Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA Seeks Public Comment on Environmental Assessment For Kingston Recreation Proposal
August 19, 2011
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. The Tennessee Valley Authority seeks public comment on a draft report that looks at possible environmental impacts of adding recreation areas near the Kingston Fossil Plant in Roane County, Tenn.
The proposed project would convert residential land purchased by TVA after the Kingston ash spill in 2008 into a public use recreation area to help restore and enhance the Swan Pond community near the plant. Potential uses for the approximately 90 acres include a combination of ball fields, walking trails, green space, wetlands restoration and water access.
"Adapting the private property TVA bought after the spill for recreation use and wetlands will ensure that the land will be used for the public good," said Katie Kline, TVA general manager of Kingston Support Services. "TVA cannot change the fact that the spill occurred, but we can help make things right for the community."
The draft environmental assessment is available on TVA's website at http://www.tva.gov/environment/reports/kif_rec/index.htm. It also is available for review at public libraries in Harriman, Kingston and Rockwood.
Public comments must be received by Friday, Sept. 16, 2011. Any comments received, along with the names and addresses of those commenting, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection.
Comments may be submitted online, emailed to krbaxter@tva.gov or mailed to Kelly R. Baxter, National Environmental Policy Act specialist, Tennessee Valley Authority, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 11D, Knoxville, Tenn. 37902 or faxed to (865) 632-3451. For additional information or to receive a printed or disc copy of the document, contact Baxter at (865) 632-2444.
The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists utilities and state and local governments with economic development.
Media Contact
Barbara Martocci, Knoxville, (865) 632-8632
TVA Media Relations, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000