Representatives of the TVA conducted a meeting on Monday, September 16th with interested citizens regarding the next phase of rules and regulations concerning floating cabins on TVA tributaries. The meeting was held at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina and lasted approximately two hours.
The next phase of rules and regulations is still in the formative stages and will not be published until the end of the year at the earliest. Once published, there will be a public comment period lasting at least sixty (60) days. When the public commentary period ends, the TVA will make a final evaluation and then publish the rules and regulations in the Federal Register where they will become enforceable law.
The next phase of rules and regulations will focus on four areas of concern.
1) How is the floating cabin moored? To whose property is it moored and is it moored in such a way as to not be a hazard to navigation? For instance, if moored by lines running to the shore, are the lines positioned in such a way to not close off an inlet and/or be a potential hazard to other water craft? Are the mooring lines properly marked? Floating cabins may not be moored to TVA property.
2) Does the floating cabin have electricity? If so, what is the source of the electricity and how is it provided to the floating cabin? How much electricity leeches into the water surrounding the floating cabin and is that current a potential hazard to people in the water? Ground fault protection must be set at 100mA.
3) Does the floating cabin meet all State, local and Federal laws concerning wastewater?
4) Flotation. All unencased flotation must be replaced by 12/31/2031.
I.E. all styrofoam flotation eliminated.
All floating cabins must be registered with the TVA by January 1, 2021.
For additional information, visit the TVA website at www.tva.gov/floatingcabins or contact the TVA at [email protected] or call 800.882.5263.