Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates 12/5/24

12/1/24 Storm Debris Removal

Please take a moment to review the Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates and information for Thursday, 12/5/24.   

  • Lake Level: The lake is in the process of coming up to about 2 feet below full pond (987.5 - +/- a few inches).  The lake is being raised to aid in debris and boat removal.  The plan is to remain at this level for now.  Any significant changes in lake levels will be posted in these updates.

  • ONLY APPROVED CONTRACTORS MAY GO ON THE LAKE! Lake Lure is closed to everyone except approved contractors.

  • Debris Removal: Over 14,421 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake as of 12/4/24.  The silt and debris is also now being removed from Morse Park. Morse Park is closed to the public until further notice.

  • Shoreline Debris Removal: Contractors are now removing debris from the shoreline.  They will remove shoreline debris in the water and up to 5 feet above full pond. Sonar testing is being utilized to identify debris underwater.

  • 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.

  • Contractors: The Lake Lure Town Council has announced that 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 their 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 precedent 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)

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

         Note that Sea Tow and Lake Response/TowBoatUS are able to remove boats from boat houses and transport them to the lake for removal. 

  • 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 will also be assisting with debris pick up at a later date.  

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Reservoir Drain Project: The reservoir drain project at the dam is underway. The last concrete pours are being done behind the dam.  The drain will allow the town to lower the lake up to 20 feet if needed. 

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: 

 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.
  • As of 12/4/24, 14,421 cubic yards of debris have been removed from the lake.
  • 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.
  • 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

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