Tioga County Emergency Management officials say the first phase of reducing water levels at the Emerald Lake Dam.  The New York State Department of Conservation and other engineers have proposed a three phase plan to address the structural deficiencies of the dam in the Town of Richford.

Last week, as authorities were assessing dam conditions in the region, a reverse 911 call was sent out to residents in Richford by mistake, advising the possible need to evacuate.  Officials quickly caught the mistake and notified residents that there was no imminent danger.

Officials say they and the private owner of the lake are currently working on the slow draining of water and plan to make appropriate excavation modifications as directed by the DEC.

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