NC0078158_report_19941004

NCDEH&NR
DEM-WSRO
To: Steve Tedder
Through: Steve Mauney
From: Allan Smith PO
Subject: Olde Beau Dam Breach
Date: 941004
On August 24, 1994, George Smith and I took upstream and downstream
samples on Laurel Branch (WS-IV Tr) due to the breaching of Old Beau's dam on
their lower pond. Upstream Turbidity ranged from 1.5 to 2.4; Suspended Residue
was <1 to 2. Downstream Turbidity was 340 and 350; Suspended Residue was .700
and 630.
Heavy rains occurred on August 17, 1994 and the dam breached. Land
Quality personnel were at Olde Beau that day and the pond was still holding
water. On the 19th, WEiter Quality personnel drove by and noticed the stream
turbidity and dam problems.
After several complaints, water samples were taken on the 24th and Land
Quality went back to the site on the 26th. The dam was being repaired at that
time. During our visit, poor erosion control measures were being used by the
construction company. During Land Quality's visit on the 26th, they reported that
erosion control measures were in place and sedimentation was due to construction
activity, not from the pond bottom.
Even though there were obvious problems up to a week after this event, it
does not appear there is anything Water Quality can do to enforce on this
situation. This is another example of Water Quality being limited to the action it
can take due to the supersedence of other agencies and/or sections.
cc: Larry Coble
Dave Harding
Technical Support
Cd-e•L