Multiple Probes Under Way At Pumped-Storage Blowout
Initial inspections suggest that the 100-ft-high rock-filled, concrete-lined wall enclosing Taum Sauk Reservoir, near Lesterville, Mo., was comprised of rocky fill, not the granite blocks removed to create the reservoir in 1963. The collapse at 5:24 a.m. on Dec. 14 spilled about 1.3 billion gallons of water and triggered a call from Gov. Matt Blunt (R) for a comprehensive survey of Missouris dam safety law and a comparison with regulations in other states. The Highway Patrol also was investigating whether the failure was accidental.
AmerenUE, St. Louis, the owner of the reservoir, has contracted with Mactec Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., to begin addressing short-term issues at the site.