United States Army Core of Engineers to monitor Lake Ouachita's Blakely Mountain Dam with installation of new Equiptment
The Corps of Engineers plans to install a new monitoring system to keep an eye on seepage at Blakeley Mountain Dam. The monitoring system is part of the analysis and response to the 2005 inspection within the overall dam safety program. In the wake of the regular 2005 inspection, engineers discovered that a layer of filter material had been installed incorrectly when the dam was originally built in 1953. Filter material is designed to aid normal seepage under the dam. Without it, the seepage must be monitored more closely over time. All dams are designed to allow for controlled seepage. There are multiple layers of material in the core of the dam that allow a small amount of water to flow through the dam without moving any materials. If material moves, over the long term; it would weaken the structure of the Dam.
“The Dam has performed well over its 50 years of service and we believe at this time that it is functioning normally, however; we need to watch the seepage issue more closely as the Dam continues to age”, said Bob Fitzgerald, Dam Safety Officer for the Vicksburg District.
In order to install the monitoring system the Corps will work with Entergy to lower the level of Lake Hamilton during the normal winter drawdown of 2008 - 2009. However, this draw down will require the maximum allowed drop in Lake
Hamilton based on current permits to a total of 9 feet lower than normal pool. Nine foot drawdown has occurred three times since 1997 to help control aquatic weed growth.
This will expose the piping system under Blakely Mountain Dam that allows seepage so the water can be channeled and the measuring system installed.
Construction should begin in November and be completed by June of next year. The draw down of Lake Hamilton should only last until March.
The drawdown of Lake Hamilton may impact recreation and users should make arrangements to prepare for that temporary drawdown. This action should not affect recreation on Lake Ouachita.
For more information
contact Frank Worley, Deputy, Public Affairs, (601) 631- 5053
Information courtesy of
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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