A leaking dam in the northern part of Pearl River County is at risk of failing, which could endanger anyone who is near the wooded areas surrounding the lake.
Pearl River County Emergency Operations Public Information Officer Tony Bounds said there is a dam in a 50-acre unnamed lake in the Amacker Town community that was recently discovered to be leaking.
Bounds said the dam’s failure is “imminent,” but added that there is no exact timeframe for predicting this failure.
“It could be anywhere from one hour to two days,” said Bounds.
The area surrounding the lake has a sparse population. While there is not expected to be a threat to residential structures, Bounds said anyone camping or hunting in the area could be in danger if the dam fails.
Bounds listed the closest identifying landmark for the dam as 9989 U.S. Highway 43 North. Pearl River County residents should be aware of the possible dangers and avoid the area.
County officials are currently on the scene, as well as the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Employees are inspecting the drainage system to ensure that everything is working properly.
Bounds said equipment is on-site and workers are trying to repair the leak. If they are unable to do so, the water is expected to run into the drainage basin.
“The water should drain under U.S. Highway 43 North and go into the Pearl River,” said Bounds, “If the river is still high, then the excess water would go into Big Creek or Fords Creek.”