August 28, 2011

CONTACT:

Michael Saucier  (718) 595-6600

Update on Condition of Gilboa Dam

Water Has Crested and Is Receding

Due to very heavy rain associated with Hurricane Irene, Schoharie Reservoir received extraordinary water flows that raised the water level to an unprecedented 1,137.95 feet — nearly one and a half feet higher than the previous record, set during a storm in January 1996.  The water is now receding, and will return to normal levels as area stream flows continue to decline following the storm. DEP engineers have performed a preliminary assessment, and there is no evidence of structural deterioration of the dam as a result of today’s historic flows.  The storm-related impacts on the reservoir and dam triggered the emergency action plan that has been in place since 2005. To protect the public, the plan requires an area-wide evacuation until extraordinary conditions — like today’s storm — have abated, and any potential impacts to the dam are assessed. DEP will conduct additional engineering inspections tonight, and we will provide additional information as soon as possible.