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September 21, 1999
Charles Gardner, (919) 715-4112

Earthen Dams In Eastern North Carolina Show Damage From Hurricane Floyd

RALEIGH - Many privately owned earthen dams in eastern North Carolina have been seriously damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd, according to the N.C. Division of Land Resources' Dam Safety Program.

"We are seeing a number of dams with slumps, slides and gullies, and spillways used for emergency release of floodwaters held back by these dams are experiencing heavy erosion," Land Resources Director Charles Gardner said. "We are advising dam owners to contact us immediately to report any kind of structural damage, and we will provide guidance on actions needed to reduce the risks of dam failure."

The division has dispatched staff across the eastern part of the state to inspect the dams, with an initial emphasis on those that pose the greatest risk to public safety, according to Gardner, who said the state's major flood control structures, such as the Falls Lake Dam, are in good shape.

"We need these dam owners to be vigilant in watching the condition of these dams and to report dangerous dam conditions to local emergency management officials immediately," he said.

Dam owners reporting damage or needing technical assistance should contact the Division of Land Quality at (919) 733-4574.

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