HAZARD ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER

[El and Bill]

Heard by emaiL from Pat Campbell that there is a problem with Lake Cumberland that could have serious effects downstream on the Cumberland River. Here is an article about the problem:

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Fearing a dam break that could cause catastrophic flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee, the Army Corps of Engineers began lowering the water level on Lake Cumberland on Monday.

The measure was aimed at reducing pressure on the weakened 240-foot-high dam, said Lt. Col. Steven J. Roemhildt, commander of the Corps of Engineers' Nashville office.

"We must take this emergency action to reduce risk to the public and to the dam itself," he said in a statement.

If the Wolf Creek Dam, which is nearly a mile long, were to break, flooding in communities downstream along the Cumberland River could kill people and cause an estimated $3.4 billion in damage, Roemhildt said. Cities along the Cumberland include Nashville, Tenn., whose metro area contains 1.4 million people.

Corps spokesman Bill Peoples said failure of the dam was not imminent. But he said people should have evacuation plans ready in Nashville and other downstream communities, including Burkesville in Kentucky and Celina, Carthage, Clarksville, Gallatin and Hendersonville in Tennessee.

[Byrdman]

interesting... worth watching this a bit.....from Seattle...

will send to family members still on the banks.

[Papillon]

I remember back in the late 70's early 80's when the dam was given a 2 year makeover to keep this very thing from happening. My father in law at the time was the general accounting boss for the Itialian contractor (company based in Italy) who performed the job. Guess they didn't spend enough money to do the job to last long enough or the earthquakes in that area have taken their toll over the years.

Additional Info Here: http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_100198.asp
and here:
http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/pao/issues/WOLcommo/

[El and Bill]

Latest news from the Courier-journal:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to shave two years off its repair job at the leaky Wolf Creek Dam in Southern Kentucky.

The work could be done in 2012, if not sooner, because of strong support from members of Congress that could speed federal funding.

Earlier this month, the corps began to keep Lake Cumberland at a level about 40 feet lower than normal summer conditions to relieve pressure on the dam and to reduce potential downriver damage in the event of a breach.Earlier this month, the corps began to keep Lake Cumberland at a level about 40 feet lower than normal summer conditions to relieve pressure on the dam and to reduce potential downriver damage in the event of a breach.

The corps will extend some of the 11 boat ramps it controls, said Mike Ensch, operations chief for the Nashville District -- a move that corresponds to a similar promise by the state for its ramps.

The corps also may reduce its boat launch fees.

At more than 35,000 acres, the lake is still beautiful for boating

[JT]

Hey Pappillon,
That quote about an Italian Contractor sounds racist to me, an American of Italian descent. Why does a contractor need to be identified by his or her Nationality?
Sad.

[rogerbum]

JT,

While I'm generally sensitive to such concerns, in this case, I'd have to disagree. I looked hard to read "racism" into the above statement and couldn't find it. From what was written above, it's possible that the company that did the work was a company based in Italy. That's may not be the case but I can't infer differently from the above post.

Perhaps you're overly sensitive (thinks the american of German, Swedish, Norwegian and Welsh decent)?

[JT]

If that is the case, I apologize to Papillon.

[Papillon]

jt: That is the case. I was only stating a fact. I was not infering that the company did poor work...only that they were not allowed to do the entire job that needed to be done.

But let me say I don't blame you for checking on my PC since I am from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and we have been referred to as "Hillbillies" over the years. We now wish to be called "Bluegrass Americans" if you don't mind....pardon me..got to go fry up some possium now.

[JT]

Papillon,
Thanks for the clarification. What I haven't mentioned is that I am 50% Italian heritage and the balance Scotch - Irish. McCcain/McClelland and Peeples. My Mother's family was in Kentucky in 1775 and Virginia before that moving into Texas later. So, if you have some possum to spare you can send some this way!

[Byrdman]

Now JT... that does look much better... and if you have ever met Mike/Papillon... you would know for a fact he aint out to hurt anyone's feelings.

But on the other hand... if your feelings are that easily stirred up.... come on over here and you can join us at a favorite Italian joint I love to visit...in Atlanta.... called Alfredo's... and we can put down red necks....

In fact... I brought a crew of us C-Dory loving folks to Alfredo's for their 1st visit during the Atlanta Boat Show... and we closed the joint down...with our bellies way full, and our jaws hurting from the laughter. And... I can not think of a nationality that was not mixed in at some percentage represented by our table... and...if it was not represented...our for Fathers did the best they could to live life to the fullest...and have fun.

Buy a cheap ticket and fly to Atlanta...we'll do dinner... I love it once again....

and... we can talk about the local waters effected by this dam...

Byrdman
On the Cumberland River
Clarksville TN

[tom&shan]

Removing my earlier post - tom

[Byrdman]

Now in an attempt to get this thread back on topic.... I will provide a few links that some locals track a bit...

And...having just returned home to the Cumberland River region, I see that one of our family friends is doing a lot in this project. Mike Zocolla of the Corps of Eng, is the son of Frank Zocolla, who in his life spent many, many hours with our family. Frank and my late Father, Martin Byrd were very close friends. So this whole thing will give me a chance to see some of the Zocolla family members. It has been too long.

There is a scheduled meeting in Mt. Juliet TN on 1Mar07, of which Brother Mike and I plan to attend. Who knows... we might just have to put together a weekend gathering on Lake Cumberland... or at least a gathering on the Cumberland real soon.

These links below provide some pretty good insight into the project/issues.

http://www.wsmv.com/news/11097426/detail.html

http://www.lakecumberlandscene.com/Wolf_Creek_Dam/wolf_creek_dam.html

http://lakeinfo.tva.gov/htbin/lakeinfo?site=WCH&DataType=All&submit=View+info

http://www.answers.com/topic/wolf-creek-dam

[JT]

Thanks Byrdman,
I may just come out there someday.
JT