Waterbury Dam Faces Renovation to Address Flooding Concerns
When work commenced on the Waterbury Dam, Vermonters were still reeling from the catastrophic Great Flood of 1927, the deadliest natural disaster in the state’s history. Now, nearly a century later, officials warn that the dam requires urgent repairs to withstand the devastating floods that have plagued the region in recent years.
Scheduled to kick off in 2027, exactly a century after the historic flood, the renovation project will involve replacing the floodgates with more robust structures and upgrading the bridge above the spillway with a new design. These critical improvements aim to fortify the dam against potential catastrophic floods and safeguard downstream communities.
Collaborative Effort for Dam Safety
The Waterbury Dam Spillway Project, a joint effort between state and federal authorities, was initially conceived seven years ago with an estimated budget of $90 million. This comprehensive initiative not only seeks to address the necessary maintenance of the dam but also aims to mitigate the recurring flooding issues faced by downstream areas due to erosion and overflow at the dam.
Ben Green, chief dam safety engineer at the Department of Environmental Conservation, emphasized the urgency of the project, stating, “These flood control dams are being asked to do more and store more water, particularly in the last few years. So getting this project done in the near future is pretty important.” The significance of the dam as a protective barrier for communities downstream cannot be overstated.
Neil Kamman, deputy commissioner of the department, highlighted the crucial role of the dam in shielding communities from Middlesex to Richmond from potential flooding risks originating in the Little River Valley in Stowe. With the project set in motion, it is evident that the safety and well-being of the residents in these areas are top priorities for the authorities involved.
Environmental Implications and Community Impact
While the renovation project promises enhanced safety measures, it also comes with environmental and cultural implications that need to be carefully considered. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a comprehensive report outlining the potential impacts of the project, both environmentally and culturally, with a call for public feedback until February 25.
The proposed renovation would necessitate lowering the reservoir water level by 30-60 feet, disrupting the natural landscape and activities in areas like Little River State Park. Nick Caputo, Vermont State Parks northeast region manager, acknowledged the potential closure of Waterbury Center State Park for several seasons due to the water drawdown, emphasizing the need for public input to adapt and improve park facilities during this period.
For avid water sports enthusiasts like Sheila Goss, a canoeing enthusiast who frequents the Waterbury Reservoir with her dog, Kanootti, the potential impact hits close to home. Goss, who enjoys paddling on the reservoir year-round, expressed concerns about the loss of access and the environmental repercussions on wildlife, particularly loons in the area.
As Goss aptly points out, the Waterbury Reservoir serves as a vital rest stop for migrating loons, playing a crucial role in their journey. The renovation project, while necessary for dam safety, presents challenges in balancing environmental conservation with infrastructure improvements.
Amidst the logistical and financial hurdles, the project’s timeline and funding remain critical factors in its successful execution. With just over half of the required $90 million secured to date, the remaining funds pose a significant challenge, especially in the current climate of federal spending uncertainties.
In a statement to VTDigger, Neil Kamman acknowledged the complexities of securing the remaining $40 million needed for the project, emphasizing the importance of water infrastructure amidst evolving federal appropriations discussions. As the project progresses, the collaboration between state and federal entities will be pivotal in ensuring the safety and resilience of the Waterbury Dam for years to come.
