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First Creek Drainage Improvements

Knox County, Tennessee

On June 30, 2009, TVA issued an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for drainage improvements to a 0.36-mile stretch of First Creek between Chickamauga Avenue and Emoriland Boulevard along North Broadway in Knox County, Tennessee. These improvements would expand First Creek’s ability to carry storm water runoff, which would reduce the possibility of flooding streets and structures. The proposed work would consist of creating broad, gently sloped areas adjacent to First Creek to accommodate storm water flows in the creek. These areas would not only slow the velocity of water through the creek but would also provide places for temporary storm water storage, lessening the likelihood of floodwaters reaching North Broadway.

The City of Knoxville (City) submitted a joint permit application to TVA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on August 13, 2008, for the proposed project. The proposed drainage improvements require TVA approval under Section 26a of the TVA Act for the components of the project that would result in stream and floodplain obstructions. The USACE deemed the City’s proposal eligible for Section 404 Nationwide Permit No. 14 on September 4, 2008, and thus categorically excluded the proposal. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit on July 31, 2008, and Section 401 Water Quality Certification on December 10, 2008, for the proposed project.