Kiera Jefferson
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, located in Northeast Oklahoma in the foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range, is one of the largest human-built lakes in the state. The lake was formed in the 1940s after the construction of the Pensacola Dam (also known as the Grand Dam) on the Grand River. While the lake is a significant source of hydroelectric power and a popular tourist destination, it has also faced environmental challenges. Over the years, the lake's water quality has been impacted by various factors, including agricultural runoff, mining byproducts, waste, and effluent from wastewater treatment plants, resulting in impaired water quality and ecological issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Northeastern Oklahoma, US |
| Administered by | Grand River Dam Authority |
| Year of Formation | 1940 |
| Reason for Formation | Energy generation |
| Length of Pensacola Dam | 5,145 feet |
| Number of Arches in Pensacola Dam | 51 |
| Shoreline | 1,300 miles |
| Surface Area | 41,779 acres (or 46,500 acres) |
| Average Depth | 36.3 feet |
| Maximum Depth | 133 feet |
| Water Quality | Impaired due to agricultural runoff, mining byproducts, waste, animal feeding operations, effluent from wastewater treatment plants, urban runoff, and onsite waste disposal systems |
| Water Quality Impact on Fish and Wildlife | Inability to meet the beneficial use criteria due to low dissolved oxygen in the middle and lower portions of the lake and turbidity in the upper portion |
| Water Quality Impact on Streams | Smaller streams impaired for bacteria, total dissolved solids, lead, and sulfate |
| Economic Impact | $600 million in direct visitor spending and over 6,000 jobs in the watershed counties |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Grand Lake of the Cherokees is a man-made lake
The Grand Lake of the Cherokees, commonly known as Grand Lake, is a man-made lake in the northeastern region of Oklahoma. It is situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range and is administered by the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA). The lake was formed following the completion of the Pensacola Dam in 1940. The dam construction began in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project and is considered the longest multiple-arch dam globally, spanning nearly a mile with 51 arches.
The idea for the Grand Lake of the Cherokees can be traced back to Henry Holderman, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Holderman envisioned harnessing the Grand River as a source of hydroelectric power for the Cherokee Nation. With Oklahoma not yet a state, Holderman worked tirelessly to build political support for his vision. A feasibility study by the Army Corps of Engineers gained traction in the Oklahoma legislature, leading to the creation of the GRDA in 1935.
The Grand Lake holds a surface area of 41,779 acres of water and boasts 1,366 miles of shoreline. Unlike other lakes in Oklahoma, Grand Lake is deep, with an average depth of 36.3 feet and a maximum depth of 133 feet. The lake is a popular destination for entertainment and recreation, offering a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. It is consistently ranked among the top bass fishing lakes in the United States and attracts sailboaters with its predictable winds.
Over the years, the Grand Lake has faced challenges due to agricultural runoff, mining byproducts, waste disposal, and urban development. These factors have impacted the water quality, affecting the lake's ability to support fish and wildlife propagation. The smaller streams flowing into the lake have been found to be impaired by bacteria, total dissolved solids, lead, and sulfate. Despite these issues, the Grand Lake remains an important economic engine for northeast Oklahoma, contributing significantly to the tourism industry and generating revenue from visitors across multiple states.
Reducing Food Miles: A Step Towards Cleaner Air
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The lake is a source of hydroelectric power
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, often simply called Grand Lake, is a man-made lake in Northeast Oklahoma, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range. The lake was formed following the completion of the Pensacola Dam in 1940. The dam features a 120-megawatt, six-unit powerhouse at its west end, with 21 spillways on the east.
The Grand River Dam Authority is a collaboration between the state of Oklahoma and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the objective of constructing hydroelectric structures along the river. The GRDA is a leading electricity producer in the United States, with a significant portion of its power derived from the turbine generators located in Pensacola Dam.
The lake's economic impact is significant, with tourism to the four-county area around Grand Lake contributing approximately $600 million in direct visitor spending. Travel and recreation in the area account for over 6,000 jobs. The lake is also used for entertainment, with resorts, shows, and a historic riverboat offering attractions to visitors.
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees is an important source of hydroelectric power, and its development and operation have had a significant impact on the region's economy and tourism industry.
Candles: Are They Polluting Your Home's Air?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The lake is a popular tourist destination
The Grand Lake of the Cherokees is a popular tourist destination. Located in the northeastern region of Oklahoma, the lake is a vital source of energy for the local community and a hub for recreation and tourism. With a shoreline spanning over 1,300 miles and a surface area of approximately 41,779 to 46,500 acres, it is one of the largest human-built lakes in the state. The lake is known for its abundant fish varieties, attracting anglers from all over the country. Its consistent winds also make it a favourite among sailboaters.
Grand Lake's popularity as a tourist destination is evident in the economic impact it has on the surrounding region. A 2018 report estimated that tourism in the four-county area around the lake generates approximately $600 million in direct visitor spending. The lake is also responsible for over 6,000 jobs in the watershed counties, highlighting the significant role it plays in the local economy.
