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       #Post#: 609--------------------------------------------------
       Clean Erie Canal Embankments Reveal More & More Issues 
   DIR By: Doug K
       Date: June 10, 2019, 1:57 pm
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       Been awhile since the ECNA put a post up on this Forum Board.,
       but with "new" Safe & Clean Dams along the Erie Canal it's the
       perfect time for this post.
       It's been 100 years since the Embankment along the Erie canal
       received this much "scrutiny". Had the chance to talk with some
       Dam Inspectors in Brockport this past week... here's some
       pictures of what they are doing.
       [attachimg=1]
       Seems that the recent "unveiling" of these embankments means for
       the first time, in a long time... the dams can be properly
       checked. These Dam Inspectors were using Canal Corporation files
       and re-looking at known leaks to determine how bad they are, and
       also if the cause is normal leaking that all earthen dams have
       or some special cause leaking, like a piping issue or change in
       the Phreatic Line.
       Using a long metal probe on a T-shaped handle, they would plunge
       the rod into the ground and then remove it watching for water to
       percolate up. They also tried several spots in any given leak
       area. They also were noting new leaks as well... we have two
       more now and maybe what would be the 4th on our property. If you
       think Embankment Dam Rehabilitation is not about safety.. you
       are wrong. These two Dam Inspectors are glad to be finding the
       issues and reporting them, and assured us that we are OK for now
       but they may want to try and seal the leaks.
       Here's a natural piping type leak from an old tree...the
       original leak marked on our property.
       [attachimg=2]
       A new leak... the ground around it was wet, when it shouldn't
       be. It was poked a few times and just started bubbling out and
       filing the Toe Drain.
       [attachimg=3]
       And proving what we have always heard about WHY grass vegetation
       on Embankment Dams is preferred... the proverbial "greener" spot
       [attachimg=4]
       So, before you start throwing stones at the Canal Corporation's
       efforts to fix their aging earthen dams please remember for some
       of us it has ALWAYS been about safety of our neighbors, and our
       communities. It's not whether we like the idea of cleaned off
       dams... It's that we simply do not like the idea of UNSAFE Dams
       in our backyards.
       Next time you are out walking on the Erie Canal Trailway take a
       moment to look for the "green tall grass". If there is no wood
       stake marking it... you should contact the Canal Corp to report
       the possible leak. Help them out, they are only trying to save
       our lives & the Erie Canal.
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