Working on Lake McCoy Dam Concerns

Lake McCoy. (Photo: Lake McCoy Indiana/Facebook)

(Greensburg, IN) – The Lake McCoy Conservancy, in coordination with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Water and engineering consultants, is actively monitoring and
addressing a structural concerns incident at the Lake McCoy Dam, which is located about four miles east of Greensburg off State Road 46 between Decatur County Roads 400 East and 480
East.

Decatur County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Snyder emphasizes the dam has not failed, but it is experiencing structural issues with its spillway pipe.

Agencies and engineers are monitoring the situation and implementing measures intended to reduce risk to the public, including placing rock on the dam to stabilize the embankment and redirect water.

As a precaution, residents in potentially affected areas are being advised of the situation and encouraged to remain aware and prepared should conditions change.

Areas that could be impacted in the event of a dam failure include:

• Those traveling on State Road 46 between CR 400 E and 480 E
• Residents downstream of Lake McCoy along Cobbs Fork.
• Additional impacts could include: the railroad corridors, utilities, and state and county roads downstream of Lake McCoy along Cobbs Fork.

At this time, no evacuations have been ordered; no shelters have been opened; the only existing road closure is a portion of Boulevard Road at the dam, and mitigation efforts are in place to lower the lake level and manage the flow of water from the dam.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor official information sources; avoid the area near the dam; never drive through floodwaters or flooded roadways, and review personal emergency plans and be prepared to act if conditions change.

You’re asked not to call 911 for information unless you are reporting an emergency.

Additional updates will be provided by the Lake McCoy Water Conservancy, and Conservancy Director Patti Nugent.

“There is no immediate danger to the public at this time; however, conditions can change, and residents should remain prepared to act if emergency notifications are issued,” Snyder said.

The Decatur County Emergency Management Agency, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lake McCoy Conservancy District say they appreciate the public’s cooperation as work continues to address this situation.