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Portion of the Emory River to be Closed through February 15, 2010 while TVA Kingston Cleanup Continues

Release Date: 10/09/2009
Contact Information: Laura Niles, 404-562-8353, [email protected]

(Atlanta, Ga. – October 9, 2009) As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) continue removal efforts at the TVA Kingston Fly Ash Spill site, large hydraulic dredge equipment is being used to expedite the removal of ash from the Emory River. To keep the river as safe as possible, the Emory River will continue to be closed from mile marker 1.5 to mile marker 3 through February 15, 2010.

The initial river closure began on August 11, 2009 and was extended through October 11, 2009. No river traffic will be allowed through this area. In early February, EPA and TVA will review the situation and determine when the river can safely be re-opened.

EPA’s advisory map can be found at http://www.epakingstontva.com.

Individuals requiring further information or instructions regarding recreational use of Watts Bar Reservoir should contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, Stephanie Y. Brown at 1-800-564-7577 or 865-717-1635.

For more information about EPA’s oversight and response activities at the Kingston site, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/region4/kingston and http://www.epakingstontva.com.