Nolin Dam Undergoing Concrete Repair Project

A large crane is seen from atop the Nolin Dam during a renovation project near the outlet at the Nolin River.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Worn and damaged concrete is currently being repaired at Nolin Dam in a large renovation project near the dam tail waters. 

According to Deryck Rodgers, Natural Resources Project Manager for Nolin Lake, USACE, T&T Construction in Leitchfield is in charge of the work and are "dewatering" the stilling basin in order to repair the concrete.

"Dewatering means that we remove the water from the area," he said. "On a job like this, it requires that a cofferdam is constructed downstream of the worksite and water coming through the outlet works is pumped around that cofferdam. This lets us work in the dry.   The contractor is currently removing worn and damaged concrete, after which they will form and pour new concrete.  We have known about this concrete damage for about 10 years and have been monitoring it with inspections."

Ongoing construction and renovation at the outlet at Nolin Dam.

View near the tail waters at Nolin Dam/Nolin River.

Rodgers said the reason for the work are due to portions of the stilling basin and outlet works are nearing 65 years old and with age the concrete needs some maintenance and that the work is focused on three areas. 

"The first is the sill of the stilling basin, which is a concrete lip about 18 inches tall that runs the whole width of the stilling basin, even with the wing walls. The second area of work is just above the sill on the wing walls themselves. There is some erosion there, which isn’t very deep, but does need to be repaired. The third area is just downstream of the stilling basin sill on the slanted walls of the concrete apron, there is some eroded concrete that which we need to fix."

The work currently affects the water outlet into the river, the conduit, stilling basin, and the concrete apron.

"The stilling basin and the concrete sidewalks at the outlet works are closed to the public. When you drive to the tail water you will see orange construction fence with signs indicating that you cannot enter. The picnic shelter and boat ramp area are still open to the public. Access to the river at the boat ramp is available. We anticipate that work will be complete mid to late September. We will have the stilling basin area open as quickly as work is complete and the contractor can demobilize from the area."

Rodgers added that the entire project was anticipated to include 30 days of dewatering and construction, but due to some early delays equipment has been onsite for longer than anticipated.