Revival of the Columbia Dam is Underway, Despite a Group Advising Other Alternatives

Efforts to revive the Columbia Dam, on the Duck River, are underway. On Wednesday, April 21st, 2025, the Maury County Commission voted to support the revival of the Columbia Dam to address the regions long-term water needs. In the early 1970s, the TVA initiated the Columbia Dam project on the Duck River near Columbia. Conceived as a multi-purpose infrastructure endeavor, the dam aimed to provide flood control, water supply, hydro-electric power, and recreational opportunities for the region. Construction commenced in 1973, with the project envisioned to bolster economic development and enhance the quality of life in Maury County and surrounding areas. By the early 1980s, significant progress had been made: the concrete portion of the dam was over 90% complete, and the overall project was approximately 45% finished. However, in 1983, construction was abruptly halted due to environmental concerns, particularly the potential impact on endangered freshwater mussel species. These ecological considerations, coupled with escalating costs and shifting political priorities, led to the project’s suspension. After years of deliberation and public debate, the TVA decided to dismantle the unfinished dam. Demolition began in 1999, with the TVA citing safety concerns and the impracticality of completing the project. The dismantling process involved removing 26,000 cubic yards of concrete and re-shaping the basin to resemble its’ original state. The total expenditure on the project, including construction and demolition, amounted to approximately 85 million dollars. The Columbia dam project’s cancellation had profound effects on the local community. Approximately 12,000 acres of and had been acquired for the reservoir, leading to the dis-placement of families and loss of farmland. In the aftermath, efforts were made to re-purpose the land for public use. In 2002, the state of Tennessee transferred 12,600 acres to the TWRA, establishing the Yanahli (YON-AH-LI) wildlife management area. Opponents of the project, a group declaring, “Don’t Dam the Duck”, organized to inform the public and advocate for alternative water solutions in Maury County. The group says that the reservoir would shrink each winter, leaving 8,000 acres of mudflats. They also claim that half of the required land is secured with thousands of acres remaining in private hands. “Don’t Dam the Duck” contends that the proposed site sits atop sink hole ridden karst terrain, making water retention un-reliable. DDD says that 79 miles of the Duck River would be impacted, endangering protected species and scenic river status.