TVA has created a recreation center at Melton Hill Sustainable Recreation Area near Lenoir City, Tn. that is demonstrating how renewable energy, energy-efficiency measures, water conservation and recycled products of coal combustion can be integrated in a clean recreation center that runs on renewable energy.
The campground is powered by wind and solar energy, and energy requirements are reduced where possible with passive solar and energy-efficiency measures. For example, lighting is converted to solar-powered light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and activated by motion sensors. Two solar thermal water-heating systems take the place of the standard electric units. And one 70-foot wind turbine generates up to 2,000 kilowatt-hours of clean and renewable energy annually.
Water conservation techniques include the installation of low-flow showers, dual-flush toilet fixtures and waterless and low-flow urinals. Riparian buffers are maintained to allow filtering of pollutants from rainwater runoff before it enters the lake, and native grass plantings and pervious pavers assist with runoff filtration. Shingles on all structures are fit with roofing materials containing coal combustion byproducts. Coal byproducts are also used in pathways, landscaping and stone veneer.
The result is a low-impact campground with net-zero energy requirements.
TVA operates about 100 public recreation areas throughout the TVA region where millions of people enjoy limitless opportunities for fun and appreciation of our natural heritage. Technologies tested at Melton Hill will be targeted for installation in other campgrounds and recreation areas in the TVA system.
See more at: https://tva.com/Environment/Recreation/The-Greenest-Campground#sthash.G7U9ScQl.dpuf