Killarney Lake Dam Emergency Repair - Ironton, MO

Project Introduction

Constructed near the turn of the 20th century, Killarney Lake Dam was built as part of a lake resort community that offered St. Louis residents a cool retreat accessible by train. The historic dam was constructed primarily of stacked granite boulders.

When the dam required emergency repairs, REN developed the repair design and performed the specialty construction. The isolated site presented significant logistical challenges: the dam had no practical land access, and personnel, equipment, and materials had to be transported by private boat.

Because the grout plant could not be positioned at the dam, REN established a staging area approximately 800 feet away. Grout was pumped from the staging area through extended delivery lines routed across the steep, wooded terrain of the Missouri Ozarks.

Key Highlights

• Designed and constructed an emergency repair for a historic stacked-granite-boulder dam
• Developed a specialty grouting program suited to the dam’s unique construction and site conditions
• Established the grout plant at a remote staging area approximately 800 feet from the dam
• Pumped grout through extended delivery lines routed across steep, wooded Ozark terrain
• Transported personnel, tools, equipment, and materials to the work area by private boat
• Integrated engineering and construction services to respond efficiently to conditions encountered in the field
• Completed the repair despite limited access and unusually difficult material-handling requirements

Conclusion

By combining geotechnical engineering, specialty grouting, and hands-on construction experience, REN delivered an effective emergency repair under exceptionally difficult access conditions. The project demonstrates REN’s ability to develop practical solutions for historic and remote infrastructure where conventional construction access and material-delivery methods are not available.