FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug.30,2012 Emergency Crews Securing Dam at Percy Quin State Park
Pearl - State emergency responders are assessing impaired portions of the dam at Lake Tangipahoa at Percy Quin State Park in Pike County. Heavy rains from Hurricane Isaac damaged the structure, which has not been breached.
Governor Phil Bryant is traveling to Pike County to assess the state of the dam.
"Mississippi is responding to the situation in Pike County with our best resources," Governor Phil Bryant said. "Multiple response agencies are on the scene with equipment and personnel, and every precaution is being taken to protect the safety of the people and property that may be impacted. I have also been in contact with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to ensure a coordinated response effort from both of our states."
Emergency crews with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi National Guard, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and local authorities are responding. MEMA has sent a liaison to the Tangipahoa Parish emergency operations center to coordinate response efforts between the two states.
Heavy equipment and pumps from across the state have been dispatched to initiate a controlled water release from Percy Quin State Park to the Tangipahoa River to relieve dam pressure, which should not significantly increase water levels down stream.
Mississippi residents south of the dam have been encouraged to evacuate the area until the dam has been secured.
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