Only in the south would you have any sort of structure whose name begins with the words “Stonewall Jackson”, but residents of Weston West Virginia are mighty grateful for theirs right now. The Stonewall Jackson Dam celebrates its 25th birthday this year, and over its lifespan has been credited with reducing flood damage in the region by over $200 million.
The dam cost $208 million to construct, and displaced about 2,000 residents, including some folks who found themselves giving up quite a bit of land. This stirred controversy that has, to a degree, continued to this day. Some landowners were fifth and sixth generation, making the loss even harder to take.
The benefits of the Stonewall Jackson Dam were undeniable; however, with some 20,000 acres allocated for the project, the dam has been credited with providing a tremendous amount of flood control for the town of Weston and all areas north of it.
The area sees about four major floods per year, and the dam has managed to reduce the level of damage every time, with $5.5 million being saved on 2010 alone. The dam also provides the water supply for surrounding communities, and has increased water quality dramatically. When the lake is full, it holds 14.7 billion gallons of water, with 2,650 acres of lake, and 82 miles of shoreline. The state also stocks the lake with trout from February through May.
The dam undergoes meticulous maintenance and has never had a structural failure, a feat credited to the Army Corps of engineers. In addition to daily, weekly and monthly maintenance routines, there is an annual inspection of all the operating systems. Once every five years, a full inspection is done with a large team of structural, electrical, mechanical, geological and hydrological engineers. They scrutinize every aspect of the dam operations.
A spokesman for the Army COE says that dams normally fail within the first five year of filling, however, the Army Corps Of Engineers has never had a major dam failure, due no doubt to the highly qualified and skilled professionals to design and build the dams.
Of course flooding can never be fully contained, and floods still happen. They are the single most common natural disaster in the United States, occurring in all fifty states, all climates, and nearly all elevations (even the mile high city of Denver, Colorado has experienced record flooding this year.
Water Damage Local.com exists for the sole purpose of handling all of you flooding and other water damage issues. They are available 24/7/365, with full staff, the latest in equipment and techniques, and able to be at your home or business within an hour of your call. The sooner your situation can be assessed, the sooner the cleanup process can begin.
Water Damage Local.com’s providers are experienced in the fine art of water extraction, drying, carpet cleaning, mold removal, and even structural repair and restoration. They are fully licensed and certified by the IICRC, meaning you can trust them with your home and possessions.
Don’t let flood damage mean the end of your home. Call the professionals at Water Damage Local.com today for a free estimate.
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