TVA proposes new rules to help Duck River in times of drought [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee Valley Authority is seeking public input on a proposal that would modify water flow from Normandy Dam. This environmental assessment changes how often the flow levels are checked. Currently, water flow levels are checked each hour.

The proposal would allow for flow rates to be measured based on weekly averages instead. The water from the dam flows into the Duck River, the third most biodiverse river in the world.

Adam May, with TVA Media Relations, said the public won’t notice a difference in water levels. The idea behind the proposal is that more water can be preserved in the Normandy Reservoir that could be used during drought conditions.

“Basically, it’s about how TVA accounts for flow and the average citizen won’t see a difference at all. But it does give us some flexibility to preserve some water in the reservoir and it’ll especially be helpful during droughts like we saw in 2007 and 2008 …