An interesting project came our way recently: A local lake had a leaking Category 1 dam, which required an emergency siphon system. Category 1 dams are “those for which improper operation or dam failure would result in probable loss of human life,” as classified by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division. Categorized dams in Georgia are inspected annually by law. Because of the significant danger of life and property loss associated with a dam failure, this particular situation had drawn the attention of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the City of Sandy Springs Fire Department, and a representative from Georgia Safe Dams. In addition to the leaks, the lake’s existing outlet system was not functioning, and the emergency spillway was functioning as the primary spillway. We were called out and set up a temporary siphon system to manually draw down the lake a minimum of 15 feet. The system will stay in place until the community is able to repair the dam issues.
Temporary siphon system at the lake
Path to the downstream discharge point
Water entering the stream from the siphon system
Water level significantly lowered
