After digging around some more, there are a couple of troubling aspects to the TVA discharge of sediment from Ocoee #3 into the Ocoee River on Sunday.

One, according to TDEC this was a willful discharge by TVA, and they did not get permits or coordinate with anyone.

Two, they knew what was in the reservoir according to this 2002 Ocoee Watershed Water Quality Management Plan, which states:

The massive amounts of sediment in the three TVA reservoirs on the Ocoee River present another challenge, due to the toxic metals that are present and the maintenance that is required to remove or flush sediments so that hydroelectric generation can continue. Flows, reservoir management and water quality are among the issues that will be part of TVA’s comprehensive 2-year reservoir operations study that is already underway.

Based on previous EPA and TDEC analysis of the contaminants in Ocoee #3, it doesn't sound as serious as the Kingston spill from an environmental (except for a massive fish kill) and public health safety standpoint. But questions still need to be answered.

If TDEC is correct that TVA did this on purpose, it's incredible that TVA would pull such a boneheaded stunt just as they are under the national microscope because of the disaster at Kingston.

A full investigation into the Ocoee discharge is needed, and TDEC would appear to be the lead regulatory agency to do that. Unfortunately, TDEC is a little busy right now with another TVA mess up in Kingston.

PREVIOUSLY:

"Sludge-like material" released into Ocoee River

TDEC preliminary report on TVA Ocoee #3 sludge release