Dams are monumental feats of engineering, designed to hold back vast bodies of water and protect the communities that live downstream. In the Tennessee Valley region, thousands of residents depend on the safety and structural integrity of dams managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). But just how safe are these aging man-made walls? And why is so much information about their condition kept under lock and key? An investigative report by News Channel 11 sheds light on the inner workings of TVA’s dam safety protocols and the reasons for their guarded confidentiality.

The Aging Dams and Their Importance

Some TVA dams, like the Wilbur Dam, have stood for more than a century, while others are approaching 70 years of service. Bill Callahan, a lifelong local who has witnessed the transformation of South Holston Dam over decades, recalls how pristine and solid the dam looked in its early days. Now, he observes the inevitable erosion of rocks and the slow wear of materials, underscoring a truth that nothing man-made lasts forever.

Despite this, the notion of deterioration is unacceptable when it comes to dam safety. The fear of catastrophic failures is very real, as demonstrated by the near-collapse of Oroville Dam in California in 2017, which forced thousands to evacuate. The incident sparked national calls for more transparency and stricter oversight—a call that resonates strongly in communities downstream of TVA’s infrastructure.

TVA’s Safety Procedures and Transparency

According to David Bowling, a TVA official deeply involved in dam safety, TVA operates one of the most rigorous dam safety programs in the country. They perform constant inspections and immediately respond to any signs of trouble. For instance, in October 2014, potential issues at Boone Dam prompted TVA to rapidly draw down the water level to prevent collapse.

TVA engineers insist that their primary concern is the safety of those living downstream and that every dam they manage is “performing as intended.” They pride themselves on the expertise and diligence involved in their monitoring processes. However, while the agency claims thorough oversight and adherence to federal guidelines, there remains a significant barrier when it comes to public access to dam safety reports.

The Wall of Secrecy: Why the Reports Are Confidential

News Channel 11 sought to obtain TVA’s official dam safety reports to evaluate the condition of the dams near the Tri-Cities area. TVA responded by stating these documents contain "sensitive" and "confidential" information that they must protect as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure security. The reports are restricted to TVA staff and selected industry experts with proper security clearance.

Adding to the complexity, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the federal body responsible for overseeing national dam safety, revealed it does not have access to TVA’s internal safety assessment reports. Although TVA shares annual information with FEMA and complies with federal dam safety guidelines under the National Dam Safety Review Board, the lack of direct federal access to internal documents raises questions about regulatory oversight.

Balancing Security and Public Trust

TVA officials emphasize that maintaining the confidentiality of dam safety reports is crucial to protect infrastructure from potential threats. At the same time, they provide summaries and updates to foster public confidence, assuring communities that dams are regularly monitored and maintained.

David Bowling articulates this balance well, underscoring that safety is personal for TVA workers—they live in the communities they serve and take their responsibility seriously. For residents like Bill Callahan, this dedication offers some reassurance, though he acknowledges that ongoing maintenance is vital to ensure these dams remain safe long into the future.

Conclusion: A Delicate Equilibrium

The story of TVA’s dam safety reflects a broader challenge faced by agencies across the country: how to ensure public safety and infrastructure security without compromising transparency. While the comprehensive reports remain confidential, the summaries and updates provided offer a glimpse into a robust safety program committed to protecting millions of downstream residents.

As the region’s dams continue to age, the need for vigilance and open communication grows. For now, the guarded nature of TVA’s dam safety reports strikes a delicate equilibrium between protecting national infrastructure and providing peace of mind to the communities that rely on these vital barriers against nature’s forces.

For those interested, News Channel 11 has posted a summary document prepared by TVA dam safety engineers outlining inspection schedules and assessments for Tri-Cities area dams. It provides valuable insight into when each dam was last checked and plans for future inspections. The document is available at WJHL.com.