The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Nashville District through consultation with the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Officer has determined that proposed projects at the Old Hickory Power Plant will adversely affect the historic property. In compliance with Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) as amended, (54 U.S.C. § 300101 et seq.), this notice seeks the views of consulting parties and the public.
Old Hickory Power Plant is a property eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The Old Hickory Project includes a lock, dam, and hydropower plant at Cumberland River mile 216.2, Davidson and Sumner Counties, Tennessee. Construction began in 1952 and was completed in 1957. The Powerhouse includes four vertical turbine-generator units. Each unit is capable of producing 25 mega-watts with an average annual output of 880,439,923 kilowatt-hours.
In order to maintain reliable and efficient operations, elements of the original property must be replaced. Elements to be replaced, repaired, or rehabilitated over the next decade include: the generator step up (GSU) units, switchyard, major voltage cables, excitation, direct current (DC) systems, and other elements. These alterations constitute and adverse effect to the historic property.
As mitigation for the adverse effect pursuant to 36 CFR 800.6, the Corps is proposing to photodocument the existing conditions, prepare a nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places, and install a new museum quality interpretive display in the entrance foyer. This notice serves to solicit the views of the public pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(d). If you would like to comment on the determination of an adverse effect, the proposed mitigation measures, or receive more information, please contact Valerie McCormack, Archaeologist, valerie.j.mccormack@usace.army.mil or 615-736-7847 by June 15, 2020.