Wolf Creek Dam noisy work quietly moves forward (May 31,
2011)
Introduction
Welcome to the Nashville District's web site
for the
Wolf Creek Dam Seepage Rehabilitation Project.
Currently, these issues are relevant:
The Corps of Engineers, Nashville District completed
a Major Rehabilitation Report to evaluate alternatives to improve the
long-term reliability of the Wolf Creek Dam. The recommended alternative
will cost about $584 million. The initial phase of construction began in March
2006 and is expected to be completed in late 2013.
Since March 2005 we have operated the reservoir to maintain lake
levels within a lower range. The Corps conducted a formal risk-based
assessment during the winter of 2006, which considered the impacts of
additional risk reduction measures, including further lowering of lake
levels, to reduce risk to people and property.
An emergency decision was made January 2007 to maintain the 680-foot
elevation. The Corps will reevaluate lake
levels when the contractor completes installation of the seepage barrier
wall in the two most critical areas, and when
instrumentation shows the project is stable and improving. Though not
anticipated, there are various warning signs that could cause the Corps to
consider further lowering of the lake.
The Corps has an aggressive Dam Safety program to constantly monitor our
ten dams on the Cumberland River system and its tributaries. The Corps
will use news articles, websites, and public meetings to keep the public
informed of the dam’s condition and of progress of the foundation repairs
throughout construction.
E-mail responses questions go directly to the desk of the Chief, Public
Affairs for the Nashville District, and technical team.
