Douglas Lake

Progress Map of Douglas Lake

Current Updates:

  • TVA continues clearing in zone 13R. They will be returning to zones 11R and 12R to clean debris above the elevation 990 and up to elevation 1002.
  • TVA plans to begin work in zone 11L.
  • TVA continues to place additional barges in the water and to mobilize debris management staging areas.
  • TDEC has lifted the no contact advisory following Hurricane Helene.
  • The Shady Grove Boat Ramp remains closed until further notice. 

Through a joint, coordinated effort, local, state, and federal partners have begun mobilizing resources to remove debris in Douglas Lake following Tropical Storm Helene. Our priority remains keeping you updated as the project reaches key milestones.

Immediately following Tropical Storm Helene, TVA deployed a 4,000-foot-long floating boom across Douglas Lake to protect Douglas Dam and other downstream infrastructure from floating debris. Having served its purpose successfully, the boom was removed on Nov. 27. TVA Dam Safety has developed a supplemental emergency action plan so that in the event certain conditions arise, a boom could be re-deployed near the dam to protect the dam’s functional and operational components.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been assigned by the state of Tennessee to lead the efforts to clear, remove, and dispose of disaster-related debris in and around the Douglas Reservoir. Above you will find a map of the Debris Removal Zones. These zones will be used to track progress and communicate with the public. Ptoperty owners will be notfied in advance of the work being performed on or near their property.

Douglas Lake Cleanup Sequence

Out of an abundance of caution, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has issued a boating safety advisory.  Debris can be hazardous, with the potential to cause injury or death. For the safety of the crews involved in debris cleanup as well as the safety of boaters, the public is advised to stay off the lake until further notice. 

 

Five Things to Know  

The project is a shared responsibility among local, state, and federal agencies

Local, state, and federal agencies are working together to remove debris, safeguard downstream infrastructure, and restore safe, accessible conditions for the community.   

We are prioritizing safety 

The safety of our crews, the environment, and the public is our top priority throughout the project.  For the safety of the crews involved in debris cleanup as well as the safety of boaters, the public is advised to stay off the lake until further notice.  We are protecting the environment Every step of the project is according to an approved plan that protects the river’s ecosystem and follows strict guidelines to safeguard the environment and human health.  

We are working to minimize community impacts 

We are working to reduce disruptions to the community and to communicate clear updates on any temporary closures or changes affecting the area. Property owners will be notified in advance of the work being performed on or near their property.   

There’s an open line of communication 

It is our goal to keep you updated with timely and accurate information.  If you have questions or if you are receiving contradictory information, please let us be your resource. For the most up-to-date information, bookmark and revisit this webpage.

Open Burn Safety Information

Frequently Asked Questions 

As part of a collaborative, interagency effort, TVA has been assigned by FEMA and the state of Tennessee to clear, remove and dispose of the unprecedented volume of disaster-related debris in and around Douglas Lake. Much of this debris entered the lake area following Tropical Storm Helene in late-September of 2024. Douglas was identified for cleanup due to the potential risk the debris posed to the infrastructure of the Dougals Dam as well as downstream water supply.  

A comprehensive plan for debris removal has been established, and we have started to execute that plan. Key actions include removing floating debris from the lake and clearing debris from dry lake areas that present immediate risks to improved property, public health and safety. 

Due to the unprecedented amount of debris and damage, TVA and its interagency partners have put together a plan for execution that breaks down the work areas into debris removal zones. These zones will be used to track progress and communicate with the property owners. We will be notifying property owners personally before work begins on or near their property.

TVA’s mission assignment is to remove debris up to elevation 1,002 feet. Terrain and weather conditions, as well as lake levels, help determine the sequence of removal (the order in which zones are cleared). 

We are working to minimize disruptions to the community by communicating our efforts and updates in advance so property owners can plan accordingly.

Crews are accessing the debris removal zones via the water and not taking equipment through yards or private property.

TDEC has begun a water sampling program and plans to assess the current water quality of the rivers feeding Douglas Lake to provide insight on the incoming water quality.

TDEC will also sample specific sites within the lake to obtain direct data on the lake’s water condition. Water quality sampling results will be shared with the community.

First and foremost, the safety of our crews, the environment and the public is our top priority throughout this project. Open burning exclusively of vegetative debris is a state-approved method of debris removal. We are following procedures that are protective of human health and the environment.

Property owners can also burn their vegetative debris, but they must first obtain a state-approved permit before doing so. 

On October 2, 2024, TDEC issued temporary water contact advisories to avoid all contact with waterbodies affected by the extreme flooding in East Tennessee. The temporary advisories apply to all surface waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds as well as any other waters affected by the flooding.  

When TDEC’s sampling results indicate water quality conditions in the affected rivers have returned to pre-flood conditions, the department will lift the no-contact advisory and issue a press release and other communication to inform citizens.  We believe contact recreation in Douglas Lake is safe at this point, as the waters have visibly cleared, but out of an abundance of caution we will wait on lab results before lifting the advisory.

Douglas Lake was created by the impoundment of the French Broad River.  In addition to the French Broad, the Nolichucky and Pigeon rivers drain into Douglas Lake.To assess the current water quality of Douglas Lake, TDEC is sampling upstream in the French Broad, Nolichucky and Pigeon rivers. This data will be compared with historic record of water quality data to determine if water quality has recovered to pre-Hurricane Helene levels.  

In addition to the river sampling, TDEC has sampled two sites in Douglas Lake where TVA has some historical data that will allow TDEC to make comparisons. TDEC will share the results of the water quality sampling and notify the public when the state-issued no-contact advisory is rescinded on the TDEC website, through press releases and on social media.

Yes. Fish consumption from Douglas Lake is safe. There were no consumption advisories on fish from Douglas Lake prior to this flooding event, and the short-term exposure to any pollutants during the flood event should not have an effect on fish tissue contaminants. 

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s boating safety advisory remains in effect.

We are grateful to the community for their patience and engagement with us on this effort. We are proud to partner with local, state and federal agencies to protect the lake, its ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.

Our objective is to leave Douglas Lake in a condition that makes the community proud. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Providing state-led management and coordination for the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Task Force.

Providing federal support to the state for the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Task Force and mission, assigning other federal agencies while also providing technical assistance and oversight.

Mission assigned by FEMA as the lead agency responsible for Douglas Lake Debris Removal operations.

In support of TEMA, TDEC is overseeing environmental protection and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations related to water quality and environmental health for the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Task Force.

Mission assigned by FEMA to provide technical support on environmental protection in accordance with federal environmental laws for the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Task Force. The EPA will provide Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Technical Specialist to support and ensure proper management and disposition of debris in a manner protective of human health and the environment.

Mission assigned by FEMA to provide technical support. USACE will have Technical Monitors on-site that will assist with monitoring debris removal, tracking progress and reporting for the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Task Force.

Mission assigned by FEMA to provide technical assistance and plan review to ensure worker safety throughout the debris removal process and provides guidance on compliance with workplace safety regulations for the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Task Force.

Manages fisheries populations at Douglas Lake and across Tennessee by setting and enforcing fishing regulations on the lake. Ensures public safety through boating law enforcement and incident response on the water. Issues boating safety advisories as needed to alert boaters to safety concerns.