TENNESSEE SIGNS AGREEMENT TO REMOVE STATE’S DEADLIEST DAM ON LITTLE RIVER
According to a report by WATE, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District have signed an agreement to remove Peery’s Mill Dam on the Little River in Walland, Tennessee, which has been identified as the state’s deadliest dam over the past 25 years.
The project aims to improve river ecology by expanding habitat for nine endangered fish and mussel species, restore natural fish passage, and enhance human safety by eliminating the hazardous structure responsible for 20 drownings in the last 20 years, including a 13-year-old girl in 2019 and several near-drownings since. To address potential bank erosion at Peery’s Mill Park, the plan includes adding instream features. While preserving historical elements, the demolition will retain the instream mill race wall.
Moving forward, the Corps will develop detailed plans and specifications in consultation with the state, conduct required environmental and cultural surveys, and proceed with contracting and implementing the dam’s removal.
(Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
