TRA issues ‘potential failure watch’

Although there is no immediate danger

The Lake Livingston Dam, which was damaged by the recent heavy rainfall and flooding, is undergoing repairs as safely and as quickly as possible to address areas of the dam that experienced erosion caused by high-impact flows.

Crews and material suppliers are working around-theclock to ensure that the dam can handle potential storm flow releases. The area is a construction zone, and only authorized personnel will be onsite. Additionally, the situation is under 24-hour observation and monitoring. It is too early to determine when the current repairs will be complete.

The damage was more visible after the rains receded, and the level of the lake will be lowered to assist in the repairs. The dam, which was completed in 1969 and filled in 1971, is in no immediate danger of failure or a breach.

The Trinity River Authority (TRA) confirmed June 28 that the spillway of the Lake Livingston Dam had been adversely impacted, resulting in the declaration of a “potential failure watch” condition which requires continued monitoring and evaluation of the spillway’s integrity, as well as the implementation of necessary repairs and remedial actions. TRA officials said that although there is no immediate danger of either failure or breach of the dam, the potential does exist however remote it might be.

The day-to-day operation of the dam will continue as necessary, and gate operations may vary as conditions and construction activities dictate.

The Trinity River Authority is working closely with local emergency management to provide them with information to make decisions related to the communities that they serve. People should contact their local emergency management officials for any specific emergency actions in their community. Emergency management contact information can be found on TRA’s website.

The current declaration of a “potential failure watch” is still in place. Any change in the declaration status will be shared. At this time, there is no threat or impact to TRA’s water customers served by Lake Livingston.

For more information, people may call 877-352-3247, or visit the TRA website at trinityra.org.