The Emory River will be closed until Feb. 15, from mile marker 1.5, about a mile east of the power plant, to mile marker 3, which is about two miles north of the plant, according to a TVA news release.
TVA originally closed the river to boat traffic in early August for 30 days, then extended that for another 30 days.
During the closure, no river traffic will be allowed through the area as large, hydraulic dredging equipment is used to remove ash. In early February, TVA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will review the situation and decide when the river can be reopened.
About 3 million of the 5.4 million cubic yards of coal fly ash that spilled out of a failed retention pond Dec. 22, 2008, is in the river. The remainder is in a tributary or on adjacent land.
Those who may need transportation around the Emory River closure because of significant need may call TVA at 865-717-1635 or send an e-mail to emoryrivertransport@tva.gov. Requests must be submitted at least five business days in advance.
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