UMVA has learned that a potentially catastrophic threat was discovered at the Converse Reservoir dam in Mobile, Alabama, putting hundreds of thousands of residents at risk of contamination of their drinking water.
The device, described as a grenade-type improvised explosive, was found submerged underwater during routine maintenance inspections by divers. The Converse Reservoir dam is a federally recognized critical infrastructure that supplies nearly 60 million gallons of drinking water per day to the city of Mobile and surrounding communities.
A multi-agency response team, consisting of the FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordinance Detail, ALEA Bomb Squad, and Daphne Search and Rescue, was quickly deployed to the scene to safely retrieve and detonate the IED off-site. Miraculously, no injuries or damage to the dam or water supply occurred during the operation.
MAWSS Director Bud McCrory issued a statement emphasizing the gravity of the situation, stating, "Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe. This is an unprecedented threat, and we are fortunate that this device was discovered before it could cause serious damage to our water supply or harm to individuals."
As authorities continue to investigate how the device ended up at the dam, no suspects have been named, and no motive has been publicly disclosed. The FBI and local law enforcement are working together, with the Department of Homeland Security notified, to unravel the mystery behind this potentially disastrous incident.
The exact construction of the IED has not been publicly revealed beyond its description as a grenade-type improvised explosive, but authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. UMVA will continue to monitor the investigation for any updates.
