Joint partnership removes low-head dam at site of KU’s former Pineville Generating Station
(FOURMILE, Ky.) – After more than two years of planning, the century old low-head dam at the site of Kentucky Utilities Company’s former Pineville Generating Station has been removed, restoring the river’s natural flow and further improving habitats for fish and other aquatic life on the Cumberland River. The project was a joint partnership between LG&E and KU, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The low-head dam, located in Bell County, was installed in 1924 as part of the plant’s operations to maintain a consistent water level. The plant was decommissioned in 2001 and then later safely demolished and converted into green space in 2020.
“For nearly eight decades, the dam at Pineville helped power many of the communities we’re proud to serve. With the dam no longer serving its intended purpose, we’re thrilled that we are now able to return the river back to its original condition,” said David Tummonds, vice president, Generation at LG&E and KU. “Removing the dam not only provides free passage to fish and other aquatic life, but it also makes this portion of the river safer for recreational users.”
Low-head dams can create powerful, recirculating currents below the dam, which can become dangerous for boaters and swimmers. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources have raised awareness to these dangers and spearhead removal projects of other similar dams.
Mississippi-based company CJ Aquatic Restorations, which also has completed dam removals on the Green and Barren Rivers, safely performed the demolition over the course of eight days beginning on Aug. 4.
The concrete materials removed during the demolition were repurposed to improve various parts of the river, including filling in a scour hole downstream of the dam and to stabilize the riverbanks along KU’s property to prevent future erosion.
LG&E and KU conducted several environmental and safety studies, validated the work was compatible with the operation of municipal water systems and obtained all necessary environmental permits prior to the demolition. Kentucky Waterways Alliance oversaw the demolition, and the project was funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
“Work like this only succeeds through partnership," said Michael Washburn, Kentucky Waterways Alliance Executive Director. "No single organization can tackle a project of this scale alone, and the Pineville dam removal shows what’s possible when utilities, nonprofits, and federal agencies come together to restore our rivers. And this is essential work. KWA supports dam removal whenever possible because removals restore rivers to their natural flow, improve habitat for fish and wildlife, and make waterways safer for recreation. This project is a clear example of how public safety and ecological integrity go hand in hand.”
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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
Since 1993, Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) has been the only statewide organization focused on waterways in Kentucky. KWA works with communities on local watershed issues and advocates for better policies and programs at the state and national levels. With a mission to protect, restore, and celebrate Kentucky’s waterways, KWA’s work is making a difference in the quality of life for all Kentuckians. Learn more on their website at kwalliance.org.
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