Project

Building Resilience: Lake Conasauga Dam Construction Project in Rome, Georgia

Over 35 years ago, several lakes were constructed as part of the Garden Lakes Subdivision housing development in Rome, Georgia.

The largest lake, Lake Conasauga, was formed by constructing approximately 1.3 miles of perimeter embankment to form a 51-acre lake. Water depth varies from 5 to 15 feet. The lake serves as an amenity for the subdivision and has an asphalt paved walking/jogging trail along the dam crest. About 25 years ago the dam and lake were transferred to the City of Rome and the dam was classified as a Category I Dam by the Georgia EPD Safe Dams program.

As a result of a Safe Dams yearly inspection, Willmer was retained by the City of Rome to address cracking in the asphalt pavement and the concrete-lined spillway. Willmer performed a geotechnical investigation and submitted a report to the City of Rome for submittal to the Safe Dams Program.

Following another Safe Dams yearly inspection, Willmer was contacted by the City of Rome to address a list of concerns raised by the Safe Dams Program. Willmer, in conjunction with JJ&G, conducted a more extensive geotechnical and hydraulic evaluation of the dam and presented our recommendations for remedial repair of the dam.

After review of the report by Safe Dams, additional field investigation was requested and performed and a report was submitted. The report was approved by Safe Dams and plans and specifications were prepared accordingly.