NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 10, 2013) – The public is invited to a barrier wall completion ceremony 10 a.m. April 19, 2013 on the work platform at Wolf Creek Dam near Jamestown, Ky., to celebrate this milestone with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, its contractor Treviicos-Soletanche Joint Venture, and other local, state and national officials expected at this event. Dignitaries will speak and initiate the ceremonial last concrete placement on the barrier guide wall, which signifies the official completion of the barrier wall installation.
“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.
Parking for the event is available at Halcomb’s Landing. A shuttle service to the ceremony location on the work platform begins at 8:30 a.m. There will be a handicapped accessible shuttle. The public can also walk from the parking area, but it is close to a mile distance each way. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to accommodate being in place in time for the start of the ceremony. Open seating is on a first-come basis. The remainder is standing room.
The event is planned rain or shine. A tent will cover only a portion of the seating area so participants are encouraged to bring umbrellas if inclement weather is anticipated. Portable restrooms will be available, but food and drinks will not. Participants are allowed to bring a snack and water if needed.
The Halcomb’s Landing boat ramp will be closed beginning at 10 p.m. April 18 and will reopen 1 p.m. April 19 to accommodate parking for the ceremony.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District placed concrete for the last pile of the barrier wall March 6, which completed 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 was the last of 1,197 piles that are approximately four feet in diameter and extend as deep as 275 feet, traversing through the embankment, and well into bedrock. Altogether they interlock to form the barrier wall.
The Lake Cumberland pool is being raised from elevation 680 feet above sea level, which was maintained during construction, to the first incremental operating zone between elevations 700 and 705. The lake level is currently at 695 feet.
(Media Advisory: All media are encouraged to arrive early to coordinate with Public Affairs on the sequence of events and ground rules during the ceremony. Please call Bill Peoples at 615-478-1646 upon arrival to the ceremony location for a media packet and information.)