Shoring up the shore for safety
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Property owners who live below Oakdale Dam in Carroll County received certified letters from NIPSCO about repairing erosion problems on the east bank of the Tippecanoe River below the dam. Some are confused about why they were notified about the upcoming work in such a formal manner.

NIPSCO public relations advisor Jim Fitcher said Friday the reason certified letters were sent was to ensure all property owners, including those who are only in the area seasonally, were notified of the impending work.

"Making sure everyone is safe is our goal," Fitcher said. "There will be a significant amount of work on the bank. It will mean a lot of activity. And we want everyone to be aware so they do not inadvertently stray onto NIPSCO property and have a problem."

According to the certified letter, the erosion issue affects approximately 150 feet horizontally and 40 feet vertically of the eastern embankment. NIPSCO will take significant construction measures to stabilize the embankment, including the placement of rip rap (very large rocks).

First the land will be surveyed. Then trees and brush will be removed from the top of the river bank back to CR1190W. The estimated start date for construction is sometime in July of this year.

NIPSCO encouraged those with questions to call NIPSCO Hydro Supervisor Bill Hindsley at (574) 583-1136.