Drimmie Dam replacement scheduled for August
Work to replace Drimmie Dam is set to begin this August.
Grand River Conservation Authority’s communications manager Dave Schultz explained the project is anticipated to begin in August when contractor Xterra Construction Inc. is available to do the work.
The company has a project booked prior to work at the Drimmie Dam.
Schultz said the work could take up to six months to complete, but added the work will continue “as long as the river allows”.
He noted the contract for the Drimmie Dam work was awarded in 2011 with work anticipated to begin in 2012.
Unfortunately there were setbacks in the approval process.
He added, that because of regulations as to when work could be done, the earliest work could have started this year was in early July.
Commenting on recent damage to the dam because of high water, Schultz said the GCRA has been in communication with its engineers and determined the damage is to the concrete cap covering the dam.
“It is the concrete cap which was loosened.
“Obviously the dam would not last indefinitely without the cap.”
However, Schultz said, “the chance of a dam failure is not much more (as a result of the damage to the concrete cap).”
He added the dam is being monitored daily for any significant changes.
During discussion at the May 6 council meeting, Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj also said concerns had been raised to her as well.
She too said the dam is inspected every day.
She agreed that a large piece did come off the dam during the recent flood.
“That is something we should be very concerned about because it could put users of the water at risk.”
However she said work is anticipated for this summer.
That work was already included as part of the GRCA approved $30.7 million budget for 2013.
That budget included several projects to improve the environment, reduce flood damages and protect water supplies.
Projects include:
- Drimmie dam reconstruction (Elora) - $1.15 million;
- Luther dam repairs (Grand Valley) - $425,000. Work will be done to stabilize the banks of the 60-year-old dam and bring the structure up to current standards;
- Conestogo dam spillway design (Glen Allan) - $100,000. A consulting company will be hired for preliminary design of a new spillway at Conestogo Dam to allow the dam to safely pass high flows during a major storm;
- Conestogo Lake Conservation Area wetland project (Glen Allan) - $110,000; and
- Luther Marsh forest and grassland habitat (Grand Valley) - $250,000.
