MONROE, N.C. — Staff estimated the costs to repair the dam at $230,400. Staff determined that the costs to repair, maintain, and stay in regulatory compliance with the dam and lake outweigh the benefits. Staff said by removing the dam, it absolves the city’s obligation of NCDEQ compliance.
The City of Monroe is parting ways with the Lake Minehaha Dam. The dam is located off Pinedall Avenue near Old Charlotte Highway and has been used for recreational purposes.
The City of Monroe owns the property and liability coverage for the dam. Council decided to remove the dam and its liability at its Oct. 13 council meeting following a North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality inspection that found numerous and costly issues.
According to the inspection report, NCDEQ classified the dam as a high hazard, primarily due to its proximity to the CSX railroad, requiring the completion of an emergency action plan and hydraulic breach analysis.
It also noted issues involving:
- The earthen spillway
- The metal standpipe outlet, which is due for replacement
- An unreliable low-level drain valve
- The need for large tree removal
- Concerns with sediment accumulation
Staff estimated the cost of repairing the dam at $230,400. Staff determined that the cost of repairing and maintaining the dam and staying in regulatory compliance outweighs the benefits. Staff said removing the dam would absolve the city of its NCDEQ compliance obligations.