Waterlace Development Dams

Project

A private developer purchased the Waterlace Development off Highway 54 in Fayette County, Georgia.

The property consists of approximately 600 acres and contains two lakes, Lake Edith and Lake Amber, and associated dams. Both dams were built more than 35 years ago.

The former owner commissioned hydrology and civil design plans to convince the Georgia EPD that both dams should be categorized as Category II. EPD required additional dam breach analyses which were not completed when the property foreclosed.

The developer hired Willmer to complete all analyses and other work required to satisfy the EPD and avoid Category I classification. Willmer performed geotechnical analyses for slope stability, determined the integrity of the principal spillway pipes, and assessed the need for a toe or blanket drain for the upper Lake Edith dam, advised the developer of immediate dam site enhancement measures, managed the structural design of a retaining wall to protect the club house in the event of a dam breach and design of a road across from the dam, and collaborated on modifications to the emergency spillway. The result was a Category II classification from EPD for both dams. Willmer also provided inspections and materials testing for retaining wall construction.