Aaron Smith, Lead Planner for the Zoar Levee and Diversion Dam Safety Modification Study, says construction of a seepage weir and collection ditch continues at the site.
Smith says the weir and ditch are being constructed at the base of an emergency blanket that was placed on the levee in the spring of 2008 to arrest some large boils or holes that were opening up on the interior side of the levee, evidence of water and material moving underneath the structure.
Smith says the work is being conducted as part of the ongoing safety modification study.
Smith says officials are hoping to have a draft report available for the public and other agencies to review and comment on in the spring/summer of 2014.
Smith says following the completion of the draft report, a series of intensive reviews will take place, both within and outside the corps of engineers.
He says it will take about a year before a final recommendation is approved.
Smith says the corps is holding office hours to discuss the ongoing study this Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 pm and on Thursday from 9 to 11:30 am at the Dover Resident Engineers Office, adjacent to the corps’ Dover Dam Office on State Route 800.
Smith says public safety remains the corps’ number one priority throughout the duration of the study.
