[Vass, NC - June 29, 2023] – The Woodlake Dam Modification project has been underway since mid-2017 after the dam was breached in October 2016, originally led by the volunteers of the Restore Woodlake Committee and taken over in 2021 by new local ownership, Atlantic National Capital (ANC). After nearly 2 years of surveying, geotechnical testing, engineering and design, ANC is thrilled to announce the long-awaited receipt of the Certificate of Approval to modify the dam from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This momentous milestone paves the way for the official commencement of construction on the dam, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for not only the Woodlake Community, but all surrounding residents that have been affected by the damaged dam and subsequent evacuations downstream following Hurricane Matthew in 2016. “We have overcome numerous hurdles over the past several years to bring this project to fruition. While we still may face obstacles prior to and during construction, we are very excited and eager to enter this next phase, knowing that our dedication and perseverance have paid off” says Keith Allison of Atlantic National Capital, who was originally asked by the Restore Woodlake Committee to join their efforts.
The Woodlake Dam modifications have been designed with careful consideration for restoring the functionality of the dam and improving design details to current design standards and regulations. The new Dam, designed by Schnabel Engineering, has been designed to reduce upstream lake flooding compared to the old dam and will simultaneously mitigate downstream flooding by simply being in place. The approval from DEQ affirms the commitment to this initiative as well as providing a safe and sustainable dam. With the Certificate of Approval in hand, ANC can now proceed forward, ready to make a positive impact on the surrounding communities.
ANC is grateful to the Department of Environmental Quality, the Division of Water Quality, and the Army Corps of Engineers for their thorough review and approval of the submitted plans. The collaboration and commitment to environmental protection have been instrumental in helping us reach this pivotal moment. After all preliminary administration has been satisfied, the awarded contractor, TA Loving, will immediately begin to mobilize the dam site per the requirements by the State; construction will officially begin on July 10, 2023 and is projected to take approximately 18 months.
Current Conditions Map of the Woodlake Dam Prior to Construction
While it is exciting to embark on the construction phase of this transformative journey, the effort would not have been possible without the overwhelming support and preemptive efforts of the local community. The continued cooperation of the community will ensure the success and long term sustainability of this project. As the lakebed clearing strategy is being finalized, any efforts made by the community now to keep the overgrowth cleared in and around their property will help keep the project’s overall costs down, as there are already significant cost overages from the initial funding received. Lakefront owners will soon receive additional information from ANC on dock repairs as final requirements and parameters are determined in coordination with local governing entities.
Please join ANC in celebrating the beginning of this remarkable construction endeavor. Together, ANC and the community will witness the construction of a vital infrastructure that will shape the future of Woodlake and surrounding areas for generations to come.