Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 12/12/24

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Thursday, 12/12/24.   

• Lake Level: The Lake is about 3 feet below full pond (986.5 - +/- a foot).  The lake is being maintained at the optimum level for debris and boat removal.  The current plan is to remain at this level.  Any significant changes in lake levels will be posted in these updates.  

         The dam, bridges, and roadways were closely monitored during the rain that was received this week and everything performed well.

• Sonar Testing: The US Army Corps of Engineers Hydrographic Survey Team is evaluating Lake Lure to determine the amount of material, debris and sedimentation under the water.  This survey will help fine tune debris removal.

• Debris Removal:  AshBritt Environmental continues to oversee debris removal and they are utilizing local contractors to assist them in this effort. The NC Department of Quality (DEQ) visited Lake Lure last week and inspected our debris staging areas and were pleased with their findings. As of 12/11/24:

  • Over 17,143 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake.

  • Over 15,900 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the right of way.

  • Over 9,680 tons of sediment and silt have been removed from Town.

• Shoreline Debris Removal: Contractors are working to remove debris from the shoreline.  They will remove shoreline debris in the water and up to 5 feet above full pond. The sonar survey results are being utilized to pinpoint underwater debris as crews make their way around the lake.

• Lake Silt/Sedimentation Removal: The next phase of work through the USACE will be for silt and sedimentation removal from the lake. You may think of this as dredging, but the terminology used by USACE is silt/sedimentation removal.  We look forward to this stage of the recovery process and will post planned changes in the lake levels on our Town website as this work continues.

• Water Quality Tests: The Town is continuing to test water quality in the Broad River and in the lake. The VOC tests came back negative.  The VOC water test measures the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water.   All areas are currently back within normal range except for turbidity, which is expected to improve as water flow continues to increase. Turbidity is the measurement of water clarity (i.e., transparency). Suspended particles such as silt can cause water to appear cloudy or murky. These particles scatter and absorb light rays rather than allowing light to be transmitted straight through the water. All water tests are posted on the Town’s website. The latest water quality tests are posted at the following link along with the history of the results. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/lake-lure-water-sample-reports

• Help Us Protect and Clean Our Lake: Attention all Lakefront Property Owners and Renters: Please do not put any debris, trash, or household items in the lake. Additionally, if you are washing boats near the shore, be sure no detergents or chemicals flow into the lake.

• ONLY APPROVED CONTRACTORS MAY GO ON THE LAKE! For everyone’s safety, Lake Lure is closed except for approved contractors.

• Contractors: The Lake Lure Town Council has announced that the Lake is now open to approved contractors to navigate the waters to haul out or service motorized boats at their customers’ request. Additionally, approved service contractors may begin work on the lake as outlined below.

    Please note that lake debris removal continues at this time and this work is a priority. 

• While on Lake Lure during this continued State of Emergency, navigate the waters with respect for other contractors. 

• Debris contractors working with the US Army Corps of Engineers must take precedence and should be yielded to whenever possible. Please do not impede their progress.

• Stay clear of their boats and barges and do not block their path or interfere with their work in any way. 

• Failure to comply may result in discontinuation of lake privileges.

Debris Contractors as well as commercial service contractors in the Lake Lure Commercial Model are now authorized to access the lake using their commercially permitted boats.

• Commercial service contractors not currently approved in the commercial model may apply for a commercial service permit by contacting prladmin@townoflakelure.com to be considered.

• This will allow work on lake structures to resume from water; however, concrete work is excluded at this time due to a need for fluctuating lake levels for debris removal. (Please note that permits are still required)

• For assistance with boathouse clean up you may contact Communications@townoflakelure.com for resources.

Building contractors should submit a scope of work regarding lake use activities (with permits) to Community Development.  You may email kmartin@townoflakelure.com with any questions.

