The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is welcoming public feedback amid efforts to secure the Arkabutla Dam following a 2023 breach.
The renovations are taking place more than three years after a depression was discovered at the toe of the dam, prompting emergency actions to be taken to protect from possible flooding due to a breach.
Phase I of remediation has been completed and included lowering the pool to 204 feet, installing additional groundwater monitoring devices and relief wells, and automating the monitoring system.
Phase II work, which began in early June, includes grouting the tunnel through the dam’s foundation to fill voids. To safely access the area, crews have closed the dam’s gates, which will temporarily stop releases of water. If the lake reaches critical levels during the gate closure, work will be paused, and necessary releases will be made.
Officials say a dam safety modification study to determine the best implementable long-term solution is ongoing and expected to be complete by the end of 2026. A recommended plan has been identified and includes replacing the current deteriorated outlet works and constructing a new outlet works north of the existing one.
As part of this process, a draft environmental assessment has been completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The document will be available for public review and comment between now and July 25.
“USACE looks forward to continuing to hear from communities, the public, and interested parties during the public comment period,” a release from the Army Corps of engineers reads, with officials adding that comments, ideas, and questions related to the environmental assessment can be emailed to Taylor Piefke at taylor.piefke@usace.army.mil.