McLendon-Chisholm dam deemed safe: 'Citizens should not be concerned,' city says
MCLENDON-CHISHOLM, Texas - The City of McLendon-Chisholm in Rockwall County told residents on Monday morning there is no threat of dam failure after warning residents Sunday that they may be asked to evacuate.
About 25 to 30 homes are at risk if an earthen dam fails along a reservoir in McLendon-Chisholm. However, state inspectors said the erosion is not an immediate threat.
McLendon-Chisholm Mayor Bryan McNeal said the ground near the dam has shifted six feet in about 24 hours, including three feet since 6 a.m. on Monday.
The city met with the Kaufman-Van Zandt-Rockwall Soil and Water Conservation District on Monday morning and determined there is no threat of dam failure.
"While there is damage, the dam is safe," said the city in a statement on Monday morning.
The mayor says there is a pump in the area to try to get some of the water out of the area and a second one is on the way from Ellis County.
Rockwall County's Office of Emergency Management told people on Sunday night living on Fireside Drive, Parade Point, Granite Ridge Road, Highwater Crossing, Stampede Run or areas downstream on Brushy Creek to take precautions to evacuate.
The city said it felt it was necessary to warn residents after recent storms and rain. But after the inspection, it believes it will function.
"Citizens should not be concerned," a city spokesperson said.
The edge of a reservoir touches Karen Duignan’s backyard. She said her husband noticed ground erosion days ago. But after more torrential rain on the weekend, it got worse.
"He noticed the very top was starting to erode a little bit," she said. "They’ve been out here all weekend, off and on."
McNeal alerted residents there may have to be evacuations. But around 11 a.m. Monday, state inspectors deemed the erosion to be not hazardous.
"We still have damage on the backside," the mayor said. "And I still have homeowners that could be at risk if there was a potential failure."
McNeal says culverts are clogged. And when that clears, he is worried more water will come into the reservoir. The water level is at four feet and can hold ten feet.
"I have a bag packed," Duignan said. "I have all my valuables, passport, birth certificates already in my car."
Because of the "all clear" from the state, the original plan to pump water out was called off. It’s something McNeal wanted to continue with rain in the forecast.
Courtesy: Bryan McNeal, Mayor of McLendon-Chisholm
"The more sloping that is happening, it’s working its way inward," he said.
Others living here say this issue should open a dialogue on more action in the immediate future.
"Rockwall County was a rural county, and it’s growing rapidly," said resident Mark Kipphut. "So is the investment being made in the infrastructure to support the growth."
The city says the damage will be addressed, and it will work on repairing the damage.