Internal Erosion Is To Blame For Dam Breach In Marlboro County

Internal erosion occurs when water that naturally seeps through the dam begins to erode soil within the earthen embankment dam.

We now have an update on a dam in Marlboro County that recently breached.

On May 6, the dam at Lake Paul Wallace in Bennettsville cracked.

The incident prompted evacuations and flash flood warnings.

No one was injured during the situation.

It has now been reported that internal erosion is to blame for the breach. This occurs when water that naturally seeps through the dam begins to erode soil within the earthen embankment dam.

Internal erosion can happen without there being any superficial sign of soil movement. It can also be easily undetected during assessments.

The structure remains in need of critical repairs.

DHEC has issued an emergency order to the Department of Natural Resources, demanding a summary of planned repairs and safety measures being taken to prevent more damage.

The report is due Thursday.