Tools

Tests Could Determine Future Of Croghan Dam

Story Published: Nov 28, 2011 at 6:31 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 29, 2011 at 7:45 AM EDT

It's a fact finding mission in Croghan with a lot at stake for those who depend on the Beaver River.

"Fire protection for the village of Croghan. Water power for the Croghan Island Mill. Recreation upstream," said Glen Gagnier, Lewis County Development Corporation.

For the next two days, Atlantic Testing, based in Canton, will be boring deep into the dam's concrete and bedrock.

Core samples should show whether the concrete can be repaired and whether the bedrock can support a rehab.

Can it be saved?

How big a project would it be?

The results of this testing could determine whether the dam can be saved.

"I really hope that the testing shows that we can rehabilitate the dam," said Gagnier.

The Department of Environmental Conservation has already lowered the water behind the dam, which it considers unsafe.

Its plans to take the dam out have been put on hold while this study takes place.

"Worst case is that the dam gets dismantled. That's the worst case. We lose our river," said Gagnier.

But if the dam can be saved and water levels restored, property owners will rejoice.

"I'd like that. Even a little more water wouldn't hurt," said Mel Kipfer, an upstream property owner.

Results may be known in about a month.
Monday, May 21, 2012
, Watertown, NY

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