Published: May 30, 2008 06:48 am            

Corps letter suggests lake may be raised

Wording indicates efforts could potentially be made before summer

A statement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last Friday anticipating a higher level for Lake Cumberland is the first time the word RAISING has been used in an official Corps document about the lake level. The news release also hinted at a time frame when a level change might occur.

Lt. Col. Bernard Lindstrom, commander of the Corps’ Nashville District, said in the news release that “ ... as soon as we reach the limit of at least one line of grout, we anticipate RAISING the lake level provided conditions at the lake remain stable and improving.”

Previously, during the past two-and-a-half years, Corps officials, both in conversations and written statements, stuck with “will be evaluated.” They quickly refuted a statement from Congressman Hal Rogers’ office late last year that the lake level would be raised 10 feet during the current summer season.

A paragraph in Friday’s news release gave a hint as to a time frame when a raise in the lake level might be considered.

“The Nashville District engineer (Lindstrom) also noted that while possible, A LAKE RAISE INITIATED THIS FAR INTO THE SPRING may be difficult to accomplish, based on historical rain patterns and flows in the region. Nevertheless, the Corps fully intends to make a determination regarding the lake level upon completion of the initial grout line and an analysis verifying the project’s stability.”

Note use of SPRING, no doubt referring to the current season. Spring ends June 20, a period of 28 days after release of the news item. Fully aware that every news release from the Nashville District of the Corps is approved word by word, official by official, right to the top, it may be assumed that the Corps might be looking at considering a raise in the lake level during the next 28 days. The Corps’ statement DID NOT say this. It is only assumed by analytical reading of the latest news release.

The news release gave the following update on rehabilitation of Wolf Creek Dam in its May 23 news release:

“As drilling has continued, contractors have discovered additional cavities in the dam’s rock foundation that require attention. Although 342 holes have been identified to close the initial grout line, this figure could increase due to the unpredictable nature of the foundation’s karst geology. To date, 274 holes have been drilled and grouted. The grouting is approximately 80 percent complete and adequate financial resources remain available to keep the project moving ahead as scheduled.”

Lake Cumberland was lowered 43 feet in January 2007 to relieve pressure on Wolf Creek Dam, classified by an outside panel of experts as in high risk of failure. A $309 million, seven-year rehabilitation of the dam is under way.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.