Before dam repairs, 3 months of studies

0
18

The Peachtree City Council at the Jan. 15 meeting heard a brief update on potential plans for the Lake Peachtree spillway. If approved in the future, the initial studies could be completed within 2-3 months.

Integrated Science and Engineering representative Richard Greuel said a geotechnical investigation and an “alternatives analysis” could be performed to provide the information needed to assess the work needed on the spillway.

The geotechnical investigation involves drilling holes to determine the nature of the soil.

The alternatives analysis would provide options on what a new spillway would look like, Greuel said.

ISE would then provide cost estimates based on the options, said Greuel. If approved, the two studies would involve a time frame of 8-12 weeks.

Greuel said the geotechnical investigation needs to be accomplished before the lake is re-filled.

It was nearly a year ago that holes and erosion were found in the spillway.

In a recent determination, the Ga. Environmental Protection Division said the dam can continue to keep its Category 2 status. That determination means that repairs to the dam and/or spillway will cost significantly less than if EPD had maintained its original position that the dam fall under the Category 1 designation.

Also at play is the upcoming dredging of the northernmost portion of the lake by Fayette County.

The council is expected to decide on having other portions of the lake addressed during the time of the dredging work. That work would be at city expense.