Federal Reports

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is engaged in responding to one of the largest spills in its history, the ash spill at Kingston Fossil Plant (KIF) in which 5.4 million cubic yards of ash poured onto adjacent land and into the Emory River. This report focuses on (1) TVA's initial emergency response, including implementation and utilization of the National Incident Management System (NIMS); (2) TVA's actions to quickly respond to the media; and (3) reparations to the victims and restoration of the affected Roane County community. In summary, we found:TVA has not implemented NIMS in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5 which hampered communications and delayed certain emergency response actions following the spill.TVA's actions for responding quickly to media and public inquiry resulted in releases of inaccurate and inconsistent information and subsequent public criticism which caused reputational harm.TVA has responded effectively to victims in the affected area, however, failure to communicate the claims policy and decisions in a timely manner increased settlement expectations for some.TVA management generally agreed with and is taking actions to address the recommendations. Specifically, management plans to: (1) fully implement NIMS, ensure required NIMS training is completed, and evaluate the implementation of best practices identified by the Roane County Emergency Management Director; (2) document the protocol and verification process for the release of media statements and maintain verification that the appropriate processes were followed; and (3) continue to work with the communities and local residents to improve the communications related to TVA's efforts with property acquisition and claims process.

The audit objectives were to determine whether program funds were managed in accordance with the ARC and Federal grant requirements

The Federal Maritime Commission OIG reviewed the system of quality control for the audit organization of the EAC OIG in effect for the year ended March 31, 2009. This report discusses their findings.

We audited the costs billed to TVA by a contractor for providing turbine generator outage services at TVA nuclear plants. Our audit included $57.4 million in payments TVA made to the contractor. We found the contractor overbilled or had not provided services to TVA totaling an estimated $281,023, including: (1) $171,150 of labor and per diem costs that were either unsupported or unallowable; (2) $6,729 of overbilled fixed price labor; and (3) $103,144 of engineering services that were not provided in accordance with the terms of the contract. Summary Only

This redacted Report of Administrative Inquiry regarding a personnel matter was released on September 14, 2009, in response to an administrative appeal of a FOIA request.The OIG reported that a TVA employee provided false information to the OIG during an OIG inspection of the Maintain and Gain (M&G) Program.