Multiple state agencies investigating Lake Wallace Dam breach

BENNETTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) - Officials with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marlboro County, and the City of Bennettsville are investigating what caused the Lake Wallace Dam breach Monday afternoon.

The breach was reported around 5:30 p.m. but Sully Blair, the Chairman of the Lake Wallace Authority.

Blair say he was driving along Country Club Drive and noticed the water level was unusually low.

“I checked with SCDNR to see if they had opened the valve and they said no. I then thought someone could have tampered with it, “said Blair.

He soon realized it could be something more serious and called the police and others to respond.

DHEC says Lake Wallace is considered a high-hazard dam and was last inspected on April 30.

The state agency says while the report has not been finalized yet there was “no evidence during the inspection that indicated any type of imminent risk of breach or failure.”

The following statement was released to WMBF NEWS Tuesday afternoon from DHEC saying in part

“DHEC staff remain on-site along with other state and local officials. We’ll be working with SCDNR to outline the regulatory requirements for repairs needed to restore the structural integrity of the dam. The number one priority remains protecting people and property.

Under state law, dam owners are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of their dams. While DHEC doesn’t provide engineering or maintenance services, the agency provides technical assistance and information to help dam owners maintain compliance with safety regulations.

DHEC performs routine inspections on high-hazard dams every two years and significant-hazard dams are inspected every three years. The findings of these inspections are provided to dam owners with recommendations or requirements to address any deficiencies noted during the inspection.”

Between 15-30 residents were evacuated from the flooded areas and power was shut down by city officials.

Bennettsville City Administrator William Simon says the power was cut to mitigate any injuries or damage during the flood.

“In those areas that were flooding, to prevent any further damage, we went in and shut the power down in those areas,” said Simon.

Edgar Covington lives in the Richardson Park neighborhood and says he has a medical condition that requires his power to remain on in order for his heart machine to work.

He is upset that the power was turned off and was off for hours.

“I’ve got a heart pump, I’ve got COPD. I’ve got to be on a machine at night--all night long. I cannot go without power,” said Covington.

Marlboro County Administrator Wilson “Tony” Clyburn was told about Covington’s concerns and says there needs to be accountability in the situation.

“I don’t have anything to say to that resident, except for, ‘We hear you, and we’re gonna to try to do what we can to encourage those who are responsible for fixing this, to fix it,’” said Clyburn.

Some residents say they were not notified of the power shutdown.

“They didn’t warn anybody, they just hit the breaker box,” said Cassandra Covington.

Simon admits the notification process could have been handled more effectively.

“In the future, we actually want to enhance communication. We do realize we do have some elderly population, especially in the Shady Rest area that we need to be able to reach,” said Simon.

Country Club road remains closed as part of the side of the road near the dam is missing. It is unclear when the road will reopen to traffic.

Bennettsville Officials ask residents and visitors to avoid the area.

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