Hiwassee resident saw construction of cooling tower, looks to witness implosion

By Eddie West Staff Writer

It’s one of the oddest sights in our nation.

A more than 500 foot tall, concrete tower rising well above acres of otherwise picturesque farmland and rolling hills at the Trousdale County line.

The remnants of the former Hartsville Nuclear Plant, which at the time was suppose to be one of four towers planned for what was billed as the world’s largest nuclear plant, has become a common sight for locals. 

“Most people have gotten use to it being there and don’t think too much about it. It should make for a better appearance (when it’s gone),” says Hiwassee Road resident Mary Grace Gregory, about the massive Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) cooling tower which is highly visible from the Hiwassee, Dixon Springs and Riddleton communities in Smith County. “I saw the tower go up and I hope to see it come down.” 

TVA hasn’t said much about the planned implosion other than it’s suppose to take place this month and a specific day or time for the structure to come down has not been set. 

Those details are eventually suppose to be made public in order to not create wide spread panic. The massive implosion is likely to shake the ground in surrounding communities and create a sound which can be heard from some distance away. 

READ MORE IN THIS WEEK’S COURIER