Trinity County, TX – Recent inspections of the Camp Branch Acres Dam have highlighted significant concerns regarding its maintenance and lack of maintenance by its owner, which may have contributed to damages during the April floods. Moreover, a miscommunication with residents bordering the little lake led to widespread confusion and concern about the lake being completely drained, further heightening emotions and complicating the situation.
Dam Condition and Inspection Findings
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) conducted an inspection of the Camp Branch Acres Dam on June 4, 2024, revealing alarming details about its current state. The inspection report highlights overgrown vegetation, animal burrowing, and significant erosion in the spillway and downstream channel. The spillway’s control section was found to be eroded to a depth of 8 feet below the crest, posing a critical risk of further degradation during future rain events.
“The erosion in the spillway discharge channel has expanded significantly, and future engagements are likely to continue this erosion if not addressed,” the report states.
July 2024, Picture of damaged spillway
The TCEQ also noted the absence of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plan, both of which are crucial for ensuring the dam’s safety and preparedness in emergency situations. The hydraulic adequacy of the dam is unknown but possibly inadequate, necessitating a professional evaluation.
Possible Negligence and Community Impact
The dam owner’s actions, or lack thereof, have raised questions among some community members about possible negligence. The consistent poor condition of the dam, combined with the lack of documented maintenance and emergency plans, has led to questions about whether better management could have mitigated downstream damages.
In a recent Facebook post, the dam owner explained his actions during a recent storm. He noted that he had drained the lake to reduce flow through the spillway and monitored the dam closely, alerting the community when water levels became concerning. While these actions were commendable, the lack of a formalized EAP and regular maintenance could have exacerbated the damage.
“The dam has always had the same issues with trees and vegetation, which have been noted in every report since it was first inspected,” the owner wrote. “The main problems are with the spillway, and draining the lake was recommended by TCEQ to reduce damage.”
2024, House Flooding During April Rain Event
Miscommunication and Resident Concerns
A significant miscommunication with residents bordering the little lake led to confusion and fear that the lake would be completely drained. This was not a recommendation of the TCEQ. The agency advised lowering the lake level to limit spillway flow and developing a plan formalized by a professional engineer (PE) for the steps moving forward to either keep or remove the dam.
Residents expressed their concerns on social media, with some experiencing damage to their roads, houses, and properties. A resident who inherited property on the lake, expressed her dismay on Facebook, stating, “It’s saddening all around. I’m now stuck with a lot and no lake.” There was a miscommunication regarding the lake’s drainage. While some residents believed the lake would be completely drained, the TCEQ recommended only lowering the lake level. Clarification from the dam owner or relevant authorities might have helped to address these concerns.
Some residents voiced their dismay that many fish would die, a waste and a potential smelly situation. Comments on Facebook speculated humorously about holding a fish fry, reflecting residents’ frustrations and concerns.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
During a particularly severe storm, the danger posed by the dam’s condition became evident. The 356 Fire Department took swift action to evacuate residents downstream of the dam due to the imminent risk of dam failure and potential loss of life. This critical response highlighted the urgent need for an effective Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and better maintenance practices.
Residents took to Facebook prior to the landfall of Hurricane Beryl, expressing their concern about whether there would be further damages due to the dam being in such poor shape.
TCEQ’s Follow-Up Recommendations
The TCEQ’s follow-up letter to Stubbs emphasized the importance of addressing the erosion and implementing a comprehensive maintenance and emergency plan. The recommendations included:
- Lowering Lake Levels: Using siphons or pumps to limit excess flow through the spillway.
- Developing an EAP: Submitting the EAP to TCEQ Dam Safety and the Trinity County Emergency Management Coordinator for review.
- Hiring a PE: Evaluating the dam, spillway, and erosion, and developing a plan for maintaining the structure in a safe condition.
- Regular Inspections: Evaluating/inspecting the dam, spillway, and erosion after every rain event to ensure structural integrity.
- Clearing Vegetation: Removing trees and brush from the spillway channel and inlet to prevent obstructions.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
As the community awaits the implementation of these measures, it is crucial for clear and accurate communication to prevent further misunderstandings. The owner’s ongoing engagement with the community is beneficial and should continue to ensure transparency and community support.
Conclusion
The Camp Branch Acres Dam’s poor condition and the potential negligence of its owner have brought to light the critical importance of regular maintenance and emergency preparedness for high-hazard dams. The TCEQ’s recommendations provide a path forward, but the community will be watching closely to ensure that these measures are implemented and that the dam is maintained in a safe condition.
For now, the residents of Camp Branch Acres can only hope that the lessons learned from this incident will lead to better oversight and protection in the future. Clear communication and adherence to TCEQ’s guidelines are essential to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the community.
With the loss of one Camp Branch Acres residence and major damage to others, many in the community are left wondering if better maintenance and oversight could have prevented these outcomes. There are calls for more stringent monitoring and proactive measures to ensure the safety of such high-hazard structures.
One does wonder—where has TCEQ been over the years, as this dam fell into further and further disrepair?
Dam report after the April rains
Road washout in Camp Branch After April Rain Event
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.