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November 4, 2005
SPECK SIGNS CONTRACT FOR REPAIR OF SALT FORK LAKE DAM
Construction to begin immediately, with project completion expected this spring
COLUMBUS, OH - Repairs at Salt Fork Lake Dam are expected to begin in coming days to fix a malfunctioning drainage system that was discovered earlier this year, announced Sam Speck, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
While the construction will not be apparent from the Salt Fork State Park Lodge or most other areas in the park, local residents may see increased activity at the dam area until the repairs are completed in the spring.
Water levels at the 3,000-acre lake will remain about 5 feet below normal pool during construction to ensure that excessive seepage will not occur at the toe of the dam. When the repairs are complete, the lake will be allowed to rise naturally to its normal level. Recreation around the lake will remain unaffected during the construction period.
 “We are moving quickly yet prudently to make the recommended repairs, which will ensure the dam’s stability and sustain Salt Fork Lake as a vital economic and recreational resource for this region,” Speck said.
Great Lakes Construction Company, of Hinckley, has been awarded the $1,980,000 dam rehabilitation project. ODNR dam safety officials say that the repairs will be made in sections along the one-quarter mile earthen structure, while digging 20 feet down to install the dam’s drainage system.
The repair plan is based on the recommendations of Gannett Fleming, Inc., an international engineering firm with an extensive background in dam construction and stability analysis. The firm advised ODNR that the dam’s toe drain system, which collects natural seepage through and under the earthen embankment, is not functioning properly. Replacement was recommended.
Daily monitoring of the dam, including visual inspections and instrument readings, will continue throughout the construction period, Speck said.
The 17,229-acre Salt Fork State Park records about 1.8 million visitors annually. Salt Fork Lake 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.
For more information about Salt Fork State Park visit ohiodnr.com online.
Signing the construction contract for rehabilitation of the Salt Fork Lake Dam are left to right (seated): Gary Harsanye, ODNR Engineering and Sam Speck, director of ODNR; (standing) Hal Harper, Salt Fork State Park manager, Delmar George, Guernsey County engineer and Harold Adams, Liberty Township trustee.
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