Corps completes post-storm dike inspection; resumes locking operations

Published Sept. 12, 2017

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District found no areas of concern during post-Irma inspections of Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee in South Florida.

Staff from Jacksonville District’s Construction, Engineering, and Operations Divisions finished a post-storm inspection of the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee on Tuesday (Sept. 12).  They found no new issues or areas of concern since the previous inspection last week before Hurricane Irma impacted the area. 

“The lake level continues to rise,” said Col. Jason Kirk, Jacksonville District Commander.  “We will continue to monitor conditions in the area so we are in the best position to respond should any issues develop.”

Today’s stage at Lake Okeechobee is 14.55 feet, up 0.41 feet over the past 24 hours.  Substantial runoff from the watersheds for the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie Canal continues to pass through spillway gates along the Okeechobee Waterway.

“I’ve made no decision on water releases from the lake,” said Kirk.

The Corps has also resumed locking operations for east bound vessels on the Okeechobee Waterway.  The Corps will resume operations for west-bound traffic after further coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard in Fort Myers.  The five locks on the Okeechobee Water facilities are open from 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., seven days a week. 

Locking operations at Canaveral Lock have also resumed.  The facility is open from 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m., seven days a week.

More information on Jacksonville District response actions can be found at www.saj.usace.army.mil.

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

Release no. 17-046