38. Keeping Norris Lake Blue

38. Keeping Norris Lake Blue

Author: Jenn Galler June 30, 2023 Duration: 22:34

Todd Thiele is the president of the Norris Lake Protection Alliance (NLPA).  Norris Lake, also known as Norris Reservoir, is a reservoir that is located in East Tennessee. The lake was created by the Norris Dam on the Clinch River in 1936 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for flood control, water storage, and hydroelectric power. And today, Norris Lake is a recreation hub with 809 miles of shoreline and 33,840 acres of water surface and is the largest reservoir on a tributary of the Tennessee River.

NLPA has a mission to provide a unifying voice to people who regard environmental preservation of Norris Lake as a top priority, enabling current and future generations to enjoy its responsible use. NLPA is currently working to monitor and prevent water contamination from a chicken farm under construction in Sharps Chapel TN. 

With Todd we talked about the history of Norris Lake, why he does this work, the projects they are currently involved in, water monitoring and more.

Contact and connect with Todd: tthiele@harriscompany.com 

NLPA website:  https://hoppyhiker.wixsite.com/nlpa 

More on Norris Lake: https://www.tnvacation.com/local/norris-norris-lake 

https://www.visitknoxville.com/listing/norris-lake/1033/ 


Hosted by Jenn Galler, In Our Backyard Podcast is the voice of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, bringing urgent local stories to the forefront. This isn't about abstract global debates; it's a grounded conversation focused on the very real industrial pressures facing specific towns and neighborhoods. Each episode examines a particular threat, from active coal plants and fracking operations to the routing of new pipelines, unpacking the complex realities behind the headlines. You'll hear directly from the residents and organizers who are living these fights, sharing their personal struggles and strategies for safeguarding both community health and the local environment. The discussions are detailed and thoughtful, prioritizing the experiences of those on the ground. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with the persistent, often overlooked work of environmental justice, understanding that the most critical battles for planetary protection frequently begin just outside our own doors.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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