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DIR Return to: Perinton/Fairport Canal Community Discussion
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#Post#: 2174--------------------------------------------------
Where has all the Erie Canal water gone?
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: April 22, 2022, 6:26 am
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When we recently asked the New York State Canal Corporation /
New York Power Authority why the canal has been drained down for
so long, leaving us this horrible muddy mess to look at for SIX
months or more each year, here is their answer.
[attachimg=1]
Thanks for reaching out. Our western region engineer provided
the following reply:
The last couple of years we have been fully de-watering the 17
Mile pool between E-32 and E-30 primarily to relieve the
hydraulic loading on the earthen embankments. It also allows us
to perform the pump outs more easily at E-33 and E-32 (less
cofferdam needs), perform structural inspections of civil
infrastructure, and perform any necessary embankment repairs
where de-watering is necessary.
I understand that there have been years in the past where we
have partially de-watered the 17 Mile Pool by closing the Canal
at the Genesee River, and not opening the plugs in select
culverts, but fully de-watering the canal is preferred by
Operations, water management, and Dam Safety.
Rebecca Hughes
Senior Director, Public Engagement
New York State Canal Corporation
Obviously, there is a problem here! The dams are unsafe in
their present condition. They are classified as Class C High
Hazard, likely to cause loss of life or property in case of
failure.
So, it stands to reason that we are looking at this mess, and
the extended amount of time the canal is out of action, because
the NYS Canal Corporation has been unable to bring the
embankments into acceptable condition to withstand the hydraulic
pressure of prolonged usage.
Who's fault is that?
Ms Agte's group the Stop The Canal Clear-cut and several
politicians who propped up this misguided Facebook group!
If longer opening seasons of the NYS Canal System usage is
required, then the embankments must be fixed, repaired, and
trees must be gone.
It's as simple as that!
#Post#: 2187--------------------------------------------------
Here is where all the water has gone - and why!
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: May 17, 2022, 2:58 pm
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Notice to Mariners
Western Erie Canal and Glens Falls Feeder Canal – Water Levels
May 17, 2022
Mariners are advised that water levels in the Erie Canal between
Lock E-30 (Macedon) and Locks E-34/35 (Lockport) will be
approximately one foot lower than previous years as the Canal
Corporation continues to monitor more than 200 known seeps along
the canal’s earthen embankments. Levels may vary slightly
depending on the location. The reduced water levels should not
impact vessels transiting the canal within the navigation
channel but may impact some docks and boat launches.
In addition, the Glens Falls Feeder Canal will be approximately
two feet lower than previous years as seeps continue to be
monitored there as well.
Additional adjustments to the water levels, if required, will be
communicated in a timely manner.
The Canal Corporation continuously monitors and inspects these
earthen dams on foot via daily monitoring with our staff, as
well as using advanced technologies like drones and thermal
imaging.
The Canal Corporation appreciates the public’s patience during
this time and encourages all Canal users and stakeholders to
register to receive updates through the "Notice to Mariners"
notification program at www.canals.ny.gov.
#Post#: 2188--------------------------------------------------
Re: Where has all the Erie Canal water gone?
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: May 18, 2022, 9:11 am
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Sent in by a member -
"Lowering water levels in a dam is done for one of two reasons
only. Either to lower the water from known seep locations near
the top of the embankment or to reduce OVERALL hydraulic
pressure on the structure itself.
Lowering water level by 1 foot reduces pressure by about 9% and
since water weight and earthen wall density are both constants
of the hydraulic pressure formula, lowering water by 2 feet
would simply double that reduction.
So our section of the "Canal pool" needed 9% less pressure to be
"safe" and the Glens Falls Feeder needed almost 20% lower dam
pressure to insure failure potential was reduced to acceptable
levels."
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