Approved commercial boat removal companies include:

• Barry Capps Marine

• Gotcha Covered Boat & Marine

• Lake Lure Dock

• Lake Lure Marine

• Lake Response/TowBoatUS

• Master Dock

• Sea Tow

Sea Tow and Lake Response/TowBoatUS are able to remove boats from boat houses and transport them to the lake for removal. 227 motorized boats have been removed from the lake thus far.  Additionally, 93 non-motorized boats have been recovered.  If non-motorized boats have a prior permit, the owners are being contacted.  If you are looking for a non-motorized boat, you may contact the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department at prladmin@townoflakelure.com for assistance.

Approved commercial building contractors in the commercial model include:

• Freeman Stone Masonry

• K-Enterprise

• Lake Lure Dock

• Master Dock

• Shoreline Management & Docks, LLC

•  Hard Trash/Debris Pick Up: Reminder that online requests have resumed for pickup for Hard Trash/Debris Pick Up within the Town of Lake Lure. Hard Trash Pickup will occur on Fridays.

  • The is the link for adding an online work order: https://townoflakelure.novokiosk.com/ 

  • For future reference: This link is on the home page of the Town’s website under “Fix It”:

Note: County Wide Debris Cleanup will occur if you are outside Town limits as well.  The County advised they will make three passes.  They cannot provide a schedule at this time. The US Army Corps of Engineers is also assisting with debris pick up.  

• Sewer System: The lift station repairs below the dam are going well.  Everything is mechanically connected. We are running on portable pumps now.  The Waste Water Treatment Plants is operational and work is being done to fully restore the plant.

• West-end Sewer System: Materials are in and contractors are ready to proceed with the work on the West-end sewer system.  The Town is awaiting easements to begin the work.

• Utility Bills Resume: Please note that utility billing will resume in 2025.

• Reservoir Drain Project: The reservoir drain project at the dam is underway. The last concrete pours were completed behind the dam.  The drain will allow the town to lower the lake beyond 12 feet, if needed.  December 20 is the target completion date and testing.

• Parks Re-opened: The Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails and part of the Lake Lure Green Space (across the street from the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department) are officially reopened to the public. All other parks are currently closed including Morse Park, the remaining portion of the Flowering Bridge, Buffalo Creek Park, and Weed Patch Mountain Trail.  AshBritt Environment is in the process of removing the debris and silt from Morse Park. Once this work is complete, the Town will be working on the Morse Park Master Plan with a goal to return the park to its former beauty for recreational use and enjoyment.  The timeline for this work is uncertain due to the ongoing restoration efforts.  The Town is also working with Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, the Carolina Climbers Coalition, and AmeriCorps to restore Buffalo Creek Park and Weed Patch Mountain Trail. These trails sustained significant damage as well.

• Chimney Rock Village Event 12/14/24: Please anticipate heavy traffic in the area this weekend due to a planned event by Chimney Rock Village. For questions regarding these events please contact Chimney Rock Village.

• FEMA Updates: FEMA provided the following updates today.  Please visit the following link to review the full documents if these topics are of interest. https://www.townoflakelure.com/community/page/fema-resources-and-information

• DR-4827-NC Disaster Fact Sheet (DFS060) Dec 11 2024: One of the Key Messages is related to Crisis Counseling, Mental Health Resources Available for Helene Survivors.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Hope4NC Crisis Counseling Program provides immediate support and crisis counseling services for North Carolinians following Helene. Survivors experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, can call the Hope4NC Helpline 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463. Services are provided at no cost and are available to anyone residing within the declared 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, regardless of their eligibility for FEMA financial assistance.

Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline is available anytime to provide support. Survivors and responders feeling overwhelmed can call or text 1-800-985-5990 to receive free, confidential support in any language.

• DR-4827-NC News Release (NR066) - TSA Participants Should Talk to Hotels About Holiday Availability: As the holidays approach, local hotels currently sheltering Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) participants may not have availability to continue to accommodate some TSA families due to existing Christmas and New Year’s reservations. As such, some TSA families might need to find alternative accommodation in other area with participating hotels and motels. FEMA and the state of North Carolina urges checked in TSA families to talk to the hotel front desk staff now regarding extending their reservation during peak holiday season. If unable to extend, FEMA may assist in finding new room in other participating TSA lodging facilities. You may also use the hotel locator Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA).

