TVA proposes more rules regulating floating cabins on Tennessee River system

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued "Phase II" of proposed amendments regulating floating cabins on Tennessee waterways.

The agency says while regulations have been in place for decades, the number of floating cabins continued to grow with an estimated 2,250 moored on the Tennessee River System as of 2016.

The TVA has met with multiple groups, including floating cabin owners, to develop rules when it comes to concerns around wastewater, electrical, flotation, mooring, and permit standards.

Under the new rules, floating cabin owners will have until January 1, 2024 to be in compliance with new rules and regulation or face removal. In 2016, the TVA's "Phase I" rule determined floating cabins posed "an unacceptable risk to navigation, safety, and the environment," prohibiting any new floating cabins on waterways.

However, the agency has worked to amend permit requirements, structure compliance, and wastewater compliance. According to the TVA proposed rule, there have been complaints of some cabins discharging sewage water or grey water (sink/bath water) into reservoirs. Regulations have also been created regulating any extensions to existing floating cabins.

In an effort to reduce the number and footprint of floating cabins, TVA has also launched a program allowing owners of two or more existing cabins to exchange them for one replacement floating cabin.