Hill? Too far to go - just go up to Norris and fish down at the weir dam. Just make sure you know the generation schedule before you step in.
Bob,
I know that, I was just giving a heads up to Tennessee freepers near Nashville. This is GREAT news for trout anglers there.
Aint it a beautiful day here today? Can't stand being inside, but I have stuff I have to get done.
This weekend I'm leaving for Texas, though, and am going to be fishing for about seven straight days. Can't wait.
Just wish I could take this weather with me.
Grew up fishing the Caney Fork River in White and Van Buren counties. Glad you folks up north are looking out for us.
You got it girlangler. I'm going to make junior G fulfill his promise to take me fishing.
Grammy,
I love to introduce kids to fishing, and I have introduced many, many, many kids to it.
But, part of it is for a selfish reason -- so maybe someday when I can't go it alone, I'll have somebody who'll take me.
Use a version of one of the "Take Me Fishing" campaign slogans (www.takemefishing.org I think) on him.
"Take me fishing" before you are visiting my grave . . . That'll get him. He'll have the tackle boxes and rods in the car and ready before you can finish.
Tailwaters would be a good place to practice your new hobby, really any water during the fall. Go for it!
Before you visit my grave should get him 8-)
Right now, he owes me big time! I cakes for his "surprise" wedding, (that they had been planning for months). Only the kid of a baker could ask for, (and get) 3 wedding cakes!
make that "baked cakes"
Crazy Joe,
Bet you miss God's country huh?
That river (and surrounding views) are magnificent.
It is a breathtaking float down the Caney Fork. And the Hiwassee River also.
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