• DR-4827-NC NR067 Farmers Ranch Hands May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance: North Carolina farmers and ranch hands whose tools or equipment were damaged by Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA aid is available to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment and items required for your job or self-employment. The deadline to apply is Jan.

MONETARY DONATIONS

Our community, along with many of our neighbors, has been devastated by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The Town of Lake Lure, NC is deeply grateful for the support our community has received.  We have had numerous requests to establish a mechanism for financial donations. Please click on the following link to donate to the Town of Lake Lure Storm Recovery Fund.  

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WXB6HYYE8Y5PJ

Additional options for monetary donations include the following: 

• Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach: https://hickorynutgorgeoutreach.org/one-time-donation/

• RHI Legacy Foundation will match any donation up to $50,000 at www.rhilegacyfoundation.com

• United Way of Rutherford County at www.unitedwayofrutherford.org

• Hurricane Helene – Força Foundation https://forcafoundation.com/hurricane-helene/

• Restore Lake Lure Fundraising Campaign: www.RestoreLakeLure.com "The Restore Lake Lure campaign seeks to bridge the gap between governmental support and personal sacrifice."

FINANCIAL SUPPORT/APPLICATIONS

The following chart illustrates the financial support the Town of Lake Lure is currently seeking, in addition to Federal and State Funding requests that have been made on behalf of the Town through our political representatives. The Town is working with ICF, disaster management planning experts.  They are assisting the Town with post-disaster federal funding applications to expedite our recovery process.

 STORM RECOVERY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Swift evacuation by first responders saving countless lives 9/27/24.
• Countless rescues first responders during and following Hurricane Helene.
• Coordination with the Rutherford County Emergency Management during and throughout the storm.
• Dam assessment and stabilization immediately following the storm event 9/27/24-9/29/24.
• Communication with the Rutherford County EOC and FEMA for recovery immediately following the storm.
• Coordination with volunteer groups to provide hot meals, shower services, restrooms, and handwashing stations in strategic locations by 10/1/24. Christian Aid Ministries served 8,080 hot meals and assisted 43 homeowners with cleanup of their homes and property.  There were 164 volunteers and they spent 2,457 hours assisting our community!
• Creation of donation stations to disseminate supplies throughout town by 10/1/24. 
• Cleared Highways and Town roads within days of the storm.
• Restoration of water service throughout Town with water quality testing allowing Boil Advisory lifted 10/14/24 and 10/16/24 respectively.
• Rapid repair of power services throughout Town by Duke Power and REMC.  
• Establishment of temporary communications systems through Starlink (10 systems) and Cell on Wheels with AT&T and Verizon 10/16/24.
• Replacement of fiber to re-establish internet and cell service to the area 10/18/24. 
• Repair to the left abutment of the Dam by 10/27/24.
• Army Corps of Engineers contract signed with AshBritt to oversee lake debris and silt/sedimentation removal during a 160 day period of performance beginning 10/28/24.  Debris removal began 11/4/24.
• Emergency repairs to the sewer system completed, allowing "no flush order" to be lifted for most on 10/28/24.
• Reopening of the Dam Bridge on Buffalo Shoals Road on 10/31/24.
• Dittmer Watts Nature Trails and a portion of the Green Space reopened on 11/19/24.
• Pressure Reducing Valve Construction in Lake Lure Town Center successfully completed 11/22/24.
• The Boys Camp Road Temporary Bridge was completed 11/26/24.
• As of 12/12/24, Over 16,800 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake, Over 15,900 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the right of way. Over 9,680 tons sediment and silt have been removed from Town.
• The Town is committed to sharing details of the recovery process and as our comprehensive plans are developed, this information will continue to be shared broadly on the website and in Town Meetings.

ONGOING

• Emergency repairs to the sewer system.
• Constant removal hazardous debris from the lake as a top priority is ongoing.
• Removal of boats with emphasis on hazardous vessels first.
• Town officials are working to develop a comprehensive plan for recovery of the lake which will include dredging but the focus at this juncture is removing hazardous debris and silt removal.

QUESTIONS

You may review previous Storm Recovery Updates in Town News at www.townoflakelure.com

For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com