Lake George Dam

HISTORY: The Indiana DNR has categorized the Lake George Dam as "hi-hazard" due to the fact there could be loss of life and significant damage to local transportation infrastructure should the Dam fail. Because of this rating the DNR requires a biannual safety inspection of the dam.

Now that the Cottagers Association officially owns the dam, what next? Because the IDNR requires the owner of the dam to maintain and repair it should it's condition require same, every two years an inspection of the dam, its foundation, embankments and other components, must be completed. The most recent biannual inspection was made in 2004 paid for by the Cottagers Association at a cost over $8000.  The cost of replacement of the bridge and dam is not known but rumors suggest the cost would be several million dollars, a hefty sum to be supported by an association that has no taxing power and does not represent all lake property owners. Where would this money come from?

(Status as of 8/2010). Several interested cottagers with various backgrounds have come forward to help with the Dam rehabilitation project. Rick Weaver, a relatively new Cottager offered his services to look at various engineering issues and suggestions. Rick owns an engineering company in Ohio and has had extensive dealings with Ohio authorities dealing with Dams and other similar engineering projects. Dick Burrows, a longtime Cottager with a background in law and finance was part of an effort to establish a tax district in the Bayview and Channel Areas for weed treatment. They have completed the necessary work and now have a small tax district to help with collecting funds for weed control. John Albright, an attorney with a cottage on Browns Point has accompanied us in visits with the DNR.

At the Annual Meeting in July 2010, several people raised questions about various issues seeking to know why no flooding problems have ever occurred to this time. Two issues are currently on the burner and awaiting resolution by the DNR. First, a statement was made in an Engineering Study commissioned by the DNR about some low-lying property “uplake” from the Millpond. It appears the actual area studied in the report was limited to a few feet inland from the Millpond water edge. There may be a possibility that a significant rise in the water level rushing into the Millpond would alternatively seek its way to lower ground by way of Big Long Lake – not the Millpond. Detailed contoured maps are being located and will be reviewed to resolve this question. Secondly the studies used in the early Engineering analysis indicated the waterway (culvert) under the Toll Road would of could act as a restriction to rising water seeking its way out of the Dam's lowland area. Following this line of logic, questions have been raised why no one has ever seen a gushing torrent of water over the Dam even in the heaviest of rains? To this end it appears there has been an assumption that a drop of water striking the ground on the eastern edge of the watershed runs freely all the way to the Millpond. Yet there are four restricting structures that lie within the pathway. Culverts under the I-69, Old Highway 27, Kope Kon Rd and the bridge and lower structure in Forest Park which all offer resistance to the big gusher. This would reduce the watershed area from 14 square miles to something considerably less and the collection area would hold far less water forcing its way to the Dam. Hydrologic studies are needed to develop models for examination to resolve this issue. Another dilemma was the DNR's statement in our recent meeting that we could reduce the Hi Hazard designation to medium by eliminating the potential for loss of life by removing the dwellings (housing) below with Dam. Nothing was mentioned about the impact of flood waters on the Toll Road culvert nor on the roads that could be inundated should the Dam break.

We have also been looking for ways to finance this work. This would preferably come in the form of grants or gifts but as we all know, money is scarce. Again, money is available but only to 'legally recognized' organizations so we are moving forward with our attempts to form a tax district in Indiana and a second one in Michigan as Michigan requires one purpose per district. Without funding we go nowhere.

The first action needed will be to review the costs and recommendations made by the engineering firm at the request of the IDNR by another independent engineering firm who could assist the Association in moving forward to completion. To assist with this project, particularly the financial portion, we have contacted Township and County officials as well as State legislative officials in our search for financing but funds don't seem to be available. We'll continue to follow this issue.

More as the news becomes available

The Dam Decision given by the Steuben County Court may be read by clicking on the following link:  Decision Complete

The judgment rendered Jun 30, 2008 in the Court of Appeals of Indiana may be read by clicking on the following link: http://www.in.gov/judiciary/opinions/pdf/06300801msm.pdf 

The document from the "Petition Review Board" of the Indiana Supreme Court may be read by clicking;  Petition Refusal

Several references in the decision above are made and refer to the Articles listed below.  Click below on the needed articles.

Info on Article 14-26-2  Titled "Lake Preservation"   http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title14/ar26/ch2.html
Info on Article  14-27-7.5  Titled "Regulation of Dams"  http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title14/ar27/ch7.5.html
Info on Article  14-33   Titled "Conservancy Districts"  http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title14/ar33/ch1.html