Title: New Safety Measures at Claytor Lake Dam Enhance Public Security
If you’ve been out on Claytor Lake this summer, you may have noticed some recent changes near the Claytor Lake Dam. The old orange interconnected buoys that stretched 1600 feet across the lake upstream from the dam have been replaced with bright yellow buoys. Additionally, a vibrant orange tubular boom has been installed on the southeast shore between the dam and the yellow buoys.
Naturally, these changes have raised questions among lake visitors. What is the purpose of the tubular boom? Why did the buoys change color? To shed light on these matters, the Patriot reached out to George Porter, a Communication Consultant for Appalachian Power.
According to Porter, the line of interconnected buoys positioned 1000 feet upstream from the dam serves as a safety and security device. Its purpose is to limit public access to a safe proximity to the dam. Porter explained that the barrier is replaced periodically as it reaches the end of its useful life.
The new buoys, manufactured by Worthington Company based in Ohio, were only available in yellow. Both the orange and yellow colors meet the high visibility standards required for this type of barrier. The orange buoys that were replaced were estimated to be at least 20 years old, having themselves replaced an older set of buoys.
Porter mentioned that they were not aware if there had always been a line of buoys upstream of the Claytor Lake Dam. While he didn’t have the exact cost of the buoys, he emphasized the significant investment made to install these necessary devices to ensure operational and community safety.
On the other hand, the vibrant orange tubular boom, produced by Pacific Netting Products of Washington State, serves a different purpose. The boom, with a rubber skirt extending four feet below the water surface, aids in debris collection. Its primary function is to prevent logs and other floating debris from reaching the intake portals of the Claytor Lake Dam.
The yellow boat and buoy barrier along with the orange boom act as deterrents, preventing boaters and swimmers from getting too close to the dam’s intakes. While there is no automated alarm system, the entire project is monitored through security cameras. In the event that someone breaches the barrier and enters the restricted area, law enforcement is promptly notified.
Interestingly, it was discovered that the warning siren heard occasionally from the dam is not due to a boater approaching or breaching the barrier. Rather, the siren sounds for two minutes before releasing water from the generators or spillway. This serves as a cautionary signal to those downstream of the dam regarding the imminent increase in water levels. Such releases are often necessitated by increased electricity demand, as witnessed during hot weather periods.
The Claytor Lake Dam has the capacity to produce 75 kilowatts of electric power on a daily basis, making it a crucial resource for the region.
In conclusion, the recent installation of new buoys and the orange log boom at Claytor Lake Dam serves to enhance public safety and security. The bright yellow buoys help establish a clear barrier, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive areas. Simultaneously, the orange boom acts as a shield, protecting the dam’s intake portals from potential debris. With these measures in place, authorities can effectively monitor the area and respond swiftly to any breaches, ensuring the safety of both the community and the dam’s operational integrity.
