Thanks to your generous support and our collective advocacy, we’re excited to share a major update in the fight to protect Lake Chatuge.
TVA has just released a newly revised plan of action (linked below) for the Chatuge Dam safety modifications — and it's a significant improvement over earlier proposals. This progress is the direct result of public pressure from concerned citizens like you who stood up for better solutions. Your voice, your donations, and your engagement have made a real impact.
But our work isn’t done yet.
While we’re encouraged by this shift, no final decision has been made. TVA is still in the evaluation phase, and we must continue to advocate for options that preserve our local economy, environment, and community way of life. Now is the time to keep the pressure on.
Here's where we stand:
✅ Our preliminary economic impact analysis is complete and already influencing the conversation. We have paused further work pending future changes in project status
⏸️ We are pausing our engineering study temporarily while we assess TVA’s updated direction. Further technical analysis may still be necessary depending on next steps.
Your support has helped us reach this pivotal moment. Please stay engaged. We'll need your voice again during the next public comment period — and your continued commitment as we work toward a final outcome that truly protects Lake Chatuge and our region.
With gratitude and resolve,
SaveLakeChatuge.org
Chatuge Dam Safety Modifications
Chatuge Dam Safety Modifications - TVA.com
TVA is evaluating proposed safety modifications at Chatuge Dam to address potential risks to the dam’s spillway. The public comment period closed May 28, with more than 1,700 comments received. TVA anticipates publishing a Scoping Report in fall 2025 that will summarize public and agency comments and TVA’s planned scope.
www.tva.com
Thanks to your generous support and our collective advocacy, we’re excited to share a major update in the fight to protect Lake Chatuge.
TVA has just released a newly revised plan of action (linked below) for the Chatuge Dam safety modifications — and it's a significant improvement over earlier proposals. This progress is the direct result of public pressure from concerned citizens like you who stood up for better solutions. Your voice and your engagement have made a real impact.
But our work isn’t done yet.
While we’re encouraged by this shift, no final decision has been made. TVA is still in the evaluation phase, and we must continue to advocate for options that preserve our local economy, environment, and community way of life. Now is the time to keep the pressure on.
Here's where we stand:
✅ Our preliminary economic impact analysis is complete and already influencing the conversation. We have paused further work pending future changes in project status
⏸️ We are pausing our engineering study temporarily while we assess TVA’s updated direction. Further technical analysis may still be necessary depending on next steps.
Your support has helped us reach this pivotal moment. Please stay engaged. We'll need your voice again during the next public comment period — and your continued commitment as we work toward a final outcome that truly protects Lake Chatuge and our region.
With gratitude and resolve,
SaveLakeChatuge.org
Chatuge Dam Safety Modifications
Chatuge Dam Safety Modifications - TVA.com
TVA is evaluating proposed safety modifications at Chatuge Dam to address potential risks to the dam’s spillway. The public comment period closed May 28, with more than 1,700 comments received. TVA anticipates publishing a Scoping Report in fall 2025 that will summarize public and agency comments and TVA’s planned scope.
www.tva.com
Map of lake levels at 1908
LINKSTO SUBMIT TVA COMMENT (April 22-May28)
Mountain True’s sample Verbiage & Instructions: Take Action for Lake Chatuge's Communities – MountainTrue
Link to TVA comment page: https://tvaforms.wufoo.com/forms/mr3qjkz1sxdgwy/
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Save Lake Chatuge – Public Call to Action
See below to see how to join the fight.
We need better alternatives than a years-long continuous drawdown
TVA has announced plans to overhaul the Chatuge Dam spillway, and their own regulatory filing confirms that all proposed actions would result in drawdown conditions lasting anywhere from 4- 8 years. The lake would be held 10 feet below the winter pool (elevation 1908') for several years.
That would devastate:
Tourism and small businesses that rely on lake visitors.
Property values and tax revenue for towns and counties.
Water intake system that supplies drinking water.
Shoreline ecosystems and aquatic habitats.
We agree - dam safety matters—but TVA needs to analyze better alternatives:
Use modern construction techniques (e.g., cofferdams) that will allow for a more normal summer lake elevation (no draw down May-September).
Consider phased or accelerated construction timelines.
Bring in independent technical experts supported by the community and conduct a full, transparent environmental review (NEPA).
What you can do
TVA is accepting public comments now. Help us send a strong, local message:
Elected Officials - Write a short, hand-written letter:
Give details on how this would personally impact you.
Oppose a prolonged drawdown at Lake Chatuge.
Demand TVA analyze faster and less damaging alternatives.
Request independent review and full environmental accountability.
Mail or email your comments by May 28, 2025.
Need help getting started? Here’s a quick example:
"I am a resident of the Lake Chatuge area and strongly oppose any alternative that would leave our lake drawn down for even a single summer. This would cause irreversible harm to our economy, environment, and community. TVA must consider faster, less damaging solutions like cofferdams and phased construction. These approaches have been successfully used at dozens of similar projects across the nation."
Even 2–3 sentences make a difference. Let's act now to protect our community.
Who to contact:
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS/REPRESENTATIVES (online comments available through contact forms on everyone's individual website):
Sen. Jon Ossoff (GA): Hart Senate Office Bldg, # 317, Washington DC 20510, 202-224-3521
Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA): Hart Senate Office Building, # 717, Washington DC 20510, 202-224-3643
Sen. Thom Tillis (NC): 113 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC 20510, 202-224-6342
Sen. Ted Budd (NC): 354 Russell Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC 20510, 202-224-3154
Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11): 1505 Longworth House Ofc Bldg, Washington DC 20515, 202-225-6401
Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-9): 445 Cannon House Office Bldg, Washington DC 20515, 202-225-9893
GA Governor Brian Kemp: 206 Washington St, # 203, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334, 404-656-1776
NC Governor Josh Stein: 20301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699, 919-814-2000
TVA Comments:
Email: nepa@tva.gov
Subject: Chatuge Dam Safety Project – NOI Comments