WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A federal dam-safety order will likely lower the St. Joseph River for a year or more.
MLive reports that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has ordered a 3-foot drawdown due to embankment safety concerns at the Sturgis Dam.
Sturgis city officials were ordered to lower the reservoir by July 15 as an interim risk-reduction measure after inspectors found continued deterioration at the dam’s left embankment, including seepage along the toe and material movement near the spillway.
However, Sturgis officials want to delay the drawdown until Sept. 15, arguing that lowering the reservoir this summer could disrupt irrigation for nearby farms after crops have been planted, MLive stated.
According to a media release issued by Sturgis officials, the drawdown could affect river levels for about five miles upstream and could last more than 12 months while repairs are completed. At least five farms covering about 750 acres are potentially affected.
