Interview with Christopher Ungate, April 24, 2019

Interview Summary

Christopher Ungate, a former TVA engineer, begins the interview by discussing how he was hired at TVA. Ungate then details the work of the TVA Engineering Lab. Subsequently, Ungate gives an overview of his TVA career. The interviewee details his first assignment at TVA, which was working in the Engineering Lab. Ungate characterizes the Tennessee River system in the 1970s. Ungate also discusses his work in the TVA corporate sector. The interviewee details his return to the TVA Engineering Lab and his work in TVA's hydropower section. Ungate's role in designing a lake improvement plan and reservoir study is explored. A background to the studies that Ungate participated in is given. Ungate reviews the impact TVA Board members Marvin Runyon and John Waters had on the lake improvement planning process. Issues and results of the lake improvement study are shared. Ungate describes his work in water resources. The interviewee's work at the Chattanooga office is considered. Ungate then talks of his engineering work in the private sector after his retirement from TVA. Ungate reveals his most important accomplishments as a TVA employee. To conclude the interview, Ungate details an article about the long-term results of TVA's studies on lakes and reservoir levels.

Interview Keyword

Hydropower TVA engineering lab Marvin Runyon John Waters

Interview LC Subject

Tennessee Valley Authority Tennessee Lakes Reservoirs Engineering Engineers

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.