North Carolina Dams Stressed by Heavy Rains

At least 16 dams, including two high-hazard-potential structures, failed in southeastern North Carolina during the last week of May. Heavy rains caused caused 82-year-old town-owned Hope Mills Dam, on Rockfish Creek, to overtop and fail on May 26. No injuries were reported, but a retirement home was evacuated. The following morning, three more dams washed out - another on Rockfish Creek dam at McLaughlin Lake subdivision, and Lake Upchurch and McLaughlin Lakes dams. For the most part, the overflow was contained within reservoirs. Following the breaks, twelve state inspectors surveyed the area and checked on other dams facing increased amounts of water. State officials say that development is increasing the number of potentially dangerous dams. Only about 15% of owners of high-hazard-potential dams in North Carolina have Emergency Action Plans. The nationwide average is about 33%. The state now requires EAPs for new dam construction, modification or repairs. Damage estimates from Hope Mills dam failure are over $2 million. Hope Mills officials hope that the state will pay for 75% of the repair work. To qualify, the damage to the lake must exceed $10,000, or 0.5 percent of the town's budget

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