Johnsonville Fossil Plant - Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike (Island) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Johnsonville Fossil Plant - Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike (Island) is a key structure located in Humphreys, Tennessee, owned and managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1968, serves as a containment area for ash disposal from the plant, with a storage capacity of 323 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a spillway width of 15 feet, ensuring controlled water discharge during peak flow events.

With a significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment score, the Johnsonville Fossil Plant dike is subject to regular inspections and maintenance by TVA. The last inspection in April 2021 confirmed the structure's overall condition as "Not Available", indicating a need for further assessment. While the dam has not been state-regulated, TVA continues to monitor and manage the facility to ensure its safe operation and compliance with federal guidelines.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the critical role of the Johnsonville Fossil Plant dike in managing ash disposal and protecting the surrounding environment. As an essential component of the plant's operations, this earth dam reflects TVA's commitment to responsible resource management and risk mitigation in the face of changing climate conditions.

Years Modified

2011 - Hydraulic, 2011 - Structural

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

10066

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TENNESSEE RIVER - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

101

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

323

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.