FORT WORTH, Texas – USACE representatives from the Belton/Stillhouse Hollow Lake Offices have started notifying known waterline permit holders by letter requiring them to immediately de-energize any electric submersible pumps and completely remove them within 30 days of being notified.
“The safety of everyone who visits our lakes is one of our top priorities,” said Col. Calvin C. Hudson II, commander of the Fort Worth District. We appreciate those who have complied with our notifications to find alternative systems to pump water.” The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District issued a 20 Jan 2010 policy banning the use of electric submersible pumps for the purpose of withdrawing water at Fort Worth District Lakes.
This policy is part of a nationwide initiative to remove a known danger from public recreational areas. Electric submersible pumps have been linked to electrocutions and even deaths around the United States. Underwriters Laboratories do not rate these electric submersible pumps for use in marine environments where swimmers and waders may be present, therefore the USACE banned their use.
The Corps would like to thank those individuals that have already complied with this policy, and have installed an acceptable alternative pump system. The Corps lake staff will work with the remaining electric submersible pump owners to find acceptable alternatives that will help ensure the safety of lake visitors.
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About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico. Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/usacefortworth/