Local and state officials have said that the dam did what it was designed to do during Tuesday's heavy rainstorm.
"This dam was deliberately built so that when water rises it activates an emergency 'fuse plug' spillway and follows an emergency path," Jayette Bolinski, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, stated in an email to the Belleville News-Democrat on Tuesday.
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency later said Tuesday's overflow helped "prevent a full dam failure."
The dam was constructed in 1935. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources last inspected it in November 2023, noting "nothing of significant concern," according to Bolinski.
The local emergency management agency said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a safety assessment on Tuesday and reported that the dam now needs repairs. A spokesman for the St. Louis District of the Army Corps of Engineers couldn't immediately be reached for further comment about its findings.
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday that reservoir water was receding.
Bolinski said local emergency management officials on Tuesday were following their required emergency action plan for the dam and the safety of residents who live nearby.
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency urged people in the path of the spilling dam to evacuate starting early Tuesday morning.
The St. Louis office of the National Weather Service estimated that Nashville received over 6 inches of rain between July 15-16.
The town of about 3,000 people has "never seen such rapid flooding in such a short period of time," Darrah Sabo, the local agency's deputy director, wrote in a message to the community Wednesday morning.
"Roads and areas that have never been impacted before were flooded," Sabo added. She said local emergency management officials would use Tuesday's experience to create better plans for the future.
"Following yesterday's chaotic flood event, I know many in our community are just doing their best to clean up and get back to some semblance of normal," Sabo wrote in the community message."...We will be here long after the media leaves, long after the roads are repaired, and the debris is picked up. We will be right next to you, helping as we can."
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency is asking residents to contact its office about property damage, including flooded basements.
Emergency officials answer frequently asked questions
On Wednesday, the Washington County Emergency Management Agency provided answers to frequently asked questions about the Nashville dam and Tuesday's flooding:
Q: How is the dam doing?
A: Two staff members from the Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis, Missouri, along with City of Nashville employees, have inspected the Nashville Reservoir. The area has been deemed safe for residents to return in regards to the dam's integrity.
Q: Are flood waters receding?
A: Flood waters are receding naturally in most areas, as expected after a flash flood event. The speed of receding waters varies based on several factors. Residents should avoid standing water due to hidden dangers such as toxins, chemicals, and sharp objects. The road could also have collapsed under the water. No boil order has been issued in the county as of this time.
Q: Are normal routes of travel reopened?
A: Primary routes of traffic, or "lifelines," have been cleared by the Illinois Department of Transportation and are reopening. Secondary roads may still be impacted by water or inspections by the County Highway Engineer or township road supervisors. These delays could affect commutes for several days, depending on safety concerns.
Q: Is there an estimation of damages?
A: Assessments are ongoing. So far, over 20 reports of damage have been received, including flooded basements and water damage to businesses and at least one church. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
Q: Are there photos?
A: The Washington County Emergency Management Agency is still collecting media from staff documenting this possibly historic flood event in Washington County, IL. Residents with images or reports of flooding have been instructed to contact the National Weather Service in St. Louis, MO.
Q: Is there a need for volunteers or donations?
A: Until the need for supplies and volunteers is better assessed, the Washington County Emergency Management Agency is not directly collecting donations or requesting volunteers. Those wishing to donate items or their time should reach out to the local office of a charity of their choice, like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or United Way. Local nonprofits or churches within Washington County IL may also be accepting donations. The Washington County Emergency Management Agency will share this information as it becomes available.
Q: Where does the community go from here?
A: The Washington County Emergency Management Agency is committed to working closely with our partners and the community during the recovery process. Recovery is often a lengthy process, but local emergency management officials will be there to support community members. The Washington County Emergency Management Agency has begun coordinating with its partners to establish clear communication and actions needed as recovery progresses.
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