The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating the vandalism of the Reelfoot Spillway. On Sunday, at approximately 11 p.m., a group of four men were caught on video entering the fenced compound to access the spillway.
TWRA staff were notified that a spillway gate was open and discharging at approximately 8 a.m. on Monday. The agency immediately contacted U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to verify they had not opened the gate for management purposes. Upon confirmation that it should not be open, TWRA staff began the manual shutdown procedure for the spillway gate.
During initial investigations, staff found a hole had been cut in the chain link fence surrounding the compound. They also found the manual access control had been tampered with. A second gauge box had also been damaged, but entry was not made.
Surveillance video for the property revealed a group of four men entering the area through the rear gate. While inside the compound, they accessed the manual override switch for spillway gate opening operation. One spillway gate was opened to full capacity. Downstream elevation data shows the rise in water level began at 11:25 p.m.
This investigation is ongoing. Members of the public with identifying information about the individuals involved are asked to contact TWRA Region I at 731 423-6542.