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September 3, 2008 | Power plant to temporarily lower Thomas Hill LakeContact : Nancy Southworth 417.885.9246 CLIFTON HILL, MO -- Associated Electric Cooperative will be gradually lowering the level of Thomas Hill Lake this month to allow for repairs to a discharge outlet damaged by high lake levels this summer. Beginning Sept. 15, the lake will be lowered a few feet from its current level of 711.4 feet above mean sea level to 708 feet above mean sea level. Repairs are expected to be complete by Sept. 27. The Thomas Hill Dam and emergency spillway on the west side of the dam both continue to be in good condition and operating as designed. They were not affected by high lake levels. AECI constructed Thomas Hill Lake in the early 1960s to provide cooling water for its Thomas Hill power plant, and the cooperative operates the dam under a state permit with regular staff and state inspections. The lake discharge drop outlet needing repair is different from the emergency spillway and is located in the lake, near the dam, in the restricted area by the power plant. This is a drop outlet designed to allow for discharge to keep the lake level at about 712 feet and provide a small continuous feed to the river. Water goes into the outlet and through a tunnel for release into the Middle Fork of the Chariton River. These repairs and improvements cannot be done when the lake is above 708 feet. After AECI finishes repairs to the outlet, fall rains are expected to bring the lake back to its normal pool level of 712 feet above mean sea level. While the lake is lowered, the Missouri Department of Conservation may make some ramp and dock improvements, pending receipt of permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The department plans to replace the existing ramp at Gibson on the southwest side of the lake and install a barrier-free fishing dock close to the Highway T boat ramp. Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. is owned by and provides wholesale power to six regional and 51 local electric cooperative systems in Missouri, southeast Iowa and northeast Oklahoma that serve more than 850,000 customers. AECI’s mission is to provide an economical and reliable power supply and support services to its members, including the new “Take Control & Save” energy efficiency program, www.TakeControlAndSave.coop. AECI is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Released: 03 September 2008 |
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