Residents near Lake Livingston Dam unconcerned after TRA declares ‘potential failure warning’ at spillway
Some residents who live south of the dam said that while they would be impacted if something were to happen, they feel things have been "overblown."
SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas — A “potential failure watch” remained in effect at the Lake Livingston Dam spillway Monday evening.
Despite the alert, several nearby residents were unfazed when speaking about the issue.
On Friday, officials with the Trinity River Authority said the spillway had been adversely impacted because of recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the dam’s drainage area. That resulted in a “potential failure watch” which required continued evaluation of the spillway's integrity as well as the implementation of necessary repairs.
Despite multiple inquiries on Monday, TRA officials would not confirm what the exact issue is or what repairs are needed.
Officials previously said there was no “immediate danger” of either failure or breach of the dam, though it’s remotely possible. According to the TRA, the day-to-day operations of the dam will continue as necessary, although normal gate operations could vary.
Houston Public Works confirms that 70% of the total water supply produced by the City of Houston comes from the Trinity River.
On Monday, several residents who live south of the dam spoke to KHOU 11 while fishing or while filling up at nearby gas stations. Most of them said they were not concerned with the spillway alert. At least one person referred to the issue as "overblown."
[video_shortcode_youtube src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wt39YSF8xz4?rel=0" itemprop="image" content="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wt39YSF8xz4?rel=0" data-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wt39YSF8xz4?rel=0"]
“It’s a potential failure, it’s not a failure yet,” Coldspring resident Michelle Driggers said.
Driggers said her home south of the Lake Livingston Dam flooded in May with up to three feet of water. Even with the watch in place, she said her family planned to return to their home soon and begin repairs.
“People are confusing the dam and the spillway," she said .“Right now, it’s just a warning they have to put out, everybody’s freaking [out] ... we all just need to chill, sit back, see what happens, and go with the flow.”
Speaking to KHOU 11, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy said that she was not concerned with the spillway issue as of Monday evening while San Jacinto County OEM officials said they continued to monitor the situation alongside TRA.
The Texas Commission on Environment Quality confirmed its officials were aware of the spillway issue. According to the commission, TCEQ dam safety engineers were in Lake Livingston Friday with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to work with the TRA to develop a repair plan.