By Michael V. Hannigan
The process to relieve pressure on the Fish and Game Club Lake dam Wednesday morning is going well, according to Athens Municipal Water Authority (AMWA) Board President Steve Sparkman.
“We couldn’t want for any better news,” he said.
Sparkman said officials were successful in opening a 12-inch drain pipe this morning and that water is flowing from the Fish and Game Club Lake and eventually into Lake Athens. He said that later today officials would be removing boards covering gates in the bottom of the spillway to allow even more water out.
Sparkman said that the water level at the Fish and Game Club Lake was currently “normal” and that officials hoped to lower it another four to five feet by tomorrow.
He said a emergency secondary spillway was also being added to help if the area receives another episode of torrential rains.
Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders said the county is currently awaiting word from state and local engineers that the situation is safe before ending the voluntary evacuation of the area. https://hendersoncountytexasnow.com/voluntary-evacuation-called-near-fish-and-game-club-lake/
(Photo is of officials preparing to open the 12-inch drain valve.)