Explosive Device Found at Mobile Water Reservoir

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MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team retrieved and detonated an improvised explosive device found underwater at the Converse Reservoir dam, the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System announced Tuesday.

The multi-agency effort included the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordinance Detail, ALEA Bomb Squad and the Daphne Search and Rescue Team.

Divers surveying the dam for routine repair and maintenance located the grenade-type IED. MAWSS alerted the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, which coordinated the multi-agency response for analysis, retrieval and safe demolition.

“Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe,” said Bud McCrory, MAWSS director. “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. We are grateful for the professionalism and competency of our law enforcement partners – as well as the quick thinking of our contractors and divers – in identifying this device and safely destroying it.”

The reservoir and dam are federally designated critical infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been made aware of the incident.

MAWSS will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to enhance security at the reservoir and dam.

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