DANDRIDGE, TN.—Due to flooding from Hurricane Helene in the North Carolina mountains and parts of Tennessee, a large field of floating debris has accumulated in Douglas Reservoir in Sevier and Jefferson Counties, which is the inflow point from the Nolichucky, Pigeon, and French Broad Rivers and other watersheds. The debris field on Douglas is approximately one square mile in size and moving one mile per day downstream toward Douglas Dam.

To help contain the debris, TVA has deployed a one mile wide boom across Douglas Reservoir above the town of Dandridge. This is one of the largest boom deployments of its kind in TVA’s history. A boom is a floating barrier that captures surface and submerged debris in bodies of water.

The boom extends across the entire lake surface at Mile 11 at Swanns Shoals upriver from downtown Dandridge and will be in place until further notice. Deployment of the boom is intended to help protect water supply intakes and other infrastructure downstream of the debris mat and ensure TVA’s ability to continue flood control and normal operations at Douglas Dam.

Containing the debris allows more time for partner agencies and groups to explore options for removing the debris. Debris can include vegetation (trees, branches, shrubs), household items (garbage, glass, appliances, propane tanks), and construction materials (roofing, lumber), among others. Debris can be hazardous, with the potential to cause injury or death.

For the safety of the crews installing the boom as well as the safety of boaters, the public is advised to stay off the lake in this area until further notice. TVA Police along with officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be on the water patrolling to help ensure safety, and signage will be set up around the area of the boom.