Question to who might know

[tenncrappie]

Sailfish brought to my attention recently that just above the dam at Watts Bar there are huge bubbles coming to the top at several locations. Does anyone know what this is? Is it something TVA is doing in regard to the Ash accident? I was traveling by car across the dam toward Spring City and it was very pronounced.

[tnhooker]

When the water temps get very high, the authorities pump air into the depths to oxygenate the water there. A giant aquarium air injection if you will. I have seen it for a couple or more years. It may have been done much longer than that as I would not know. When the temps are very high I find air conditioning very comforting. As far as the bubbles, it should help with down-river flow with oxygen when they generate and it should help in the depths at the thermocline where it is being introduced. Just a little help for the fishes.
It does look strange.

[DrJohn]

I'm glad Tnhooker knew the answer...I was going to suggest "catfish with gas"

[tenncrappie]

and didn't think sailfish and I were crazy!!!!!!!!!

[CrappiePappy]

check this out : TVA: Improving Conditions Below Main-River Dams

:D:D:D


... cp

[tenncrappie]

thats interesting info.

[ShilohRed]

Yes thats the right answer. They had to put them in at the dams that were deep like that. As pulling all that dead water from the depths. They even looked at putting them in here at PickWick. But here they pull from the top down.
Pete

[jaycee]

I have been told there is an oxygenator like that bubbling system in Normandy Lake.

[The Shootist]

jaycee, they have one in Normandy.if you go up the bank from the boatramp at the dam you will see the compressor on the bank.

[c1bigocarp]

jaycee, they have one in Normandy.if you go up the bank from the boatramp at the dam you will see the compressor on the bank.

They are great to swim in. Just like a great big cool Jaccuzzi! We have one in Normandy. Helps the trout below the dam and the fishes above the dam.