DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency is clearing things up after issuing a false media advisory Monday.
The advisory stated that the "TWRA is issuing a boating safety advisory for Douglas Lake," due to a large amount of "floating debris" that had accumulated in the water.
Matt Cameron, a wildlife officer with the agency, said this advisory was only accurate a few weeks ago — right after Hurricane Helene hit.
“That was accurate a couple of weeks ago, right after the floods when all that stuff came downstream from the French Broad, Pigeon and Nolichucky rivers, and it settled into Douglas Lake,” said Cameron.
Nearly four weeks later, water levels receded and most of the debris settled on the banks.
“There’s still some stray debris floating around, but by and large, it’s a pretty clear body of water now except for water clarity and probably water quality,” said Cameron.
Despite the lake being safe for boating, a state-issued water contact advisory remains in place due to potential contamination. The water could contain garbage, building materials, raw sewage and industrial chemicals after water systems failed upstream.
Cameron also noted that because most of the lake’s banks are privately owned, cleanup efforts will be more complicated than at other reservoirs.
“I’m not sure who’s responsible for cleaning that up, but it’s going to take a huge effort,” he said.
He cautioned that if the debris isn’t cleared by spring, it will likely wash back into the lake.
“Hopefully this winter, TVA and other organizations can figure out a way to clean some of the mess up," he said.
Cameron added that boaters should be aware of a boom that still remains in the middle of Douglas Lake.