This emergency action plan is in regards to the dam at Lake LU, situated on the campus of the University of West Alabama. The dam is a compacted earthen dam that forms a 54 acre lake. This Emergency Action Plan is created to identify conditions that may cause failure of the dam and subsequent loss of human life and damage to property. A list of university and local officials are included to contact in case of emergency.

Dam Failure Watch

A dam failure watch will be issued when conditions are observed that could lead to failure of the dam. The time frame in a watch period is 24 hours to 5 days. Conditions that could lead to a watch include piping or leaking around the toe of the slope, soil erosion on the dam, failure or collapse of the concrete riser, or heavy rainfall occurring beyond the carrying capacity of the dam. Local earthquakes (Richter scale 3.5 or greater) or hurricanes can also lead to a dam failure watch. If flood waters are observed entering the emergency spillway a watch should be issued.

When a watch is issued, the lake manager and other officials should inspect the earthen dam, riser, impact basin and emergency spillway and determine the current condition of the dam.

-- During a watch period the lake manager will inspect the dam every three hours and determine if conditions are improving or degrading.
-- Residents of the apartments below the dam will be notified of the watch status.
-- No boats will be allowed on the lake during a watch period.

Dam Failure Warning

A dam failure warning will be issued when conditions are observed that indicate imminent failure and breaching of the dam that could lead to loss of life and damage to property. The time frame is unknown and there is little time to prepare. The lake manager will constantly observe dam conditions until the warning expires.

When a warning is issued, the lake manager will immediately contact all persons on the Emergency Contact List.

-- Notify the residents of the apartments below the dam to evacuate.
-- Close off both sides of the highway on the dam with reflective barricades. If
highway is closed off at night, flashing lights must be used to alert motorists.
-- Keep unauthorized persons off of the dam.

Emergency Contact List

Mrs. Brenda Holder
Resident Manager
Lake Forest Estates
(205) 652-2967 (office)
(205) 652-2334 (home)

Mr. Bob Holycross
Director of the Physical Plant
(205) 652-3601 (work)
(205) 652-7724 (home)

Mr. Raiford Noland
Vice President for Financial Affairs
(205) 652-3536 (work)
(205) 652-6855 (home)

Mr. Jeff Hood
Chief of Campus Police
(205) 652-3682 (work)
(205) 652-3602 (UWA police dispatcher)

Mr. Ashley Welborn
Chief of Police for the City of Livingston
Dial 911 or (205) 652-9525

Sumter County Emergency Management Agency
(205) 392-2001

Mr. Johnny Hatter
Sumter County Sheriff
(205) 652-7984 (office)
(205) 652-9338 (home)

Mr. Tom Tartt
Mayor for the City of Livingston
(205) 652-2505 (city hall)
(205) 652-2401 (water works)

Mr. Roger Limerick
Lake Manager, Lake LU
(205) 652-9266

Mr. Roland Perry
District Conservationist
U.S.D.A. – N. R. C. S.
1-205-652-7521 (office)