Corps of Engineers Taking Comments on Proposed Marinas at Old Hickory

Developers are looking to build marinas on Old Hickory Lake, if they can get the Army Corps of Engineer’s approval. That depends on how they could affect the environment.

The Corps of Engineers is taking public comments about the possible environmental impact of the proposed marinas.

As many as three developers could build on the Corps land, if it decides they would have no significant impact.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation director Mike Butler says while boaters want more room on the lake, it already has above average boat traffic. So to care for the lake, something of a balancing act is required.

“When you’ve got a body of water that is as attractive to recreation and as important to water quality and habitat as Old Hickory Lake, when you have access to that water body by the population of a city the size of Nashville, then we have to be really smart about not overusing the lake.”

Butler says he trusts the Corps to consider the public input, but cautioned there’s no silver bullet that solves these problems.

WEB EXTRA: The Corps is accepting comments through January 30. Click for information and maps.

All three of the proposed sites include private property as well as Corps land.