POWERGRAMS

17 Harrison's staff turns the turbines back on. Once the internal upgrades are complete, crews will begin working on the outside of Lay Dam, repairing doors and cracked windowpanes, replacing bricks and grout and making other cosmetic improvements. "So, hopefully, by 2027, Lay Dam will be ready to run for 50 more years," Harrison said. "at's our goal. Everything will be brand new. With all of the modern equipment, it may run efficiently for another 75 years." Harrison's staff has well in excess of a century of combined experience, which he said is unusual for a dam. It includes Hydro Journeymen Steve Harris, John Goolsby, Jason Morris and Jody Clark. Lay Dam has two Plant Auxiliaries James Wood and Chase Payne. Although they are involved in the second major modernization of Lay Dam, they continuously monitor the status of each turbine and the electrical equipment, while undertaking a complete inspection of each turbine every three years. "I've learned a lot from the experienced Lay Dam hydro journeymen," Harrison said. "It is a blessing when issues arise at the plant knowing we have them to troubleshoot and repair any issues that happen." Electricity is transmitted to outside lines atop Lay Dam from six huge turbines inside the powerhouse. From left, Roger Yeargan (recently retired), James Wood, John Goolsby, Steve Harris, Jody Clark and Noel Harrison are among the employees who keep Lay Dam operating efficiently. PHOTO BY MEG MCKINNEY PHOTO BY MEG MCKINNEY PHOTO BY MEG MCKINNEY

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