Authorities reported a bomb at an Alabama dam that posed “an unprecedented threat” during routine repairs on Tuesday.
Mobile’s water and sewer agency alerted the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office after discovering a grenade-like improvised explosive device underwater at the federally designated Converse Reservoir dam, according to local media reports. The nearby Daphne Search and Rescue Team and bomb squads from the FBI, Mobile Police Department (MPD) and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) also handled the situation, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was notified of the discovery.
The Converse Reservoir is a 3,600-acre lake that “is the source of all drinking water and most raw water” for the Mobile area, according to the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS).
Officials have not released information on anyone potentially responsible for placing the bomb or how it happened. The Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team retrieved and safely detonated the device, Advance Local reported.
The ALEA, MPD, FBI and DHS did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s requests for comment.
“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,” MAWSS Director Bud McCrory said, NBC 15 reported. “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.”
Agencies are working to boost security around the dam, multiple outlets reported.
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