City of London Press Release, issued February 2007

Winter Weather Delays Springbank Dam Rehabilitation

Springbank Dam has been a part of the landscape in London since 1921. Operated in conjunction with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) for the City of London, the dam serves primarily as a recreational facility for the benefit of the residents of London who enjoy Springbank Park, the Thames River and recreational boating.

The arrangement of damming water during the summer and allowing the river to free flow during the fall, winter and spring has occurred uninterrupted for 79 years until July 2000 when a heavy rain storm caused river flows that impacted the structural integrity of the dam. Changes were required to improve the antiquated gate system for the benefit of the multiple users of the river. The changes planned will improve the efficiency of gate operations and ensure the proper handling of major floods and associated floating debris. The main improvement will replace 60 individual stop logs and associated hardware that dates back to the 1920’s, with a system of four hydraulically operated gates that will ensure improved operation.

The Springbank Dam Rehabilitation project was approved in August 2006 with a construction timetable that balanced the needs of the Thames River fisheries with recreational boating clubs. This balance meant that construction would occur in the fall of 2006 and early winter of 2007. Weather during this time period between the end of the rowing and canoe season and start of the spring fish migration period is particularly unpredictable.

Unseasonably mild conditions and unrelenting rain storms causing frequent high Thames River water levels over the last several months have hampered the completion, planned for March 31, 2007, of the rehabilitation works to Springbank Dam. The contractor has made extra efforts in an attempt to meet the original schedule by adding additional work crews. These delays mean that the dam will only be partly repaired by April 1, 2007. This important date coincides with the start of the spring migration and spawning of fish in the Thames River. Construction work in the river is not allowed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) between April 1 and June 30 due to this fish migration period. It is recognized that a healthy fish population is a component of a healthy river environment.

The result of these weather-related delays is that the gates will not be at a stage that will allow the dam to be “closed” and the reservoir upstream of the dam to be filled. Recreational boating events on the river will be impacted due to low river water levels during this time. The dam will remain “open” and river water levels will remain low, similar to usual winter water levels.

“We recognize the impact this will have on the 2007 summer season for recreational boaters. However, balancing the long-term interests regarding dam safety, improved efficiency and environmental benefits of improved dam operation are paramount to benefit all groups,” reports Tom Copeland, P.Eng., Manager of Wastewater and Drainage Engineering, City of London. “As a result, the river levels will seem low this summer as we continue the planned changes and complete the project over the summer.” Residents may recall that a later installation date last year, which was required to accommodate the fish migration period in the river, allowed the City and partners to conduct fish monitoring to learn more about the river fish stocks.

Springbank Dam is owned by the City of London and operated under contract by the UTRCA.

For more information contact:

• Ugo DeCandido, City of London, 519-661-2500 ext. 2563

• Rick Goldt or Jeff Brick, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, 519-451-2800
   

February 2007

Frequently Asked Questions - Springbank Dam Rehabilitation Project

Why is the project delayed?

The project was proceeding with a narrow timing schedule between the recreational boating season and the fish migration season. Unseasonable weather hampered the rehabilitation work by causing increased river flows. Under normal river conditions, the project would have been completed by March 31. Current progress suggests that the project will have 2 of the 4 gates repaired by that date.

Can we use the partially repaired portion in conjunction with the old portion to operate the dam over the summer to keep water levels high?

No. The dam was damaged during a severe flood in July 2000 and during severe events of this kind, the dam needs to be able to quickly respond to high water flows. The old technology used on the dam has been permanently decommissioned. The suggestion to re-install a portion of it temporarily for the summer is not feasible for many reasons including Health & Safety issues, liability, operational logistics and costs.

Can recreational boating still occur on the river with lower water levels?

Programs offered by the London Canoe Club and the London Rowing Club will be impacted by the lower water levels during their paddling and rowing season. Organized events and instructions hosted by these clubs are affected by obstructions in the shallower waters, by difficulties in using the docks, and by the narrower river, making it less safe for recreational use. Repairs to the dam will ensure that the river will be safe for sustainable recreational use in the future.]

Why is fish migration in the Thames River a concern?

A variety of migrating species of fish move up and down the river over the seasons. The time of peak movement is from mid March to late June when some species move upstream to spawn. Healthy fish stocks are a reflection of a healthy river and by the same token a healthy environment for our city. The Thames has over 90 species of fish, making it one of the most diverse rivers in Southern Ontario. Fish, their movement and their habitat, is protected under legislation administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Why did the City choose to time the repair project in the fall/winter when weather conditions can be difficult?

City Council determined that it was important to consider the interests of both the recreational boating clubs and fisheries groups, and therefore approved a schedule that would accommodate both groups. Weather conditions however, did not cooperate with this decision. Repairs will now need to proceed over the summer to complete the necessary work.

How unusual was the weather this past fall / winter?

Weather conditions continue to persist that are unusual and unpredictable. Records show that the Thames River average flow (water level) over the month of October 2006 were the highest ever recorded since records began in 1922. The November 2006 average flow in the Thames River was the fifth highest on record since 1922, and flows in December 2006 were second highest on record. With the benefit of hindsight, we know that an earlier timetable in the summer months of 2006 would have also been subject to problems due to heavy rains and high river flows. Regardless of the season, river work is difficult in such a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

What purpose does the dam serve?

Springbank Dam has been a part of the landscape in London since 1921. Operated in conjunction with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) for the City of London, the dam serves primarily as a recreational facility for the benefit of the residents of London who enjoy Springbank Park, the Thames River and recreational boating. It plays a secondary role as part of the flood management program of the UTRCA. The arrangement of damming water during the summer and allowing the river to free flow during the fall, winter and spring has occurred uninterrupted for 79 years.

What needed to be repaired?

In July 2000, a heavy rain storm caused river flows that impacted the structural integrity of the dam. Changes were required to improve the antiquated gate system for the benefit of the multiple users of the river. The changes planned will improve the efficiency of gate operations and ensure the proper handling of major floods and associated floating debris. The main improvement will replace 60 individual stop logs and associated hardware that dates back to the 1920’s, with a system of four hydraulically operated gates that will ensure improved operation.

Will the dam operate on a similar timetable in 2008 after the repair is complete?

Yes. The dam will be maintained in a similar fashion (i.e. holding back water in the summer but not in the winter). The operation of the gates will be significantly improved enabling operators to respond more efficiently to water level changes.

Note: the summer water level is generally higher as the dam gates are raised in the spring; winter water levels are generally lower as the dam gates are lowered in the fall.

After the repair is complete, will fish still be able to pass through the dam during the off season when the gates are not in place?

Yes. No change is expected and monitoring of fish migration after the project is complete will determine if the fish migration is maintained.
 

Where can I find out more information on this project?

Background information including the Class Environmental Assessment report and factsheets concerning the repair project can be found at the UTRCA's web site.

Springbank Dam is owned by the City of London and managed under contract with the UTRCA. The repair project has been managed by the City of London and the UTRCA.

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