NR 13-008: Corps completes barrier wall at Wolf Creek Dam

Published March 6, 2013
Contractors place the concrete in the last pile to complete the barrier wall deep into the foundation of Wolf Creek Dam in Jamestown, Ky., March 6, 2013. (USACE photo by Lee Roberts)

Contractors place the concrete in the last pile to complete the barrier wall deep into the foundation of Wolf Creek Dam in Jamestown, Ky., March 6, 2013. (USACE photo by Lee Roberts)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 6, 2013) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District poured concrete for the last pile of the barrier wall today, which completes the last and most critical component of the dam safety project required to mitigate seepage through the karst geology deep in the foundation of Wolf Creek Dam’s embankment. It is the last of 1,197 piles that are approximately four feet in diameter and extend up to 275 feet into bedrock below the foundation of the embankment. Altogether they interlock to form the barrier wall.

“This is a monumental occasion for both the local and downstream communities that rely on the dam for its economic and water management benefits,” said Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, Nashville District commander.

“The Corps has been working hard to increase efficiencies while reducing the time constructing the barrier wall.Today’s completion of the barrier wall enables us to begin the process of raising the Lake Cumberland pool level.”

After a successful review period, the district plans to raise Lake Cumberland pool in increments. The initial increment will target an operating zone between elevations 700 and 705 feet or about 20 feet higher than the current range of elevation 680 and 685.

A ceremonial concrete placement and public completion ceremony is scheduled at the Wolf Creek Dam work platform 10 a.m. April 19, 2013. The public is invited to celebrate the project’s completion with the Corps, its contractor Treviicos-Soletanche Joint Venture, and other local, state and national officials expected at this event. More information will follow as the event approaches to include parking information and the agenda.


Contact
Bill Peoples
615-736-7161
william.l.peoples@usace.army.mil
or
Lee Roberts
615-736-7161
leon.a.roberts@usace.army.mil

Release no. 13-008