USA: Army Corps to Host Public Meetings on Dike Study

February 21, 2013

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, will host two public meetings to discuss the initial phases of a Dam Safety Modification Study (DSMS) that is underway on Herbert Hoover Dike.

The Corps is conducting the DSMS to determine the final phase of rehabilitation projects for the dike, a 143-mile earthen structure that encircles Lake Okeechobee in south Florida. The Corps has been engaged in projects since 2007 to address concerns with the dike’s integrity.

“The results of the Dam Safety Modification Study will be used to define the finish line for this major project,” said Tim Willadsen, Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation Project Manager. “We will continue to reduce risk by replacing water control structures around the lake through 2018; this study will be the guiding document for projects we execute in the future.”

The meetings will be held in two locations in south Florida:

· Feb. 26—John Boy Auditorium, 1200 South W.C. Owen Ave., Clewiston, FL.

· Feb. 28—Okeechobee County Health Dept 1728 NW 9th Ave., Okeechobee, FL.

Both meetings will begin with an open house at 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. After the presentation, all interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment. These meetings will also serve as scoping meetings as required by the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).

Prior projects at the dike include installation of a partially penetrating cutoff wall between Port Mayaca and Belle Glade, filling in a quarry near Belle Glade, and replacing water control structures near Port Mayaca and Moore Haven.

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Press Release, February 21, 2013