Corps announces inspection results of Herbert Hoover Dike

Published Oct. 6, 2017

Staff with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District have no significant issues of concern following their most recent inspections of the Herbert Hoover Dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee in south Florida.

The Corps conducted two inspections this week on the southern half of the dike, between Moore Haven and Port Mayaca.  The Corps also conducted one inspection on the northern half of the dike, between Lakeport and Port Mayaca.  All inspection teams report no significant seepage activity or issues with the structural integrity of the dike.

Inspectors noted a seepage site at the southern half of the dike was discharging clear water.  Seepage has been observed at this site since 2009 when the lake reaches stages above 15.5 feet.  No change in the flow rate at this site was noted from previous inspections, and it is being maintained in a controlled manner with sandbags.

“This was the third week of increased inspections of the dike that our teams have conducted since Irma passed,” said Laureen Borochaner, Jacksonville District Engineering Division Chief and Dam Safety Officer.  “The continuation of rain in the area and high water levels in canals has left some saturated soil in spots, but close observation by inspectors found no areas of concern.  All is as expected.”

The Corps conducts twice weekly inspections of the southern half of the dike and weekly inspections of the northern half of the dike whenever the lake level exceeds elevation 16.5 feet.  Should the lake rise above 17.0 feet, the Corps would inspect the southern half of the dike daily and maintain weekly inspection in the northern half of the dike.  Today’s lake stage is 16.83 feet. 

For more information on water level and flows data for Lake Okeechobee, visit the Corps’ water management website at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/WaterManagement.aspx

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Contact
John Campbell
904-232-1004
john.h.campbell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 17-058