A bomb found under water at a dam in Mobile’s only water supply was detonated on Wednesday by the Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Bomb Squad.
Divers contracted by the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) discovered the improvised explosive device (IED) during a routine repair at the J.R. Converse Reservoir dam. Bomb experts say the device was likely purposefully built and placed there, but MAWSS officials said they do not want to speculate on who planted it.
They contacted local and federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security. FBI bomb techs, along with the ALEA Bomb Squad and Daphne Search and Rescue, responded and detonated the device.
“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.”
MAWSS public relations manager Monica Allen told 1819 News the discovery was alarming. MAWSS owns 9,000 acres of federally protected land surrounding the dam.
“We say it’s protected, but anyone driving over the dam, it’s open,” Allen said.
The water system has surveillance cameras around the dam to monitor activity.
MAWSS staff work frequently on the dam. Allen said she is also thankful no one was hurt.
“Our staff is on that dam, if not daily, every other day,” Allen said. “And there are homes in that area, so you just don’t know. We live in a different kind of world now.”
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