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Dam Rehabilitation Project a Success in Spencer County, Kentucky

Updated 09/22/2008

County Area in relation towhole state of Kentucky The Plum Creek Watershed is located in Spencer, Shelby, Bullitt and Jefferson Counties and covers approximately 24,000 acres. There are eleven flood retarding structures (FRS) in this watershed and five of these structures are located in Spencer County. Spencer County is located east of Louisville and west of Lexington. In 2006, the estimated population of the county was 16,475, and from 2000 to 2005 Spencer County ranked 19th out of all U.S. counties in percent growth with a 33% increase. The existing flood control dams protect cropland and local residents from the threat of serious flooding. When the State dam safety agency notified the Plum Creek Conservancy District and the Spencer County Conservation District that they had to upgrade one of the dams to meet current regulations, the Districts turned to NRCS for help.

 

As a result of the cooperation and partnership between the Districts and the NRCS, Plum Creek FRS #18 is being rehabilitated and a downstream home within the breach zone has been elevated. These actions will bring the FRS into compliance with all State and Federal dam safety requirements. Spencer County successfully implemented zoning to control future downstream development within the breach zone of watershed structures. This project demonstrates the success that local sponsors can have in bringing a dam into compliance.

 

The Spencer County Conservation District and the Plum Creek Watershed Conservancy District administered the home elevation portion of the project. NRCS managed the structural work which included the installation of a supplemental toe drain system and replacement of the riser. The original riser did not meet NRCS criteria, so a new riser with an updated design was installed. The purpose of the supplemental toe drain system is to control seepage through the dam and improve long-term stability of the structure. This rehabilitation project will extend the life of the watershed structure for another 50-100 years.

 

 The downstream side of the dam is shown here with the supplemental toe drain being installed

The downstream side of the dam is shown here with the supplemental toe drain being installed.

 

 

The old riser being dug out of the sediment pond for removal.

The old riser being dug out of the sediment pond for removal. A new riser with an updated construction design (D x 3D) will be installed

 

 

The sediment pond or “permanent pool” of Plum Creek FRS 18.

The sediment pond or “permanent pool” of Plum Creek FRS 18. Prior to rehabilitation, the pond had to be drained so that equipment could be used to remove the old riser.

 

 

 

 

 


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