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City set to reorganize flood hazard signage

Some signs below the Colliery Dams to be removed or relocated

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 16, 2014 10:30 AM

Summary

A detailed analysis undertaken by Golder Associates of the Lower and Middle Colliery Dams during the fall of 2013 and spring of 2014 determined the dams are in better condition than previously thought. As a result of Golder’s analysis, the identified flood hazard zone below the dams has been reduced in size. Some signage installed last fall marking the outer perimeter of the original flood hazard zone will now be removed or relocated to reflect the new boundaries of the smaller flood hazard zone.

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

Key Points

  • As a result of Golder's analysis, the original flood hazard zone has been decreased in size and some signage in place will now be removed or relocated.
  • Signage that remains will, 1) reflect the reduced perimeter of the flood hazard zone identified in the updated engineering study completed by Golder and, 2) mark evacuation routes.
  • Despite the reduced size of the flood hazard zone, the risk of dam failure due to water overtopping the current dams during an extreme rainfall event remains. Should overtopping conditions be communicated, residents are advised to follow the marked evacuation signs to safely leave the area.
  • Areas outside the reduced perimeter of the flood hazard zone could also flood, but to a lesser extent.

Quotes

"City crews are expected to begin the required work to remove or relocate some of the signs this week."

Toby Seward
Community Development & Protective Services
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Golder has confirmed the risk of rapid dam failure in a major earthquake is unlikely; however the dams need to be remediated to address undersized spillways which could cause water to overtop the dams during an extreme rainfall event leading to flooding below the dams.
  • The City's goal is to remediate the dams in the summer of 2015 and remove all remaining signs at that time.
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Contact:

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

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