Preserving Lake Lure for Future Generations

Vision Statement: “Lake Lure, a gem of the Carolinas, is a mountain lake community that has a harmonious balance of interests of our citizens, businesses and visitors, achieved through open communication and managed growth that emphasizes fiscal responsibility and stewardship of our natural beauty and environment.” (2007-2027 Comprehensive Plan)

The lake is owned and operated by the Town of Lake Lure as a private, rather than a State controlled lake. The Town Council (acting as the Town Marine Commission for lake matters) develops municipal policy and lake use regulations. The town is currently prioritizing the preservation of Lake Lure for future generations by concentrating on rebuilding and restoring vital infrastructure.  Specifically, the town’s focus is on replacing the Lake Lure Dam, replacing the sewer collection system, rehabilitating the wastewater treatment plant, and routinely dredging sediment deposited in the lake by its tributaries. Additionally, the town is working to strengthen cellular and broadband internet service to meet contemporary connectivity demands for businesses, first responders, education, and home users. The following is a summary of the key projects that are underway to strengthen Lake Lure, NC.

Lake Lure Dam:  The 1927 Lake Lure dam has performed well and has been assessed to be in fair condition, but the dam does not meet modern safety standards. Though the dam is sound and was considered an engineering marvel when it was built, it is near the end of its service life.  In 2021, Town Council, in partnership with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) - Dam Safety Program developed a multi-year plan to replace the existing dam and ensure that it is in full compliance with the regulations of the NC DEQ, Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR). 

• The town is committed to maintaining Lake Lure as a recreational lake. Governmental grants and appropriations are being pursued to support this effort. Lawmakers and legislators at all governmental levels have been informed on the dam status and have offered full support for repair and/or replacement.
• A replacement dam will provide the greatest length of service at virtually the same cost of rehabilitating the existing dam. The dam is expected to be built approximately one hundred (100) yards downstream from the existing dam and the lake will not have to be drained during construction.
• Schnabel Engineering, a nationally recognized dam engineering firm, was hired by the town to complete a comprehensive assessment that reaffirmed the dam to be in fair condition. Schnabel is designing a reservoir drain, also known as a sewer access valve, which is an emergency preparedness requirement that will allow the lake to be lowered as needed for safety or sewer maintenance measures.
• To ensure rural transportation access along Buffalo Shoals Road, the Town is working with the NC Department of Transportation to replace the bridge either atop the replacement dam or at a new location downstream over the Rocky Broad River. Final bridge decision is subject to the dam construction timeline.
• Lake Lure’s Dam has a hydroelectric plant which allows the town to sell renewable power to Duke Energy. The replacement dam will be designed to house a hydroelectric facility if that should be desired at a later date. 
• The Town is seeking national and state funding for the project and a dedicated capital reserve fund has been established to support a continuous progression to completion.
  • The Town Council restructured the FY2021-2022 budget to strategically reserve $1.6M per year by instituting operational efficiencies while seeking additional tax revenues. This fund meets statutory requirements for potential governmental appropriations.
  • The Town of Lake Lure was very fortunate to receive $16.5 million from the State of North Carolina for the dam replacement project in 2022.
  • The Town has received three Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants totaling $238,070 to fund the assessment of the dam, the design of a reservoir drain (sewer access valve), and the conceptual design of the replacement dam. 
  • Three additional FEMA grants are under final review by FEMA to support the field investigation, 30% design, and a Detailed Design of the replacement dam.  
• This dam replacement project is expected to take at least ten years to complete, depending on funding. The next step is the process is the field investigation for the project.

Sewer System: Lake Lure’s sewer system was engineered in 1926 and is doing exactly what is was designed to do, although it is approaching one hundred years of age and is reaching the end of its service life.

• The town built a wastewater treatment plant in the late 60’s to meet evolving environmental protection standards.  The original system, designed to flush lake water into the system and empty it downstream, was not fully compatible with wastewater treatment methods at that time.
• The town has partnered with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Labella Associates, a leading engineering firm specializing in sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment plant design, to develop and construct a modern sewer collection system and wastewater treatment facility.
• The town evaluated many different systems to find the most cost-effective solution.  DEQ is satisfied that the selected lake-based alternative, known as a “Gravity Lift System” (GLS), is the most cost-effective solution and is fully supporting this alternative in the ongoing State approval and permitting process.
• Labella Associates will oversee the sewer system replacement and wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation which will have 6 Phases. The first phase of the project will start at the dam and will go in two directions. On the Southwestern side, the system will connect at the intersection of US Highway 64/74 and NC-9.  On the Northeastern side, the system may go as far as Sunset Cove. Rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plant will begin in Phase 1 of the project.
• The sewer system replacement project entails decommissioning the existing manholes over time.  The proposed system will include new manholes and piping within the perimeter of the lake – called the “lake backshore” – or the exposed shoreline during lake drawdown periods of up to 20 feet. New piping may be extended under existing boathouses that will be evaluated for safety and stability. Some structural modifications may be necessary to facilitate construction.
• Lakefront property owners – either currently on the legacy system or on a septic system - will be required to connect to the new collection system when it becomes available to their property. Other existing customers will be reconnected and those within reach, but not currently on the town system, may have an option to connect. Connecting to the new system will remove almost all constraints to expand bedroom and bathroom facilities currently limited by septic capacity.
• The town has secured funding for the first phase of this project, including a $12,000,000 low interest loan and a $500,000 State supported grant. All the phases of the sewer system restoration are expected to take at least 10-12 years.

Dredging: Over 50 surrounding river and stream tributaries constantly bring sediment into Lake Lure and routine dredging is required on a consistent basis for maintenance.

• The town is receiving grants through DEQ to support this effort each year. The town anticipates an aggressive campaign to remove silt by both hydraulic (waterborne removal via barge) and mechanical (land based earth movers) means for the next several years.
• In recent years the Town has received a State sponsored grant in the amount of $750,000 for dredging and the total dredging budget has been $1,000,000.

Lake Drawdowns: The lake drawdown schedule is communicated as early in the year as possible so plans can be made accordingly. Extended drawdowns - typically 5 months in duration and during non-peak season periods - may be required to complete ongoing projects.

• In 2024, the lake was lowered on 1/1/24.  The lake was drawn down by twelve (12) feet below full pond (990.5 mean sea level).   
• The town will work as strategically and efficiently as possible during the lake drawdown periods. 
• The town plans to begin refilling the lake on 3/31/24 and the following projects will be completed during this time:

NOTE: The Lake is owned by the Town and by Town Ordinance, lake structure property owners are responsible for maintaining their structures in good repair and without hazardous conditions.

It is uncertain if the lake will have to be lowered each year, but it is likely given the projects that are underway.  This scope and drawdown duration determination will be made each year and announced as soon as possible.

Cell/Internet Service:  AT&T has committed to putting a cell tower in Lake Lure, while they can take advantage of a nationwide incentive program called FirstNet.  FirstNet’s purpose is enhancing communications reliability and effectiveness for emergency services and first responders.  That is a critical need for our emergency services but also for anyone who has experienced the lack of cell phone coverage in our community.

• The new tower will enhance cellular telephone capability and mid-range 5G broadband internet reception throughout Hickory Nut Gorge.  Other carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile are expected to “co-locate” on the tower as well.
• The Town is exploring modern streamlined monopole configurations and locations with the intent to minimize the effect on our natural viewscape. 
• The new cell tower should be in place by the end of May 2024. 

For additional information about the Town of Lake Lure, please visit www.townoflakelure.com.