Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike dam
Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike
The Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is a crucial structure managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to contain coal ash and gypsum waste from the plant's operations. This earth dam, completed in 1966, stands at a height of 18 feet and stretches over 10,000 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 241 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently classified as having a moderate risk level.
With a spillway width of 9 feet and uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam poses a unique challenge for managing water discharge during periods of high flow. The TVA has conducted structural and hydraulic modifications in 2011 to enhance the dam's resilience and ensure its continued safe operation. Regular inspections are carried out to monitor the dam's condition and address any potential risks promptly, in line with TVA's commitment to maintaining the integrity of their critical infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the intricate design and purpose of the Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike as a testament to the innovative engineering solutions employed by the TVA to manage industrial waste and protect local waterways. The dam's association with the Tennessee River highlights the interconnectedness of water resources and infrastructure, underscoring the importance of responsible management practices in safeguarding our environment for future generations.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver Creek At Solway | 58 cfs | → |
| Bullrun Creek Near Halls Crossroads | 25 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Alcoa | 209 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Maryville | 181 cfs | → |
| Emory River At Oakdale | 195 cfs | → |
| Obed River Near Lancing | 599 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike.
Boat launches
- New Henderson Road Anderson County
- Solway Park Oak Ridge
- Melton Hill Park Boat Ramp
- Mountain View Road 332, Norris
- South Northshore Drive 10920-11098, Knoxville
- Lake Haven Road 999, Farragut
Campgrounds
- Windrock Campgrounds
- Clinton / Knoxville North Koa
- Poland Creek
- East Campground
- Norris Dam State Park
- West Campground
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Center Bridge To Cumberland-Morgan County Line
- Tn/Nc State Line (Rm 48.0) To Tn360 Bridge (Rm 30.0)
- Mill Site To Center Bridge
- I-40 Bridge To Western Boundary Of Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, At Adams Bridge
- U.S. 127 Bridge To Morgan County Line
- Polecat Branch To Snowbird Picnic Area
Track Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike
Where does the data for Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Bull Run Fossil Plant - Ash & Gypsum Disposal Area Perimeter Dike.