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Wolf Creek Dam
Subject: What if this dam were to fail?
This following site contains information on the Wolf Creek Dam
and dam failure preparedness for Wilson County, Tennessee.
Information and plans for Center Hill Dam are in progress.
Estimates by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has WCD flood
waters reaching Wilson County in approximately 18 hours. The
USACOEs has estimated flood waters from CHD to reach Wilson
County in 2 to 4 hours. Due to the short time estimates between
dam failure and the arrival of flood waters we ask that all
citizens have a dam failure plan and an emergency supply of food
and water. This site contains information regarding the dam
failure, Wilson County Emergency Plans, suggested supplies to
have on hand, and any information gathered that relates to the
Wolf Creek Dam.
Center Hill Dam
Subject: Center Hill Dam Failure
Date:2/5/2008
SEEPAGE PROBLEMS
The Center Hill Dam was built in the 1940’s on a limestone foundation with cracks and fractures, Small amounts of water move under and through the dam, seeking a path of least resistance. This movement is called seepage; however, seepage must be controlled to keep the dam safe.
The Corps has closely monitored and maintained Center Hill Dam over the years and has pumped grout into the foundation to slow and control the seepage. Grout is generally a mixture of cement and water that can be pumped under pressure into the foundation to fill up the cracks in the rocks and close any openings. The Corps believe there is no imminent danger to the structure; the repairs need to be complete now to ensure the long-term safety of the dam.
FIXING THE DAM
The Nashville District Corps of Engineers obtained Washington approval in late 2006 to begin a major rehabilitation project at Center Hill. The plan includes more grouting, as well as modern cut-offs walls to stop the seepage. The total estimated cost of the rehabilitation plan is $240 million. The entire rehabilitation project will take six years to complete. Work at Center Hill Dam has already begun and the cut-off wall construction will follow the grouting and is expected to begin in 2010.
LOWERING THE RISK
Since March 2005, the Corps has changed Center Hill Lake operation, trying to keep lake levels lower than normal to reduce the risk of failure.
DAM SAFETY PROGRAM
The Corps has identified trigger events that, if observed at the dam, would initiate emergency procedures. These procedures include emergency draw-down of the lake, distribution of emergency warnings and possible evacuation.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AT HIYC
If there were a failure at Center Hill Dam water would begin to rise at about 10 hours after the failure and would rise about 17 feet over the next 24-30 hours.
BE PREPARED!
Contract the Corps hotline at 615-548-8581 or 931-858-4366. Or call Wilson County Emergency Management 615-444-8777, ext. 123 Dr. Melissa Riley