NIPSCO dam analysis continues
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

What can this dam really do? According to NIPSCO, Oakdale dam is currently a run-of-the-river facility operated under rules set forth by the Federal Energy Resource Commission (FERC). The commission recently ordered NIPSCO to perform an engineering analysis of the facility in relation to widespread floods earlier this year. NIPSCO spokesperson Jim Fitzer said the company was in the process of collecting data and would release information as it becomes available. Photo by Marilyn Moore

Many Carroll County residents affected by flooding on the Tippecanoe River below Oakdale dam earlier this year raised questions during a recent public forum about how the facility could have been used to lessen the damage. The Federal Energy Resource Commission (FERC), which organized the forum, apparently wants to know, too.

According to a letter sent by the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) to affected residents in White and Carroll counties and the Comet, FERC ordered NIPSCO to provide a "detailed engineering analysis of the events" surrounding the flooding and how the company operated dam gates within federal guidelines in response.

NIPSCO Public Affairs Manager Jim Fitzer, who signed the letter, told the Comet Tuesday the company was in the process of providing the requested report.

"The consultants are reviewing the data for the analysis," Fitzer stated. "No new information is available at this time."

Fitzer said NIPSCO would provide an update when more information was available. Those with additional questions who received a copy of the letter were directed to contact Fitzer at (219) 647-4070.