NYPA Save The Oxbow Embankment Dam From Slope Failure

NYPA Please Save The Oxbow Embankment Dam From Slope Failure

Spotted today on the towpath at the Oxbow area in Fairport, several surveyors in two vans, looking at a potentially dangerous area where there is a leak right under an badly positioned R.G& E electricity pylon atop the dam.

one

The situation here is grave, because the embankment slope is very steep.  Right under the pylon, the dam is leaking so badly there is a  large patch of Cat-Tails and  Red Twig Dogwood. These plants only grow in damp and wet areas, so are a good indicator of a long established leak.

A slippage of saturated soil here could pull the pylon down, losing power to hundreds of people and breaching the embankment.

Earthen Embankment Dams are designed so water naturally soaks through the dam and drains through to the ground level. This happens on an angle, and if the design is correct, the water exits below the ‘toe’ or bottom of the slope.

phreatic line1.png

 

If the situation is wrong, as in our case, the water will exit above the ground level.

Phreatic2

 

Then the dry upper soil slides on the slippery mud underneath, and the dam collapses.

Phreatic3.png

 

So, here’s what the NYPA is going to do!

Phreatic5

Starting next week! Contractors are going to drive steel sheeting panels 2′ wide and 30′ deep directly into the crest of the dam to block off the Phreatic Line and make it flow as in the diagram above. This work is scheduled to cover 200 feet of the worst areas along the Oxbow.

 

UPDATE: MARCH 1, 2021

The ECNA has started a PETITION on CHANGE.ORG to Help Save the Oxbow Dam. If you could out by taking a look, signing and sharing this petition we would greatly appreciate your help in bringing this danger in our community to light, and getting it repaired.

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