August 29, 2011

CONTACT:

Michael Saucier  (718) 595-6600

Update on Condition of Gilboa Dam

Engineering Inspection Confirms Dam’s Structural Integrity

DEP engineers performed a full engineering inspection of the Gilboa Dam and have determined that the dam is structurally sound.  The current reservoir level is 1129.07’ and continues to decline as streams in the area recede. Due to this assessment, DEP is de-activating the dam Emergency Action Plan. Yesterday, the storm-related impacts on the reservoir and the 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 yesterday’s storm—have abated, and any potential impacts to the dam are assessed.

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 at 2:30 pm yesterday—nearly one and a half feet higher than the previous record, set during a storm in January 1996.  The water is still receding, and will return to normal levels as area stream flows continue to decline following the storm.