Huntington District

   The Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that conditions exist in the outlet works area at Clendening Lake in Harrison County, Ohio, that could result in the presence and possible release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gases.

   Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that can be easily recognized by its “rotten egg” odor. Symptoms of exposure to high levels of H2S include fatigue, dizziness, nausea and headaches. Young children are at particular risk. This problem is confined to the area adjacent to the outlet works only and the condition does not pose a problem to recreational users of the lakes.

   There is no indication that fish taken from these lakes pose a health risk if consumed. The Corps has developed a plan of action to monitor H2S levels. Project employees will take readings to detect any presence of H2S gases around the outlet works and surrounding areas.

   In the event that H2S gases at any public access site reaches levels that could pose a health risk to the public, those areas will be closed. Due to public safety, the area immediately adjacent to the discharges at Clendening Lake have been closed and will remain closed until the problem naturally corrects itself in the fall.

   Hydrogen sulfide forms when the concentrations of sulfates in the watershed immediately behind these dams are higher than normal. During the summer months, the sulfates are converted to hydrogen sulfide gas through microbial activity occurring in the bottom layers of the lake. As the water leaves the lake, the hydrogen sulfide gas is released into the air, creating an unhealthy situation in the tailwater areas.

   Corps personnel will continue to monitor the situation for the presence of H2S and will notify appropriate agencies as well as the public if H2S concentration levels are determined to pose a threat to public safety.

   For more information, please contact the Muskingum Area Office at 330-343-3613 or the Public Affairs Office at 304-399-5353.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water safety mascot, “Corey the Safety Boat” has made a lot of new friends since he moved to Alum Creek Lake.  You have probably seen him at special events, parades, and school programs in central Ohio spreading the message about staying safe around water.

The Corps acquired “Corey”, a robotic animated scale model of a boat, in the fall of 2009, and he has rapidly become a very popular water safety ambassador for park rangers and water safety advocates with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

During the past 12 months, over 10,000 “Corey the Safety Boat Trading Cards” have been given to children in the Central Ohio area during water and boating safety programs.  These trading cards were made available by the Central Ohio Safe Boating Council through a grant from the National Water Safety Congress

 “Take my card home and put it on your refrigerator or under your pillow, says Corey. “And most importantly, please remember my three water safety rules: 

 1. Always swim with a buddy where there is an adult present.

 2. Don’t just pack it.  Wear your life jacket when you ride in a boat.

 3. Reach or throw but don’t go in the water to save someone.”

 Corey loves to share his water safety messages, and has become a highly-requested visitor at local elementary schools, special events and fair exhibits.  When he’s not participating in water safety events, Corey lives at the US Army Corps of Engineers Alum Creek Lake Visitor Center located at 5905 Lewis Center Road, Lewis Center, Ohio.  The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week in the summer from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 If you are interested in meeting Corey or would like to schedule a time for him to visit your school or special event, call the Alum Creek Lake Visitor Center at (740) 548-6151.

     The 11th annual Kids Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2011, at Lick Creek Pond at East Lynn Lake. Lick Creek Pond is located off Route 37 approximately 18 miles east of Wayne, W.Va.

     The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host the tournament for four age categories: 3 years old and under, 4 to 6 years old, 7 to 11 years old and 12 to 15 years old. Prizes will be given to participants who catch the most, the smallest and the largest fish within the four age categories. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. and fishing starts at 9:30 a.m. The tournament will end at 11:30 a.m.

     Refreshments, lunch and prizes will be provided by the Wayne Wal-Mart. Bring your fishing gear and enjoy the day.

     The Kids Tournament coincides with the West Virginia Free Fishing Weekend which is June 11 and 12. The event is sponsored by Wal-Mart of Wayne, Wendy’s, Morris Funeral Home and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

     For more information, call 304-849-2355, stop by East Lynn Lake office located at the dam, or contact the Huntington District public affairs office at 304-399-5353.