Changes to TVA’s Cherokee Dam could have unintended consequences for aquatic wildlife, TWRA says

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Tennessee Valley Authority has announced changes to Cherokee Dam, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is concerned this could have unintended consequences for aquatic wildlife.

The changes, which involve replacing the current aeration system with new turbine technology, is designed to improve water quality downstream. However, the TWRA said it is evaluating potential impacts to aquatic wildlife, particularly Striped Bass.

According to TWRA’s Matt Cameron, the existing oxygenation lines in Cherokee Reservoir were originally installed to meet TVA’s requirement for minimum dissolved oxygen levels in water discharged below the dam.

However, Cameron said an unexpected benefit of this system has been the creation of a cool, oxygen-rich refuge in the reservoir during summer months, which is a critical survival zone for large Striped Bass.

The planned turbine upgrades will allow TVA to meet its downstream oxygenation levels without needing to operate the in-reservoir oxygen lines. Cameron said this will cause the refuge area for Striped Bass to disappear, significantly reducing their chances of surviving the summer and reaching sizes over 25 inches.

“TWRA anticipates higher summer mortality among Striped Bass, similar to an incident last year when the oxygen lines were not yet active during a period of high heat,” Cameron said.

Cameron said the TWRA is proactively developing a response plan to address the expected changes. Anglers and stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback and questions by sending an email to Ask.TWRA@tn.gov.

Currently, Cameron said no changes have been made to the Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass stocking programs in Cherokee Reservoir.

“TWRA remains committed to open dialogue with stakeholders as it considers the long-term management of all fisheries in the reservoir,” Cameron said.

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