TVA approves Asian carp fish barriers at seven dams
December 17, 2021

KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee Valley Authority issued a final Environmental Assessment on Friday that concluded that Asian carp barriers should be installed at seven dams along the Tennessee River to help mitigate the spread of the invasive fish species. The barriers would not impact the environment, sport fishery or any dam’s structure. Documents related to the assessment are posted at www.tva.com/nepa.

While TVA is not the lead agency for controlling the spread of Asian carp in the Tennessee River, the utility conducted the assessment to support a national, multiagency effort to control Asian carp in the river system.

The barriers will be a combination of bio-acoustic fish fences and carbon dioxide emitters designed to keep Asian carp from entering a dam’s lock chamber. When the lock opens, the barrier emits sound, light and bubbles to steer Asian carp away from the lock. Tests conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies at Barkley Dam indicate that barriers deter the movement of Asian carp up stream as boats lock through the dam.

Congressional funding is required to install the barriers. At this time, Kentucky and Wilson Dam are slated to have the first barriers installed once funding is secured. The remaining installation schedule will be determined as funding is received.