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April 5, 2007
RENOVATION KEEPS WATER LEVELS LOW AT LAKE WHITE
Return to normal summer pool delayed by four weeks
COLUMBUS, OH - Ongoing renovation of the 72-year-old dam at Lake White in Pike County will require lowered water levels until early May, temporarily delaying the lake’s return to normal summer pool, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Last fall, the project’s contractor lowered the lake approximately 12 feet from summer pool level to facilitate construction and help ensure the dam’s safety during spillway renovation. This portion of the work was slated for completion by April 1 so that the dam’s spillway gates could be closed and the lake refilled.
Unforeseen construction difficulties and weather conditions have delayed work on the spillway, extending the deadline to begin the refill process by about four weeks. At ODNR’s request, the contractor has submitted a revised schedule, indicating that the new spillway gates will be completed during the first week of May. Pending successful start-up and operation, the gates will then be closed and the lake refilled.
ODNR engineers overseeing the renovations anticipate the 337-acre lake will rise quickly once the new spillway gates are closed.
“Even with this delay, normal spring rainfall should bring Lake White to summer pool by the Memorial Day weekend,” said David M. Mohr, P.E., chief engineer for ODNR. “The natural hydrology of the area the same factor that has contributed to flooding in the past will aid the refilling process.”
ODNR initiated the first phase of a two-phase project to renovate the 4,200-foot earthen dam about a year ago. The first phase, a $4.1 million project to remove vegetation from the downstream face, install automated spillway gates and a new siphon drain, will be completed this summer. The second phase, tentatively scheduled to start in late 2008, will reinforce the dam’s downstream face with concrete and reconstruct state Route 104, which runs across the crest of the dam.
Built in 1935, Lake White drains a watershed of more than 35 square miles. It is home to Lake White State Park, featuring a 23-site campground, swimming beach, picnic area and unlimited horsepower recreational lake.
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