Big Island Dam facts for kids
The Big Island Dam is a special structure on the James River in Virginia, USA. It's a hydroelectric facility, which means it uses the power of moving water to create electricity! This dam is found near a community called Big Island, Virginia.
Quick facts for kids Big Island Dam |
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 Location of Big Island Dam in Virginia
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| Location | Bedford County, Virginia / Amherst County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 37°32′10.39″N 79°21′24.71″W / 37.5362194°N 79.3568639°W |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Status | In use |
| Opening date | 1850 |
| Owner(s) | GP Big Island, LLC (Georgia Pacific Corporation) |
| Operator(s) | GP Big Island, LLC (Georgia Pacific Corporation) |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Gravity |
| Impounds | James River |
| Height | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
| Length | 657 ft (200 m) |
| Power station | |
| Operator(s) | GP Big Island, LLC (Georgia Pacific Corporation) |
| Hydraulic head | 18 ft (5.5 m) |
| Installed capacity | 480 KW |
| FERC Number: P-2902 | |
Contents
What is the Big Island Dam?
The Big Island Dam is made up of a strong wall, called a gravity dam, that stretches across one side of the James River. On the other side of the river, there's a building called a power house. This power house holds all the special equipment that turns water power into electricity.
How Does it Make Electricity?
The main job of the Big Island Dam is to create hydroelectric power. This means it uses the natural flow of the river to spin large machines called turbines. These turbines are connected to generators, which then produce electricity. It's a clean and renewable way to get power!
Where is the Dam Located?
This dam is located right next to a very large paper mill owned by Georgia Pacific. The dam and the paper mill work closely together. You can find the dam in Bedford County, Virginia and Amherst County, Virginia.
Part of a River System
The Big Island Dam is not the only dam in this area. It's actually the last of three dams you'll find along a five-mile stretch of the James River. This part of the river flows through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Another dam, the Bedford Hydropower Project, is located upstream from the Big Island Dam.
When Was it Built?
The Big Island Dam has been around for a long time! It first opened in the year 1850. That means it has been helping to provide power for over 170 years.
