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City to review additional studies to determine Colliery Dams remediation options

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 18, 2014 2:50 PM

Summary

At its meeting on September 15, 2014, Council directed staff to prepare a report identifying the type of studies and associated costs needed to further evaluate Colliery Dam remediation options.

The proposed studies will include: reviewing the peak maximum flood (extreme rainfall event); developing a scale model of the dams to study the impact of peak maximum flood; reviewing the concrete dam/embankment to determine the rate of failure of the structure by erosion; and determining upgrades to the dams that would reduce or eliminate the risk of downstream impacts due to dam failure associated with the peak maximum flood.

As part of this process, the City will work with engineers and representatives from the Colliery Dam Park Preservation Society (CDPPS) to determine a proposed scope of work and costs for the required studies.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking responsibility to be an excellent municipal government; asset management.

Key Points

  • Golder Associates worked with Snuneymuxw First Nation, CDPPS, and City staff from December, 2013 – June, 2014 to develop options to remediate the dams. Golder’s detailed analysis led to two remediation options; overtopping or deepening the spillway.
  • At its meeting held August 11, Council directed staff to pursue Request for Proposals from design-build contractors for remediating the dams. This process is now on hold.
  • The new proposed investigation was sought by CDPPS representatives who believe the additional studies will provide more comprehensive data regarding dam erosion rates, peak maximum floods and upgrading options.
  • The proposed additional studies will take 4 – 6 months. Estimated costs of these studies will be determined prior to reporting back to Council.

Quotes

"Staff is working with the Colliery Dam Park Preservation Society and engineers to provide Council with parameters and cost for additional studies."

Toby Seward
Acting General Manager - Community Development & Protective Services
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Given the time frame for the requested studies, it is unlikely remediation work will be undertaken as planned in the summer of 2015, which is the schedule Council originally established.
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Contact:

Toby Seward
Acting General Manager - Community Development & Protective Services
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4424
Philip Cooper
Communications Manager
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4532

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