The lake's picturesque setting in the Ozark Mountains and its proximity to states like Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas make it easily accessible to visitors from nearby states. The lake is surrounded by seven state parks, offering a range of recreational opportunities such as camping, swimming, and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment in the Green Country region, including shows, resorts, and a riverboat called the Cherokee Queen, which has been in operation since the 1940s.
Grand Lake's development as a tourist destination is closely tied to the construction of the Pensacola Dam, also known as the Grand Dam. Completed in 1940, the dam created the lake and has been a vital source of hydroelectric power for the Cherokee Nation and the surrounding communities. The lake's history and cultural significance, along with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, contribute to its enduring appeal as a tourist destination.
However, it is important to note that the lake has faced issues with water quality due to agricultural runoff, mining byproducts, waste, and other pollutants. These factors have impaired the water quality and affected the lake's ability to meet certain beneficial use standards. Despite these challenges, Grand Lake remains a popular and beloved tourist destination in Oklahoma, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Automated Vehicles: Pollution Solution Revolution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The lake's water quality is impaired
The Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, also known as Grand Lake, is a man-made lake in the northeastern region of Oklahoma. It was formed in the early 1940s after the construction of the Pensacola Dam (also known as the Grand Dam) on the Grand River. The lake is an important source of hydroelectric power and fresh water for the region, and it also drives the local economy through tourism and recreation.
However, the lake's water quality is impaired due to several factors. Firstly, agricultural runoff, mining byproducts, and waste from animal feeding operations have impacted the lake. Additionally, effluent from wastewater treatment plants, urban runoff, and onsite waste disposal systems have contributed to the pollution. These issues have resulted in low dissolved oxygen levels in the middle and lower portions of the lake and turbidity in the upper portion. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has identified impairments in the smaller streams that flow into the lake for bacteria, total dissolved solids, lead, and sulfate.
The lake's water quality issues have affected its ability to meet the designated beneficial uses, particularly for fish and wildlife propagation. This is concerning given that the lake is known for its abundant varieties of fish and is a popular destination for fishing and other water-based activities. The lake's water quality impairments also have ecological implications for the surrounding environment and wildlife that depend on clean water.
Efforts to improve the water quality of Grand Lake are crucial to restore its ecological health and ensure the safety of recreational activities. This may involve implementing measures to reduce pollution from agricultural, industrial, and urban sources and improving wastewater treatment processes. Additionally, the involvement of local communities and stakeholders in watershed management and conservation initiatives can play a significant role in protecting and preserving the lake's water quality.
Overall, while Grand Lake O' the Cherokees faces challenges with impaired water quality, addressing these issues through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices can help restore and maintain the lake's ecological integrity.
Tidal Energy: Pollution or Clean Power?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Handbook of NOAA systems and services for marine and Great Lakes pollution data and information 1992 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
$122.66
$180.85 $219.99
The lake's construction displaced Native Americans
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, often simply called Grand Lake, is a man-made lake in Northeast Oklahoma. It was formed following the completion of the Pensacola Dam in 1940. The dam's construction began in 1938 with funding from the Works Progress Administration. The lake's development displaced Native Americans, primarily from the Cherokee and Seneca-Cayuga Nations, who lost over 2,000 acres of land.
The idea for the lake was first envisioned by Henry Holderman, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Holderman recognised the potential for the Grand River to serve as a source of hydroelectric power for the Cherokee Nation. Before Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Holderman began garnering political support for the project. A feasibility study by the Army Corps of Engineers caught the attention of the Oklahoma legislature, leading to the creation of the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) in 1935.
The construction of the Pensacola Dam required approximately 510,000 cubic yards (390,000 m3) of concrete, which was poured 24 hours a day over 20 months using Depression-era labour. Before the dam's completion, officials had to reposition a minimum of 800 burials, and hundreds of human remains and prehistoric artefacts were unearthed to make way for the lake.
The Grand Lake O' the Cherokees covers 41,779 acres (169.07 km2) with a storage volume of 1,515,416 acre-feet and 1,366 miles (2,198 km) of shoreline. It is the second-largest lake in Oklahoma, after Lake Eufaula. The lake is an important source of hydroelectric power and has become an economic engine for northeast Oklahoma, attracting millions of dollars in tourism revenue.
Light Pollution: Harming Humans and Health
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
During its 80+ years of existence, the Grand Lake of the Cherokees has been impacted by agricultural runoff, mining byproducts and waste, animal feeding operations, effluent from wastewater treatment plants, urban runoff, and onsite waste disposal systems.
The pollution has resulted in impaired water quality and the inability to meet the fish and wildlife propagation beneficial use. This is due to low dissolved oxygen in the middle and lower portions of the lake and turbidity in the upper portion.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board have identified beneficial uses for the lake, meaning how clean water can benefit its many users.
