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Lake Tchukolako dam in Ivey breaches for the second time in three years

The breach happened around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

IVEY, Ga. — Water has breached the Lake Tchukolako Dam, according to Wilkinson County EMA Director Emma Bacon. 

She said throughout the day yesterday they were preparing for a potential breach. Bacon said she got a call around 2 a.m. that water had breached the dam. 

There is no danger to people as it is a category 2 dam. They did warn five people downstream near Toomsboro that there was potential for a breach as well as Norfolk Southern, which has tracks there.

GEMA, EPD and DNR are coming in to assess the situation. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is involved because they want to make sure there is no sewage or other contaminants getting into the Oconee River. 

DNR is checking on the impact on fish downstream and other wildlife. There is one residential road closing.

In May 2020, the same dam breached, causing water to pour out from the lake.

 Last year, the residents raised money to bring the lake back and work began last May on repairing the dam. They spent more than $100,000 on the project. 

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