Two projects in Roane County have been approved as part of the seven initiatives funded through the $42 million Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration fund for the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR), focusing on enhancing recreational access, habitat restoration, and environmental protection in areas impacted by the site’s historical activities.

The largest Roane County project is the Riley Creek Campground, which requested $2,300,000 in grant funding matched by $1,705,275 in local contributions. This 81.2-acre waterfront campground, located on Watts Bar Lake (part of the Tennessee River system) near Kingston, features about 1,000 feet of shoreline. The project aims to enhance and create habitat while improving groundwater and surface water protection. Key improvements include planting native vegetation to restore disturbed areas, benefiting pollinators like bees and butterflies as well as bat populations; additional shoreline planting for stormwater runoff control and bank stabilization; and septic system upgrades, such as decommissioning the existing septic tank, installing sewer hook-ups, and implementing an on-site treatment system with drip irrigation based on wetland scientist recommendations.

The smaller Roane County project is the Poplar Creek boat launch, requesting $25,000 matched by $25,000 Located on Poplar Creek Road in Oliver Springs, this initiative will provide a convenient, safe access point for daytime paddle sports like kayaking on historic Poplar Creek. Planned enhancements include permeable surface parking, signage, and an access structure to better connect Poplar Creek to other Roane County access points along the Clinch River, promoting recreational use while supporting environmental connectivity in the region.

These Roane County efforts contribute to broader goals of restoring natural resources and services affected by ORR contamination, with a combined focus on habitat benefits, water quality, and public outdoor recreation along key waterways.