Clinch River Arm and Lower Watts Bar Lake: Sediment and Dredging Review
One stretch of Watts Bar Lake has rules the rest doesn't. On the Clinch River arm down to Kingston and on the lower lake from Kingston to the dam, the U.S. Department of Energy reports contaminated sediment buried in the old river and creek channels, and dredging permit requests there are reviewed by DOE as well as TVA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This page explains what DOE says, what it means for docks, slips and shoreline work, and what it doesn't change.
What the Department of Energy says
DOE's page on the Lower Watts Bar Reservoir and Clinch River/Poplar Creek describes the area as running from the Solway Bridge to Kingston, where the Clinch River joins the Tennessee River, and from there down to the dam. Its main points:
Lower Watts Bar and Clinch River/Poplar Creek, per DOE
- Contaminants
- Mercury, chromium, arsenic and radionuclides in the main river channel sediments
- Where they are
- In deep-water sediments in the old river and creek channels, generally buried under 8 to 32 inches of clean sediment
- How it's controlled
- By restricting sediment dredging, and by limiting the amount and types of fish eaten
- Dredging review
- Dredging permit requests are reviewed by TVA, DOE and TDEC
- Monitoring
- DOE monitors annually and reports results in its Remediation Effectiveness Report
- Recreation
- DOE says the areas are safe for boating, skiing, swimming and fishing
- Records of Decision
- Lower Watts Bar Reservoir, September 29, 1995; Clinch River/Poplar Creek, September 23, 1997
The page is dated December 2013. It's the most direct public statement we found on how dredging is handled there, so confirm the current process with TVA when you apply.
What it means for docks and slips
DOE is specific about one case: "Since the sediments are contaminated, dredging (e.g. for dock installation) requires a permit." If a new dock, a deeper slip, a lift, or a cleared channel on this part of the lake involves removing bottom material, expect that request to go through the TVA, DOE and TDEC review.
TVA's own rules already limit that kind of digging. On TVA residential access shoreland, TVA approves individual boat channels only when there's no other practicable way to reach enough water depth and the work wouldn't substantially affect sensitive resources, and the digging has to be done during the drawdown while the bottom is exposed and dry (1304.207). Tennessee's list of general permits includes GARAP007, Minor Dredging in Reservoirs, Lakes, and Ponds. On this stretch, plan for those steps plus DOE's review.
What it means for riprap and walls
DOE's page talks about dredging and doesn't address riprap or retaining walls that leave the lakebed alone. Riprap on TVA land still follows TVA's stabilization rule, 18 CFR 1304.208: quarry-run or natural stone placed to follow the existing bank contour, with site preparation limited to what the stone needs. If a design calls for digging a toe trench or any excavation below the water on this part of the lake, ask TVA at the start whether the extra review applies.
We haven't found an official statement on how the sediment review applies to riprap-only jobs. Ask TVA when you apply rather than assuming either way.
A navigable arm of the lake
TVA describes Watts Bar Reservoir as creating a slack-water navigation channel more than 20 miles up the Clinch River and 12 miles up the Emory River. The same TVA rules on docks, riprap and walls apply along these arms as on the main lake: fixed dock decks at least 24 inches above full summer pool, and the November 1 drawdown toward 735 feet.
Fish advisories
DOE's page also carries fish consumption guidance for this area: avoid eating striped bass, and limit catfish and sauger to one meal a month. It says pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who might become pregnant, and children should not eat catfish or sauger from these waters. TDEC issues the advisories and posts them at boat launches.
County office in Kingston
Roane County's Building Codes and Zoning Department is at 308 N. 3rd Street in Kingston, 865-717-4230, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. Its web page doesn't mention docks, walls or shoreline work, so call with your project if your lot is in Roane County.
Lower lake questions
Is the water on the lower lake safe for swimming and boating?
DOE says the Lower Watts Bar Reservoir and the Clinch River/Poplar Creek are safe for recreational uses such as boating, skiing, swimming and fishing, with fish consumption limits.
Can I dredge around my dock below Kingston?
Only with a permit. DOE says dredging there, with dock installation as its example, requires a permit, and that dredging permit requests are reviewed by TVA, DOE and TDEC.
Does the sediment review apply to riprap?
DOE's page addresses dredging, not riprap. Ask TVA early if your project involves any digging below the water.
Where exactly is the contamination?
DOE says it's in deep-water sediments in the old river and creek channels, generally under 8 to 32 inches of clean sediment.
How this site helps
If your property is on the Clinch River arm or the lower lake, mention it when you call (865) 445-5366 or send a request. We'll pass it to one independent local contractor who works on Watts Bar Lake. The referral is free.
Related pages
Sources
On the Clinch arm or the lower lake?
Call or send a request to reach one independent local contractor who works on Watts Bar Lake. The referral is free.