Ameren moves ahead with Taum Sauk rebuild in spite of legal woes

ST. LOUIS -- Ameren Corp. and federal regulators are moving ahead with plans to rebuild the Taum Sauk reservoir, even as legal troubles continue to dog the company over the reservoir's 2005 collapse.

Ameren held a public meeting this month in Reynolds County -- where the reservoir is located -- to update residents on the rebuilding plans. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans to hold two public hearings on the plan in March.

While the rebuilding process moves forward, Ameren is still trying to settle legal claims with state authorities. The reservoir's collapse unleashed one billion gallons of water that devastated Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and injured a family of five.

Ameren is in settlement talks with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to repay the state for damages from the collapse. The agency has asked for more than $125 million.

Attorney General Jay Nixon is also suing the state's largest utility, alleging gross negligence in the reservoir's collapse.

DNR Director Doyle Childers said he has no problem with Ameren moving forward with plans to rebuild the reservoir before it settles claims with the state. He said DNR staff members are examining the plan to make sure it will meet all environmental and dam safety regulations.