OREANDA-NEWS. Duke Energy has begun initial preparations to reinforce the Linville Dam on Lake James.

The company has already completed similar work on Paddy Creek and Catawba dams.

The reinforcement program is required by FERC to increase the stability of the dams in the event of seismic activity.

Duke Energy’s dam reinforcement team will use a phased approach. The first phase began in September and will continue through mid-2014. It involves the construction of a cofferdam, a structure designed to maintain a dry worksite, beside the new Bridgewater powerhouse.

During this phase, the team will dewater a section of the Linville River below the dam and clear away any loose, unsound soil to achieve a suitable foundation such as bedrock. Workers will then build a larger base foundation for widening the dam.

Phase two will begin in mid-2014 and will be completed in late 2015. The team will widen the dam along the downstream side up to the full level of Lake James.

Members of the public should be alert to intermittent increases in truck traffic and changing traffic patterns in the area.