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August 12, 2005
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IDENTIFIES DRAINAGE SYSTEM AS CAUSE OF SEEPAGE AT SALT FORK DAM - ODNR TO PROCEED WITH REPAIR PROJECT
Lake levels to remain lowered until spring as dam’s drain system is replaced
 COLUMBUS, OH - The state will move forward this fall to repair the dam at Salt Fork Lake, based on a consultant’s study that identified a malfunctioning drainage system as the cause of seepage discovered earlier this year at the base of the dam, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sam Speck announced today.
Speck said the repair plan is based on recommendations of Gannett Fleming, Inc., an international engineering firm with an extensive background in dam construction and stability analysis that has been conducting technical studies at Salt Fork dam for ODNR.
The dam’s toe drain system, which collects natural seepage through the earthen embankment, is not functioning properly and needs to be replaced, the consultants advise. Their analysis shows that the malfunctioning drainage system is the cause of seepage boils found at the toe of the dam in February. In addition, the consultants have found that drains at the dam’s two abutments - where the embankment joins rock - are not working properly and will need to be repaired.
“We intend to move quickly to make the recommended repairs, which will ensure the long-term safety and stability of Salt Fork dam and allow us to restore the full recreational value of Salt Fork State Park as a key economic asset for Guernsey County and east-central Ohio,” Speck said. “Weather permitting, we plan to begin construction at the site as soon as October, with a completion date sometime in the spring. Preliminary cost estimates for the project likely will reach several million dollars,” he said.
During construction, officials plan to maintain the water level about five feet below normal - dependent upon precipitation in the region - until repairs are completed. Keeping the lake at a lower level will help to ensure that no boils will arise in the area of the dam’s toe during construction. Daily monitoring of the dam, including visual inspections and instrument readings, continues.
“We are confident that with these repairs and a properly functioning toe drain, we should not see any more boils at the toe of Salt Fork dam,” said Mark Ogden, dam safety engineer with the ODNR Division of Water. “Based on all the data we have collected and the extensive work of our consultants, we are fully confident that the dam itself is structurally stable.”
Piezometers - monitoring devices that measure pressure and water seepage - that have been installed in the dam and its toe have helped to provide engineers with valuable information to use in evaluating seepage and the stability of the dam and its foundation. These instruments will continue to be helpful during the construction phase and throughout the life of the dam.
Gannett Fleming’s study also concludes that naturally occurring groundwater in the area below the dam is the source of additional boils found in June in the outlet channel at some distance downstream of the dam. Those boils are unrelated to the dam and pose no threat, the study says. A rock structure constructed last month in the outlet channel has succeeded in controlling those boils.
Recreation at Salt Fork Lake should remain unaffected during construction, with boating and fishing still encouraged as weather permits. Marina operations, including boat rentals and fuel sales, remain fully operational. Boat rentals and concessions are offered at both Salt Fork and Sugar Tree marinas, while gas sales are only being offered at Salt Fork Marina.
The 17,229-acre Salt Fork State Park records about 1.8 million visitors annually. Salt Fork Lake, with nearly 3,000 acres, is open to boats of unlimited horsepower and provides ample fishing opportunities for anglers pursuing largemouth bass, crappies, bluegill, walleye and muskie.
Overnight guests can enjoy a stay at the park’s resort lodge, 54 family cottages and 212-site campground. While the beaches remain accessible, campers also have the option to use the Salt Fork Resort pools for a small fee. The park also offers an extensive system of hiking and bridle trails as well as an 18-hole golf course.
For updates on Salt Fork Lake, visit ohiodnr.com or call Salt Fork State Park at 740-439-3521.
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