On May 5th, a sinkhole was discovered on the north side of the Dam. As owners of the Dam, the Upper Saranac Foundation, working with Blue Mountain Engineering, has taken the lead in putting forth a game plan to repair the dam this fall.
Initial testing and repairs to the Dam were completed at a cost of just under $40,000. The work included core sampling, dye testing and soil stabilization testing. Subsequently, a coffer dam was built and the cut-off wall was unearthed to determine the extent of the damage.
Plans for more extensive repair are being reviewed by the appropriate permitting agencies as phase two of the project. This phase will include unearthing the wing wall and cut-off wall and replacing at a depth of 12-14 feet. The estimated cost of phase two is projected to be well in excess of $200,000.