Recovery efforts shift to Ingram Lake with planned debris removal

Plans are underway for a barge and crane system to remove debris from Ingram Lake as the community continues recovering from a July 4 flash flood that killed 117 people. Two people remain missing from the flood, and authorities are continuing search efforts as recovery operations proceed.

Cadaver dogs have indicated potential human remains in underwater debris fields at Ingram Lake, Assistant City Manager Michael Hornes told the City Council during a workshop meeting, but no remains have been found as of yet.

Cadaver dogs detect human remains by identifying volatile organic compounds released during the decomposition process. When humans decompose, tissue releases gases that are lighter than water and rise to the surface, where dogs can detect the scent, making underwater detection possible. Studies show cadaver dogs are about 95% accurate and can detect remains up to 15 feet underground or under 30 meters of water. However, experts say “using dogs to detect a submerged body is not foolproof, but it is a valuable extra tool.”

Crews have removed nearly 1 million cubic yards of debris from the river area — equivalent to 270,000 tons — since the devastating flood more than two months ago. Public Works Director Stuart Barron said the river has recovered and is cleaner following the massive cleanup operation.

Once debris removal is completed at Ingram Lake, the barge will return to Nimitz Lake, Kerrville’s primary drinking water source. The city has already partially cleared Nimitz Lake to restore drinking water service, but debris remains in the lake. Hornes said concerns about the continued Nimitz Lake operations may lead the city to return its drinking water supply to wells rather than continue using surface water.

However, Barron said aquifer recharge is “probably limited” because the flash flood didn’t saturate soils needed for groundwater replenishment. Some recharge has occurred from subsequent rainfall, he added.

There are 850 private property requests for debris removal, with a complex approval process still underway. Hornes said the mulch created from debris is classified as “dirty debris” under state agency management, requiring coordination between the city, county, Upper Guadalupe River Authority and other stakeholders for final disposition.

Companies can convert the debris into profitable mulch products, Hornes told the council.