The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors has approved a hazard analysis study for the Orchard Lake dam, addressing long-standing concerns from residents about the aging structure’s safety and future.

Botetourt County supervisors voted Tuesday to move forward with a hazard analysis study of the Orchard Lake Dam, but the decision has sparked renewed debate about government transparency and community involvement.

A decades-old earthen dam at Orchard Lake in Daleville has sparked debate between county officials and residents over safety concerns and the potential draining of what locals consider a community treasure.