By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Federal regulators conducted a hearing today in Jefferson City on Ameren's plans to rebuild the Taum Sauk reservoir, which collapsed in December 2005.
An engineering consultant laid out details of how Ameren would rebuild the reservoir. It would include an overflow structure, which state officials want. Doug Akin with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources says they also want to see a warning system set up,
"So that if it is rebuilt, and there are any problems, the people down below get warned quicker than what was possible under the old system."
A billion gallons of water swept through Johnson's Shut-ins State Park when the Taum Sauk Reservoir collapsed, destroying much of the park and injuring a family of five. Some environmental groups think rebuilding the dam should be tied to whether federal regulators renew Ameren's license.
Federal regulators will hold another hearing tonight (Monday) in Lesterville, near the old Taum Sauk reservoir.