USACE Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Bluestone Dam, Phase 2B Initial Anchor Installation

On Monday, October 31 the US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to observe the completion of the Bluestone Dam Safety Assurance Project, Phase 2B Initial Anchor Installation.

The ongoing Safety Assurance work will help bring Bluestone Dam up to modern safety standards and reduce overall risk and prevent failure of the dam during a maximum flood levels. Phase 2B is the latest step in the process, and it included installation of 216 high capacity dam anchors, ranging from 6-61 strands, and three bulkheads on the remaining penstocks.

The high capacity dam anchors that have been installed throughout Phase 2 are the largest anchors installed in the United States. This project has set new standards in design and construction by way of 3D modeling and directional drilling, as well as corrosion protection. Leading companies from around the world have sent representatives to learn from the Bluestone Dam project and the work being completed here.

To date, Bluestone Dam has prevented nearly $5 Billion in flood damages to those living along the New and Kanawha Rivers.