DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — Marina owners are still coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene after floodwater brought mounds of debris onto their properties.
Nate Deift owns Indian Creek Dock in Dandridge. he said the water levels quickly receding after the storm prevented the debris from leaving.
“So unfortunately because the lake ended up dropping so quick at the end of the season, the debris had no where to go except just kind of stay put," he said. "So as you see we have tons of debris still out on the property. And the waters only come back up in April. But if we don't pick all this debris up it's just going to float back in the water and we may not have a next season.”
Deift explained that when the water levels do rise, the remaining debris will rise right back up with it. this could prevent boaters and fishermen from wanting to go on the lake because it's not as enjoyable.
Since it's now the off-season, Deift himself is his only employee. He's been working constantly to try and clear debris, but it's a lot to do by himself, he said.
And even if he cleans his property completely, he said other debris in other areas could still threaten his business next year.
“Every day we’re getting a little bit better at cleaning and getting it out of here, but again the issue is if everyone doesn't do their part it doesn't matter. Once the water comes up all these docks will be flooded with wood," he said.
Deift hopes state officials will step in to remove the debris along the waterways in places that he, and other business owners, can't access.
WBIR asked TVA what they're doing to help business owners like Defit. They said the state is leading debris removal on Douglas Lake, but gave a statement:
"TVA continues discussions with federal, state and local parties regarding removal of the debris in the water on Douglas Reservoir. In other areas, please reach out to your local and state governments for information on debris removal. In some areas, as resources transition to later phases of storm recovery, community-based groups, including non-profits are organizing cleanup efforts."