Following the tragedy at Lake Springfield lake week that saw the deaths of two people and one still missing, City Utilities of Springfield says they are looking to add potential safety improvements for the dam.
What We Know: A push from the Springfield community to implement safety improvements to the dam after the deaths of Sofie and Andrea Stawny, as well as their mother Taylor who is still missing, has prompted City Utilities to respond.
A change.org petition to remove or modify the Lake Springfield Dam for public safety with over 100 signatures is being shared across social media, with Gilbert Stawny, the father of Sofie and Andrea, being a prominent supporter.
What They’re Saying: “I beg of the city to do the right thing and prevent further harm to not only victims but also the heroic rescuers risking their lives in this location in the line of duty,” Gilbert Stawny said in a comment on the petition.
The water systems planning and engineering manager James Okumu said, “We are always willing to go above the requirements to enhance safety around the dam.”
Okumu stated that the dam already has multiple safety measures, including signs, safety buoys, and two safety inspections a year. “We are considering additional signs, in conjunction with the city. If there are additional signs needed, we would be more than happy to do that.”
Okumu said that not every change requested would be feasible like nets or barriers, as they would become more of a safety hazard than improvement.
CU is also already considering restructuring the dam, but said that those plans were not related to the tragedy last week.
(Photo courtesy of the City of Springfield)